Fantastic and your next adventure should be swimming with polar bears in the Arctic or penguins in the Antarctic. Look forward to seeing the videos and pics! Well done and keep enjoying! Eddie and Valerie

Hiya Frances, What an amazing time you're having!, really envy you. Sounds like there's never a dull moment. Hope you carry on having great time, but if it all becomes too much, try to convince them you're a celeb and to get you out of there. All the best for Christmas-take care and we look forward to seeing you next year Love Chris and Debbie

Hi Frances This is unbelievably amazing..the experiences you're having! And we've only heard some of it. Quite satisfying obviously to an adventurous spirit like yourself. Unfortunately the Croc's appear fat & lazy on the banks of the Daintree river in Cairns and i'm sure well fed for the tourists benefit. Melbourne will be a "down time" as we dont have so much excitement around but plenty of sand & surf (white pointer sharks around at this time of the year) and flies at BBQ's Enjoy the rest of your trip, but take good care of yourself as we are all looking forward to your visit. MERRY CHRISTMAS from all your relies at Melbourne Love Colleen

Hi darling, sounds pretty hair-raising so far! Exactly what you wanted, though, isn't it? Really enjoyed hearing from you on the web at last - though I'm not sure about the further details you promised: chased by hyenas? sucked under on the white-water rafting? I'd rather not know! For goodness sake (remember that well-worn phrase of Granny Andrews) 'be careful'! We've got the Christmas tree up and 'minimal' decorations, not because we're trying to look stylish but because I'm too tired to do any more! Tonight was the staff dinner. It was held in the main hall in school, all catered by the 2nd year students on the Catering Course, and was absolutely delicious. The table decs. were lovely, and we each got a hand-made gift of a candle and table decoration, made by the 6th Form. The live band was rock n' roll and R+B, great stuff but most of us were too tired to get off our chairs. Not like me, I admit, but this term has been just too long. Nothing left for jiving! Still, at least we get 8 days off at Christmas. Although I've got to mark the GCSE Mocks! Anyway yu can guess how tired I was when I say that I fell into a taxi at 9 o'clock and was home by 9.30. Tomorrow is my 'big' Assembly with Prizegiving and presentations - I'll be so glad when its over and i can relax at last. The senior staff are invited for drinks with the Head in the afternoon and i had better drink orange juice or I'll fall asleep on my feet! We are going to A. Gillian's for Christmas Day, which will be lovely, and home again that night. We'll all be thinking of you - Christmas in the bush! All the best meantime dearest, and lots of love from us all. And 'be careful'! Mummy xxx

Hi Fran! Just read your journal and it sounds amazing. Makes our adventures with Bramble seem very tame! Dying to see your photos and videos. You'll have to hire out a concert hall and show everyone at the same time when you get back! have a good time -and happy Christmas if we don't make contact again before. Love Gillian, Steve, Charlie, Molly and Bramble (grrrr - trying to sound fierce)

hey co-pirate!!! its so good to read about your trip!!!! well its so so so cold here and dull and dark- not jealous in teh slightest!! the whole family send their love to you and Jack has been following your travels on teh internet at home!!! keep the news coming!!! Its not the same without you here!!!! missing you lots but sop happy your having an awesome time lovie!!!! thinking about you lots!!!! Take care and speak soon Love ya xxxxxxxx Katie xx

We've been hearing all about your adventures, but haven't seen any piccies yet Derek & Christina

hiya frantastic, hows it goin and how are your travels. hope your having loads of fun. its sooooooooooooo cold in northampton. well enjoy yourself looking forward to seeing some pics

Hello Frances Hope you are having a great time on your travels, all sounds exciting so far! when you get to Oz, apparently you need to check out Ayers rock because your Dad once painted the fence of a farm around there - it should be ready for the second coat now I reckon. Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and are taking lots of pictures to show us. Take care...love Chris and Debbie

Hi Francis, hope all is well, pretty horrible weather here I'm sure it's better where you are.

How's it all going, take care but most of all , enjoy yourself and stay safe.

Hi Babe,

Great to hear from you the other night. We have passed on your news to the family. Sounds like you are having a great time out there,but just remember do not touch any lions as they do bite. Keep us updated whenever you can. Love Mummy and Dad.

Hello frances, Where-you-at??? I need to follow you on my map! Thinking of you so much. Love from all here.