This is my blog entry from my outdoor education class, I thought it would be perfect for this.
The trip to the Royal National Park was absolutely unforgettable. From the bus ride there (and the walk to the bus since I saw black yellowtailed cockatoos) I was majorly enthusiastic about seeing mountain-looking things out of my window. I listened to country music with my friend Brandon basically the whole way there which also put me in a great mood. When we arrived and took the short walk to the water, I unintentionally interrupted someone talking because I saw a whale jumping and became uncontrollably amused. That was a life changing experience as I NEVER see whales in Florida (no, Sea World does not count!). That was one of the first moments on the trip to the Royal National Park that I realized what a truly magnificent journey of a lifetime I am on. I have obviously realized before the trip how amazing this experience is / is going to be but seeing whales jump was of another league.
When we began exploring more, I saw rainbow lorikeets, a porcupine, and other animals I would not see where I am from. It was kind of upsetting that we could not tell if the porcupine was okay.. I wish we could have helped it if not. I stuck eucalyptus leaves up my nose (which actually worked very well), but I wish I could have eaten one of the mountain Devils! Or any plant for that matter! I still cannot believe I went swimming in the FREEZING cold water hole but it was one hundred percent worth it. It was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone and I am very glad I did so.
Something that stood out to me from my experience was the fact that I tried to be on my phone as little as possible and it enhanced everything so much. There was silly drama occurring between my friends and when I realized how much it was taking away from my experience, I turned my phone connection off completely. This turned it into an entirely different experience and I will be doing the same in the Blue Mountains- regardless of whether or not there is silly drama. It is important to not keep your face in your phone and to actually enjoy what is physically around you.
The views were breathtaking and it was truly a spiritual experience. I am not the most religious person but I believe in finding spirituality through nature and this truly fulfilled that for me. I want to go back and watch the waves and sit on the rocks above the landscapes again.
This adventure made me even more excited than I already was to go camping in the Blue Mountains. If this is how much a one day experience impacted my life, I can only imagine what is to come with an overnight experience.
I had my first exam on Saturday for my business law class and I think I did very well! And the best part was I made two Australian friends that day from my exam and we explored the city all day. We are hanging out again soon, they are getting me involved in a bunch of activities that locals know about.
I am having TOO much fun here and I cannot wait to move here one day.