Byron Bay and Farewell Australia -Crystal

“Take it easy, and trying to rush matters gets you nowhere.”

            I often rush a matter to its finality. I am very much a visionary. I live in the future and focus on things done well. But what does this leave for the moment? I most assuredly am not living in the present when I am rushing to capture my envisioned finale.

            As far as self efficacy, the above gets the job done, usually well above average, always on time, and if there’s a budget, with some change leftover. This has been my largest contribution to the group. Getting it done well and right.

            But where is the fun? Where is the living? Where is taking it easy and living in the present? Isn’t it about the journey and not the destination? I often, although being extremely self efficant and responsible need to learn to ease up and really enjoy the process.

            A big example of this process and learning curve is the art of surfing being practiced here at Byron Bay. I cannot simply experience on day 3, my vision of ripping and carving through massive waves without first going with the process of learning how to get up on the board… and stay up for more than 3 seconds. So, I am taking it easy in the white-wash, learning how to how to enjoy the moment, knowing that rushing will get me nowhere. 

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         When a culture no longer lives within the perceived construct of their original heritage and tradition, what then will be its new legacy? Will it not be a pastiche and conglomeration of cultures world wide? Now that we are moving toward one large global village, there is a very unique meta-culture arising.

            This new meta-culture can be considered the death of the past, and the forever shift of cultures previously retained in their bordered microcosms.  And one could easily believe that this is the demise of diversity and cultural uniqueness, and with the ever-increasing commoditization, that authentic lifestyle and living will cease.

            But I see this new linked heritage creating a new way of living. A style of living that although often confused with the “selling” of culture which I have seen first hand with the Maori and Aboriginal cultures, but that regardless of the process, it is still preservation.

            We cannot look to the old and try and fit our growing uni-culture into a shoe that is now too small, but we can embrace the positives of our new emerging lifestyle. A global culture, which although in its newness has made many mistakes, non-the-less preaches tolerance, equality, embraces and pays homage to all races and recognizes the uniqueness of residual culture, family, etc.

“What we call leadership consists mainly of knowing how to follow.”

“Group members genuinely appreciate a leader who facilitates their lives rather than promoting some personal agenda.”

            When our dive group first arrived at the shop we all sat down to fill out paper work on our basic health and to become knowledgeable about the basics of diving.             Many of us were at different levels in the learning process, and some us were there to get certified. All of this information was pertinent for the dive masters who then followed our lead as we gave them information as to what level we were at with diving knowledge.

            Next, we all got into the pool as a group and learned the basics, which we would quickly put to use out on the ocean.

            What I keep noticing in the role of leadership is how often a leader follows the morale of the group, its energy, its unique humor. All are essential for effective leadership. In our case, our DM was spot on. She recognized quite early that Brandon was one of the few males on our trip and was constantly cracking a good joke in that direction. She understood how to take control without controlling us.

            While under water on our dive, if we got too far away she would hand signal to us, or in one joking instance, she tugged a participant down by their ankle.

            She loved her job and in that passion combined with her experience, the trip went as smooth as it could go. She even got us up close enough to a Tiger Shark to pet it! I’m glad she new what was doing. I think too though, she knew our spunky group would really enjoy the experience.

            Back on shore after a crazy fun boat ride we helped pull in the boat and clean up shop. Directive and polite instruction, which was not too bossy, got the job done well. What an enjoyable trip.

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            Oh how many ways to lead there are. And, in my opinion, a variance to one degree or another is necessary for all the types of leadership roles.

            Sometimes when you lead, an autocratic role is essential. I cannot tell you how many times an authoritarian role has been necessary when dealing with young children as a part-time nanny. Complete maham would exist without this powerful role as I have experienced.

            However, when children get older, they become more autonomous, it is with pleasure that I have introduced a more democratic leadership role. I ask the kids what their opinions and desires are in decision-making opportunities.

            I think in dealing with groups, the democratic role has also been useful to our group in general. A consensus or talked about decision offers no surprise and keeps the peace.

            I think, the most challenging but rewarding type of leadership role is that of the abdicate, which I too have experienced with the kids that I nanny and well, on the trip, which sometimes to my own inner humor we all look like the kids I nanny.             To give you a clear picture of this role, I have often given the kids that I nanny a choice to pick out a treat. Their only constraints are that they must agree upon only one to share, as to not spoil their dinner, (as any good nanny would do).

