First day out offered a cruise around the harbor and Sydney's famous Opera House. One of Barry's most memorable days ever.

The next day, a meeting with someone special...

Visiting Charlie McMahon

Charlie McMahon! Charlie is one of the most famous didj players in the world, and a pioneer of modern didj music.

Charlie and Barry met for coffee (two flat whites, please) and discussed many didj-related issues, as well as Charlie's amazing career. Knowing that Barry was on his way into the real Australian outback, Charlie loaned Barry his swag (waterproof bed roll) for those long drives and awesome starry nights.

Before heading off to dinner, Charlie and Barry ducked into an underground record shop for a DidjeriBone™ demo! Charlie has some awesome, custom designed electronic gear which allows him to push the boundaries of didj playing off the map.

Charlie is a big hit with DJs and the rave circuit.

Soon it was off to Dubbo, a beautiful drive through the Blue Mountains and into the outback.

Barry caught up with Lewis Burns
(a decendant of the Wiradjuri Aboriginal people) at his gallery in Dubbo. Lewis is a good mate and a wonderful didj crafter and painter.

Lewis and Barry went to the forestry station to renew a permit to cut didjs. That same day they were out "tapping" for those termite-hollowed treasures.

Lewis doesn't use power tools in collecting or crafting his didjs. This is a very responsible, yet rare practice these days.

The smile says it all... Barry with a freshly cut didj from a Malle eucalyptus tree. This moment alone was worth the trip.

Roads like the one pictured here crosshatch for hundreds of kilometers through the Australian bush. You are surrounded by kangaroos, emus, cockatoos and even a few feral pigs.

Lewis and Barry saw rare black cockatoos while out cutting that day.