If only Barbie could talk

This past week I traveled north into Aboriginal territory in Arnhem Land with an international group of volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Australia. We spent 5 days picking up marine debris along the lovely coasts of the Cobourg Peninsula. Not only was it nice to have a few extra hands to help in cleanups, but I had a great group of really enthusiastic people to spend the week with.

We set up camp along the western-facing coast of Wiligi- a peaceful area where the bush meets the sea and home to loads of Australian wildlife, incredible sunsets, and some of the most stunning starry skies. Walking about 12 kilometers of beach per day, we came accross nets, rubbish, and truck-loads of buoys. The most interesting find of the week was probably a Barbie doll. She appeared to have been through quite a lot- years as a castaway at sea, over-exposure to the bleaching sun and maybe even a bush fire or two. If only Barbie could talk.

Not only was the group proactive, but also quite inventive. Getting creative with the trash we found each day, we established the "Beach Olympics." The events ranged from tree climbing with the hundreds of meters of ropes we collected to a version of the 'truck pull' using a large amassing of buoys and ropes. And afterwards, we relaxed in homemade hammocks made from the derelict fishing nets we pulled in. Not a bad reuse of rubbish.

I also got the chance to go inland for a change. With a friend visiting from Melbourne, we spent a weekend rockclimbing and hiking at Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks near Darwin.

Next stop: A quick stay in Singapore and then a couple weeks in the Maldives

The CVA group sorting rubbish

Identifying nets with Tim from Perth

My average day

Covering new territory with the Circumnavigators Club