            To my utter non-surprise at the 100^th go-around with this freedom, the kids that I nanny quickly work egocentrically by picking out their treats and trying to convince the other that they too want that treat, even though one might include blueberries which the other absolutely hates. Some how they truly believe that they can convince the other in less than 5 desperate seconds that they too must love blueberries.

            I have had to step in a couple times and declare that unless an agreement is made amongst themselves, peaceably that they will get no treat at all, but as time has passed they are now aware of this requirement and now work accordingly. Sometimes they struggle but in the process and in the outcome I can see how this leadership role, no matter the frustration, is an important type leadership role. 

Brandon's Byron Bay Bash

My experiences on this trip have shown me I do not need to be anything else other then myself …we are all adequate  – The ways in which I have carried on have been simple and self-driven, hoping to avoid any competition or jealousy. Every person has their own ways of going about there business and with regards to how others do, make a show of holiness or pass out grades for good performance. I have certainly tried not to do that.

            No one person is better than the rest of humanity, nor is one person better than any other on our trip. With Crystal here, that distinction has blurred, but I have tried to be observant of it.

            By avoiding drama during this trip, I have been able to free myself to pursue the activities with clear earnest and whole devotion. I am proud of this, because if I had not, my experiences would have been overshadowed with negativity and affected my efficacy.

If you can preserve culture, you must also preserve the artifacts the culture holds important. You can preserve a didgeridoo, but if no one remembers how to play the song of the Kangaroo, or the Dingo, It is merely something to look at. Conversely, with out the artifact, the culture is lost. What I am driving at is there must be the culture to preserve the knowledge of the artifact for it to be important – or we will simple speculate.

            The Maori in New Zealand have both, and though they have been diminished since European colonization, they fare better then, for example, the natives of America. In Australia, the aboriginal culture seems much diminished. Except for the marketing of the didgeridoo and boomerang, with foam versions sold in toy stores, they have lost more. The Maori fortunately seemed embraced, but the aborigines have been forgotten.

From start to finish, our group of intro divers was treated respectfully and those who had taken open water, but had not certed, were treated no differently then the others. Our Dive Instructor, Liz, was fantastic and worked with all who needed it, meeting everyone at their level. In the pool, we went through skills and each person was worked with, if they needed.

            Through the whole process of heading to the ocean, we were used to help push the boat in the water (duh) but still, Liz was “doing little” and we got the treat of feeling involved.

            Diving I was periodically reigned in with a “This way” gesture, a gentle intervention to keep me with the group.

            Further in the dive, a large leopard shark came with in touching distance … Liz was open to what ever emerges, and we were able to pet it. WOW.

            On the return, the process unfolded much as it did on the way out, only in reverse. WE helped load the boat, move the gear off the boat and wash it up. It was a very smooth operation all in all.

One of the opportunities of this trip was the chance to develop our skills as a leader by being “Leader of the day” In the beginning, we worked in teams to decide when dinner would be ready, brief the group on activities, upcoming events and all of the happenings on the trip.

            Upon coming to Australia, we were singled out and one person was leader for the day. I have seen many people rise to the occasion of stressful days. Loading a trailer, shopping, cooking, and calling operators, all with in the same day.

            As is the nature of this trip though, there are days where there is simply not too much going on.

            I seemed to have landed every single day there is nothing going on to be leader of the day. I have not been responsible for hardly anything on this trip. It’s quite strange really, because outside of this trip I have much responsibility as a guide for the Outdoor Program and the Climbing Gym manager back at the university.

            So I suppose I don’t feel gypped out of an opportunity, because in other aspect of my life, I have already been given plenty of opportunities similar to being leader of the day … but if that were not the case, I’d be a bit butt hurt.

 

Byron Bay- Sunshine, surf, dragonfly's, sharks, aussies, oh my!

OAL 250
I think your leadership style largely defines your ego and type of control you like having over one another. I believe an individual who leads with an autocratic leadership holds little care to learn from others. They are more self-centered and always think they are right, thus never leaving any decision making to other group members. I honestly can not think of many situations where an autocratic leadership would be appropriate.
As far as democratic leadership, I think it is a much better form and concerns almost everyone’s input. A leader under this role allows free discussion/input amongst group ideas and interests but also dictates certain decisions. Sometimes this works great, some groups need that leader to confirm the decisions and make it happen. Although, there are other times when it’s best the leader just gives the members a voice and allow them to decide what should be done or not.
Abdicratic is a total, student-centered approach. The students/members hold the floor and their decisions are what’s valued most. I believe this is a great approach to leadership, but it also depends on the age of the group and their willingness to open up.
Overall, I would personally rather lead any outdoor-adventure based activity or teach in an educational setting under both the democratic and abdicratic leadership. I think being able to mix up and be flexible to both leadership styles, you are more prone to be effective with your students.

