Katherine waves...

This has been heavenly. The breeze blows so gently through the trees as we paddle our boats down the Katherine River. The sand is so soft beneath me as I sleep at night and that sound of the leaves in the breeze, is like lullabies to my ears. We have really come together, as a group on this part of our trip too since paddling a raft really requires teamwork. I have learned patience, even for people who aren't my best friends, and to be, not only a good leader but a good follower. All of these things have become very important in the success of our group and how much fun we are having. I think I will view my friends and family a little more differently when I get home.
-Keller

Diversity on the Jatbula Trail...

This is the most amazing trail. We started in Katherine Gorge and have been making our way up to these waterfalls our guides keep talking about. I am quite satisfied right now with the stunning camp sights we have had. It is like a little slice of paradise. We camp next to these blue pools and gaze down into the valley below. I love dunking my head in the cool water in the morning and then watching the sun come over the edge of the gorge walls. I thought I would know what it would be like to see Australia after all the Survivor I watched but it sure is different. There is nothing like actually being here, smelling the breeze and seeing the sky full of a sunset or sunrise. Surreal!
- Melanie

Rainforest delight...

Everything is so lush here! The trees, moss, vines and grasses are everywhere! I like the humidity and feeling of everything being so alive around me. I feel like I am breathing the purest of pure air. Our trip will be over soon and I am sad. Spending five weeks with the same 17 people day and night has been an interesting experience. We are not always in a perfect mood but somehow, someone always is happy enough to make you laugh and forget about whatever you were thinking about. Our evening circles have been full of really meaningful discussions too. I feel like I know these people on a deeper level than most people I know.
-Gavin

The Great Barrier Reef...

What an incredible opportunity this was to be able to go on this trip! This part of the trip has been my favorite. We have been doing pool diving for the first two days, learning everything we need to know for our certification dives. It is unbelievably alive and beautiful down there! We then did four dives to get our certification. They were SO FUN- like nothing I have ever done before! I felt like a fish, swimming down there in the silence, being able to breath and interact as if I belonged. I can't wait for the next dives we are about to do. We are supposed to do one at night. It sort of seems like it is night down there already when I am down there. I wonder how different it will be. Maybe a sleeping fish will float by me! Love this!
-Nicolas

From Strangers to Family...

The seventeen of us started out not knowing what was in store for us, and yet at the end, it's been best trip ever. From a five day hike on the Jatbula to swimming with Aboriginal kids, from canoeing with Snowy on the Katherine River to SCUBA diving in the Great Barrier with Mike & Steve of Pro Dive; In the end, we were all sad to part our separate ways. But if you asked us if we would do it again, we would all say no doubt about it! -Joshua

The Ride of a Lifetime...

Before getting on the water, we ate lunch to get ourselves full before the rafting action began. After launching our boats, we quickly realized that we were going to have the best time. The scenery is indescribable. That evening, we went to sleep to the sounds of the river and nearby waterfall. - Alyssa

"Never Never" Country...

Today, we woke to the soothing sound of the river, just a quick trip from the historic aboriginal village. We all got prepared for a day that would be something that none of us has experienced. When several member of aboriginal village arrived at our campsite, we were introduced to the most adorable family. Eventually, they organized a hike along a trail that was covered by jungle trees. We passed by several crystal green waterfalls with watering holes that were perfect for swimming. It is amazing scenery. These people especially the elders know so much about this ancient land. -Alex

City Life...

It was really strange to arrive in the major metropolitan city of Sydney after spending the last thirty nights outside in our tents. Our two days spent in Sydney was a nice transition to heading back to our real world back home. Our amazing Australian experience culminated with a trip to the famous opera house and a final dinner with the group aboard a boat in the Sydney harbor. Hopefully, my family will be psyched about those souvenirs that I picked up in the famous Rocks district! -Devin