Whale Sharks

Dear friends, family, and other people I don't know that may read this,

I apologize for being slightly unreachable. Cell phone services seems to be lacking in the ocean. Good news though, my first HelpX host is not a serial killer! Not only is that the case, but I've had the most amazing few days here. Exmouth is a cute little town, but I will get back to that once I do some more exploring.

Whale shark boat experience:
Day 1:
    - Swam with whales sharks
    - Breaching humpback whales
    - Baby dolphins jumping out of the water
    - Sea turtles
Day 2:
    - Swam with whale sharks
    - Swam with dugongs
    - Beaching humpback whales
    - Sea snakes (yuck)
Day 3:
    - Swam with whales sharks
    - Whale sharks and mana rays feeding
    - Giant oceanic manta ray (SO BIG!)
    - Breaching humpback whales
    - Sea snakes (still gross)
    - Swam with brown whaler shark
    - Swam with dolphins
Day 4:
    One of the workers got owned by a red bell jellyfish so I had to do a bit of filling in, making sure all
    people were on board after the drops.
    - Saw some bull sharks feeding
    - Saw a couple of dugongs
    - Whale sharks galore
    - Humpback whales chillin' by the boat
    - Rescued a lady that got a mouthful of salt water and was struggling to swim

My responsibilities on the boat include washing dishes and chopping things for lunch. If something cool comes up, they tell me to drop everything and jump in the water. Not a bad deal. The business owner/captain/HelpX host is a guy named Bill who goes out of his way to make sure I'm happy and comfortable. I wasn't sure about him at first; he is certainly a man of few words, but generous to say the least. I'm not sure how long I will stay in this little town, but every day so far has been beautiful, exciting and unique. As much as I'm missing everybody, I know this is an experience I'll remember for a lifetime.

The Office:

 Sea snake

I'm Back.

I'm back. 

Things have been surprising to say the least. Everything from being almost destitute, to learning new skills, and falling in love. 

Hervey Bay was where I discovered that I was not from a wealthy family. My carefree beachside lifestyle turned into a financial tsunami. After we hightailed it back to South Australia, I moved to the dairy farm you may have heard lots about already. I had my eyes on a farmer out there and wanted to have my romantic whirlwind fairytale. 

(Luckily Grant and Mark are beyond generous, truly amazing people) 

I was able to find a job using a sewing canvas bags, and tents, etc. I had never used a sewing machine before, but I've developed an old lady enthusiasm for the craft. I worked with some kind, hilarious people. When I didn't have a way to get to work one person lent me a bike, somebody else lent me a helmet, and someone else lent me a ride. I began saving money; starting point: $0.

Meanwhile on the farm, I started cooking for the boys. My culinary repertoire grew quickly with such hungry non-picky victims. They told me they liked everything, and nobody every got food poisoning, so as far as I'm concerned, it was a success. 

So I saved and saved and loved and loved and dreamed and dreamed about what my future had in store. Then an opportunity came up and a grabbed it. I hope its not too good to be true, but it's gotten me back on the road, so its already been worth it. The flew to Perth today, and I will take a bus tomorrow (about 15 hours to Exmouth). The plan is to work on a whale shark touring boat during their busy season, but we know how plans go. 

I was getting too settled where I was and where I worked and the routine I was falling into. I was by no means unhappy, but circumstances change and opportunities pass by. It wasn't easy to leave Tinty. It's a tiny town full of great people, and though it makes me sad leave, I know that I've made some great, life-long friends.

I only have so many months left in this place and I believe you regret the things you don't do. So I'm doing. I am flying solo these days, so I can't tell you what my other American friends are doing. As long as they are happy I will be happy.