Friday 18th April - Day 75

I'm at a hostel called Southerncross, 1770 (this number is the actual name of the town (something to do with the year 1770 and Captain Cook) near Agnes waters. I've been told it's probably one of the best hostels in Australia. As I walk in and approach the reception desk I'm greeted by one of the residents, a Swedish guy named Martin. I'm sure he's heard it a million times before, but he looks like the pictures you see of Jesus. He's not wearing white robes, but his bearded face nad hair matches the image. Ironically, he recently graduated with a degree in Islamic studies. Unfortunately, we don't get a chance to socialise very much in the two days I am at southern cross.

It's always (well nearly always) good to make friends and I'm glad Martin went to the trouble of introducing himself and giving me a run down of what it's like here. There are about 30 residents, and most of them are in their little cliques it seems. They call this place a retreat and there are little chill out areas and more space than other hostels. Generally, it's quite a nice place to be and people tend to stay here for a while.

The nearest place with shops is 4 km away and a regular free shuttle takes you there. Five minutes walking distance from the shops is a beach. There are a number of locals who visit the the beach, some with their children and surf boads. It is a huge, brown, clean, sandy beach like most I've seen in Australia. It must be great to have it on your doorstep. There are only about twenty small shops, cafes, etc around here and not much else.

I make friends with a couple of guys back at the hostel who show me photos of their trip here in Australia on their laptop. I'm not going to the outback and some other places they have been to and it's interesting to hear their views of Australia.