OAL 362
I think it’s hard to choose which to save- the actual culture or the cultural artifacts. Both aspects are important to avoid cultural extinction. Saving cultural artifacts are beneficial for both locals and tourists. However, it can also negatively affect the actual culture through tourist influences. Tourists influence local culture by presenting their own norms, environmental alterations/impacts, and their consumption and use of local goods. Therefore, a historical artifact of culture may invite more tourist, which may result in negative impacts on the culture. I believe historical artifacts are both sharing and selling culture. The artifact is considered sharing culture until it becomes exploited by mass people, thus changing it to selling of culture. Overall, culture regardless is affected by tourists and world-wide issues.
The gondola proposition in the Fiorland has both negative and positive impacts. It will indeed provide individuals who don’t have the physical ability to see more of the national park. It will also bring more tourist wealth into the nearby town, Te Anau. A gondola will provide beautiful views and a easy way to experience such beauty.
However, I believe the negatives out-weigh the positives. Building a gondola will not only bring in more people and environmental damage, it will also change the overall persona/vibe in the woods. Instead of Howden hut being a destination for agile hikers and outdoorsy souls, it will bring in people who may be less environmentally appreciative. As of now, when people hike into the hut, they get there and breath in fresh clean air. They chose to make a strenuous hike out to the woods, away from many people and materialistic impressions. However, by building a gondola, this type of breath will no longer go as deep as it now does. Like many other adventure circuits, it can easily be exploited and no longer become desirable. Once a gondola is built, a hotel will be needed, which will bring restaurants, shops, and in the end, a village. I believe it’s best to alter environmental-adventure attractions as little as possible. It causes less damage and keeps the natural beauty in the national park.

OAL 375
Ch. 55- Our scuba guide, Liz was full of vital energy and spunk. Right when she sat us down to brief the dive, her energy was beaming. I could tell she loves diving because she spoke with such enthusiasm. The energy and love she expressed was passed on to me, and I too became energetic. In ch. 55 it states, “Excitement is rooted in passing desires. Vital energy springs from the eternal.” I think these two sentences truly express how someone’s passion can be passed through vital energy an amongst one another.
Ch. 47- After our briefing on diving we got in the pool and swam around. Our two diving guides were very in the moment. They were here now with us, helping us get comfortable under water. Because their present attitude, we were able to also be here and now with them. We were able to do less and achieve more by being aware of what was happening.
Ch 40- This Tao chapter mainly reflects on my process while diving. Being under water was like mediation for me. I was free-flowing, in a calm, present mind state. I was silent in the water, taking everything in. I think such a meditative process probably occurred for many other divers too. I think this mind-state is also important for people who are scared to dive. The guide could have related diving to meditation. By being with oneself, present, and silent, you can overcome your fears of diving (and heaps more).

OAL 275
Ch. 54- I chose this chapter because many times on our trip there has been a ripple effect of emotions. For example, during some activities people rudely and negatively speak out regarding one another’s actions. Once harsh words or motions are spoken, it’s easy for others to also speak negatively. I have learned and I put an effort into staying positive. By returning ones harsh remarks into positive, influential reactions, you can reverse the ripple effect. I have found it best to just smile and laugh. My influences begin with me and ripples outward, so by being wholesome, I can alter negative ripples into positive ones.
Ch. 58- For many of the activities on this trip, I have practiced the unfolding process. I have fought the thoughts of asking questions and in return, I’ve just let the process unfold. I concentrated on being here now. So far I think I’ve been effective at trusting what is happening. I plan on continuously practicing the unfolding process and this quote from the chapter really hits home for me, “If there is silence, let it grow; something will emerge. If there is a storm; let it rage, it will resolve into calm.”
Ch. 76- As a leader and also a participant I believe I’ve been effective at being flexible. On such a trip, it’s important to be flexible. When it rained, I looked at it positively and found another activity to do. When the group wanted to do one thing and I wanted the other, I became flexible. When I hurt my foot, I also became flexible by giving myself non-physical activities such as art. Being flexible is a crucial aspect to wise leadership and also a positive life. We are all growing, and by being flexible throughout the process, we are able to grow more at ease.

