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.

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