Sunday 30th January
Departed Melbourne Airport and arrived at LAX at 7:30am. From there flew to Miami and met up with Richie (NZ) at the airport hotel.

Monday 31st January
Woke up early in Miami excited about getting to the boat. Flew from Miami to the Caribbean. The plane trip was amazing flying over tonnes of islands which all seemed to have their own unique wave set ups and water was absolutely crystal clear. When we got off the plane we were greeted by a local lady by the name of Mary who helps with getting Crossing passengers from the airport to the boat. Because the boat was out at sea with anchor problems Mary's husband took Richard and I for a surf at the local reef break out the front of their house. The waves were about 2-3ft and so fun, with crumbling sections perfect for airs. The reef was so sharp and shallow and not a place you want to fall off. Mary's husband also showed us a couple of other breaks near their house that looked like they would have amazing waves on their day. That night we got on the boat and met up with crew and our travel partners for the next 10 days.

Tuesday 1st February
Woke up really excited about the day ahead, however we were greeted by windy conditions and no waves. When you are on the boat and there are no waves there are still so many awesome things to do, so I was happy just cruising. After breaky we went to check out a break near by an island with Horny (photographer). It was really cool because the water was so clear and it looked like no one had ever been there. Knuckles (USA surfer) made friends with a lizard that could jump, while we all looked around finding shells and cool little walking trails. We had a pretty quiet afternoon watching movies and being entertained by little (Nick) Portuguese kid who had his head shaved into a Mohawk mullet. All he would say was "My mother will kill me." We were all pretty tired and had an early night.

Wednesday 2nd February
Woke up early this morning hoping for waves however it was still so windy. I got my laptop out and showed all the boys video footage of where I live, which got everyone frothing for a surf. Captain also started a swear word count on the little Portuguese kid because the only English he seems to use are swear words. Every five swear words means he has to do a job. He is currently on 14 swear words today and has already done the dishes after lunch. We just chilled all afternoon and shaved Nick a little Mohawk at night.

Thursday 3rd February
We had a really long day of motoring in hope of finding waves. The sea's were large with eight foot swells rolling us and the boat around. Unfortunately I became a victim of seasickness and went through the motions of turning green and throwing up over the side of the boat. Once we arrived at our destination we were greeted by large onshore conditions however this didn't stop us from jumping off the boat and going for a surf. The waves were really bad, but it was great to have a surf. Early night hoping for waves tomorrow.

Friday 4th Feb
Today was a massive day consisting of 3 surfs, boat breaking down and swimming with Manta rays. We got up early and tried to surf the point but it was to big and messy, so we went and surfed the beach break, which was fun but still nothing great. From the beach break we had an hour walk through private property hikes over man made sand hills and a walk through quick sand, which was so scary. Once we finally got to the boat it was time to go explore an island where we swam with huge Manta rays, which was so amazing. I even got to touch one and have my photo taken. On the island we found a wave that looked small and average. We decided to try surf it and to our amazement it was a really good 3-foot wave. All the boys were stoked. Half way through the surf the tinny broke down in the line up and just started seconds before a wave came. The ride back in the tinny it broke down again but this was short lived and we were back to the trader just before dark. Best day yet. So tired.

Saturday 5th February
I forgot to mention that yesterday I got up early and went and checked several islands for waves. Frank and I found a really good left-hander set up, but it was just a bit to small.

 Now starting with today. It was a really windy morning, so Miguel and I took the tinny to look for waves protected from the wind. However everywhere was completely blown out. We rounded up the boy's for a game of beach soccer on near by island. It was a fun game and was good to get some proper exercise. On the island we noticed some waves, which looked semi fun considering the wind. We went back to the boat and watched "Van Wilder Party Liaison" on DVD, which Nick found hysterical. After an amazing lunch we went back to Manta ray cover to do some photos with Horny. It is so amazing to be able to swim with them and touch their skin. After that we went out for surf, which was so fun. Blake shot from the water and got some pretty good footage considering the windy conditions. Coming in was really hard and I cut my feet up on the rocks. When we got back to the boat we were ravenous so we ate heaps of snacks and watched "Almost Famous" on DVD. Just as we finished the movies we were greeted with an amazing dinner of steak and calamari. It was beautiful. Just cruised after that.

Sunday 6th February
Had a good nights sleep and woke up to windy conditions and no surf. Today was a cruise day. We watched movies in the morning and in the afternoon we went and did lifestyle photos with Horny and the Manta rays. It was another great experience swimming with the Manta rays. Their skin is so amazing and smooth to touch. 

They look so graceful under water. At night we headed to a guy Frank who has a bar to watch the Superbowl. I wasn't that into it, but it was still fun to watch it and cheer for a team. Pretty cruisey night, just a couple of quiet ones. All the boy's were too tired to party.

Monday 7th February
Up early to the sounds of the engine running at full throttle. The wind had seemed to have backed off a little however when we got to the point, we were greeted with windy conditions, not worth surfing. Back to the local beach break we headed. While we surfed average waves Frank (captain) was dealing with passport issues, which seem to have been causing him some serious grief. I'm still so amazed with the colors of the water and how it changes according to the sun and density of the clouds. Horny and Blake shot footage, however there wasn't too much to shoot. We left Portuguese grom to surf by himself, while we headed back and ate lunch. After lunch we hitch hiked a ride into town to use the Internet and made phone calls, we also had some much-needed chocolate. I called my girlfriend, my mum and my sister (Gidge) to wish her happy birthday. It was great to touch base with everyone back home. On the way back to the anchorage we traveled for the last half hour of light however we were unsuccessful. Just had dinner and now relaxing watching movies. 

Tuesday 8th Feb
Motored out to the point early today, greeted with 6-foot uneven swell. On the way out we had dolphins at the bow and I managed to take some great photos with my digital camera. When we arrived at the point the wind got stronger, however they're still some rideable waves. Kiwi and I were straight out there to test the waters and stroked into some sets that got the hearts pumping. We decided out boards were to small, so we went and tried to surf the middle and end sections of the points, while the others watched on.