This New Year’s Eve was somewhat different, surrounded by friends in a random pub in Ingleton. I’m not particularly overjoyed that 2010 is over-it did me no wrong. Australia, New Zealand, LA, ashclouds, reindeer, good times at the farm, visits to relatives, more reindeer, my first proper family Christmas in 6 years, mega snow, friends. Not bad. No relations dying of cancer this year.

I didn’t get wasted, just had a few shots and a smoke. I couldn’t face the hangover! Now, it’s a bit of an anticlimax. I feel like I’m paddling while suspended in midair, going nowhere, connected to no-one. Very isolated, in a bubble. Am I destined to walk this world alone? How do some people always seem to have someone, whereas I never do? This life is a tad unfair. I feel like I’m going in circles trying to find out what to do. Always moving, never reaching the destination.

Last year I did averagely on my resolutions-I feel I attempted them all, but didn’t accomplish any. In the morning, I’ll try to decide on some fresh for 2011.

Next day I had the luxury of breakfast in bed, and listened to updates on the ash cloud from some volcano in Iceland that had stopped all flights in Britain. Didn’t worry too much. We took the ferry over to Whitianga and had a good spinach and feta pastry which did it’s best to flake everywhere, while the sparrows watched keenly and two flies did their best to be utterly annoying. In the afternoon Tina took me to Hot Water Beach, which was possibly one of the most bizarre experiences of my life-trying to tread the fine line between burning my bum and freezing my chest, all while doing the funny shoveling dance which aims to dig a hole but mainly shovels sand in your togs. Very entertaining.

Sunday morning and flights were still being cancelled. We visited Cathedral cove, complete with it’s 150 steps, and I messed up the timing running through the cave and the tide caught one foot! Headed off to the airport about 3.30pm. I didn’t freak out until after I checked in, after cheerfully reassuring everyone that I knew what I was doing flying to LA. By then of course it was too late to rebook and sit it out in NZ. I had to sit and suffer the visions of sleeping on the streets of Hollywood for weeks.

The actual flight was good, in that there was virtually no one on it, and the films were pretty good. I even managed to get some kip (ironically mostly while sat completely upright in my seat). Just as scared when I arrived in LA, though sort of managing to see the adventure in it. The hostel was ok, free wireless, and cheered right up chatting to a group including an Irish strandee! Of course all my optimism vanished as I lay trying to get over the jetlag and noise enough to sleep. Panic described it better. I prayed, and finally slept.

Getting up was hard in the morning, but stuffed my face with free pancakes and coffee and felt a bit better. Went on the most bizarre tour in the world, led by a native LA Elvis impersonator, who said we were UCLA students for the day, and kept pointing out how all the celebrities knew him… Anyway, took a half hour bus trip to Beverley Hills and Bel Air, and got to see a lot of gates, which may or may not have hidden houses belonging to the celebs he claimed they did. He was very entertaining though. Apparently I saw the gates to the houses of: Michael Jacksons death, Marilyn Monroe, Nicholas Cage, Walt Disney, Aaron Spelling, the Playboy Mansion, and a bunch of others that I forget. I took pictures but there’s very little chance I’ll be able to remember what’s what. The most expensive had 123 bedrooms and cost $150 million… Next we went to Rodeo drive, ate at a diner and took the bus back-Adam the tour guide bailed half way-very professional. Enquired about working for accommodation and got told I could be a night cleaner-set my mind at rest re:flights/money.

Tuesday morning I turned up to start cleaning to find out that the head cleaner hadn’t been consulted, she couldn’t do the training today, and maybe I could ask back in the afternoon after they’d got hold of the manager. Started to panic again. So went and saw all of the stars on Hollywood and Vine. Got back to heat that British airspace had been reopened-woohoo! Though a second cloud was potentially approaching. No certainty. Ever. But a bit more optimistic.

Went out again late afternoon and ended up joining the audience of the Jimmy Kemmel Live show, complete with Jenny someone from Accidently On Purpose, the celeb that had just been kicked off Strictly, then the big event-Devo playing live! Whoever Devo may be! I did actually recognise the music, and also the bucket hats. A good experience. I don’t actually have any belief in my flight actually going tomorrow, as I’d convinced myself of the worst case, but yes please God, it would be cool if it did go. Thanks. Bed time.

