A night with the stars and the Staircase to the Moon
Without knowing it I seemed to have planned my visit to Broome perfectly. I saw the last ‘Staircase to the Moon of the Year’ (apologies for the rubbish photo) and also got to see a lunar eclipse (photo stolen from internet:).
I absolutely love learning about the stars and the universe. When I went to the observatory in Chile I said that I hope when we die we are taken to a big lecture theatre where we are told everything about the universe. Where we came from, why did the Big Bang happen and that little question of ‘why are we here?’ The thought of the universe absolutely blows me away.
(Have a wee look at this link to be completely blown away! The part about the Hubble telescope is just amazing.
http://m.ba-bamail.com/View.aspx?MemberId=835852&emailid=12288&source=mobile_share)
I watched the lunar eclipse last wednesday where the earths shadow covers the moon. The moon turned a blood red colour which looked incredible. (My photo didn’t come out very well so I stole this one from the internet so you can see what it looked like)
The Monday before I went on an astro tour in Broome with an amazing guy called Greg (cool name:).
Greg has been giving talks about the stars for the best the best part of 20 years. He is completely self taught and explains the universe in a such a simple way that you can’t help but understand it.
Greg said that he first really took note of the stars when he was working as a Pearl Diver in his younger years. Pearl diving is determined by the tides so he always knew tidal and therefore moon patterns.
He then became a mechanic and would service trucks which would take him out on the road. He would sleep beneath the stars. As he lay there he would noticed that the stars were in a different position each night. He then went away and bought himself a star map and there started his learning of the earth and the universe which surrounds it.
Greg’s tour was in a beautiful spot in a field where he has a range of telescopes and you sit under the stars listening to Greg explain everything you’ve never realised you wanted to know. Unfortunately the moon was shining bright that night so many of the stars couldn’t be seen but seeing the moon throug the telescope was pretty amazing! You could see every detail of the craters.
There were so many things he explained but the one which really got me thinking is that we all still talk like as if we live on a flat earth. We still say things like ‘let’s watch the sun go down’ when I fact it’s us that’s rotating so it should actually be ‘let’s go and watch the sun move away as we turn away from it’! Not quite as romantic but that’s actually how it is.
I also didn’t realise that the moon is 400,000km away from the earth and is pretty much the same size as Australia. If you put the moon on top of Uluru in the centre of Australia the moon would just about cover Oz! It goes to show juts how big Australia is!
The earth travels at 66,600mph through space and spins at 1,036mph. Wow! And here’s me worrying about going to another country whilst all the time we’re hurtling through space at almost 67’000mph! It’s quite a thought isn’t it?!
Just when I thought Greg couldn’t be anymore awesome he then pulls out cups of HOT CHOCOLATE for everyone! The dream end to an amazing night.
Greg has a Facebook page which he updates with facts and videos which you can find here. He also has some great photos of the eclipse:-
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Greg-Quickes-Astro-Tours/167670281850
The staircase to the moon was good but I’m told that this one wasn’t the best. It was a bit cloudy so you didn’t see the moon until it was quite high in the sky therefore the staircase effect was a bit lost. It was still incredible to see it rise over the mud flats so I’m so glad I stayed to see it for myself.
An amazing week with the stars and my friend Katherine having to put up with me singing the lyrics to ‘I swear’ by All 4 One! Remember that classic?…..”I swear by the moon and stars in the sky…” I hang my head in shame!;)
X
Seaplanes, sharks and Horizontal Falls
On Tuesday I got to experience one of my all time dreams…..I got to ride in a seaplane! Wow!! I’ve wanted to go in one of these ever since I first watched Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Luckily there were no snakes in this one:)
I took a half tour with the incredible Horizontal Falls Adventures up the coast to the amazing Horizontal Falls. I had no idea what the Horizontal Falls were before I arrived in Broome but I saw leaflet with a photo of them on and thought I have to see these things for myself.
The Horizontal Falls are a fast-moving tidal flow through two narrow, closely aligned gorges. As the tide rises it struggles to get thought the gorges which makes the current unstable as it forces it’s way through the gaps giving the appearance of a horizontal Waterfall.
