Surf's Up!

Just a quick post - we have both had a few days off in a row, and have really enjoyed ourselves!

Krissy and Line - her Norwegian surf buddy

We surf nearly every day - which is amazing. Krissy has 3-4 weeks of practice more than I do, since I was dealing with a damaged ankle and couldn't get out on my board for a while. She's getting really good!

Byron is a lot of fun because we have made a ton of friends here! It's nearly impossible to go out for a surf, or indeed anywhere, without bumping into at least one person we know, and stopping for a quick chat. Yesterday we went surfing, and found our nearest beach to be pretty flat. After having a nice swim and doing some body-boarding, we decided to head to Tallows beach, where the surf is generally much bigger. Before we had made it 50 meters, we ran into a friend on the beach, also with surfboard, saddened by the lack of swell. So we dragged her off to Tallows with us! When we got there, we immediately ran into two more friends, and a nice guy that had brought with them. We rode out some WILD surf for an hour or so, then decided to have a barbie!

Ronan chefs it up with George, while our Italian buddy Nick entertains

The six of us all pitched in for a TON of food, a case of beer, a good few bottles of wine, and proceeded to have the most amazingly relaxing and enjoyable afternoon! One of our cohorts is a Frenchman, and a chef at one of the nicer restaurants here in town, and oversaw the preparation of a fantastic feast! More food than anyone could eat, and all of it amazingly delicious! We did wraps, with curried chicken, spicy steak, TONS of guacamole, sautéed veggies, a citrus yogurt sauce, and more! With significant dedication, and nearly five hours of effort, we managed to work through all of our drinks and most of the food, then decided to cap the night of with a trip to the Buddha Bar! All in all? One of those perfect Aussie summer days, that really can't be beat by anything in the world.

Today we were surfing on the Shipwreck, our nearest beach. It was really an awesome morning. We got up for an early-morning surf session since Krissy had to work at 11:00 AM. The sun was shining, the water warm, and there were dolphins out enjoying the surf with us! At least three of them were cruising around, coming within 3 feet or so of here we sat waiting for the next set of waves. We both rode well today too, and no major wipe-outs! One time, right as I turned to paddle back out after riding a nice wave in, I saw Krissy dropping off the top of a 5-6 wave for a wicked ride! I am catching up quick though, she had better look out!

Life is good in Byron Bay.

the fragrant and lovely Frangipani flower