Well folks, this is it. My bags are packed and everything is ready. I've had a great fortnight of parties and goodbyes. My catch phrase has been "seen you in 8 to 9 months, or whenever I return", I must have said that about 50 times this week.
A big thank you to each and every one of my friends who have come to see me off and to those that i haven't been able to see. You're all very special to me and I'll miss you heaps. Just remember that this is only a holiday and I'll be back in....(see above).
   Goodbye to my family, I know I'll be ringing you when ever I get the chance. Keep me up to date with all the little, medium and big ones and those of you that can, should email me all the time.
To Bronwyn, Nina, Bex, Mike, Anna, Rory, Levi and Vasi, I'll see you all on the road. I look forward to some familiar faces amongst the crowd.

take it away John