The tour itself was amazing. We flew up the Kimberley Coast to the Falls and the scenery was breathtaking. The water was a turquoise colour that made you pinch yourself to see make sure you weren’t dreaming and the beautiful islands popping out of the water like beautiful prehistoric dinosaurs.
We then circled around the falls so all sides could see them before a ‘Top Gun’ like sharp turn down to the water where we landed. (See photo of me to see the pure excitement on my face).
We then went for a ride in a RIB boat and motored through each of the falls which was so much fun. The tide is so strong that you are jumping all over the place. We then went back to the floating barge and had a bit of breakfast before swimming with sharks and then off on another boat ride through the mangroves. I made the bold announcement that I thought it was a myth that Australia had lots of crocodiles because I hadn’t seen any yet. I’m now very much hoping that my statement isn’t proven completely wrong next time I go for a paddle!:)
We then headed back to Broome but sadly landed on concrete at the airport which was nowhere near as much fun as landing on water.
I absolutely loved the falls but I think it was the whole experience which I loved. Riding in a seaplane, zooming through the falls on a speed boat and being face to face with a shark. My NLP therapist always told me to ‘find the inner child’ and I’m not sure I fully understood all that back then but I totally understood it on this trip. I was a kid again, doing things for the first time and I loved it. I even got to ride up front with the pilot. Such fun! Fortunately the pilot didn’t hear me endlessly quoting Top Gun under my breath during the flight!:)
A huge thank you to Horizontal Falls Seaplane Adventures for this amazing experience. Visiting the Kimberley in Australia is definitely going on my list!
X
Beautiful broome and the stunning kimberley coast
Sunshine, sand, sunsets and what could possibly be the best camping spot ever! What a start to my Australian adventure.
I got off the plane in Broome and was immediately whisked away up the coast by my good friend Katherine for a camping trip hence the lack of updates this week. I first met Katherine when we both volunteered for Raleigh International last year so it was great to see her again. She now lives in Broome, works here as a doctor and is one of the loveliest people you could hope to meet so I’m in good hands. Although, when I wrote ‘101’ in the sand for the first photo, Kat came over, looked at it with a confusing look on her face and asked “why have you written LOL?”. I haven’t stopped teasing her about it since.
The trip
We first drove up to a place called Middle Lagoon which was beautiful. To get there you need to have a 4WD truck as the roads are just dirt and sand. The campsite was about 50 yards away from the beach and we spent a couple of days just relaxing, swimming in the ocean and catching up. The photo of the solitary umbrella on the beach is about as busy as it got there. It was just amazing as the beach was perfect in every way. The water and the sand reminded me of the beautiful San Blas Islands in Panama. I couldn’t believe how quiet it was.
At night we set up a fire and chatted over a couple of cold ginger beers. It was absolute bliss.
We then drove further north to a place called Cape Leveque where we stayed in what I can only describe as the most amazing camp site ever. I’ve stayed in some amazing places on my trip so far with the cottage I stayed at in upstate New York coming very close to my dream home. I’ve always said that my idea of a dream home would be the caravan on the beach that Mel Gibson’s character has in the film Lethal Weapon. I always thought this was the most idyllic place for a home, right next to the ocean.
The place we stayed at in Cape Leveque is called Kooljaman and they have little wood shelters literally right on the rocks next to the beach where you can camp in (see photos after the solitary umbrella photo). It was incredible waking up and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean and being able to walk just a few steps onto the beach. I’ve never stayed in such a place.
These beaches were also very quiet so you feel like you are on some kind of beautiful tropical island.
Needless to say I’ve totally fallen in love with Western Australia and I’ve only seen a tiny part of it so far.
I’m now back in the town of Broome which has the most beautiful sunsets ever. Seeing the sunset over the ocean has to be one of the most incredible things ever. Its so beautiful it’s hard to believe its real. I’ve tried to keep my sunset pics to a minimum in this album but I have a ridiculous amount more on my camera. Sunsets are still my most favourite thing.
On the rocks by the ocean there are Dinosaur footprints which are another reminder of just how amazing our world actually is.
