Spring Break

For our semester break, a group of nine of us traveled to Cairns in Queensland. We stayed at a resort in Trinity Beach, which we found out was a 55+ retirement village. It was kinda ridiculous because we were there to let loose and have fun, while our neighbors were just relaxing and doing what retired folks do. Needless to say, we had a few noise complaints.

The night was started off properly. Our flight was at 1AM, therefore we had a few drinks back at the dorms before we left for our flights. 

We arrived in Cairns at 5AM, just in time to spot a gorgeous sunrise.

The only bad thing was that we couldn't check into our resort until 9AM. Therefore, we were homeless, stranded on the beach for several hours.

But you can't complain when you wake up to this.

The Roydon Beachfront Apartments.

20 second walk to the beach from our patio.

Trinity Beach

Most of the days consisted of just hanging out at the beach and marinating in the sun, but our biggest event was snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef. How could we not do something that epic while we were up there. 

Catamaran ride to the Reef.

Crystal Waters.

Thank God for Shane and Justin's waterproof cameras.

Every night, the group of 9 took a walk down the beach into this wooded trail that led up to a rocky outlook. 

It was always a great way to wrap up the day in paradise.

And of course, things got a little weird at times, since it was Spring Break and all.

Even though these people have been in my lives for only 3 months, we have become so close to one another.

Our Great Ocean Adventure

This past weekend, we decided to surprise our dear friend, Lindsey, for her 23rd birthday. I saw somewhere online about these things called Wicked Campers. It's these hippy vans that have graffiti all over the sides, a kitchen in the back, beds and cots to sleep five. How incredible!

Sorry Lindsey! You look super high here. 

Needless to say, she was very surprised.

Chris was first to drive the dodgiest van ever made.

Just to make the Great Ocean Road drive harder, they gave us a manual car.

It was inappropriate of us not to play Muse once on the iPod.

Gorgeous weekend!

Our first stop was Torquay, a little town right near the beginning of the Great Ocean Road. We picked up the van in West Footscray, which is in the outskirts of Melbourne, and left for the road around 3:30. We got to Torquay around 5:30 and decided it was best that we stopped here for the night.

It was one of the best decisions we made.

Our lovely daughter, Megan.

And the German, Chris. 

The beach was beautiful.

...but Chris decided to soil it.

We made chili and set up our bunks. Yes, that's right. Two on top, three on the bottom. It made for a rough night.

This pretty much sums up our mornings.

Bacon on bacon on bacon.

Luckfungman, our new last name.

Breakfast on the beach.

I got to see my first lighthouse!

In grand style.

And our biggest landmark/stop was the Twelve Apostles. 

 

This is what I expected to see in Australia.

gnarly white hair.

Great people.

That night, we made Lindsey a Mexican fiesta at the quaint hostel we stayed at. It was such a great time sharing a meal with friends and having the comfort of a warm place to sleep.

Our lovely birthday girl.

My apparel for the weekend.

The next day, we made our way to a rainforest. It was a short walk, but still very captivating. 

Everyone was really tired by the last day.

Wild Koalas!

I never thought I'd be able to drive on the right side on the left side of the road. AND, it was a manual car. 

Megan is a thug.

On Monday, our last day on the Great Ocean Road, the sun was blaring and the scenery was unmatched. so many beautiful sights and sounds.

Lorne, Victoria.

We had to tag the van before we left. 

And of course, my personal one.

That weekend, I traveled with a group of friends and became close to them. We ate and drank together, we watched the stars together, and we grew together.