Blue Mountains Pt. 2

Waking up bright and early the next morning to the symphony of bird calls surrounding me, I packed up my gear, took care of my campsite, and headed out for a new adventure for the day.

My friend Jacqui recommended I check out some enormous caves called Jenolan caves, so I grabbed a map at a tourist center and began driving deeper and deeper into the Blue Mountains National Park. Every now and then I would come to a high point and catch yet another breathtaking view, other times I would be almost engulfed in the fauna surrounding me. I was even lucky enough to spot my first kangaroo on my drive to the caves, which was quite exciting, however as I'm writing this now I've seen more than I can remember. I'll never forget that first one though as it was just standing on the side of the road with its little arms and big thick tail, looking at me as if to say, "Oi there mate, whatah you doin here?"

With the drive flying by with all the scenery to look at, I soon made it to a steep winding road that took me far down into the canyon and sure enough the road ended up taking me right through a giant cave! I couldn't believe it as I switched on my headlights, slowly cruising through the extremely narrow passage way. Coming out on the other side, I parked my car and went straight for a map to find more of these giant caves. Finding the biggest one on the map, I headed down the trail, excited and eager to see if it was bigger than the one I drove through, and sure enough it was as I turned a corner and was able to get my first glimpse of the mouth of the cave. Almost running down the trail now in excitement, I made it to the cave and from there was in heaven. I was more happy than a kangaroo on a trampoline as I began running all over the depths of the cave testing my echo, making bird calls, and climbing to the ceiling to get the best vantage point. Whilst the cave wasn't as deep as caves I have been through in Laos or Guam, this cave was by far the most enormous from floor to ceiling and from side to side.

After hiking around, exploring another cave and seeing yet another amazing view of the canyon, I wanted to be sure to hit one more waterfall that I had read about before making way to the coast. Having seen one beautiful waterfall already, I figured I would spend a bit less time at this one so that I could move on back to the surf and be able to get to my campsite before dark, which I usually prefer. Once again underestimating mother nature, I took one look at the beauty and size of the waterfall and knew it would be worth spending the time, exploring it to the fullest. ​ ​​ With this waterfall being a bit more accessible, I was able to get views from both sides at the top and then took a

very interesting trail, with incredibly steep stairs, cave like cliff overhangs, and amazing switch backs that gave me even better perspectives on the falls as well as the beautiful valley before it. Being sure to mind my manners this time, I only climbed around half as much as I usually would once reaching the bottom of the falls. Nonetheless, I was still completely captured at the profuse amounts of water cascading from one rock to the next as it inevitably reached its temporary destination in a large pitch of water before me.

I don't know what I was thinking, initially trying to rush this unforgettable experience. So many times I stood there befuddled at the sites my brain was trying to comprehend. All this beauty left me wanting to just set up my hammock and stay the night before this beast of a waterfall but I knew I had to move on.

With the sun beginning to set, I began driving towards the coast, unsure of where I was going to stay that night. That didn't bother me though, knowing that at any point, I could park the car, set up the bed in the back and stay wherever I wanted. And that's exactly what I did as I pulled into the sleepy town of Port Macqurie that night. Not exactly sure where I was perspectively to the town until I woke up the next morning to this beautiful sight...

Beautiful Blue Mountains Pt. 1

Before starting my journey up the eastern coast, I wanted to make sure to check out Australia's famous Blue Mountains National Park. Driving down the highway listening to Jack Kerouac's On the Road, I began to see the scenery change right before my eyes as I started climbing in elevation and begin entering the park's lush greenery. Pulling up to the "Three Sisters" lookout point, Wich is a famous landmark in New South Whales, I was in awe as I gazed out upon what I can only describe as a green Grand Canyon.