~ Mumbalina Fiesty Pants

Manly- The land down under

OAL 250-
I think this article is a great way to explain one persons joy over something that seems so simple to someone else. Obviously Walter looked at Denali and its view differently than the other climbers. He fully appreciated what he saw, even though his body was slowly deteriorating. The other climbers I’m sure, enjoyed the view as well, but they couldn’t smile the same way Walter did. I think Walter knew he was going to die soon, so why not go out doing the one thing you love. He knew the view from Denali was going to be his last, so he looked at it with an attitude of serene bliss and in complete ignorance of his current health conditions. Although I think it is wonderful Walter is able to smile in pain because he was so happy to be where he was, I think his choice to climb was also selfish. Clearly, he didn’t have the knowledge, the physical endurance, or health to sufficiently climb up Denali. Due to his decision to climb, he put other climbers in danger, and left them standing in the cold waiting for him to move his feet. However, this article is also a reminder of how some people forget the beauty they are seeing. They get so caught up with making it to the summit, making record times, or aren’t fully living in the moment. However, those like Walter, are living in the present moment, taking it all in as it comes, and fully enjoying life’s adventure no matter what their health condition may be.
OAL 275
Ch. 11- I have noticed a group field amongst our debrief sessions which has provided effective ways of discussion. This group field is at the centre of the circle, where nothing is happening, and the centre is in silence. However there is silence, each individuals mind is not silent. At least for me, I’m usually focusing on what I’m going to say and what I can bring to the discussion. This sort of silence may be effective by allowing others the chance to speak up or gather thoughts. When the centre is silent, I feel like I am more ready to share my thoughts. Hopefully this group field is apparent in others and it provides an effective way to debrief, rather than ineffective.

Ch. 9- “A wise leader settles for good work and then lets others have the floor.” The quote reminds me how Adam has introduced several of our debriefs. He briefly states his thoughts, and allows us to debrief with each other. Rarely does he interrupt to change group dynamics or to take all the credit. One group session that really reflects ‘a good group’ was the debrief about our ego and how it has affected us and our group members. Almost all of us discussed the ‘ego’ and everyone was given a chance to comment. The whole time Adam allowed the discussion to freely flow, which is a good example of him sharing the floor.

Ch. 12- I think this chapter is a very crucial attribute to letting things go and becoming aware of the overall situation. We can all remember the trailer incident, I wasn’t even there but I could sense the negative energies. The individuals whose feelings were hurt or involved in the dispute, initially acted on impulse. Their actions with one another were not kind and only made the situation worse. What not only they should’ve done, but we all need to learn, is to step back from the fight and pay more attention to the whole body’s reaction. When we can successfully do this, we become an observer, and react less harshly.
After the Routeburn it was obvious the individuals had time to reflect on the situation and let their senses rest. They became more understanding of the trailer incident and were able to let go of their ego. This is why silent reflection and turning inward to digest what has happened is an effective form of the group process.

OAL 375
Ch. 35- Keep it Simple, in order to make our mission stress-free and easy on our body with our bags, it was best to keep the transport simple. By taking a shuttle that picked us up at the airport and dropped us off right at the hostel door, our mission was simple and relaxed.

Ch. 27- “An experienced traveller does not need a packaged tour to go places safely.” Our mission to Manly was our first ‘individual transport’ and it went well for everyone. Our mission was beyond techniques, we went with the flow of our openness and had smooth sailing.

Ch. 24- The most effective way to travel is to take it easy. I took our mission easy by simply asking the info desk for advice and arranged a shuttle. After a travel day it’s best to be easy with yourself and not let your ego take control. It’s easy for your ego to over-run you when you’re tired and hungry. Therefore, I found it best to take it easy and make it to our destination in a present, open mind-state.

~Laura

It's all about Leadership

Rose Averbeck

OAL 250

Reflect on Leadership behavior and styles.

Out of the three leadership styles presented on the worksheet; I feel Abdicratic is the most powerful form of leadership. It allows the group to be independent and make the decisions. The group contains the power to what will happen, versus the other two; Autocratic and Democratic. Autocratic leaves the leader in complete control to making group decisions. In Democratic leadership there is more of a balance, where there is shared decision making between the leader and participants.  The reason why I feel Abdicratic Leadership style is most powerful is because from this trip and reading “The Tao of Leadership” throughout our trip and homework assignments; I have learned that the best way for  the group members to learn the greatest and gain the most experience in leadership is if they are actually not being lead at all. They are their own leaders; they should have the power and responsibility of making their own choices and decisions.  The Abdicratic leader understands how process unfolds itself without any need for making decisions for the group, or pressuring group members to make certain decisions.

