Oy!

Wad up!?!?

hahaha hey everyone! :D Today is Wednesday, June 30th, 2010 at 3:03pm. So updates on what I'm doing: for the past three days we have started our volunteer projects and they have been very interesting. On Monday, we were along the Ross River collecting data on the water quality (a lot of chemistry stuff). Yesterday, we went to two different sites along Stuart Creek and collected water bugs to help identify how much pollution was in the water (go bugs!). Then today, we went to the Bohle Wetlands and took out over 2,000 sq meters of weeds and grasses not native to this area. So basically, today was our first test of actual labor. It is hot here, about 27 degrees c. so it's pretty warm.

The group I'm with is pretty cool. There are 9 of us total, including our project leader, Alex. He's the only other one from NC or in fact the southeast of the US. Others are from California, Kansas, Michigan, Ohio, Connecticut, and Canada! I have already been made fun of for saying "Y'all" and had to correct them on how to spell it as well. They got my name after 2 tries or so which is pretty cool! So, 3 guys + 6 girls. oh yeah, lots of estrogen around. We cook all of our meals right now, even a bag lunch for our working days, so it feels like college a little bit! We have group discussions every few days and keep a journal on everything that goes on, which is extremely helpful because I don't think I could remember all of the stories to share with you when I get back!!!

Again, I'm sorry I don't have pictures just yet. This was another sparatic trip to the internet den as a side trip from the bank ;)

Tomorrow the plan is to plant trees out in the Town Commons and then Friday work at a Nursery planting seeds. Time is not flying by like I had expected but not dragging along. So far there have been exciting moments, like our house visitors including an opposum and a lizard, fire alarms going off from a burnt morning breakfast, and Taylor, one of the guys, falling into the water on Monday! :) He is not living it down.

Okay folks! That's just about it on the update for now! I have money now so I will be able to put up pictures soon! I PROMISE! I'm wearing sunscreen, bugspray, protective gear, a goofy hat, and I have all of my digits! (That's for you mom!)

I love you all very much! 'Til next time! *MWAH*

Hey!

Hello everyone!

It's 11:26 am on Sunday June 27th. Good morning! Yesterday we flew into Brisbane and then ran to our domestic flight to Townsville! It is absolutely gorgeous here in Townsville. The house we're at is not even a 5 min walk to the shore or "The Strait" which is kind of the Ocean Blvd. down under. My group seems pretty cool and down to earth which is awesome. Last night I went to bed around 7pm which is 5am back home and sleep for about 12 hours. A couple of people went out last night to Jamaca Joe's for some drinks but I could barely keep my eyes open to eat dinner... yikes.

Today we're exploring Townsville and the city before we go to work early tomorrow. We kind of stumbled upon this Internet Den so I don't have a pics just yet but I PROMISE I will put them up soon!

ok so if you can do international calls, here's how to get intouch with me personally:
dial 0011-61-919-357-7126. I really hope that works for you. remember that Áustralia is 14 hours ahead! ;)

I hope everyone is doing well! I miss you all and I hope to call soon. I love you!

Cheers!

G'Day Mate!!!

G'day mates!! This is my new blog created so that you can keep track of everything I do and see in Australia. I hope you all enjoy!

Here a summary of what I am doing over there! I'm working with an organization called International Student Volunteers, doing conservation volunteer work in Townsville which is northeast on the coast between Airlie Beach and Cairns. I will be studying the water quality of a local river, rebuilding dunes, and helping out with a Nursery growing seedlings to help with reforestation. This is just for the first two weeks however. The last 14 days will be spent "Adventure Touring" from Cairns going southbound to Sydney. This includes everything from snorkling in the Great Barrier Reef to hiking in the Blue Mountains.

It IS Winter there so I have packed everything from a bathsuit to a winter jacket (YIKES) It's going to be fun!

Now to break up the traveling, I am flying to San Diego with Mom & Dad 3 days before I leave the States. We're going to go to the San Diego Zoo and Sea World there, and then driving to LA where I depart for a 14 hour flight!

Thank you all for supporting on my adventures, especially you Mom and Dad!!! I love you all! Hope you enjoy this blog! I'm new at this so....well...we'll see :)

1 month, 4 weeks, 28 days....Let it ROCK!

June 24-July 23