BoardFree 101 - Class of '06

Today is my last day in Australia. So I thought now would be a good time to write a blog! The journey has been over for nearly 2 weeks now and the time since has been spent relaxing at kind friends houses. I would like to thank the Cleator family for looking after us in Hope Island and for making us feel at home. Thanks also to Alex and Connor Gardiner for housing us in Sydney.

This trip has been a great experience and one which I have learnt many lessons. It has shown us that there are still people in the world who will go out of their way to help others. The hospitality and generosity of the Australian people has been unbounded. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this journey an amazing one for everyone of the team.

No one has taught me more on this trip than my fellow team members. We have spent the last 6 months together, in close confinement and still managed to come out friends at the end! I think this an achievement in itself! From each of these special people I have learnt valuable lessons for life.

Dim: Dim taught me not to judge a book by it’s cover. He is the perfect example of this, although he may look like a hobo he’s actually not that bad! He has many philosophies, some I agree with and some I don’t, but I respect his strong principles.

Si: Simon has taught me to always think positively and see the best in everyone and every situation. Simon is one of the nicest guys around and treats everyone in the manner he would like to be treated. No one can find a bad word to say about Simon.

Holly: Holly has shown throughout this trip, do what you feel like, don’t worry about what other people think (if you feel like dancing like a lunatic, then do it!!). You shouldn’t let other people’s opinions hold you back. Before I was guilty of caring to much about other peoples views about me but now I feel less confined. Holly may be only 20 but she can talk some sense!

Kate: Kate is the opitimy of the saying blondes have more fun. I now count Kate as one of my closest friends, someone who I can continuously joke around with. She has taught me that making people laugh is a valuable tool, especially in difficult times, and she isn’t afraid to do so often at her own expense!

Becki: Becki has taught me to have enough courage to stand up to your beliefs. During this trip she showed enormous strength of character in the face of adversity and this is something I truly admire. She has also shown me that some people are so focused on helping everyone else that they often forget to look after themselves. Look after number one!

Bev: Good things can come in small packages! I love Bev’s spirit and drive to see the lighter side of situations. Her determination and dedication to whatever she focuses on is second to none and I’m sure this will bring her great success. I think we both share similar outlooks on life and how to live it.

Laura: Laura has shown us that everything is worthy of its own theme tune! From Garfield the cat to hamsters, nothing is too small and insignificant! In BoardFree, Laura has found a passion which she has been able to totally immerse herself in. It has changed her life and given her a new direction.

Pete: Pete has taught me how to spin a cricket ball, although I’m not very good at it! He has a spooky (almost geeky) knowledge of films that no one I know can rival. Dimitri comes close but will never deny that Pete is the king! Pete is good at what he does and enjoys his work. I hope to be as lucky as he is in the future.

And last but not least;
Dave: Dave has shown me, and everyone else that anything is possible if you just put your mind to it. If you really want something, if you have a dream, then all it takes is some determination and a little hard work. Pain is just a figment of the imagination, a feeling, not a state of mind. It is something you can conquer and not something which should rule over you.
I can’t thank Dave enough for giving me this opportunity.

So this is my last blog in Australia. It has been a wonderful adventure, one which I will never forget. I hope that I can improve and grow as a person through the lessons I have been shown. Some of the team are already back in the UK and I will miss everyone after I fly home today. Never has a better group of people travelled behind a guy on a skateboard across a continent!
Thank you guys!!!!