Finally, monkey island had some life to it, and a keeper gave an ok talk which involved getting everyone involved stuffing pinecones with popcorn and raisins. There was a mix of spider monkeys and capuchins on the island. In the exhibit opposite were apparently agoutis, cotton top tamarins and several parrots, though the only animal visible was one tamarin. Beside this was a display explaining the planned renovations and upgrades to the zoo, which looked good.

Next was a row of aviaries, which contained very little, but included one of bantams(?), a few empty ones, a few water birds, and a pair of Cape Barren geese (at least you could see these!). Further up were a few free standing reptile enclosures, mostly empty, one with native skinks (all hiding) and another with a few dragons in it. Back the other way was an aviary with Kea, and a relatively small enclosure with black and White lemurs, curled up asleep.

Next I watched the ‘Amazing Animals’ display. The theatre was a good design and completely enclosed. Two keepers did the show, both wearing microphones. First they brought out a black cockatoo, who did a few laps and returned to the keeper. Next was a serval, who they showed leaping after a toy, and fishing food out of a tank. A beautiful animal, calm and unphased by the audience. She was followed by an otter, who dived through the water to demonstrate it’s waterproofing. Then they brought out the first cockatoo along with a female to illustrate the sexual dimorphism. They flew them back and forth a few times. In all, it was a fairly basic show, but they showed several natural behaviours, explained a bit about the animals, and gave a conservation message about keeping cats inside at night.

Walking up the steps from the theatre, there was an enclosed pool with two australian ducks on it, then the reptile house. You could look in at animals through a window, all in fairly small cages. These included a bearded dragon, blue tongued skink, day geckos, frog, and various spiders (Goliath, Chilean, Red knee with a very bald bum, Zebra knee). Round inside the building, which was the old elephant house, were 6 or 7 small exhibits with geckos and skinks, including several native species. There was also a group of flying foxes.

Outside was a typical meerkat exhibit, with a few healthy looking individuals pottering around. Down the hill was another exhibit that appeared empty. Much more impressive was the ‘Nest’, the zoo’s working animal hospital which could be viewed through large windows. This was relatively new, and very modern. It included a saltwater pool, warm room (complete with a noticeboard to tell the public what animals were being treated for) lab and operating theatre. The next talk was outside this building and titled ‘How to be a vet in 5 minutes’. The keeper gave a very good demo of how clicker training works using 3 kids, both amusing and really showed how the concept works. Then they brought round a dingo who was ‘examined’ by 2 kids, before they explained how they’d discovered she had hip dysplasia, and got us to vote on the options (operate/medication) then explained what they’d chosen to do and why. The dingo was very relaxed and evidently used to the contact.

The red pandas had a lovely open exhibit full of trees, and were clearly visible. Round the corner was another exhibit with a few birds in it, but with dense vegetation so it was very hard to see. The cheetah had a small and quite bare enclosure. Opposite them was the chimpanzee enclosure. There was a fair sized group of them, including a small 3 year old, and an alpha male who was born a day before me! The keeper threw food to each individual and told us about them, and passed round a cast and print of their hands. They had large indoor areas complete with ropes and hammocks.

Around from the chimps was the large giraffe enclosure, housing 3 individuals, plus 2 female ostriches, several antelope and a brolga crane. There was plenty of room for these animals to choose their own space, though I was surprised there wasn’t a warning about the brolga-he did his best to stab me!

There was a group of kangaroos in a very bare enclosure, a large emu enclosure, then a good sized enclosure for a group of Hamandryas baboons. The tiger enclosure was a moderate size, but with no tigers visible, with lions next door in a smaller compound. Round one side of the giraffe enclosure was a whole village of huts with words of wisdom painted on the Walls and traditional drums hanging up-very nice! There was a small porcupine enclosure and a llama enclosure, both basic but adequate. The sun bears had an average enclosure, and were very active, play fighting and ripping wood apart. They appeared very healthy, which was good to see as one was a rescue from Malaysia.

Back in the theatre, there was another show with a one legged kiwi and a tuatara. After the two keepers had given a talk, fairly informative, everyone was allowed down the front. The tuatara looked fairly calm but the kiwi spent the entire time trying to hide.

Overall, Wellington zoo gave me the impression of a place with big dreams, but a poor selection of animals, outdated enclosures and a lack of space. It would be interesting to see it after the planned renovations. However, the animals appeared healthy and I didn’t actually see any stereotyping. As they say, “Building the best little zoo in the world” – they just have a lot left to build.

