We had a farewell party last night with all of our hosts for the last two weeks. It was held at a beautiful traditional-styled house on the bay. There was much rejoicing. One guy broke out a guitar and started to sing. It was great. I learned that all traditional Aussie songs are about shears, drinking, or kangaroos...except may "The Road to Gundagai." But since the americans were the only ones that could remember the lyrics - I don't think it counts. After exhausting the Aussie tradional fare, we moved into all-american classics. As for me, I led a rousing rendiiton of "The Gambler" and contributed heartily to "The Sloop John B" and anything by Neil Diamond. The guy playing the guitar was pretty good. What everone else lacked in skill, they made up for in enthusiasm. I'm pleased that I forgot to take pictures of this experience. But, I'll be kicking myself later when Donna becomes famous. Ah well, such is life. It was GORgeous.

It was a tearful departure from the Hervey Bay Airport this morning, and not just because we stayed up boozing last night and had a 6:45 a.m. departure. I said goodbye to Janene, and that was traumatic. How can you get so attached to people in such a small amount of time? It is really ridiculous. It considered ways to take the little tinkerbell with me, but nooooo - she had to "work". Fine. After saying goodbye to our Hervey Bay hosts, the Fellowship flew to Brisbane. In Brisbane, we did our last group hug and cheer. Clyde was heading home and was excited to see his grandkids. Linda, who has been married for 35 years, had butterflies in her stomach at the anticipation of being reunited with her husband. They are traveling in Oz for the next 2 weeks. John is renting a camper van, picking up his wife, and driving on the left for the next 4 weeks. Lillian is catching up with some friends in Brisbane. And I left for Byron Bay. Byron Bay boasts such celebrity residents as Paul Hogan and Olivia Newton-John. It is a touristy hippie beach town with an over-abundance of crystal rubbers. Every shop has meditation oils and candles and organic soap. I also happened to land here during "Shoolies," which is the annual winter school break. So, I bought some earplugs for the Backpacker tonight and think I'll be alright. From here I will start my surfing adventure. Today I bought a towel in anticipation. I'm still afraid of the water, but it'll be ok.

Tomorrow I'm going for a hike to the lighthouse. I'm told you can see the whales in the bay from there.

Cultural Note: Australians are very nice people. But when you get them drinking, they can get a little bit beligerant...especially the men. It is a side I hadn't really seen before. I'm not really sure what to tell you about this except: Just let it go. They aren't trying to offend anybody, it is all pretty good-natured. But, I could see some brawls starting at pubs in the U.S. over some of the comments.