Hi All!
Apologies, it has been a while since my last update.
After Cairns, I traveled down the East Coast to Airlie Beach and the tropical Whitsunday Islands. This was where I managed to get out to the Great Barrier Reef to dive. What an amazing experience! Such a strange diversity of life down there. Turtles, sharks, eels, damselfish, angelfish, giant clams, sea cucumbers, amazing varieties of hard and soft coral, and 'Wally," the metre-long Maori Wrasse that likes to be petted by the divers! It was something I've dreamed of doing since my aspirations in marine biology at a young age, so was a great experience.
Then it was on to Noosa and the great Fraser Island. This island is entirely composed of sand. Transport is in 4x4 vehicles on the beach/road/airstrip. It has amazing freshwater lakes with brilliant white silica sand, next to tropical rainforests. Utterly otherworldly! Also, Fraser is home to the purest line of dingoes (wild dogs). They're becoming a bit of a problem as they're less afraid of tourism, and I myself was circled by one while meditating on the beach at sunrise! Luckily a ranger was driving by and happened to notice and chased it away. I felt badly for it, as it was only following its instinct. Another case of human/nature interactions and conflicts.
Then down to Crystal Waters Ecovillage to work for a family for a few days. What a neat place. The whole property is designed according to permaculture principles, and houses close to 200 people. What struck me here was that it didn't feel like everyone was living on top of each other. Perhaps because the lots are an acre each, but more likely because of the planning (the houses are designed so they don't visually extend beyond ridgelines, and so many trees have been planted that it is really quite quiet). Though only there a few short days, it was once again a really great learning opportunity. Plus, I stayed with a young family (with a three year old boy), so things were lively and entertaining!
Finally to Brisbane, where I spent a day and met up with my friend who is skating with Disney on Ice. Saw a show and then it was to the airport and home! It's hard to belive all that I've seen and done in the past six months. I've accomplished all the things I set out to do, and am so thankful for all the wonderful people, opportunities and experiences.
Settling back into life in Canada and at home is going well, though is not without its challenges! Everywhere I look I see unsustainability, but then opportunities to use permaculture in positive ways. It will take me a while to adjust I think, but I am excited about the possibilities and keen to start my studies in a couple months.
This will be my last update. Thank you to all that have followed and supported me on my journey. I'm thankful to each and every one of you!
I'll be uploading photos of the whole trip now.... so check the photo site frequently to see pictures! Also, I'll continue to update my blog site with thoughts and reflections, but won't send them out on email to avoid filling your inboxes. Please feel free to get in touch and catch up! I'd love to hear from you!
Love,
Kristi