Next morning it was off to Easter camp, helped set up the marquee, then got registered and parked cars. Got fed lots of junk food! The cabin was nice, all girls, but 5 of us so there was a bit of stress over who would share the double bed. I was glad I’m plumped for the single bottom bunk!

Friday I was too tired to make the meeting, but hung out with Jane until everyone got back. It was a real bonus being staff and able to go eat whenever with very little queue. Amy asked for a volunteer to do four hours in Regos, and I jumped at the chance. Was at the front gate first, followed by clearing the campsites for the meeting. Got a very brief demo of what to do on the computer, then was left completely on my own, at which point about 8 people turned up and the computer refused to cooperate. After a bit of a panic I finally worked out how to do things, and it was pretty fun, plus warmer and I could use the Internet.

Saturday and Sunday I made the meetings, and did the same schedule for my shifts. Amy let me work in the big top for the first shift so I could listen to the Depression seminar, inbetween stopping people jumping the fence!

Really enjoyed the camp in general; was pretty challenged by the talks, just about looking at my priorities in life. There was a distinct lack of sleep and healthy food though, so I was about ready for it to finish! Don’t think I’ve eaten so much crap in such a short time ever!

My plane is late. I wouldn’t mind if Maidel and her family weren’t picking me up at the other end, it was late enough already. Sods law. The moon is up, it’s full, and surreal in the pale blue sky. The clouds are surreal too, suspended above the hills, surrounded by peach. The reflection of the departure lounge lights in the glass makes it look like there are dozens of huge stars joining the moon. This doesn’t feel like Tasmania. Tasmania is meant to be different. I can’t believe I’ll be in New Zealand in 2 days. Home in under 4 weeks. I hope Dad isn’t in Skye. Don’t really know quite how to go about it all. If I still had Annes number I could see if she had a key. I don’t. Why is this the one flight that’s delayed?

It’s amazing how traveling makes you constantly want food. Actually, I think it’s only because I’m on a budget. Right now, I’d love a muffin and coffee from the place behind me, but not only can I not afford it, I’m also not allowed to due to my self imposed rule of not buying any cakes, biscuits or chocolate whilst I travel. Though I think the rule is helping, I was only 63kg when I weighed myself the other day. Generous scales?

My flight is still late. I still don’t know what to do with my life. The red has gone from the sky, and it’s now an icy grey, with mean looking clouds. The moon is shining brightly. Life goes on.

Back at Sam’s he showed me the videos of some of Avocados performances-they’re really very good. Then we popped out for a pizza for tea. Gail had got a chocolate mould in the shape of a Scottie, and we demolishes ‘Maggie’, once we managed to get it out! It had a caramel centre and was delicious! Can’t remember why, but Sam had me laughing so hard I was crying! I texted Fi that, and she called! I chatted to her for about 10 minutes, then Sam spoke to her for about an hour! Lovely!

Monday was another relaxed start, and we took Maggie down to the waterfront. Saw lots of the painted bollards, a pelican, and ate icecream. Sam got dimmies on the way home, which were good! Watched a few episodes of Fawlty Towers, then Sam showed me how the recording equipment worked, and recorded me playing-so cool!

Quick dinner with nana, and Sam and I went to drive to Melbourne-managed to get lost and asked a lovely lady who actually went and found out for us! Caught the train to Watsonia and Carolyn picked me up. Amazing how generous and hospitible people are. Had a great chat with her and her parents, and slept like a log.

First stop was an incredible lookout over the city called Mt Lofty, with the entire city spread out below. Then it was a fair drive towards the Grampians. We stopped to see some White kangaroos (“Michael Jackson Kangaroos”) at Bordertown and eat icecream while Whales bought groceries, then for lunch at the border between South Australia and Victoria. Whales explained that if we stayed in SA we could drive 10kmph faster, and possess two cannabis plants, but I’m Victoria we could buy porn in a newagents. I asked if I could stay in SA!

After our sandwiches, we carried on, stopped to walk down to MacKenzie falls-long way down and even longer on the way up! Really pretty, but cold water! Saw pied currawongs, and killed a horsefly. Then we went to Reids gap, which had stunning views. Whales had been going on about setting up the swags and bush camp, and finally admitted to us we were in a hostel, but he was impressed that we hadn’t moaned. I’d been looking forward to swags! Lovely hostel though, with grey kangaroos grazing out the front.

