I've just got back from an exhausting two day hike in the Lake District (north west england) where it hailed on us solidly and with gusts up to 80km/h (obviously nothing on cyclone hamish, but exhausting none the less) I'm absolutely knackered, so it's relaxing to be back inside answering emails in the warmth, one of which was an email interview with the Whitsundays coast guardian, I thought I'd share it here as I'm sure it answers some questions that others may be interested in.

How did you hear about the "Best job in the world'?

My mum called me, excitedly reporting that dad had found a blogging & photography position on Hamilton Island that started in July. I couldn't believe my luck as my UK VISA expires mid April so it all seemed to fit perfectly, then I looked at the actual job advertisement and realized there would be some tough competition, and thus got cracking on the application.

For those that haven't seen your video can you explain what it is about?

Well, I tried to take a different approach to making my application, most of the other candidates focus on themselves for the entire minute however I open my 60 seconds with my photography from the Whitsundays, I tie in my relationship with the region, add some local knowledge through a couple puns then plot through a short narrative of my life and related experience, then it's all wrapped up with more photography of our beautiful islands.

I felt it was more important to spend time showcasing the region than trying to say I'm an "excellent communicator" when it would be fairly evident whether or not I am actually an excellent communicator.

How did you feel when you found you had made the short listed top 50?

Absolutely incredible, there is a video on my website (http://jamesonhamo.com) that I recorded specifically for my parents to show them what I was experiencing right as the shortlist was released. I felt a substantial amount of relief as I had spent a fair bit of time on the application and the psychometric testing that I had completed the week earlier had me second guessing myself, but mainly excitement, satisfaction and honour that a local could have the opportunity to share the region with the world.

Alrightly, that's it for tonight. I've got to go find some deep heat to rub into my aching muscles. More to come tomorrow, and perhaps a video or two of breathtaking mountains and punishing weather.