There is a chapter in the Tao that reflects what I am saying above called Force and Conflict. “When force is used, conflict and argument will follow….The climate is hostile, neither open nor nourishing.”  This is completely true, and on this trip we were able to see it shine through as being so unbelievably true. There are many visions in my mind where one tried to use force with another and everyone got grumpy with each other. One circumstance that sticks out farther than any other would be our trailer incident. Now, looking back on is hilarious and everyone learned from that experience. As our stay in Queenstown came to an end, we as a group needed to take the trailer by hand down to hook it to the van at the bottom of a steep hill. Some rebelled against helping moving the trailer, others snapped at them to help out. Snapping did not help at all it only made matters worse. The ones being snapped at rebelled even harder from helping out, and making smart ass remarks such as “Way to go team estrogen!” This was a situation where instead of snapping we should have just asked again politely for help. Though, some didn’t feel like asking for help was needed as we were a team and should do these group projects together. We all learned about our egos that day. My ego got in the way thinking they should stop being asses and help out. I was the one who snapped at them and they rebelled back to my comment because of their egos. “Group members will challenge the ego of one who leads egocentrically. But one who leads selflessly and harmoniously will grow and endure.” That is why I think having the Abdicratic leadership style is the best way of leading. It will let the group members learn about themselves, learn what works and what doesn’t because they hold all the cards for themselves. They have all the power, gaining those experiences.

Choose 3 new chapters from the Tao that reflect your own efficacy as a leader and a participant on activities done on the trip.

19. Self-Improvement

Everyone on this trip can say that they have improved in some way throughout our experiences. We have grown and learned about ourselves on this trip, probably more than we thought we would. I know I have.  I have experienced self- improvement. “No teacher can make you be happy, prosperous, healthy, or powerful.”  Only we can improve these qualities within us.  If you wish to improve yourself, be silent, be still. Take in what is around you, accept what is going on as it is; live in the now and enjoy it all. Don’t worry about the past or the future, they don’t matter.  This has been effective for me both as a leader and as a participant. From this trip, I have learned to not have expectations and I will not have disappointments. As a leader I have self-improved in ways to not have expectations of my followers. That would only set myself up to be disappointed if what I think should have happened does not happen. I now know that whatever happens is what needed to happen; there does not need to be a plan. As a participant I have learned to not have expectations of an activity. I should enjoy the mystery of what’s going to happen next, and accept everything that does happen as it is supposed to be happening. This makes activities much more fun, and a bigger learning experience as a student of adventure. As I feel self-improvement I feel my values and abilities improve as well.

59. The Source of Your Ability.

Consciousness and awareness is the source of our abilities. If we can be aware of what is happening, we can see how it’s happening; we can be conscious of it. This has proven to be important in all of the activities we have done on this trip. If you were unaware of your surroundings, of what was happening around you, your ability to work effectively with the group could dwindle. While rock climbing; as a climber and as a belayer, we must be conscious and aware during every moment, or things could go badly very quickly. Same goes for White Water Rafting, Mountain Biking, Hiking, Surfing, Scuba diving, and every outdoor activity we have done, calls for these qualities within a person.  “If you are aware of what is happening and how things happen, you can act accordingly. You can steer clear of trouble, and be both vital and effective.” This is a powerful line from this chapter that has proven to me to be true. Being conscious and aware as either a leader or as participants, allows us to be aware of ourselves as well as understanding what is happening around us. By understanding this; our self-efficacy is improved.

73. Freedom and Responsibility

“No one can decide for you what to do in a given situation. That is up to you.” I feel that on this trip I have grown as an independent as well as gained responsibility for my actions, for my choices. This chapter enlightens individuals with the thoughts that no one can make decisions for us, no one can tell us what to do. It is our freedom, and our responsibility to make our own choices in life. It is our lives, and we are running them not anybody else.  If I feel I need advice, I’ve learned from this trip to first think about the question, think about what is actually happening. Do I really need someone to tell me what they think I should do? Much of my life I have been a very indecisive person, whether it be what kind of ice cream to choose, what color shoes I want, or what classes I want to take. That I would often times ask what other people thought, sometimes doing what they said even if my first instinct wasn’t what they thought.