Dinner was a fantastic lasagna, garlic bread and salad, after which I showered and went to bed-I was so tired, I’ve honestly seen the sunrise more times in the last month than the rest of my life. The kookaburras were shouting at the top of their lungs, very cool.

Day two, and we were up at 6.30am to eat breakfast, pack and head to Wonderland to walk up to the Pinnacle. It was a long way, and took over an hour, but incredible views and very rewarding. Best hike/views from Australia. Made it down before the rain, and headed to a cultural centre at Brambuk-good videos on the Dreamtime story for the area.

Lunch was hotdogs, very welcome as we were all hungry and tired. Then we reached the Great Ocean Road! Stopped to see the Bay of Islands, Bay of Martyrs, London Bridge and 12 Apostles, ran into Paula and Lorraine which was bizarre. Our accommodation for the night was a lovely backpackers/home up in the hills, which we took over. Helped prepare dinner, which was an impressive array of barbequed meats, chicken satay, salad, potato and HP sauce! Dashes over to the 12 apostles for sunset-I forgot my jumper and more impressively Ian forgot his $80 bottle of champagne. Whales turned up with it just as the sun went down having dashed back on a rescue mission-Ian almost kissed him! Took some cool photos. Then we went back for chocolate cake, there was a very funny moment when Ian and I both glanced over at the table to see if there was seconds, and caught each other looking! Watches How to Lose Friends and Alienate People, which went down well.

Much too early start as usual, ate breakfast and ready to go at 7.30am. Except that we were minus a bus driver, and also didn’t know where he was sleeping. After a search Whales was discovered, very apologetic for having overslept, and thankful for us being organised! Very funny! Stopped at a couple more places along the Great Ocean Road, then for lunch at Apollo Bay. Whales said that as we’d looked after him in the morning, he had a bit of the food budget left and would look after us now, so we could have fish and chips for lunch! It was superb!

After stopping at the GOR sign and seeing a house on a pole and the Round the Twist lighthouse, we stopped briefly at Bells Beach, home of the perfect barrel wave, then Torquay, home of Ripcurl and Quiksilver. This was my cue to abandon ship, and called Sam.

Bear in mind I had met Sam just once, 2 years ago, for about 3 hours-I didn’t have a clue who I was looking out for! I was giggling at a canpervan getting stuck on the speed hump, when the hairy man in the car behind pulled up; I was in two minds whether or not to get in! However, it was indeed Sam, and conversation was easy on the way back to Geelong.

Sam’s mum Gail was lovely and friendly, and Maggie was a ball of energy. Once John turned up, I barely stopped laughing for the rest of my stay! Had a lovely dinner, which I cleared up so efficiently that John joked I’d be eating the plate next. When Sam cleared the plates, he asked innocently where my knife was. I couldn’t think for the life of me, and almost believed that maybe I had eaten it! (turned out Gail had used it to scrape extra potatoes onto my plate then taken it away!) Very very funny.

Sam had to go to work so Gail and John drove me out to Queensbeach and we had a lovely coffee at a pub there. Kind of hard to see much but brilliant tour commentary and lots of jokes! Walked down to the waterfront on the way home and only got back a few minutes before Sam.

Shuttle picked up me and a girl called Charlotte from the bus station and we found ourselves staying in a 4 bed dorm 10 metres underground. Thought I might feel claustrophobic but there was plenty of airflow. You could actually feel the temperature drop as you walked down the stairs-that far underground it maintains a constant 23-26*c no matter how hot or cold it is outside. After a rant with Charlotte about lecherous men, slept like a log.

Got up at 9.30am, virtually a lie in. Had a half-hearted walk round town, soon chased indoors by the flies, then after lunch went on a tour. It was run by an eccentric 65 year old Greek guy, who was very keen to make us understand how central to Coober Pedy he was-he’d been involved in everything and was known by everyone, had worked on all the films made in the local area, carried the Olympic torch, had a street named after him, yada yada yada. He even passed round laminated newspaper cuttings about himself. Aside from learning Jimmys importance to the town, we visited an underground church, Crocodile Harrys grave and home (cor he was lecherous if any man ever was, cool house though), opal mines, the Breakaways, the moon plain, and the Dog fence. I managed to find quite a few pieces of opal, including a scrap of opalised shell. Learnt a bit and certainly worth the $50.