I’ve now decided to stay in Broome for one more week as some of you told me about something called the ‘Staircase to the Moon’. This is where the full moon rises from the ocean’s horizon and the reflection from the mud flats resemble stairs leading up to it. I’ve got to see this for myself. The next full moon is on Thursday so I’m going to stick around for that and also go see the amazing Horizontal Falls on Tuesday.
As I sit here writing this update and choosing which photos to share with you I once again feel like I am in a dream world. I questioned whether or not I should come here before I left and now I am so glad I did. What an amazingly beautiful place.
X
Made it… almost!
I’m just about to jump on flight number three of my 33 hour journey from London to Broome, Australia. I’ve landed in Perth and now have a 6 hour wait until my next flight so have turned on my Facebook to find the most wonderful messages from you. I’ve been reading through them all and they are just amazing. Thank you so much. I’m all fired up now and ready for action! Well, I might be ready after about 10 hours of sleep!:)
I love natural and ‘in the moment’ photos. My dream would be to have someone travel with me and capture the moments of what it’s truly like to be a backpacker. I feel like sometimes I only ever post the smiley and ‘standing in front of something epic’ pictures but occasionally it’s nice to see the in between bits as well because they are also sometimes my favourite parts as well.
Obviously this isn’t a completely natural photo but I was sitting like this trying to have a wee nap and I thought I would set up the camera and take a photo to capture what life on the road is often like. (The thai stewardesses opposite me thought I was very strange).
Travelling can often involve a lot of waiting around but I actually love it. I never seem to be in a rush for anything nowadays (which may well annoy future employers) although being late for things is still a big no no for me. I love these times because there are so many things I can do like read, listen to music or write and it’s a great opportunity to just to stop and take it all in. For example I was sitting there and I looked out of the window and I saw an Australian flag and I thought…Yowzers! I’m in Australia! Crazy! It’s strange that you actually have to stop for a moment or two to actually fully comprehend these things.
So the next stop is Broome! I’m still planning my route round Australia but I would absolutely love to meet up with everyone from OZ who has messaged me. You guys are so generous. Thank you. I’ll let you know when I’m going to be in town and hopefully we can meet and you can show me the real Australia! Australia is enormous by the way! Wow!
Thanks you so much once again everyone for your kind words. I feel very honoured to have you with me.
X
The adventure begins!
After an emotional goodbye to my beautiful parents I now sit here on the floor next to a plug point at Heathrow airport waiting for my flight to the beautiful Australia.
I’m wearing exactly the same clothes as I did when I first set off in June last year. The colour has faded a bit but they are still going strong!
Loads of thoughts going through my head right now. The main one being ‘have I made the right decision?’, closely followed by, ‘do I really need three pairs of shorts?’
Isn’t the human mind an amazing thing?! One minute I’m debating life choices, the next I’m thinking about my wardrobe!:)
My mum will be happy to hear that I’ve taken 10 pairs of underwear this time round instead the five I had when I first set off! she will be so proud!:)
New things, new people and wonderful experiences await. When I have my down days, which I had a few of on the first leg of my trip I just have to remember that those are soon forgotten when you look back on your life experiences.
The good things in life always prevail! I just have to keep remembering that when a certain something beginning with the letter ‘c’ pops into my head.
So without further a do….let the adventure begin!
X
A time to say goodbye
The time has come to say goodbye to the people I love most in the world. On Thursday I jump on a plane headed for the other side of the earth. Yesterday the butterfly’s started and today the head itching (another annoying side effect of my anxiety) started but at least this time I know it’s from more apprehension and excitement rather than fear.
When I get nervous about going away I always think back to 4 years ago and the feeling I had just before my operation. The elevator doors shutting as I went up to theatre and me saying “I’ll see you later” to my loved one. As the doors closed all I could think of was that there were vascular surgeons on standby in case my enlarged veins from my blood clot proved ‘problematic’ and the realisation that as a 30 year old I would probably be waking up to a life long colostomy bag. Fortunately none of those things were needed. The surgeon was a genius that day and I woke up to a few more wires coming out of me and a weird glued up cut down my abdomen.
I remember my brother staring at the size of my catheter tube in disbelief and asking “is that going where I think it’s going?” Ha! It still makes me laugh.
