Come Get Summi'This

I never quite understood why people set aside valuable time just to climb Machu Picchu, Mount Shasta, or Mount Fuji. Hell, any mountain for that matter. What could you possibly get out of a lengthy, overrated, sweaty, and tiresome tour through the unknown? Surprise! I actually have an answer: Pride, clarity, and humility. It took me some time to get to this priceless conclusion because the feeling is nearly indescribable, but I reckon this was a good attempt?

Last night, I attended the Exploration Society's "Yawning at Mt. Warning". The group met up at midnight, book bags in hand and courage in heart, ready for our adventure. Waivers were inevitable, although one drunk student had a problem with signing the sheet. I suppose since he was drunk, his signature was the most important of them all. But why did the waiver ask for a "Witness"? Excuse me, but you didn't need a witness when I paid. I politely wrote "grown woman" in the provided space. Ha! We arrived at the base of Mt. Warning about 2AM, received our complimentary apples and bananas and listened for our pep talk. (Note: The ride was an hour but Mt. Warning is in New South Wales, which is an hour ahead). Anywho, we soon began our journey to the top. About 30 minutes in, I realized why they emphasized being fit. I was sweating profusely, my legs were beginning to tremble and soon, my right leg went numb.

No sense of time or direction. Just the trail before me held in the glimmer of my flashlight. 

Once I forgot about my poor little foot and frantic breathing patterns, I enjoyed conversations about the splendours of the world with my immediate colleagues. Stephanie is from Vienna, Austria and Frank, quite the witty fellow, is from the Netherlands. Who else could bask in talks of travel, culture, and history?

I learned the true meaning of "mind over matter". Sure, we hear the saying from time to time and it gives us that extra umph! I knew I could not turn back nor did I wish to give up. The matter of the situation was that I was not fit and my body was crumbling beneath me as we trekked 4km to Summit. My mind reminded me of the joy I will feel having completed this hike. 2.4km remaining, 1.4km remaining, .4km remaining. Eventually, two things stood between the Summit and I; a thick silver chain and vertical sheer rocks. But, I did it and all I could do was smile to myself. The intentions were to watch the sunrise, but unfortunately the skies were grey. Hey, we were still able to snap some gorgeous shots while nibbling on brekky (Translation: breakfast). The hike back down seemed so much longer, but reaching the bottom seemed even more rewarding than the Summit...And then I cued "Golden" by Jill Scott.

And now, some pictures.

The group formerly known as Two.

Blurry and full of pride. My first moment at the Summit.

 Warning: A thick silver chain and vertical sheer rocks.

Sunrise thwarted but still a beautiful view.

Look, the sun!

Vivid greens, humbling highs.

Imagine this at night...

....& reaching the Summit in 1.5 hours.

WHEW!

Wherever I choose to go, it will take me far. I'm livin' my life like it's golden...

The Wild Life

Australia is known for its venemous snakes, poisonous spiders, and wild kangaroos. Oh yeah, and their cheeky lingo! This morning, Morgan and I finally made our way to Currumbin Wildlife Center to learn more about the many animals. We caught the 8:55AM bus and arrived approximately 10:00AM, just in time for the Close Encounter Show! The dingos and mountain brushtail possoms were so cute!

Did you know Dingos are the largest land based predators on the continent?

Did you know the Mountain Brushtail Possom is a marsupial?

As we made our way around the park, we noticed an abundance of koalas. They were curled up in just about every branch. We waited, and waited some more. We were sure something amazing was going to happen. Perhaps, they would hang upside-down, do a trick, something! But they didn't. Still, you cannot deny how darling they are!  

Did you know Koalas are facing extinction?

Then there was a close encounter.

...Yes, I am holding a Koala and her name is Kozy...

The day went on. We stumbled upon some Kangaroos cooling in the shade. Yes! If I had a dollar for everytime someone asked me if I had either seen or rode in a kangaroo, I would have...well, I would have some pocket change. But now I can put an end to the tiresome inquiry. Anywho, I tip-toed around the mob (Translation: group of kangaroos) and found this one just waiting for the flashing lights -- 

Did you know populations have been found in Hawaii, New Zealand, and Great Britain?

And you guessed it, I got a bit closer...

...Say Cheese...

Our student vouchers gave us access to the Green Challenge, but it was way too hot to be in a jumpsuit swinging from ropes and making desperate attempts to tight-rope between trees! I really could go on and on about all of the animals I saw today. Instead, I will leave you with a few more photos. 

[ Cuckatoo]

[Tazmanian Devils]

[Rufous Owl]

[Crocodile w. Turtle Buddies]

[Dragonfly]

*Just thought it was a great photo opportunity

One last question, who knew life would get so...wild?

Not-So-Mundane Monday

What comes to mind when I utter the word, "Monday"? You probably just rolled your eyes and let out an exasperated sigh...and I don't blame you. I am usually restless Sunday evenings just thinking of everything the forthcoming week will bring. But not this time. Shweta, a teammate and friend of mine, offered to show me more of the Gold Coast. Our midday roadtrip began with Kirra Beach which is highlighted for its skyline and the surfers who frequent its waves. My toes sunk into the sand as we picked seashells and shared which experiences led us to Australia.

...trace my steps...

...far, far away from here...

...and lead me to Surfers Paradise...

The original plan was to head back to campus in time for my 4PM lecture. And by original, I mean we totally didn't stick to the script. Have you ever seen the movie, "A Walk To Remember"? Well, the protagonist had a bucket list that included standing in two places at once. I am happy to say I had the opportunity to do just that! I stood on the state borderline between New South Wales and Queensland. What is even more interesting is that these two states are in different time zones but they sit one on top of the other!

Please excuse my pants...the waves tried to take a hold of me!

You probably guessed that this wasn't the end of the trip. We stopped over what looked like the Queens Necklace in Bombay, India. Basically, it is a lookout point that oversees Kirra and Tweed Head Beaches.

...With all my love, from the Gold Coast...

Next, we made our way to Byron Bay, which was about an hour drive away. Apparently this beach is also known for surfing and the area is home to Skydiving. The small town is lined with several restaurants and boutiques. For the life of me, (yes, it is that drastic) I cannot remember where we had lunch but I cannot forget how delicious those grilled prawns were! The chips (Translation: fries) were a bit salty but satisfying nonetheless. Eventually, we made our way back to the car...and found the cheekiest (Translation: clever, witty, crass) bumper sticker! 

WARNING: The following photo does not necessarily reflect the thoughts and opinions of the author.

...Can't say I didn't warn ya!...

And so we made our way home. Of course, not without stopping at Don Murphy's liquor emporium. All that talk about cocktails, how could I not pick up goon (Translation: boxed wine)!? But I am no slacker. After getting home, I freshened up, ate dinner, and began working on an assignment due Friday. I needed this...

I feel...alive.