My adventures began at budget car rental where Laura and I rented a car to go hiking. Since she is not 21 yet, I had to toughen out and do the driving (which I wanted to do anyway I was just nervous). Driving on the left side of the road definitely takes getting use to. It kind of just felt wrong. Whenever I wanted to turn, I accidently put on my windshield wipers instead of my turn signal. After driving for a little while I did get used to it.
Laura and I drove to SpringBrook National Park to hike and see the rainforest. We first went on a 1km hike to a natural bridge and it was amazing. There were tons of bats flying around the cave and apparently at night it even has glowworms.
We next found some lookout points that were truly breathtaking.
(Laura's hand got in the way lol)
After the lookout point we came across another hiking trail. This trail was overall 8km (which is about 5 miles). The hike was gorgeous and we were first able to see over the treeline, than through the tops of the trees to finally being ground level. Halfway through the first half of the trail was a gorgeous waterfall and we finished the first part of the hike at a little natural pool area. The water was super cold, but refreshing after such a long hike. After chilling at the pool for a little, we made the hike back. That was the hard part. It was all uphill and poor Laura kept having to wait for me to catch my breath. Its funny how you don't really notice when you go downhill, but when you are going uphill you definitely notice.
(Just a little schvitzy)
(Laura took a little break to rock climb)
Sorry I'm so indecisive with pictures! It's all so pretty I can't help it! After our perilous journey, we decided to drive the car around and just take advantage of having a car. It was a lot of fun until we were interrupted with super important task of piercing Austin's ears. We did a pretty good job if I do say so myself.
After a long night, we did something that is very uncharacteristic for me. We woke up early to see the sun rise. Sunrises on the beach are one of the prettiest things you can witness.
Since we accomplished so much, we decided to reward ourselves with "American" style pancakes. Now I don't know anywhere in America where they put ice cream on the pancakes, but whatever. We went to a place called Pancakes in Paradise, which is a hot air balloon themed pancake place. The pancakes were super good and definitely counteracted my 9 km hike from the previous day.
A few days later Sophia and I went 'splorin around the city. We started in Southport just walking around until we discovered a nifty Salvation Army. Inside we found two $3 dollar puzzles. We had a hard time choosing, but only one would fit in Sophia's purse so it was the obvious winner. Next we discovered something truly incredible, something I haven't seen since early childhood and never thought I would see again. WE FOUND A BLOCKBUSTER! It was like going into a museum. After our wondrous discovery, we found what we had been searching for and prompted the adventure in the first place. Sophia and I discovered an awesome playground. It had everything. I mean it. Everything. Australia really knows how to make good playgrounds. They have this thing in Australia called a jumping pillow and it is life changing. It is basically a bounce house, but better and permanent. It looks exactly how it sounds. We then rode home on a double decker bus. Our adventures were a huge success and in the very observant words of Nicole Slusher, Australia has turned you into a 10 year old.
For the first time ever, my nickname fits me. Air-Bear. (Not sure the best way to spell it. I don't usually have to write it out)
Sooo Exciting
Our ridiculously frustrating $3 puzzle
Mission Accomplished! (Also just fun fact, the final piece did not fit and we had examine the puzzle to see what we did wrong to finish it. This puzzle was very frustrating.)
The One And Only Jumping Pillow
Well that is all for now! I am leaving for Tasmania for my mid semester break tomorrow! Can you believe it?! I am sooo excited! I will definitely have to write about it when I get back!
With Lots of Love,
Erica "lets bring a jumping pillow to" America