So when I get scared about doing something like this I think back to that day and I realise that there is nothing on this planet that can be as bad as the feeling I had as those elevator doors shut.
I’ve put some photos in this post just to show you some of the wonderful things I’ve been up to in the past couple of weeks. Being at home hasn’t been the relaxing time I hoped it would be but I’m so glad I came home. It’s made me realise that maybe this little island of ours is the place for me. Near family and friends.
So this is what I’ve been up to over the past couple of weeks:-
Becoming a Godfather again, this time to the gorgeous little Hattie. Another amazing honour in what is without doubt my favourite year ever. Despite her expression I am in no doubt that she is as happy as her Uncle Greig!:)
Meeting the worlds greatest living explorer, Sir Ranulph Fiennes.
My brother treated me to hear the great man give a talk at the Royal Geographic Society in aid of the urology foundation.
This guy has walked across the Antarctic, reached both poles by surface and at 65 years old climbed Everest! He is amazing and it was incredible seeing his photos and hearing the stories of what horrific environments the human body can survive in. As I know only too well the human body is one tough cookie!
I emailed Ranulph the day before and he was kind enough to write back and congratulate me on my challenges in life. It was an honour to meet him. (I didn’t buy his book though so I think that’s why he looks so grumpy:)
My mum showing me the inside collar of my shirt and asking if I had EVER cleaned the back of my neck since I’d been away. The answer was no. Mum then proceeded to conduct a surprise attack with a wet cloth when I wasn’t looking. My neck is now red raw…but ridiculously clean! thanks mum!:)
Seeing my favourite book brought to life on stage at the Regents Park Open Theatre in London. If you ever get a chance to see this show then please do. It’s the most magical experience ever and definitely one for your lists. To Kill a Mocking Bird has been my favourite book since I first read at school. It is beautiful and covers every human emotion going. I’m still one day hoping that I’ll be as brave and wise as the amazing Atticus Finch.
A huge thank you to my friend Jenny for this wonderful treat. X
Hanging out with my wonderful dad. Dad asked me if I wanted to go and pick brambles with him one day last week. I hesitated at first but then I thought it would be nice to hang out. I’d actually forgotten how much fun it was picking fruit. We used to go raspberry and strawberry picking as a family when my brother and I were kids. I think we would eat more than we picked but it was a childhood memory I am very fond of. Mum would then make jam and drop scones which was just the best thing ever.
When I was picking the fruit I thought just how amazing our world is that you can just stop by the side of a road and pick these amazing fruits off a tree….for FREE! I wondered how many people had wasted their money buying them from Waitrose that day.
My last day with my big brother and little Sister in law before I go away. I love hanging out with these two. They are such fun and so in love it’s just wonderful. They make me believe that true love really does exist in the world.
We had the best day with smoothies in the morning, before hiring a rowing boat on the Thames and having a picnic. We then messed around and played catch before heading home for a big fat Sunday roast and a movie! The prefect British summers day.
Saying goodbye to my brother was a little bit harder this time because this time I knew just how much I was going to miss him.
My parents will wave me off at Heathrow Airport on Thursday and I have a feeling that one will be the most difficult goodbye of all.
Fear not though because in the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger….. “I’LL BE BACK!;)
X
The route
I did this little video the other day chatting about my future route around the other side of the world. It’s much longer than i’d like but I kind of say everything I wanted to say in it so I kept it the same.
It’s also firm proof that my writing is better than my presenting skills! 
I will still be uploading the things I do from my list onto my YouTube channel and website as the quality is better but I thought it might be nice to do a little personal video blog every now and again.
I hope you enjoy the next 5 minutes of waffle! And for the record my mum and dad don’t make me sleep in the kitchen which is what I elude to in the first sentence!:)
Happy Sunday everyone
X
No more sailing for me
It turns out that perhaps I should have taken my surname more seriously after all. I am indeed a Trout. I love being in the water rather than sitting on top it. My sea legs aren’t what I’d thought they would be.
Last weekend I took part in the Hamble to Cherbourg race across the English Channel and It was then I decided not take part in the Transatlantic race 2015.
