Bring on Byron Bay

Beautiful beach at Byron.
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Alright. Now, this is paradise. Quaint town, relaxed vibe, beautiful beach - what more could you want? I could have spent 2 weeks just here in Byron Bay. My hostel was hiliarious - I swear it was hippy-ville as well. Plus, I had the option to stay in a teepee or take fire twirling lessons. It was more like a small town itself - pver 5 acres of stuff - including a movie theatre, dance studio, spa, cafe, plus the whole hostel and camp area. But, all intertwined with 'nature'.

I have never been to a place where every third person seems to have dreads or could be classed as a free spirited 'drifter'. This place is different - and that's why I loved it. Where else could you get away with not wearing shoes and a shirt in the supermarket. I saw about 20 people without shoes on my short visit. Back home that's a big no-no!

The surf class for the day. Our boards are GIANT. And a pain to get out in the water.
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I did get up at the crack of dawn one morning to check out the sunrise. Our hostel buses people up to a lookout point with a giant lighthouse on it to watch the sunrise at 5am. Ouch. It was beautiful too.

I finally hit up a great beach - had a blast body surfing with some girls from my hostel and perhaps caught some sun too. Super nice beach that had great blue water, nice waves, and lots of friendly dogs running around.

One day I took surf lessons. And, for the first few tries I hated it - mostly because I was like a deer in headlights. We had learned the steps in how to get up on our giant boards - but I would just black out and do a first rate fall/tumble/flip into the water. It was quite frustrating to get your giant board out in the water. But, when I first stood up successfully I was so excited. But, still concentrating hard enough to keep my balance. I completed my lessons in the morning. And, was keen on another go. So a few of us bought a 'crate' (Aussie flat of beer) and bribed our instructors to let us borrow their gear in the afternoon. So, after a long day in the water I was wiped. Plus, your knees and arms are sore from rubbing on the board, even though we were wearing 'rashies' or swimshirts. I commend surfers - that is a tough sport for sure!

This is me concentrating really hard. If I didn't - I would be a goner.
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But, Byron was a blast. And, I will definitely stay longer the next time I get to Australia.