Driving Too Far Too Fast

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I'm so happy to be here in Byron Bay. After 8 out of 9 days on the road, driving a minimum of 5hours and maximum of 8hrs a day, I am so excited to be camped in one spot. Iris has a annexe that finally got put up today, called Jimbo (in dedication to my friend Jim, who has single-handedly been the backbone of Iris's renovations and who has taught me so much in the last 12months) and I am so grateful to have the extra space and somewhere to put my chair and drink a beer on the occasional night and toast to my friend Jim.
After leaving the spectacular and freezing Jindabyne, I made it to the coast, after another frightful drive down the alpine region, mostly driving in 3rd gear so I didnt launch over the cliffs edge. As I made it to the coast, my love for water was satisfied on arrival in the very lovely Bateman's Bay, where I experienced some brief sunshine and took myself for a long walk on the beach. From there I decided to have a night in Wollongong after reading such rave reviews in the Lonely Planet guide...let me say that I am convinced the editor of this usually informative guide book, is from Wollongong and gave it a review that I'm sure it didnt deserve. I arrived around 3pm and I was wondering by 4pm if it was too early to go to bed, granted it was constantly raining and little to do, but still you would think I could've found something interesting in this apparently cosmopolitian town. There wasn't so I did my washing and I went to bed at 8pm to rid my boredom.
An early start had me in Sydney by 11am, where I picked up my friend Michellle, and we headed north to a little town called Anna Bay. It was so quaint and beachy, and the cute lifeguard had me thinking we were in a good town. No nightlife, but a nice quiet place to stay non-the-less. We left early in the morning and thought we would take a quick peek at Nelson's Bay 10mins away. I feel in love again. This town is so cool, it kind of reminded me of Port Douglas in some ways, not necessarily appearance but atmosphere and the pure joy it leaves inside me as I wandered round town, I really didnt want to leave and thought I could live here too. Unfortunately we were on a schedule, so we left and headed to Crescent Head, which my friend Cameron told me had a great surf beach and small town I would love. He was right it, it was small and very busy, but great. Again we left early this morning, with Byron in our sights, and 7hours later we arrived.
The unfortunate thing about this trip so far is that I had to get here to Byron for this festival, and missed staying longer in so many beautiful places across the state of NSW. The good thing though is that I have etched the memories of some of these places in my mind, and it will give me something to look forward to when I come back through this way down the track.
I've never been here to Byron so this is all a bit exciting to be amongst it, and its very busy already, so I can only imagine how it's going to be in the next day or two as all the festival goers pour in for "Blues and Roots". Im sure the next few days will be gripped with excitement as I join all the other hippies at this festival, dancing and singing along to some of my favourite muso's like Xavier Rudd, Ben Harper and Michael Franti.
Pictures of my trip are coming soon...would you believe I still haven't figured out how to get them on here...I really need to learn more about basic technology.

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Photos

Nelsons Bay
Pretty town Nelsons Bay

Coffs Harbour
Iris at the big banana (I was sure this was bigger when I saw it 30years ago)

Comments

[Sam Green]

Go girl!
Glad you're off and racing and enjoying the scenery. When it gets tough just remember that the worst day on holiday is still better than a day at work. I wish I were coming with you, Sam xx

[Kenco]

Life on the Road
Lisa. Life on the road is not all its cracked up to be - I find that the good bits are the places you visit and the advantage is that you don't need to stay in the ones you dislike and can stay longer in the ones you do. Sounds easy but does not always work when you are on a schedule - looks like you needed more time to enjoy life in some of the towns along the way. Hope you can finally rest a bit and enjoy yourself in Byron Bay and that Iris is comfortable with the annexe up & space to set up your luxurious gear. (Funny how small pleasures become hugely important in your situation). Have a great stay. Jim