We set off at 7pm on Friday night and arrived in France almost 24 hours later.
It was about halfway through the race that I decided that maybe this is not for me.
The reason I have dropped out of taking part in the transatlantic is simply because I wasn’t looking forward to doing it. 101 Things among lots of other things is about having things to look forward to and doing the things you want to do in life. Unfortunately doing the transatlantic race filled with more dread than it did excitement.
France made me realise just how long 2.5 weeks on a boat actually is. The rest of the team absolutely love sailing but I find that it is not something I dream of doing anymore.
When I did Angelride in the States I found that I actually enjoyed cycling. I loved being on a bike and seeing the scenery change. It was incredibly tough and when I got to a hill my heart would drop a little but but once I got to the top i knew there would be a part where I could go downhill and go as fast as I possible could. I absolutely loved the downhill bits. After France I now wonder what parts I will enjoy or look forward to the most when on the Atlantic. I fear the novelty of being in the middle of the Atlantic might ware off pretty fast.
To do this race is not just about the 3 weeks it would actually take to sail across the Atlantic. Doing this race affects my entire trip from here on in. It puts both further financial and time constraints on my trip and would mean that I’d be rushing around. The beauty of the first part of my trip was that I had the freedom to go where I wanted when I wanted. I had planned only one thing before I left the UK and that was Raleigh international. The rest I just discovered as I went. What a wonderful and rare way of life to have.
There are some decisions I’ve made on my trip so far which I questioned when I made them. When I decided to go to the States I thought it might be a bad decision but it all worked out. As soon as I made the decision not to take part in the transatlantic I knew instantly it was the right decision and I haven’t regretted it.
I did fret about the money I’d spent on the sailing that I did do. Sailing, which I didn’t realise is very expensive. For a brief moment I thought ‘oh no what have I done?’. I don’t have much money left so this was a big chunk of change to spend on something I am no longer doing.
After a chat with Kirsty I then realised that I had achieved and learned so much by trying something new. I took part in an in shore racing event and experienced the thrill of a sailing competition, I sailed across the English Channel, I experienced my shortest visit to another country ever when we stopped in France for a quick beer (see pic) but most of all I made some new friends and that can never be a bad thing.
I said lots of things in previous posts about what I hoped to achieve by taking part in this race but I was reminded by my brother that this is my trip and I should follow my heart and do the things I want to do. I know this is selfish but I’m not sure how many opportunities I’ll get to do a trip like this, so first and foremost I need to make sure it’s one that I enjoy and I am excited about.
I just want to say a huge thank you to the crew of the Scarlet Oyster for affording me the opportunity to take part in this wonderful challenge. I think the Ellen MacArthur cancer trust is a wonderful charity and one which will continue to help a lot of people.
I will be cheering you on from terra firma and I wish you all the very best for future.
X
An evening with Shine Cancer Support
On Tuesday night I was invited to chat to the wonderful people at the Shine Cancer Support group in London.
Shine Cancer Support are a charity which provide tailored information and peer support for anyone in their 20s, 30s or 40s diagnosed with any cancer. They do this through a range of activities including lunches and drinks evenings, beach walks, multi-day getaways, workshops, online networking, and mentoring.
We all met up in a pub in Covent Garden and I told the gang about my experiences with cancer and PTSD as well as a wee trip is just been on. We had a lovely time and I met people who are currently fighting cancer, some who have beaten it and some who had recently been diagnosed.
During my chat I confessed that even as someone who’s been through cancer I often find I don’t really know what to say to others who are currently fighting it. Do I say something inspiring and profound? I think many people feel like that but we discussed it and we all agreed that the best thing you can do is to just listen. Sometimes that’s all we need to help us through the dark times. I know that’s what I needed.
I met some amazing people that night and I think this is a wonderful way of helping people cope with the effects of cancer.
During my worst period with PTSD I found I felt very alone. It was difficult for people to understand why I was going through this as the doctors had told me I was better and that the cancer had gone. Unfortunately at the time my mind chose not to believe that fact.
As I told the gang of my experiences with PTSD I was met with many nodding heads and expressions of ‘I know what that’s like’.
