After picking up an intro book on Buddhism from a pome at the hostel, I hopped out to the marina in Cairns. Setting out on our way to Brisbane were Skipper John, Peter, an 18 year-old Dutchie, Liz, a 24 year-old Norwegian and myself. As we left Cairns, news came that the space shuttle Columbia had exploded on reentry. I couldn't help but think that they were much like us - they were exploring the Universe above, and we were exploring the Universe below. It was unfortunate that they never reached their destination.

I truly felt like the luckiest person alive to be able to have the chance to sail the Great Barrier Reef for a week, and to learn about sailing. The nights were amazing with the Southern Cross ahead of us and the Milky Way all around. I slept every night in the cockpit so I could see the stars and be with nature. I marveled at the sunsets, despite rough seas, and felt I was one with the sea.

The trip introduced me to one of my greatest teachers in Australia, Peter. Although there was 15 years difference between us, either I didn't see him as 18, or maybe I was starting to feel younger than 33. In any case, Peter taught me about sailing and how to tie knots, and basically ridiculed me, "Yank," about most everything. Then again, I threw every Dutch joke I could at him. At the same time, I admired his interest in Buddhism, understanding of Hermann Brood and even knowledge of the Taoist story, "The Stonecutter." Peter introduced me to the Dalai Lama, and on one of the last nights in the boat Peter pointed out the constellation Orion to me. Amazingly I had never before seen Orion.

Unfortunatley a storm forced us into harbor in Bowen, where we spent a couple days. Like the astronauts in Columbia, these explorers also would never reach their destination. The boat broke down in Bowen. That was tough, but I appreciated the days I had in any case. Though I reminded myself not to have any expectations, I was very disappointed that we had to cut the trip short. At Airlie Beach I went my way while Peter and Liz went on down to Brizzy..

Airlie Beach was a cool little town to hang in for a few days. Unfortuanately I didn't get the best out of Airlie Beach due to the constant rain and my lack of desire to go out to Frasier Island. After all, I had just experienced heaven sailing - could Frasier Island dare compare?? But I did just chill with cool people at the hostel, which I was becoming very keen to. To alleviate my disappointment in Bowen, I went to town and got a Reiki massage at town market. After the massage, when asked to select a "Zen Tarot" card, I drew "Transformation". I would soon understand what this meant.

Going down to Brisbane, I met up with a German bloke named Gero. We hung out for a few days and went to the beach in the middle of the town. We also went to see "Bowling for Columbine" which reinforced my new feeling that contrary to popular belief, the opposite of Life is not Death. It is Fear. Leaving Brisbane for Sydney, I missed the bus and had to hang at Tin Billy's across the street. There I met some fellow backpackers who told me about Byron Bay. Twenty minutes before departure to Sydney, I changed plans and decided on Byron Bay. I was not prepared for what would happen next.

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