New photos added (see right) from the last few weeks in Perth, and a Hello pic of my mountains...sorry about the captions Ben and Mike! Also, climbers check out this link...

some things have changed; apparently you need a PIN number to use your credit card (annoying - I don't know mine since I have not had to use it before) but some things remain the same: I can't believe Heathrow still reeks of smoke, and I had forgotten that they don't know what a flat white or a long Macc is here! Anyway, just killing time... excited to be home - its cold (zero) and open fires and frosty walks are calling...

I have a love-hate relationship with goodbyes. They force me to realise that there are so many fantastic people in my life. I worry that I am not as good a friend to people as they deserve. It is so strange that a homecoming is a step into the unknown in a way that no leaving has ever been. As Leontia Flynn says, "The furthest distances I have travelled have been those between people, and what survives of holidaying briefly in their lives." I will miss so much about Perth, but more than that, I will miss the great friendships I have made here, especially those cemented in the last couple of weeks. So, not goodbye, but see you soon, somewhere. Now, my GIANT backside will pedal off up the hill towards home  happy, but a wee bit sad. I am looking for steeper hills and higher summits, I suppose. I am off to pack up my bike - talk to you from the other side. D

Huge day at the Rottnest Swim. Couple of things stand out - amazing numbers of people finish profoundly hypothermic. One full cardiac arrest, intubated, ventilated, and airlifted, along with a near drowning and a propeller injury. Crazy busy. My mate Pat finished in just over 9 (yep, NINE!) hours, and was pretty well, so that was fab. But, they are ALL crazy. It is a supreme feat of endurance and a test of the human body. I am incredulous and awed and dubious about it, all at once. Hope the arrest guy makes it. We got him back to ROSC after lots of CPR and BVM and adrenaline. We shall see... Now, gotta tie up some loose ends, and head home. Excited, anxious and sad all at once. It has been a great few years, with a few blips, and a great last month... Looking forward to some long, cool walks in the hills, and a pint or two of the black stuff (a pint o' plain is yer only man) and maybe even a hot whiskey or two by an open fire, with good company. Perth is great, but it is, ultimately, too flat for me. I will hold my friends from here close to my heart though - I will miss you guys - you know who you are! Until the next time, wherever and whenever it may be (soon, with snow and soaring peaks involved, if all is as I hope!)

All a bit Frantic! Running out of time to do all I need to do. Doing my shipping this week, and my taxes, and doing the Swim study, and trying to say all the goodbyes that need to be said. Busier than I have been in ages! Good fun though. Only 13 sleeps til I am home! Oh, and Happy Birthday Dad, left you a phone message but couldn't get you in. Will call on the weekend! Thanks for the letter!

Time is ticking by...I can't wait to get home, and my head is stuffed with plans and ideas...but have been making sure I enjoy my last few weeks here! Just learned to waterski on the weekend, which was easier than I expected, but more painful and strenuous than expected too - my groin is killing me! Been out mountainbiking and road riding lots, and climbing well too - lots of trad leading, pushing my limit a bit, basically because I have met a South African guy - Troy - who is just a wee bit better than me, and really solid, so I feel I can push it 'safely'...feeling as fit as I ever have - its great! Only 18 sleeps to go  brace yourself