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I've finally got internet up in my room! The tech guy LITERALLY walked away two minutes ago. And here I am, posting a new entry in my journal for the sole purpose of your enjoyment, enlightenment, and overall mental well-being. How thoughtful of me!

The wait is over

Andy Tew
2007-05-25 19:53:41

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Grampians staff puts food out to lure them in for closer looks. Overlooking the whole site is Mt. Abrupt, a striking topological feature if their ever was one. It's a mountain of the Grampians range; the range is a feature that was uplifted after an inland ocean that once covered the whole area receded. Thus, the rock has layers at an angle, a sedimentary composition (mostly mudstone).

Here are the highlights for my three day visit:

Wednesday Evening (Day One):
Arrived on the bus around dinner time. Ate dinner, got to know some of the other Butler kids. Tried to stay up late to fight jet lag- failed miserably, went to bed at 8:30pm.

Thursday July 7th (Day Two):
Woke up at 6am to shower and go on a solo walk in the early morning mist. It was cold-- mid-40s, maybe-- and cloudy, but I struck out in my sweatshirt anyway. Took a trail that Dennis (the manager of the retreat) suggested for a nice view of Mt. Abrupt. While I walked in almost pitch black along the trail I was startled by a loud *thump* a few feet to my left. I paused, heart beating, listening for another sound. Soon enough, *thump* *thump* again. A kangaroo. Although I hadn't actually seen one yet, I knew the sound for what it must be. *THUMP*. I kept walking, slightly unnerved. Saw a nice sunrise on a small hill overlooking a wetland area. Lots of frogs croaking, birds squawking, sheep bleating. Walked back for 'brekky.' After eating, all the UWA and Murdoch kids went on a rock-climbing trip. They hiked us up to the base of Mt. Abrupt where we learned the basics of belaying and climbing (I already knew most of the stuff) and went at it. The rock face wasn't too high or too difficult, but it was freezing. It had rained the previous night. I had a couple good climbs and had people take my picture. Everyone still seemed jet lagged, so we did a lot of sitting around and chatting. We went back for lunch, then after that had an orientation info session with Jodie. She's ...