Well, Byron Bay is certainly going down a treat.  Here's what I've been up to:

Monday night none of the girls in my dorm wanted to go out and they all went to bed at 8pm so I thought I'm a grown up I don't need anyone to hold my hand and off I went in search of a beer and some friends!  Went to a club called Cheeky Monkey's because I was offered a free drink.  It was a bit dull in there so I decided to go home around 10.30. On my way  home I stumbled upon another club called Cocomanga's.  Another free drink - excellent!  Met 2 Ozzie guys in there and had a few drinks with them.  Finally in true Julie fashion I stumbled home (alone of course!) at 3am.  Had to climb into the top bunk bed so am now covered in bruises!

Tuesday I woke up with a bit of a sore head!  The girl on the bunk below me has checked out so I nabbed the bottom one.  It rained all day today so I didn't feel to bad about not going out and doing anything in my hungover state.

Wednesday I decided to make the most of my day and booked a kayaking trip.  You're meant to be able to spot Dolphins so I thought that would be a lovely relaxing little trip around a tranquil bay or lovely cove - how wrong was I!!

We went right out into the South Pacific Ocean!  When I mean right out, I mean I was so far in the sea I could hardly see the beach!  I was a little bit scared to be honest.  Never the less, I kept paddling away.  I was in the kayak with the instructor and sitting at the front so could hardly get away with relaxing!
I think I saw some Dolphins, I was more worried about what was lurking below the little plastic kayak!  I did happen to see a humpback whale (no, I wasn't looking at my reflection!)  It was quite far away from us but it came right out of the water and jumped.  It was amazing to see such a huge mammal in it's natural habitat.  Just quite glad that I wasn't too close though!

Anyway, back on dry land I went back down to the beach for a sunbathe and a little sleep.  Have come up in a rather attractive heat rash. Really hoping that my skin starts to adjust to the sun soon!  Alison - I know what you mean about being a pasty!

Wednesday night I seemed to make about 10 new friends in the hostel bar.  It was happy hour, 2 beers for $5 - bloomin marvellous!  It would have been rude not to take advantage.  Ended up in Cocomanga's again and let me tell you - NEVER AGAIN!  That place is evil.  Ended the night falling off the kerb.  I must have looked a right sight! 

Got a bit of a swollen ankle today.  It's my left one this time and quite painful.  Remember when I did my other ankle in December?!  Well, it's not as bad as that thank god.  Still, it was my own fault but you guys were waiting to hear a few drunken stories from me weren't you?!

I'm going to move on to Surfers paradise tomorrow lunchtime.  Have really enjoyed my time in Byron. I haven't done loads but I still have 6 weeks in Oz to learn to surf, sky dive etc....  Looking forward to it!