This week our family got seperated in half an we each went to different areas to do conservation volunteer work with the CVA (Conservation Volunteers of Australia). I think we were all in agreement that it was weird not being together with a huge group of 12 all the time. Just from the excitement and smiles and hugs when we finally reunited, it was clear how much we missed each other.
My group went about an hour and a half outside of Brisbane to a National Park. In the blistering heat climbing to about 37 degrees Celsius, we were introduced to some of the lovely invasive species of Australia: cat’s claw, lantana, and madera. We spent 4 days working alongside flying foxes (giant bats), goanna (giant lizards), ticks, and some of the most deadliest snakes in the world to uproot and kill these weeds.
The other group went 3 hours north of Brisbane to Inskip Point near Fraser Island. They spent 4 days helping the rangers prepare for the holiday season. They moved fences, dug out huge holes, and oiled a riverside boardwalk in preparation for the 3,000 people who come to Inskip over the holidays.While our group got to stay at a very accomodating scout campground with hot showers and a fully equipped kitchen, the other group had to tent and drive into town everytime they wanted to shower.
This past week was definitely one of our most labor intensive and overall pretty informational. And now we only have two weeks left to spend together. Scuba diving and outback adventures. While our journey is winding down, our love, jokes, and spirit continues to grow as we make long lasting friendships and memories.
-Jessie