Hi Everyone,

I have safely arrived in Cairns, cant believe im here already and i have had my last trip on the oz bus, it has flown by!!!

This week I went to magnetic island, Only spent two nights there. During the day a few of us rented a topless car to drive around the island which was great fun. We did a few walks around the island and visited the bays. Its very nice and had a good time but didnt need to spend any longer there. Oh and on the fort walk I saw a Koala bear in the wild, that was amazing!!!

On Thursday I spent the day at the hostel sorting a few things out then I got the ferry back over to townsville where I met with Wayne, (Dads friend from travels). i was abit nervous to meet him as was unsure what to expect. heleft me a msg saying his number plate is 3 score which made it easy to recognise him when he picked me up. We instantly got on and i thought he was hilarious, he is a great character and loves to talk. I just thought he was hilarious and they made me feel so welcome. My entire time with them they just spoilt me rotten and made me feel like part of the family, i felt at ease and comfortable with them very quickly. On Thursday night we spent the night at their apartment, having drinks on the balcony(very nice wine, not the cheap stuff i have been use to on this trip!). Lyn made us a lovely homecooked meal which i took great advatage of and had a few portions, hehe, they prob thought i never eat! We just talked all night and I got to know them very well which was just so nice.

After a brilliant nights sleep in a comfy bed with a soft duvet i had a nice early start and went for a walk around townsville with Lyn while wayne played Golf with his friend John. Lyn took me over to The Strand which is on the sea front, a beautiful and well developed parkland area fwhich caters for variety of people including water park for kids etc. On the way back we stopped to have coffee (tea) at a cafe on the corner of the strand which overlooks the sea onto Magnetic island which is beautiful. We met up with Wayne back at their apartment and after a nice shower walked down the road to meet up with their friends for lunch at a place called the balcony - does amazing food, fantastice menu! On the way we stopped off to see Johns wife peg who works in a clothes shop, I had a look round and tried some things on and Wayne was giving me advice and was having a great laugh. He was very generous and bought me a lovely top and said that every time i wear it I can remember my time with them, they are too kind.

After a wonderful lunch with wine and lots of laughter, wayne took me for a drive around townsville to show me the city, took me to castle hill (the big rock hill over looking the city), and to the university and many other lovely views of the town.

Friday evening the Hallers took me out for dinner, their son Kurt and his Girlfriend joined us and so did John and his wife Peg. I was in giggles the entire night, they are hilarious people and love having a great time! I thoroughly enjoyed myself and especially enjoyed the nice food - a big change from my hostel food!

Saturday morning we had breakfast together and had a nice last chat before Wayne had to take me back to the bus stop. It was very sad to leave them as had such a wonderful time. the rest of the day was spent on a boring bus journey up to cairns. But im looking forward to the next few days as they are action packed! Im going to Cape tribulation for a day, then A trip in the rainforests and waterfalls and scuba diving tour round the great barrier reef. so i prob wont be able to write till im in melbourne, i Fly there on thursday.

Hope evryone is well and happy!!!

Lots of love

Anaick xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx