A more contrasting week to the one spent in Cairns could not be believed. I got up every morning at 05:45 for 6 days and started work at 06:30 just as the sun was rising and literally crashed out at 21:00. I did not touch a mililitre of alcohol until Saturday when I moved into the Mission Beach Retreat Backpackers and left behind the World of Bananas.
I spent a very wholesome and enjoyable week on an organic banana farm which is surrounded by the chemical varieties. On Monday I drove the mini tractor while Maurie cut of the bunches. We washed and packed 34 boxes of the beauties. Tuesday, after making a new chook laying house, we went to Tully to deliver the bananas which were destined for Sydney. A few too many food miles for my liking but that is where the demand is. That afternoon we stripped the trees of diseased leaves using a machete and then I cycled into town on the oldest rusty bike to use the tinternet.
I spent 3 days in the company of Maurie the Australian farmer whose un pc comments would have landed any investment banker in the courts. I put up with the comments and the stares and had to listen to stories of how most animals mate (as if I didn't know already) and how to strip lawn mower engines which bored me to tears. Part of my motivation for WWOOFing in Australia was to meet genuine Australians. Well after this experience I was questioning my reasoning. Luckily Jan came back from Cairns and on Thursday I went along to the Astanga yoga lesson which she teaches. I did enjoy the yoga, and realised I was actually quite fit, but it was a bit too sedate for my liking.
Wednesday we went in search of Cinderella and I pulled and teased her - the plant that is! We also mulched the lower paddock and saw a scrub python in the upper paddock (Amethystine Python) sunbathing. It was very long at about 4 meters and it was certainly an impressive first snake to set eyes upon. On Friday we liberated the hedge from Calypso plant and Saturday was spent in search of more Cinderella.
I enjoyed my week on the organic farm sleeping in the cyclone shelter and not in the main Queenslander house. It was refreshing to eat healthy organic food and learn about the flora and fauna of Australia. Saturday I bid farewell to my hosts and enjoyed my first Tooleys in a week. Top Brownie points to me and reassurance that I don't need to start AA sessions. I went to watch BOD and the boys get beaten by the boys in Black and had a good night out with the Midland Maidens: Heather, Claire and Rachel my English roomies. The good night out meant I had a mild overhang for my SKYDIVE which wasn't a bad thing as I wasn't at all nervous.
The flight from Tully up to 14 000 feet was quick with steep and sharp climbs. We all sat there with our legs spread eagle while Paul strapped me to his back. The door was opened and Paul shuffled us to the edge.....push..... and we were out tumbling around like a piece of cotton wool. My stomach lurched to begin with and I can't remember if I screamed or not but I did close my eyes. I soon pulled myself together and enjoyed the 60 seconds free fall. WOOSH the canopy had opened and it was all quiet and I could have a conversation with the boss. We landed onto the beach on a glorious Sunday morning at 09:00am. I had done something I never in a million years would have thought I wanted to do and I whats more I would love to do it AGAIN.
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