Ive spent the last 3 days on Fraiser island, a massive sand mass about 150 X 20 km hosting dozens of microclimates and freshwater lakes. Being the only member of our group that could drive (and navigate, pitch a tent, cook, walk more than a hundred yards without gasping for water) I took us around the islands many sights in our beast of a 4X4 jeep. The main highway is the wet sand of the eastern beach which gives access to the many off road tracks, all of which look un driveable untill you find the right off road gear. We camped on the beach, we camped in the rainforest, we saw dingos and iguanas, we had a good time. After 300km of slogging around the island we returned to mainland. I packed, and then left for Noosa (where i am now).

Christmas - I hope everyone is having a good one, many thanks for your e-mails. James and Karen, Nick and Gill, Celeste and Paul, Kat, Sean and Amanda, and of course, Mum and Dad. Seeing as i'm not there to buy presents for, prehaps you will all have some spare change to send to the victims of the tsunami, and i will do the same. You can do this here among other places

http://www.worldvision.com.au/appeals/tsunami/

Sam - hope you get better soon mate, give me an e-mail when you get out of hospital so i can call you.

Enjoy new year everyone, and just remember, when the clock strikes 12 in england. I'll just be waking up with a hangover.