 Go with your first instinct, only you can really know what you want, what you really need. So, instead of asking for advice of what other people think, become aware of what is happening and what you think the right decision is. What people do is their own responsibility. Don’t try and control things if you don’t agree with what other people are doing. They are responsible for their actions and the choices they make. I have had time on this trip to work on not trying to control situations when I think they should be done different. Not to say that it hasn’t slipped out occasionally. I’m only human.  I have learned that, that is a selfish act that doesn’t allow the group the chance to work things out together as they want it to be. It’s not all about me and what I want. The goal is that the group makes it there together.  Everyone has the freedom to do as they want to, and has the responsibility of making their own decisions. As a leader and as a participant this is useful to a group because everyone only has the responsibility of worrying about their own actions, and how they want to help the group. It gives them freedom of choice.

bloggin in Byron Bay

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On the 17th I facilitated an activity I named "ANimal Hack". This game naturally requiresd a hackey sack and everyone must cooperatively work together to each hit the hackey sack. This is known as a "hack". The only stipulation to this game is the only means of communication must be done through an animal sound. 9 people all together participated in this game and although we did not reach our goal everyone at least made an effort and it turned out to be a fun activity. I feel "animal hack" resonates well with the chapter A Good Group because as a leader and a participant I was not concerned with obtaining a hack and being a phenomenal player. I was focused with moving the hack around and allowing everyone to engage. It was not an exceptionally amazing group but we were absolutely a good group.

 

I feel most relaxed and tranquil when I am scuba diving. I feel that chapter 40 Meditate reflects myself as a participant in this actvity. Instead of swimming wildly I clasp my hands and let the current dictate my direction. I become attune to my breathing and relax. When I am silent and focus on my breaths I recognize there is no need to struggle. I also have learned to understand and accept the overall process.

 

One of my members in my food group in Australia lost track of time and did not meet with the rest of us at the specified time at the grocery store. This was unfortunate considering I wanted to control this event. I had to let go of this urge and take initiative. The Unfolding Process talks about how process naturally unravels and even though it is tempting to have control of this, the process and group interaction usually will end up chaotic. I had to trust that the process would work itself out and in the end we all made an excellent dinner everyone enjoyed.

 

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Kaikoura

I feel the water taxis in Abel Tasman are a bit excessive. Participants who are about to engage in sea kayaking trips I believe are fully capable of carrying a rented kayak to the destined put in. Driving a gas guzzling tractor to me seems like a wasted mode of energy. I do not feel it is necessary just to fulfill a convenience. As far as the bolted routes at Payne's Ford, again it is yet another convenience for rock climbers in specific. I can see that it does mitigate many potential injuries however drilling bolts into the side of a cliff face to only benefit climbers seems detrimental to the immediate area. Many irresponsible climbers are drawn to these places and sometimes littering, graffiti and other means of disrespect to the landscape often occur. WHen it comes to the dolphin encounter unfortunately it was cancelled and I do not have much to say.

 

Queenstown

When I look at Mt. Cook from a sustainable view I see its environment is directly involved. There is definitely a high regard for conservation here however this is a popular spot for rock climbers. This in turn affects the wildlife and landscape. Also Mt. Cook is a hot spot for hikers who may also be capable of environmental degradation. My experience here however did not reflect this fortunately. The majority of people I encountered were very much in tune with their stimuli and respected Mt. Cook with a humble manner. Conversely Queenstown was a different breed. Off the bat I noticed there was a variety of opportunities to boost economy through tourism. However, opportunity is almost always accompanied by dependency which is very prevalent here. Current Queenstown has a few monuments to at least remind tourists of its past culture. This culture is steadily decaying from all the traffic that is endemic. The abundance of success from adventure tourism in Queenstown has only offered a concentrated focus on the activities alone. Everyone is overwhelmed with river rafting, mountain biking, bungee jumping, sky diving and countless other activities to the point where there is simply no room to retain or acknowledge this towns history and dying culture. Tourism has taken hold and the overstimulation has changed this areas atmosphere.

 

Byron Bay

Personally I think it is far more important saving and preserving a country's historical culture. Realistically though Australia and New Zealand especially thrive off of adventure tourism for economical support. NZ is struggling to support itself just from its common good. It makes me smile at least both countries make great efforts in reminding its visitors of how culture used to be. There is an obvious difference with how things are running today compared to how it was in the past. Life itself places a great challenge on every living entity on this planet and it is called change. Both countries as a whole recognize this and and they now primarily depend on tourism. With any third world country this is the case. I have witnessed this through my travels in Honduras. Although Australia and NZ may not be third world status they both are going though a shift in culture to survive.

