Midge Point, Midgies and Other Matters

Since last I wrote the following interesting and less-than-interesting things have occurred in my life:

• I got to hold a koala (it pooed on me), a snake, a lizard, a big bird and a crocodile
• I survived a tsunami warning, despite choosing to board a ferry whilst the country was on alert
• I went on a two-day, one night sailing trip around the Whitsundays on the Tall Ship Defender
• I went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef
• I got really burnt on just my knees and cheeks- very sexy looking
• I was picked up from Airlie by Carl, my latest Helpx host and, despite a slight sense of apprehension at hopping into his old Landrover and being taken into the wilderness of Midge Point, I was pleasantly surprised to find that 'Carl's Place' was a little piece of heaven on the hill - with spectacular water views and a hammock for lazing the afternoons away.
• I spent five days at Carl's Place (over Easter). I spent the majority of my time playing chess and cards with Carl and walking up and down his steep driveway/lifting free weights in a last ditch attempt to get in shape before I head home.

So, yah that leaves me here, in the present. I left Carl's today, but only to go down the street to stay with his neighbours who have a sprawling house, complete with pool, spa, pool table, etc. It's gorgeous. I get to clean it. I have a feeling Mom ( and former flatmates) would be very surprised at how much of a domestic goddess I've become since starting my travels in AUstralia. It turns out people like my cooking too, which has been a blessing and a curse - see above attempts to lose the freaking weight. Speaking of which., yeah I'm having a rough time with the whole weight thing. It seems that giving up all the vices (drinking, candy, chocolate, cake, etc) is simply not enough! Argh. I am soooo frustrated :( On the other hand, I am assured by the knowledge that once back on PEI it will all fall off....

In other news - the midgies are absolutely LOVING me. MIdgies are little insects that like to bite - and they really like to bite me. I am absolutely grotesque at teh moment, between my weird sunburn marks, midge bites, various bruises that I don't know how I got and with the excess cargo on my derrier, thighs and, well, pretty much everywhere. Sigh. It's a good thing I don't have a digital camera....

K, well I must go for a dip in the pool! Next up for me is Fraser Island/Hervey Bay in case any of you are tracking my progress on a map :)