May, 2001, I drank 6 cans of half strength beer, and the hangover lasted a week. Bedridden for 2 days, so, so ill.
My live was so far gone that it could not handle any more alcohol abuse. I had been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver through too much alcohol at least 9 years earlier. It took me that long to finally kick the habit. Two failed attempts, first one I stopped for circa 2 years, went back on it.
Second time I stopped for 3 years, went back on it.
Until the final terrible hangover.
Lying in bed, I said I am sick of this lifestyle so made the decision to not drink again.
Never did drink again, never wanted to drink again.
The hardest part was completely changing my lifestyle because every hour of free time (after work and the weekends) involved being around booze. I realised to make it easier I needed to reinvent myself.
So I decided to go into the Aussie bush and enjoy the peace and tranquility, watching, and being a part of nature going about its business.
That is the time when my love for nature and the Aussie bush really grew and grew.
Growing up in Tasmania I was blessed with an abundance of nature and was there every weekend, so I grew up in the rainforest, alongside the Gordon and Franklin Rivers with a stubby ever present.