Packed and ready, I headed out of the caravan park on to the main drag looking for a café for breaky. Bacon & eggs on toast, coffee, done. Then wandered around a little have a bit more of a look. The shops had already started to open, but since surfing and boutique clothing isn’t my thang I moved on, starting with a quick ride up to the local light-house. Parking was a bitch at this time, especially with the trailer and the rain had started – quite heavy now. I didn’t feel like parking at the bottom and either walking with all of the gear on (sauna mode at max) or getting wet – so I kept going.
Camera malfunction – so a borrowed one from Dougie (I’ll give it back later):
I intended to follow the coastline as much as possible to Wooli, with a detour to Grafton to stock up for dinner. So, as usual, I made a wrong turn and ended up on the friggin’ motorway again. I got off ASAP and just decided to meander through the countryside again. I figured I’d missed a few thousand potholes yesterday and that I should go back and find them – I did.
I realised I was starting to head through the same areas I’d passed through yesterday so decided to point the bike to Yamba. This is a nice not-so-little fishing village on the mouth of the Clarence River. I stopped for lunch, and then just as I was heading out someone riding another ST flashed the lights at me – it was Dougie. I knew he was heading through here today (but I didn’t think we’d cross paths. Anyway, we both stopped, had a good chat, and took the photos.
He was staying in Yamba for the evening, so I headed off. It was starting to get a little late in the arvo so I made tracks for Grafton.
Grafton is quite a big town, and known for their jacaranda trees:
Off to Wooli. I should have the cabin (dorm style) for most of the day so it’ll be a good opportunity to dry out the gear, get washing done, etc. I’ll also check out the plans for the next part of the trip (incl. Tassie with Diesel for some of it) , order replacement mirrors for the bike, and see if I can put some videos together (although connectivity here at Wooli isn’t great).
PC & Navgirl were already at the park. Having experienced similar weather to me they also decided to arrive early. They offered a nice meal and beer which I gladly accepted, and we chatted for quite a while before I gave in and headed to bed. I think my body-clock might be adjusting.
Total distance from Perth in 25 days = 10,404.5 km. With only a few exceptions, I loved every minute of it… and I’m only half-way!
From my SPOT3 (link here):