In regards to the gondola proposal plan pertaining to the Fiord Land National Park I think it will be beneficial. I dislike seeing tourism degrade and area however with a monetary based economy it is essential in order to bring more revenue. There also is a great chance here for education and it may quite possibly influence people to be more considerate and appreciative of the land. Gondola construction is guaranteed to damage the environment. It is relieving to know the plan of construction is roughly 3 months. However judging from my own observations, these proposals commonly exceed their limits. In terms of a socio-economic stance this gondola plan will for sure bring more visitors that businesses will profit from. I very much despise writing the above but once again it truly makes sense when we are living in a monetary based culuture. If I could have it my way I would give all my time and effort in supporting a resource based economy where everyone simply helps one another by living off the land, instead of reaching into each others pockets. I have realized though no matter what I try and do, the world will ultimately keep revolving. Sure all my actions may be insignificant but if I can create any form of positive impact that will satisfy my motivation to be a part of this world.

 

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Byron Bay

A lot has happened since my last blog in Manly. We all spent a few days mountain biking and hiking in the bush at an area called the Cascades. We also got to try new foods like crocodile meat pies and kangaroo stew. I got very intimate with some parasites and enjoyed my natural blood donation. After Cascade we made a long drive to Byron Bay. Here the main interests are surfing, scuba diving and eating great food of course. I have facilitated a couple of activities here and have had to adjust my leadership style slightly. I had to act like a benevolent dictator and demand people to stop what they are doing and play. I definitely do not favor this style but I learned it can be effective by using a tone that is not overly aggressive. Of course I had to add some cynical sarcasm behind it but after 7 weeks we all have a bit more of a understanding of each other's style. The scuba diving here has been incredible. I am blown away with all of the new species I have seen here. I cant wait to share some footy with everyone. Unfortunately the groups last day in Byron was yesterday, I hope everyone is traveling safe and Im gonna miss ya! See ya soon!

 

---Timmay

The last leg of the trip. :(

OAL 375 and OAL 472

I can’t believe it is already the last day of our trip, before we fly home…the time here in Australia has passed by so quickly! Since Manly, we have been to Blue Mountains, to Warrumbungle National Park, then to the Cascades National Park, and to finish off in Byron Bay. During the past 11 days, we have done canyoning, hiking, hung out with kangaroos, more hiking, a forest bush walk, ate bush tucker, been attacked by leeches, went whitewater rafting, mountain biking, surf lessons, scuba diving, beach time, and more surfing. There have been so many learning experiences during this trip, especially since the last time the blog was updated.

After Manly, we drove to the Blue Mountains, when the weather definitely changed since the warm weather in Manly. There was a lot of rain in the Blue Mountains, but on the first full day there it was clear weather for us to go canyoneering, where we hiked down the start of the canyon and then we had to figure out our way to get down. There were spots where we had to be submersed in the cold water, or jump down into water, or slide down, and as we approached each place, we had to check out what was the best way and safest way to get down. It was so much fun and it became one of my favorite days of the trip. It also made me definitely want to do some canyoneering back home. It was so much fun that a small group of us decided to climb back out and up of the canyon, while the others hiked out. Right when we got out of the canyon it started thundering and raining.

On our other day in the Blue Mountains we explored the Three Sisters, where we all did our own explorations. I ended up going on a hike with Taylor and Kelly. We did a trail that took us down 900 steps and then we chose to also go back up those same 900 steps…which was definitely tiring. Then when we got back up to the viewing point of the Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters, we saw a huge thunderstorm come rolling in. While a lot of us were standing there watching and waiting for another lightening bolt, all of a sudden it struck one of the Three Sisters and quite a few of us felt a small volt go through us. It was definitely a weird and scary feeling. Then it started pouring down rain and it became the weather that would create a flash flood. That day I also experienced what it was to have a leech on me, which is not fun.

From the Blue Mountains we started making our drive to the Cascade National Park, but since the drive was so long, we only did a little over half of it and we stopped in the Warrumbungle National Park and camped. As we pulled in we saw so many kangaroo around, some were eating and others were sleeping. There were so many that they reminded most of us of the Ashland deer that constantly roam through Ashland. Many of us also did a hike, after driving for quite bit of the day. We hiked up to Belougery Split Rock, where you could see the beautiful outback, a full 360 degrees. Getting down was quite and adventure, as I tried going different route down, but I ended up losing the trail, so I tried navigating around a bit. I ended up seeing Cary and we turned around and went back to the trail that we had come up. I knew I was not truly lost and there was plenty of daylight left, but it was a good experience in really observing my surroundings and figuring out what would be the best to do. We all got back to the campsite right in time to prep dinner, as it was getting dark.

