More Byron Bay

Wow!  It's hard to believe that we are in our last three weeks.   It'll be sad to leave, but nice to get back home in May.   The "back to reality" comment has come up from time to time - to be honest, I don't really care for it, right now this is my reality and we continue to soak up all the opportunities we can.  Kerri wrote about our early adventures in Byron and it has continued to be a great place to be,   Our hosts, Heidi, James and Jodi have been fantastic, giving us all kinds of suggestions and contacts in the area.   I'm grateful to Brenna for putting us in touch.  The boys love it hear, and continue to play with all the animals as much as they can without getting in the way.  Our hosts seem to have really take it the boys, I think they were invited back next year. We have decided to add one more night on to our stay until we head up the coast to Mooloolaba and then Noosa, from which we will head out of Fraser Island. Before that though, a little review of the last couple of days.

Three days ago, the boys took their first surf lesson with Gaz and Travis.   They were recommended by James and they didn't disappoint.  They were witty, fun, and the boys took them easily.   After a bit of an introduction to the basics of surfing, off they went in the misty rain, nervous mother watching, dad snapping pictures away.    Both boys got up with some success almost immediately and loved every minute.  They had no problems telling you how good they were and how big the waves were or all the things you need to do while surfing.  They prayed to the surfing gods "Hughie" for good waves and were called "gurus" by Gaz, much to their delight.  Afterwards, we went to Minyin Falls for a quick hike.

The next day, we went snorkelling with SunDive, again suggested by James.  The trip started around ten and we were to dive around the Julian Rocks, considered by some to be better than the Great Barrier Reef.   We were hoping to see leopard sharks, tasseled wobbegongs, turtles and rays.   It was truly amazing!  The water was warm, the visibility was fantastic, and although we didn't see any rays, it was a great experience.  We all spent over an hour in the water, and although braden may have gotten a little jelly fish sting, it was all good.  On the way back, we even saw a pod of dolphins off shore.   From there, we went for a short walk on the ridge to the lighthouse over looking sharp cliffs down to the water we had just recently snorkeled near.   We were blessed again!   We saw numerous Rays, turtles, a dolphin, sea eagles, a small shark and what has been debated as either a tiger or bull shark.  The best was when the small shark went on a feeding frenzy and was fighting over its  food with a sea bird.  Not seeing a ray up close was a bit of disappointment, but the rest was an event to remember. After I dropped everyone off, I snuck down to the Billinudgel Pub for a few drinks.  I hung out with some locals and despite the fact I understood little of what they said, I was truly entertained. 

Today was another day at the beach, with some surf lessons for the boys with Gaz and Trav.   Braden and Carter are getting better and better and are looking forward to heading up the coast where they'll probably pass their time on a board.  With a few souvenirs for some friends now packed away, we can look forward to our remaining days.  Can't wait.