I would have liked to have gone to one of these events during my cancer as an adult. Sometimes it’s just nice to be around people who just ‘get it’ so you don’t feel alone or that you are losing your mind.
I was really honoured to have been asked to attend one of their get togethers and speak of my experiences and my 101 trip. It was all very informal and I saw lots of smiley faces and laughter as I sat taking it all in.
If you are keen to find out more then please take a look at their website for more details. It’s lovely to know that you are not alone in this fight.
http://www.shinecancersupport.co.uk/Pages/AboutUs.aspx
A huge thank you to Shine for having me and I look forward to seeing you all when I get back next year.
X
What a week
As I write this I’m trying to get my bag ready for some more training on the high seas. This time we are on a night time race from Hamble, South of England to Cherbourg, France and back! It’s seems like a long way to go just for a croissant!
It’s been an action packed week. I was joint best man at my best friends wedding, I became a godfather, I nipped up to Scotland to see some family and over to where I grew up in Newcastle to see some old friends. It was an amazing and also a very emotional week.
Here is my week in pictures
My great Aunt Martha who is going to be 101 this year! How amazing is that! She is the most incredible woman. She still lives alone in her own house and only up until a few months ago she was still driving.
I asked her what the secret to a long life was and she simply replied “staying active”. So there you go! Off your bums and get moving people!:)
The new love of my life. My gorgeous God Daughter, Eleanor. It was such an honour to be asked to be her Godfather. I’ve now changed my name to Don Greig and can only talk to you when I have malteasers in my mouth!:) She is the most gorgeous little girl and always smiling….except in this picture. She’s my new best pal.
Me and Mrs Hartley. Mrs Hartley was my tutor when I was ill as a child. She was very fond of me back then and really hoped she would one day see me again. It was so lovely to see her. She and her husband Paul were talking about coming to see me at hospital. She said I was usually to sick to do class so she would often read to me whilst my mum had a break. Paul told me that there were times they would leave the hospital and think that would be the last time they would ever see me again because I looked so ill.
Mrs Hartley asked if I thought her coming to tutor me was worth it when I was ill. I said of course it was because it meant she saw a future for me and wanted me to be ready for it. She seemed pleased to hear this. A lovely woman and it was so lovely to see how excited she was when I walked through the door.
The groom flanked by his two best men. What a wonderful day and an amazing honour to be at my best pal’s side as he married the girl of his dreams. I absolutely love weddings. Everyone so happy and ready for a laugh and a dance. Ross and I started Uni together in 1999 and we’ve been friends ever since. If there’s a person on this planet that can make you feel good just by looking at you then it’s Ross. One of the nicest and funniest guys you could ever hope to meet. His other best man is a lovely guy called Lee (who some of you may recognise from TV) and they’ve been friends since they were kids.
My beautiful friends Joanne, Lindsay and their gorgeous mum Syl. These guys are like family to me. Lindsay (left) is the teacher of the class I dedicated my Standing on the Equator video to. Her year 7 class have been following me on my adventure since I started. I was brought up in Newcastle and when we moved down to Bristol when I was 16 I lost touch with most of my friends. It was before emails and Facebook and I’m rubbish at phone calls. Joanne, however, always kept in touch with me and called and wrote and I’m so glad she did. I’m so happy I have them in my life.
Bonnie Scotland! These pictures just show that you don’t need to travel thousands of miles to find the most awe inspiring scenery. Beauty is right on your doorstep. The sunset photo was taken in my home town of Annan in Scotland (I’ve moved around a lot:) My mum and dad have a caravan (trailer) up there so that’s where we stay when we go up. The ‘mountain’ on the left is called Criffel and next year I plan to climb it for the very first time. All are welcome to join me! It’s very small but I here the views are amazing.
So that was my week. From Dartmouth to Cheshire to Scotland to Newcastle and now back in Chipping Sodbury. I’m officially knackered (exhausted)!
I’ve got some much needed spare time next week so I can finally book my ticket to OZ and get on the move again. My little trip around the UK has gotten me excited for when I finally do come home for good. There are so many beautiful places to see here. I think I’ll keep the backpack out and do some local exploring when I return.
X