It was beautiful, to say the least, and had me standing there with a huge grin, excited to explore waterfalls I could see in the distance and hike trails that appeared to be carved right into the sides of the cliffs. ​

After packing a bag and locking up the car, I headed out into then forest, not knowing where the trail was going or what I was about to see, however very optimistic I was about to have an amazing time. Hiking along a trail, I was overwhelmed with the happenigs of the forest around me. Exotic red birds with purple coloring were perched on lush green tree branches along the trail. Incredible panoramic views of the canyon perpetually had me stopping in my tracks just to try and take in how beautiful it was. And off in the distance I could faintly hear the sound of falling water, which had me crossing my fingers I would come to its edge. Continuing on, the sound became louder and louder until sure enough I was before one of the tallest waterfalls I had ever seen in my life. There wasn't copious amounts of water falling off it's edge, however the site of the falls running right off into this green canyon was phenomenal! I knew I had to get a closer look, so I hiked down to the edge off the cliff, right beside the waterfall. Slowly creeping inch by inch right up to the edge, I clung to a sturdy tree branch as proceeded to peer straight over and down hundreds of feet. My heart immediately began to pound and my body became faint, as I watched the water rush right by me and hurdle towards the rocks below. ​

Slowly retracting from cliff, I knew I had to see this marvel from below so I headed out, searching for a way to get to the bottom of this towering waterfall. Doing a bit of rock climbing and maybe a few balancing acts along a very narrow trail that was literally cut into the side of the cliff, I finally made it to the base of the waterfall. Once again, I wanted to get as close as possible to experience the falls to the fullest, so I began rock climbing up to where the water was splashing on the rocks. The problem was that it was quite windy that day which made for a light mist that covered the rocks, making it seem like I was trying to climb up blocks of ice. Nonetheless, I made it right up next to the falls, and looked up at the cool, brisk water falling right next me.

I had to get some great shots from this angle, and just as I pulling out my GoPro, the wind quickly changed direction, which pushed the full force of the waterfall down on me, forcing me off of the rock I stood upon. I uncontrollably began to slip and slide down the rocks, unable to grab on to anything because of how slick everything was. Bouncing from rock to rock, almost positive this wasn't going to end well, I then splashed into the safety of a small pool. Drenched and chilled, I looked up to where I had been standing and shook my head with a grin. Even the Angel on my shoulder nearly fell off on that close call. Deciding not to test my fate anymore that day, I decided to find a place to set up camp while I still had some sunlight. After another short hike I came upom a place where it had looked as though someone else had camped not too long before me. I began collecting wood and preparing for a very cold night. Remember, it is currently the end of Australia's winter and the blue mountains have been known to get snow right up through the end of August. So with my minus twenty degree sleeping bag that I had picked up in Nepal on my Mount Everest bass camp trek, I threw on a down jacket, and fed the fire until it was good and hot enough to keep me warm throughout the night. As it became pitch black all around me, I sat back and began to gaze at the sky above. I was so enthralled with feeding the fire full of wood that I hadn't taken a break just to sit and enjoy where I was. Lying on my back with a huge smile on my face, bundled up in my gear, I slowly started to fade as I lost count of the satellites dancing across space and made enough wishes upon shooting stars to make me the luckiest guy in the world.

The Arrival

Good ' ay Mates!

Well, I've been in Australia almost three days now and already this place has given me quite the run for my money! After the 19 hours I spent in the air (which really wasn't all that bad) I touched down in beautiful Sydney, eager to get this new adventure under way. Leaving the airport, I was immediately met by the cool crisp air of an Australian winter, nearly at its' end. Everything was fresh and clear, which I could greatly appreciate being that I have been so many places where you step out of an airport or off a train and you are met by a not so pleasant first impression. Putting a light jacket on, I hailed a cab, loaded all of my gear into the back and headed straight for my Wicked Camper. ​

Pulling into the rental lot, I couldn't have been more excited to see my little buddy for the first time parked there, freshly washed, vacuumed, and ready to take me on an adventure of a lifetime. After scribbling on a few wavers, liability forms and "I promise not to drive it off a cliff" agreements, that little guy was finally mine for the next month. I threw my stuff in the back and raced around to the driver's side door, hopped in and saw that the steering wheel was to the right of me? Chuckling to myself, I hopped out and ran around to the other side, (the right side) and sat in the actual drivers seat. As I was pulling out I could see the guy that rented me the car shaking is head, but luckily with a smile on his face. Now this wasn't my first time driving on the opposite side of the road, but believe me, no matter how many times you do it, your first time back is a bit nerve racking. I was too excited to care though. I was in Sydney for the first time and had a lot to see.

