Monday, 2 May 2011

A sailing experience..,

Last week, I had my first experience aboard a 27 meter sailing boat, possibly one of the biggest in the Airlie Beach Harbour, formally know as 'The Matador'

Due to some slightly adverse weather conditions the trip didn't get off to quite the brochure experience I had expected and led me to write this short description on the first night.

'I cannot sleep...

I'm laying here whilst the very walls that protect me are moving, the mast is creaking and outside, above and around me unknown parts and pieces on the boat clatter and slam.

The wind howls through the narrow corridors of the boat as the rain pelts the already swimming deck above and the water is forced to drain from the wide, flat "aircraft lander" above me, running down unknown tunnels to exit into the night.

As what I hope is the worst of the storm wakes me from a dream about strange nightclubs and friends as rockstars I hear other passengers whimper and stir likewise all over the vessel and perhaps even the faintest whisper of "I'm scared".

However, strangely I'm not worried. Sleeping in the belly of this large metal beast adds comfort that the very storm that woke me, cannot conquer mans creation. Through years of engineering and experience in tropical conditions probably much worse that this, the knowledge gained has allowed for this impressive carrier to withstand anything mother nature can throw at us.... Well maybe not anything!

Yet today when the wind hammered against the sail and the very surface I stood on tilted to an almost vertical position, I contemplated what I would do if the boat did actually turn over.

I'm a tourist and a backpacker, not a hardened sailor by any stretch. Before now I'd never been in a boat any bigger than a canoe.

In a matter of seconds I went from being a confident English traveller who's charismatic, boyish behavior would have me stand out on a boat of equally as bold like-minded people, to a collective of individuals in awe of the weather and with a new found respect for life.

As I attempt to let the swell of the sea rock me back sleep I know that this truly has been an experience worth sharing!'

The entire trip wasn't as dramatic as previously depicted, as the weather cleared up and everyone had an awesome time!

Big thanks to Pirate Pete and the whole crew for making the trip what it was, and if you get a chance definitely sign up for a short voyage on The Matador because it's worth every penny... Or should I say Cent!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Location:Grafton St,Cairns,Australia

Saturday, 19 March 2011

Skint in Sydney


BRAND NEW VIDEO BLOG! Have a watch and leave a comment if you like....JOY!

Friday, 11 February 2011

....what day is it?



April fools is probably my favourite day of the year and yet I rarely plan anything more than waking people up early....what does this year hold fools?!

G'day minions, life in Australia has been so interesting that I haven't been able to find time to write about it, is that what you're thinking? Well you'd be right in your estimations.

True life is good right now and every day I have to remind myself, "Tyler, you are in Australia, on the other side of the world, that's insane" because I always speak to myself in third person when I'm internally monologuing.

Since being here I have reeling off a few video blogs though, if you haven't had chance to get a look at those you should because not only are they amusing but mostly (but not entirely) education too, if of course your area of study is Tyler in Australia... perhaps you're plotting my life down, in a time-line fashion, in which case, thank you, and why? Seriously, I haven't achieved anything.

Ok so speaking of achievements, as a new years resolution I decided, nae, vowed I would learn a new skill every month of the year so that by the end of the year I would have the learned a minimum of twelve new skills to share with the world and thus make my already impressive tabulation of talents even more jaw dropping.

In January I learned to surf and body board and although technically surfing was in December I'm claim it as January, WHAT! Its my damn rule! Body-boarding was, however, in January. I also learned to roll cigarettes but owing to fact I dont smoke this skill soon fell in to a state of disuse, but all in all I think you'll agree this is a good start to a resolution... especially seen as most people dont last 2 weeks without eating chocolate or smoking, fatties!

February came around and i kinda forgot or should I say prioritised learning new skills as my life now required a job if it was to continue at the pace and style I had become accustomed to, which was expensive to say the least. I did learn how to sell insurance and now work in a call centre through the skills gained through their employment, so yeah.... who am I kidding!

March is now and for the life of me I cant think of any new skills or talents I've learn this month either but next month I'll be bombarded with new skills so I'll make up for the last two months!

"Why?" I hear you ask, will there suddenly be an abundance of skills next month, when clearly I am living in Sydney, drinking my life away and not enriching my mind as I had previously ascertained to do... As of April 10th I shall be travelling by bus, by boat, by sheer fun at some points, up the Eastern Coast of Australia. SCORE!

This trip will take me:

Heres's an itinerary and, as I think you'll agree, a expertly drawn picture of the coast, highlighting all the places we're gonna be travelling to.
You'll notice at the bottom of the itinerary is a note saying I shall be scuba diving on my birthday in The Great barrier Reef, which frankly will be out of this world! I cannot wait!

Its been too long readers, make comments and respond if you'd like me to cover any of the above mentioned items in more details and until next time.... Peace out!