Jimbo

Waking up the next morning, I half expected to have a mellow day enjoying the beauty of Airlie beach.  Spending a bit of time down by the water, I met a few backpackers that told me about some of their adventures and while swapping stories, I saw a stunt plane in the sky doing all sorts of flips,

turns and spins right above us on the beach. Immediately packing up my stuff, my new found friends were curious where I was off to in such a hurry. Power walking away, I shouted that I had a plane to catch, and ran back to ask my tour agent friend to see how I could get on that plane.

I was disappointed to find out that there was only one guy that flew the stunt plane, and he rarely goes up anymore because he retired. Knowing that if I could just get in touch with this guy,  I could convince him to take me up no matter what the cost might be. Getting a phone number, email, and address I started exhausting my options to try and get in touch with this dare-devil pilot. Driving down to the runway, I asked other flight tour desks if Jim, the stunt pilot, was around. Every desk I went to said I had just missed him and that he was rarely there anyways. Spending nearly ten bucks in pay-phone calls to get in touch with him, I got nothing but an answer machine all day, and despite the three emails I had sent out to him, I had gotten no response. ​

I wasn't even able to enjoy the beautiful sunset that evening because of how disappointed I was at not being able to get on that stunt plane, And with me leaving Airlie Beach the next morning, I really wanted to end this 3000K trip north on a good note. Trying not to let it get to me too much, I figured I would go grab a beer and try to salvage my day by having a fun night.

Grabbing a stool next to an old, Florida retirement home looking guy, I ordered a beer, took a swig and let out a sigh. The late seventy-something year old looked over at me and said, "Ah mate, look where you ah here. Can't be that bad hey!" Cracking a smile, I looked over at him and agreed, "Ya, you're right. I just got my hopes up today that's all." He retorted, "Ah mate, what a girl stand you up t'day at the beach or what?" Shaking my head I explained to him how I tried all day to get in touch with this jerk stunt plane pilot, and that he didn't return my phone calls or emails or anything. I went on and on telling him how excited I got at the first sight of that stunt plane that morning, and how I tried so hard to get a hold of that pompous pilot. He let out a peculiarly large laugh and started inquiring a bit more about who I was and what I was doing in Australia. After telling him my story, I asked him what he was doing in Airlie Beach, figuring he was on vacation or something. "I live here mate!" A bit embarrassed I said, "Very nice, you're quite lucky to live in such a beautiful place. Hey you wouldn't happen to know that stunt pilot would you?" Hoping he didn't, because I had just called the pilot a jerk. "Ah ya I doooo mate. Matta of fact, that pilot is meee hey!" Turning beet red in shame, I began apologizing and fumbling in embarrassment. "Oh! Uh, ummm, I'm so sorry, I uhh.. thought that he.." Cutting me off with his big laugh, he got up from his stool and with a hefty pat on my back said, "Be at the runway at 8AM mate." And he walked away. A bit awe struck, I sat there smiling, shaking my head in embarrassment at what had just occurred.


With my spirits now very high, I had a great rest of my night but ensured I was in bed early enough to make my 8AM rendezvous the next day, which I was right on time for. Showing up to find Jim polishing a plane that looked older than him, I once again began apologizing for yesterday and explained how grateful I was at the opportunity to fly with him. Being the jolly guy I would find out he is, he laughed and told me not to mention it. He then told me to hop in the front seat of the plane and he would strap me in. Pointing at about five levers, knobs and dials, he nonchalantly told me that if I accidentally hit any of these, that we could crash. Thinking this might be difficult being that we would be doing aerial acrobats, I just nodded with a nervous smile, eager to get in the air.

Priming the engine, he went to the front of the single prop plane and began winding the propeller. Then with one big pull in the opposite direction, the engine began to put, put, put to life. Quickly hopping in, Jim then gave it a rev and got this ancient dinosaur of a plane onto the runway.

I could hear us get clearance for take off through the headphones and going no more than thirty miles an hour, the light plane hopped right up into the air and off we went, out towards the islands I had just circled the the day before by boat. The aerial view was incredible as I could see the Whitsundays and all the surrounding islands with the Great Barrier Reef vibrantly coloring the shallow turquoise waters. It was incredible to see this small section of the overwhelmingly large reef knowing that so much microbiology, intricate ecosystems, and beautiful sea life was thriving just below the surface. After the scenic tour, it was time to head back to Airlie to begin the acrobats right above the beach. With a quick confirmation over the microphone, I gave Jim the thumbs up and immediately we went into a straight, spinning nose dive towards the ground, only to pull up just in time and begin more twists and turns. The giant flips we would do we're the most fun because as we would come back around, I could feel the G-forces pushing down on me, throwing me into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. We would continue for about a minute, straighten out to catch a breath and then once again start the roller coaster ride all over again. I was loving every bit of it and was able to get some great GoPro footage before having to finally turn back towards the runway.

Touching down, I could not thank Jim enough for taking me up on such an incredible aerial adventure. It was one of the highlights of my trip. Truly an experience I will never forget. Still planning on heading out that day, I ended up picking up two backpackers for company on the long drive back down and off I went, taking all the great memories and good times in that I had made from the paradise of Airlie beach.

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Friends, Fans and Flips

Continuing on my Australian adventure, a few days went by with me meandering beaches, meeting new interesting people in Coff's Harbor, having a run in with my first water dragon in Byron Bay, and then finding amazing waves at beautiful Lennox Head that would have me contemplating turning this vacation into a reality.