The following day of driving led us to the Cascades, where we stayed at the Cascade Educational Center. We learned so much about the Cascades and Australia due to the awesome people there. The following day we went on a forest bush walk where we would encounter many leeches. To prepare for it, we rubbed Eucalypti’s all over our legs, socks, and shoes, so that it would hopefully make the leeches less likely to hop on us. I would say it somewhat worked. While we were there and about to go out for our walk, some storm clouds came in, so we experienced some hail and rain. We finally made it out there to explore, where we were showed where you can sometimes spot platypus, but do to the high water flow we were unsuccessful. Jeffery our guide, who is one of the educational teachers there, pointed out different native plants and animals, which was really cool. We also saw their "Big tree" which was large and old, but not nearly the sixe f the redwood you can see on our West Coast. After de-leeching ourselves we had a delicious dinner of bush tucker, as we also had had a delicious lunch of bush tucker. In those meals the food we ate was seasoned and made with all local food you can find out in the bush. The dinner we had contained both crocodile and kangaroo. I was surprised it was not as exotic, as I had imagined it would be. I would easily have those two meals again, as they were so delicious.

That following day was so busy and fun…we woke up to go whitewater rafting and it was exhilarating. The picked us up, and then we had about a 30 minute car ride to the put in where they fed us breakfast. After breakfast we got on the river and had a blast. We stopped after a bit for snacks and then ended with some lunch at the takeout. It was such an awesome river and I enjoyed every minute of it, especially those where I got to ride in the front and drop down some class five rapids. We went through three class five rapids and also had to get out of the boat and carry it around the rapid, as they were too dangerous of lines for us to run through. At the takeout we also saw Goanna’s which are basically huge lizards, about two to three feet long. Once we got home from whitewater rafting, we quickly changed and got ready to go out on the mountain bikes, where I had a blast riding, First though I had to get used to the bike, and all the mechanics of it, which was good to learn about from Adam, as the prior time of mountain biking I did not enjoy nearly as much. This time though, once I had gotten comfortable with it, I was splashing through the mud and just enjoying it all. When I got back I was covered in the mud that we had rode through. When putting the mountain bikes back away, we were able to se some pady melons, which are basically midget kangaroo. That night I watched Adam, as he gave a demonstration of how to change one of the mountain bike’s tires. That day was a good day for me pushing myself too, as when we took the bikes out, we rode a long hill going down, and we also had to ride that same hill going back up. I was constantly telling myself to just keep pushing it, and luckily I made it to the top without stopping, which made me feel like I had achieved so much.

From the Cascades we went to Byron Bay, which is where we have been the last five days. On the first day arriving into town, we went to the beach to go to a surfing lesson. Prior to this I had never tried surfing and so I didn’t know if it would be my thing, or if I would want to do it again. I ended up having a blast learning how to surf and I became hooked on it. I was able to get up and I had a few really good waves. This whole thing was such a relief that I enjoyed it, as I didn’t know if it would be one of those things that I got frustrated with. Since that first day, I have got out in the ocean each day, whether it was borrowing a friend’s board for an hour on the second day of being in Byron or it was renting my own surf board the past two days. I definitely found out what it is to wipeout too. I didn’t know it was so easy to be pushed by the ocean water and do a summersault, while falling off a surf board, after trying to get up. Although I got a lot of water up the nose and my body has been aching due to the thrashing that it has been getting, I am glad I got out there and learned how to surf.

In Byron Bay though we have done more than just surf and be beach bums, we also have went scuba diving. Being that I am taking Advanced Scuba on this trip, after having done knowledge reviews in preparation for my dives, I went on five dives, in order to get my advanced certification. These dives were my first out in the ocean and going into it, I was bit nervous, as we would also be going deeper than I had ever gone before….It turned out being so amazing though. It was such a great learning experience to watch other divers and learn from them. Also, seeing all the awesome tropical fish was so neat. It was such a great experience doing those five dives, words cannot even put it into perspective. The Julian Rocks Marine Park, was a great first time experience and I loved everything about it, we saw sea turtles, eels, woobiegongs, leopard sharks, sting rays, and so much more. This experience made me want to dive as much possible and see as I can.

Well I can’t believe that this trip has already flown by and it is now time to go home. When your having a good time learning, time definitely fly’s by!
-Rochelle