Unknown Territory

“What am I doing”

Finally left Byron Bay and made my way to Brisbane to catch up with Simon, one last time. We were supposed to go to the Australian zoo and I was really looking forward to it, cause i wanted to hold some creepy crawlies (spider fear to overcome) and see some crocs, however we both got into brisbane too late and the zoo would have been closing within and hour of our arrival there. Bugger! Anyway we were both a bit cream crackered and i dont think we would have paid any attention if we had gone. So a meal and a massive chat and then im on my way to Darwin.

I better explain why im actually going there. You see i registered with this organisation called woofing. They take your details for a small fee and then you get a book for cattle or organic farms all over the world and you can email them for work. Your board and food are paid for so you dont get a wage, however you meet lots of people, live with a family and learn all about organic farming, looking after cattle, driving the tractors (my favourite) and so much more.

The farm that I was accepted on was owned by 'Mum and Dad' duo Claire and Mike O'Brian and their daughter Moira, who looks after office stuff. The farms are called Coodardie and Numble Numble. They specialise in cattle breeding and have about 4000 cows altogether. They were situated in the Mataranka/Darwin/in the middle of no-where territory, way up north. Bit of a bind getting there. I didnt realise how bloody big Australia was, and my first attempt to get a greyhound to Mataranka was met with the incredibly depressing news, that i would basically need 4 coaches and 45 hours of travel. Jesus weap! What a nightmare journey. So, bugger that i thought, went straight on the net and booked a flight to Darwin (nearest ariport that flys out of brisbane) and got a bus to Mataranka where 'Dad' kindly picked me up. So 45 hours down to 12. Result....ingenuity at its finest!