Continuing on though, I drove my search for waves up the Gold Coast until I hit Surfer's Paradise where I was very excited to potentially meet up with my old friend Lee that I worked with while living in New Zealand. A bit surprised at arriving on moments notice, he was still able to show me all around Surfer's Paradise. It was unbelievable how many skyscrapers covered the shoreline and how many people littered the streets. I was definitely in tourist-ville, but I could see why so many people came here with how beautiful the beaches were and with how much there was to do around the city. After roaming around all day seeing the sights and checking out the nightlife a bit, I continued on the next day to surf somewhere, no anywhere where there weren't so many "surfers" in the water. ​

Not sure exactly what town I was in, I woke up the next day in my little camper to the sound of waves breaking on the shore which might I say is probably one of my favorite things to wake up to. After getting a morning surf session in, I got back to my car and just as I was about to leave, an actual beach bum began chatting me up. We had a very interesting conversation about life, living and happiness and then he told me about a beach on an island not to far from where we were. So after giving him an apple, an avocado and a couple tortillas, I set off for Bribie Island. ​

Crossing a long bridge and arriving at what seemed to be a very ritzy area with huge beach-side mansions and yachts scattered about, I wasn't too sure I would be very into this detour after all. However, I remembered that the bum, who introduced himself as Z by the way, said to take the main road to the far side of the island until it turns to dirt and then pull off wherever you please to have the beach all to yourself. So I did, and sure enough, I pulled up to my own beach stretching further than I could see. Even after walking along the beach for an hour, it still seemed to just keep going and completely vacant of people too. Hence the lack of people, the wildlife flourished with sea eagles soaring through the sky, then swooping down, plucking unknowing, red fish the size of rugby balls straight out of the water. Small sand crabs tip toed along the white sand, claws outstretched towards me as I approached, only to retreat to small holes in the sand when I got too close. I was even lucky enough to see a pod of miniature dolphins swim by. At first I thought I saw a couple baby dolphins, but after gazing a bit closer, I noticed all six of them were no longer than the leg of a tall man. I would later find out from an old salty fisherman with weather worn tattoos on his face that these were Kimberly Dolphins, indigenous to Australia. ​

After yet another beautiful sunset, I sat on the sand and watched the stars begin to illuminate to the sounds of waves lapping at the shore. Waking up on the beach the next morning to the sounds of laughter, I groggily looked around to see what was so funny. I then realized that there weren't people around for miles. Following my ears to the trees I saw that the laughter was coming from two birds with big brown eyes. Surely I was still asleep and this was all a dream, but sure enough these bird's calls sounded like laughter. Turns out these birds are called the Laughing Kookaburra, native to Australia. ​

Later that day I surfed a break called Moffat's point on the south side of the Sunshine Coast. After the four hour surf session, I went to a cafe to get some Internet, only to be pleasantly surprised to find out that my best buddy Shy, from college was surprising his girlfriend by coming to the Sunshine Coast to visit. At this news I drove up to meet them at Noosa Heads, which is a surf spot notorious for some of the longest rides in

Australia. Walking down the street, Shy's girlfriend, Michelle, who is from the Sunshine Coast, spotted me and from there we went to the Noosa Heads National Park to see some truly beautiful beaches as well as see some amazing lookout points. Swimming around in the
small waves for a bit, we watched the sun start to fall from the sky. After a failed attempt at trying to catch a wild Aussie turkey, we decided to get going and barely made it out of the park before it got pitch black out.

The next few days would be spent in great company having Michelle and her lovely parents show Shy and I around Coolum beach, where they are from, as well as the surrounding areas. The second day we went on a beautiful little hike along a river that fell into a large pool that we were able to jump into and swim around in. Basking in the sun, enjoying the waterfall alighting next to us, I couldn't imagine having a better time until we discovered the rope swing. Now this wasn't just any rope swing, but the most epic rope swing I have ever come across in

all my travels, and trust me, I have swung many a ropes in my day. Taking the swing as high as I could on the slope, way back into the trees, I nervously gripped as tight as I could, heart pumping, adrenaline rushing and let my feet up from underneath me. Watching the rocks and brush rush beneath my feet, gaining speed, I then broke through the fauna out over the water, at least twenty from the surface doing a flip and then landing in the cool water. Now, you know an event is genuinely exciting when without thinking, you uncontrollably shout out in fervor and that is exactly what I did as I came to the surface, unable to stop smiling.

Entirely content with the day's events, we later headed over to one of Michelle's good friends for dinner, having some delicious local fish And great conversation. The next day we went out snorkeling right off Point Arkwright, just out front of Michelle's parent's house. Swimming our way out to the reef, Michelle immediately spotted a sea turtle, and then we saw giant schools of fish go by us in the clear, blue water. We spent a good amount of time out at that point spectating the ecosystem flourishing before us, and then right as we decided to head back to shore, Shy spotted a bat ray soaring effortlessly over the reef. Cautiously staying a safe distance behind the four foot long tail with a deadly barb at the end, Shy was able to get a clear shot of the ray on camera just before it decided to swoosh off into the depths ahead.
Excited at getting a chance to see as many residents of the reef that we did, we talked all about it that night at dinner with Michelle's parents, having my first Aussie steak that nearly covered my entire plate. Needless to say, there was nothing left on my plate by the time I done. ​

On my last day with Shy and Michelle we went to my first live rugby match between two local towns in the surrounding area. It was especially eventful because it just happened to be the Grand Final, which is basically like the championship game. After getting a few Aussie brewskis, we were ready to join the fans which all seemed to have had quite more than just a few. I actually have never heard a more interactive crowd in my life as

we watched the two teams smother, tackle and beat on one another. The heckling going on in the stands was possibly more entertaining than the game itself as they called the players names and bantered back and forth among apposing fans. All in all the game was very entertaining and a ton of fun. ​
Not knowing if it would be months or years before I would see these two friends again, it was hard to say goodbye. Heading back to the highway was tough, but with the thought of The Great Barrier Reef only a day away, I started my sixteen hour, straight shot to Airlie Beach, where I would end up having the time of my life! ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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.