Not Fake News. Urban LegendsA wee-hours wakeup led to a late morning start with an amble around familiar parts.
Here looking South-west across the Whangarei harbour.
These bad sleep habits of late are making worse the usual figurative cold feet about travel….
Which Is scheduled for late May. For now.
This is a day to wheel out the old adage “progress, not perfection”.
A lazy day after over-sleeping.
I guess all of us slip up occasionally.
A view of Pukenui Wharf on the routine morning exercise outing.
Some fishermen are already at play with the high tide, and I run across a local walking her dog.
Weather is good, and a repeat of yesterday’s afternoon swim is on the cards.
I’m back in the Far North – briefly – and this morning scene is probably the thing I’ll miss most.
Mid-afternoon heat and an aisle seat next to a giant Fijian man made this trip less comfortable than most in Fiji.
Even so, at a cost of $3.50 FJD for the 30 km trip, I’m not complaining.
With stops along the way, the trip takes a little less than an hour.
An example of the colonial buidings Suva, Fiji, is famous for.
Full story: 24 Hours in Suva
Pulling out of Lautoka bus station, Fiji.
A little chaotic for a first-timer.
The reggae music seems to be the default bus trip soundtrack here.
I happened to be wandering around aimless in Adelaide, and stumbled across the stadium and the signs.
A chance to see an Ashes ( England v. Australia at cricket ) test live ? What else could I do?
Full story: Ashes
Now, on the second-last day of the Migration, I have this thing down pat.
Even if it involves another morning jump-start. This time I approached a likely-looking customer also sporting the Queensland uniform – shorts and singlet – and walking his dog. Turns out he’s 60, and has retired to his boat. He’s living on the river right now, and is heading south soon as spring comes on.
And so, no, he doesn’t have a set of jumper leads.
The riverside carpark, desolate earlier, is now beginning to buzz, if not swarm. A chap in a hurry for his coffee is happy to stop and futz around, and help me on way. Destination the Sunshine Coast.
But first, a pit-stop in Hervey Bay for a quick dip. It’s windy , and almost cold , but not quite. And just say ‘Harvey Bay’, otherwise they’ll know you’re a Kiwi.
A longer detour than expected then found me in Tin Can Bay, probably lovely with the tide in, as you see below.
Then it was back on track to make up some time. First, back to the main trunk,and then through some windy , lonely, and hot forest roads, trusting that Google knew what it was doing.
It did, and n hour-plus of “focussed” driving got me to Noosa Heads, with vague ideas of finding a beach and parking up.
First, in a feeble attempt to get some relief from the heat, a quick stroll in Noosa, near town;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2y066SGmcvs
But on being reminded that today was another of the Queen’s birthdays, and the beaches were full, I headed to the Sunshine Coast.
There, more driving around in circles followed, until I found somewhere to park up for the night. Nearby a river, and public toilets, and an arterial route. Far enough away to dull the noise.
And it was goodnight from me.