Lamington National Park

Despicable Me was one of the cutest movies I've seen this year. It was precious...anyone who hasn't seen it needs to go see it. I went to see the movie alone...I've never gone to see a movie in a theatre by myself. I've avoided any and all situations since my break up that reminded me I was alone...but I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and time to myself. Everyone else went out to Irish Murphy's or had school work...and I was proud of myself for going and doing exactly what I wanted. Sometimes I get caught up in doing what everyone else is doing that I forget what I really want. I now know, I no longer need someone...but when the time is right, it will be when I want someone. And I've been waiting to feel that way for a long time.

I was even happier I went to see the movie rather than hitting the city when 6:00 a.m. rolled around this morning to leave for Lamington National Park. It was about 2 hours outside Brisbane but still in the state of Queensland. The rainforest was stunning, everything I imagined it would look like. All of the trees and plants were so lush and the environment was relaxing and peaceful. We hiked a full 7 hours straight, only stopping for lunch in a cave. At the start of the hike the weather was average for the high altitude and climate of the rainforest: moist, cool, and overcast. However as the day continued, rain poured on us our through the last hours of the hike. When we reached the peak of the mountain we were surrounded by clouds and unable to see more than a few meters in front of us. I feel like I really got my Australian rainforest experience and loved it. We did encounter some wildlife I wasn't prepared for: LEECHES. One absolutely loved me and went crazy on my ankle...I had a momentary leech crisis. They were very common and everyone encountered at least one, while some even had tick situations. The day ended similar to the "Moreton Bay experience." We were drenched from the rain, muddy, and freezing for the long bus ride home.

The night ended with a highlight...a letter from my dad "Gumdrop Jimmy." It made me miss home while making me feel at home simultaneously. Thanks for the mail parentals :)
We leave early in the morning for a weekend of camping at Byron Bay!

Night!

Marathon Training:

Morning: cereal

Afternoon: grilled chicken sandwich; apple; banana; granola bar

Night: hungry jacks (splurge of fast food...)

(water; sprite)

Workout: none