Initially not having a map, I figured it would be best to get to a high point, find downtown and figure it out from there. After getting honked at numerous times for breaking just about every Australian traffic violation, I finally found myself downtown, and actually ran right into the famous Sydney Opera House without even trying to. I parked the car and immediately got chills as I walked up the steps of this iconic landmark. I couldn't believe I was there. I had actually made it.

I was in a frenzy; taking pictures, running around trying to take in all that was around me. From the top of the stairs I could see all of downtown, the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge, and the beautiful Tasman sea before me, shimmering like a dream as the ferries came in and out of the harbor. It was all too much. My face was starting to hurt from smiling so much. I had spent a solid three hours running around like a tourist and needed to get in touch with some friends. Making my way to a cafe, I got myself a tea and began writing people, since I didn't have a phone yet.

After getting in touch with a couple people, I lined up a free surf board and a free place to stay that night in Freshwater, right where I wanted to begin my surf safari. (Thank you so much Llana for the board and Shelby Wood for the hook up!) So after picking up this 6'3 little shredder, I headed towards Freshwater, which is near Manly to meet my good friend Jacqui whom one of my best buddies Ryan Priest had set me up with. Jacqui immediately took me under her wing, introducing me to her three beautiful children Jade, Jasmine, and Robbie, and then the next day took me all over the area, showing me all of the local surf spots, hidden lookout points, and so much more that I would have never been able to see without her taking me around. After showing me the surf, I was just itching to get in the water and try out this new board so I went to a spot called Curl Curl Beach  and ended up surfing for hours in the crystal clear waters.

It was a beach break with big jutting, yellow and tan cliffs on either end. Little beach cottages lined the hills surrounding the quiet little beach which bestowed an informally quaint feeling to it. While surfing I would sometimes get lost staring at the scenery, completely enamored and awestruck at my surroundings, then a large wave would crash down on me and snap me out of my trance. This would happen nearly three times before the end of the surf session.

After having a lovely dinner that night, it was hard to say my goodbye's to the Pockock family. They knew I had a big adventure ahead of me though, and while I could easily see myself staying in this gorgeous little beach town, losing myself in the beauty within it and surfing all day, I had to move on.

​

The Plan

Well folks, I'm at it once again. The past year in San Francisco has been amazing to say the least but nonetheless it is time to yet again embark on another adventure abroad. 

After hearing nothing but good things about Australia from people all over the world, I have combined their advice, knowledge and experiences together to form my own journey in this land down under. This trip is over a year of planning and preparations in the making, covering everything from how I will get around, where I'll be staying, what I'll be seeing etc. etc. The logistics is really the only part that is plannned however. Flights, transportation, expenses. The rest is completely improvisational, and I love it that way. That is what makes it an adventure. Most of the places I go will be by word of mouth from a locals, or discovered unexpectantly. 

Three months ago I purchased a one way ticket and a year long work visa that will allow me to legally make money, travel, surf etc in Australia. Upon recently acquiring a new job based in San Francisco, I will unfortunately be able to stay in Australia for only a month. That being said, last time I intended being abroad for six months in Guam turned into two years of world travel and a world of experiences, literally. As some of you know, I thrive on adventure, new places, new cultures, and if Australia turns out to be as amazing as everyone has told me, who knows how long I'll be staying for. 

Since I'll only be staying for "a month" I've decided to make a surf trip out of my time there. As I mentioned above, I like to keep it improvisational, but I do have a rough outline to guide me. I arrive in Sydney, where I'll be picking up my Wicked Camper (you'll read/see that in the next blog) a couple surf boards, and meeting up with friends whom I've either previously  met abroad  or have gotten in touch with through other friends. I'm thinking I'll probably stay a few days, check out the sites, surf Bondi beach, Manly, and then head out to the Blue Mountains, where I'll backpack around and get my nature on. After that it's off I go up the eastern coast surfing, camping, sight seeing, hanging with locals and frankly just seeing everything Australia has to offer me.