Amy's diary entry 12

We all miss Wallabadah terribly, especially Rex. If ever we get the chance to yodel again I think he would be really impressed; my triples are really improving. Triples you ask? Sorry, yodel talk.

The last week or so has continued to be quite educational for the team. We all know everything there is to know about coal mines, especially how absolutely enormous they are. We have gotten into the habit of counting the number of carriages on the coal trains which at times leaves you quite dizzy and grazes the knees occasionally as we trip over objects on the path while we stare at the trains but we can proudly say we have counted all carriages on all passing trains. The longest one had eighty. Felt a hint of travel sickness after that one.

One exciting adventure we had was the saving of young Wally. Wally is a fighter if ever there was one. We discovered Wally's mum lying on the side of the road. She had gone to animal heaven. Wally's legs were poking out of her pouch, so we grabbed him out, wrapped him in a towel and took him to the vet. Brian swears he was a kangaroo but I'd already named him Wally the Wallaby so we're going with them being wallabies. Brian occasionally makes things up to annoy me anyway.

For the two nights were in Branxton we stayed in a haunted hotel. It had been closed for months - we were the only people staying there. Scary stuff. Brian tells us little Lisa wasn't happy about us being there and that she was going to play the organ during the night to make us leave. I never did see little Lisa that night. It is possible that Brian made it up to scare me, but he's not usually like that.

Our welcome into Newcastle was really exciting. There were people waiting to walk with us across the forshore up to the old tram sheds. Most of these people were carers, parents and people with ABI. It is times like those that remind us how much of an impact we are having and how important our task is. It is such a good feeling to talk to people with acquired brain injuries about what we are doing and see a great big smile extend over their faces. Eveyone has a unique story, personality and energy, but they were all there for one reason - to join us across the forshore in gratitude. It was an amazing feeling.

We were also fortunate enough to be joined by Michael Hagen, Andrew Johns and Luke Davico that morning! We felt very privileged indeed. After a few minutes of walking and chatting, though, I realised how relaxed it all was and had an interesting time talking to them. They too were very supportive of the walk and it was a real benefit having them with us.

Walking up to the tram sheds there was a band playing to welcome us as well as the members of the community, the Lady Mayoress of Newcastle, the Hunter Brain Injury Unit and the Lions Club. What a crowd and such a fantastic group of people.

On our walk from Newcastle to Swansea yesterday, Chris (new member to the team!) and I found something by the side of the road. Similar to Wally's mum, he was in animal heaven, but we couldn't quite figure out what it was. I really did look like a squirrel, but Cris informs me it couldn't be. We decided it must have been one of those posscats.

We arrived at Camp Breakaway about three hours ago, having walked here from Swansea this morning. We were greeted by happy campers, parents and volunteers and all had lunch together in their hall. Tonight we will be staying at the camp and tomorrow night we will be at the Dam hotel in Wyong. We may have to check to see if the beer is cold.

It was our arrival to Newcastle that first made me realise we weren't going to be surrounded by cows all day every day anymore. I do miss talking to the cows. Maybe we'll see more posscats? They must be native to this area.