Saturday, October 16
Well, I felt sad at leaving Alice Springs for the second time. I was like this because I didn’t feel that I had seen everything. I will definitely go back sometime and see the MacDonnell Ranges. Having seen photographs of the areas where you can go, I feel as if I’ve missed out on something.
I arrived at the airport for my Ansett flight to Brisbane. My flight left on time and after first going to Ayers Rock and Sydney, I landed in Brisbane late in the evening. I had heard so many poor reports about Brisbane that I had decided that I would move straight out the next day but I did call in at an internet cafe called Email Plus, which is about 100 yards from the Brisbane YHA, who were very helpful. I told them about BootsnAll and they said that they would pass on the word to their customers – thanks for the help folks.
Next day it was straight down to the transit centre for my journey to Byron Bay. Now I’ve got to say that Byron was never on my itinerary but so many people had recommended it to me that I felt I better have a look – and I’m glad I did. I only intended staying 3 days but stayed over 2 weeks. I have never been so relaxed in my life.
One of the reasons that I stayed so long was that I wanted to take my Open Water Dive Course and I found a PADI 5-star dive school where the cost was quite reasonable. It was called Sundive. I actually missed the start date for the dive course so that is why I stayed so long, but I’m not complaining as there is so much to do in Byron.
I will try and list some of the things that you can do to pass the time of day. Surfing (and lessons), hang-gliding, para-sailing, learn how to do the trapeze, scuba diving, snorkelling and body boarding. A lot of the pastimes revolve round the sea and beach and it does not surprise me. Both are beautiful in Byron. There are also walks through a rainforest up to Cape Byron lighthouse. This is about a 3 mile walk from Byron Bay along the beach and the forest but it is worth it. Near the lighthouse is the most easterly point in Australia and people actually come here early in the morning to see the sun rise.
During the months August to October, humpback whales can be seen moving down to Antarctica. In fact, after my third sea dive on my course we spotted 2 whales, an adult and a youngster, so the divemaster turned the boat round and headed out to them. We got a good look at them leaving the water and diving. We also saw dolphins and it was worth the money for the dive course just to see the whales and dolphins.
Anyway back to my dive course. The first two days were in the classroom and the pool. I was a bit nervous at first but I thought it would go away after a while. Jeff, our instructor, was pulling his hair out when he saw us in the pool. He told us that we were the worst bunch he’d had for ages. I think it was probably me holding everybody else back. There were only 4 of us and we all got on well together and supported each other through thick and thin.
On the third day we had out first sea dive. I was looking forward to it but also a little apprehensive. It was, in fact, very enjoyable when you got under the water. There were plenty of fish and the water was nice and clear. When I got to the surface I felt a bit rough, but that was nothing to how I felt after the afternoon dive. When we reached the surface in the afternoon the waves were pretty big and I was getting thrown all over the place. When I got in the boat I thought I was going to Throw Up for England. I wasn’t actually sick but I felt bloody awful.
I never spoke all the way back to the dive centre – and that is unusual for me. When we got back my first words were that I’m not coming back tomorrow. The other people in the class gave me a telling off – quite rightly – and told me to not be so stupid. I turned up the next day armed with sea-sickness tablets. I was fine and I thoroughly enjoyed the dives. I had got my precious dive certificate so, look out Great Barrier Reef, here I come. Thanks to all the staff at Sundive. They were very friendly and supported us all. Even Jeff was calling us legends by the end of the course.
I stayed in Cape Byron YHA, which is right next door to Sundive and about 150 yards from the beach. I loved it there. Everybody was very friendly and there is plenty to do. They have a barbecue once or twice a week and this is a good way to get to know people. There is also a great pool with a free scuba diving trial three times a week.
Everything wasn’t great though. I did manage to have 2 thunderstorms. I was not expecting any rain in Australia but I had my share and more.
There are 3 main pubs in the town. They are known locally as the bottom pub, the middle pub and the top pub. There is live music every night in at least one of them. I was in the bottom pub one night and I saw two girls drinking this cocktail. It looked interesting so I asked them what it was called. One of them replied “A Quick F**k”. I could almost feel the hands of the police on my shoulders as I asked for one of them in my local when I get home. I think I’ll stick to lager.
After 2 weeks it was time to leave. When I stood at the bus stop waiting for the Greyhound, I thought of those immortal words of Arnold Schwartzenegger – I’LL BE BACK!
Thanks to the people that have e-mailed me at david_barker50@hotmail.com.
Please keep sending messages.
