Blogs from Victoria, Australia, Oceania - page 13

GOR Day 16. French Island Out into the blustery cold went the Draughty Dozen to be transported to the heaven (to some)that is French Island on the morning ferry. Eventually we found the Eco Lodge and left our panniers before venturing out into the wash board dirt roads. The island store reminded me of a shearing shed but produced some good sandwiches and proper coffee as well as being the island ???? Office. I imagine a life saver utility on such a remote/barren island just 3 km from the mainland with no services provided. They all have to generate their own electricity, find water and create their own water disposal systems. The roads are something else. Soft sand throws you on the bike, the washboard rattles your teeth and the puddles are a swimming bath in ... read more

I sit writing this blog at the airport, whilst waiting for our first flight from Melbourne to Doha. One of the hardest things about going away is saying goodbye and there were a few tears when Maggie left us at the departure gate for our 23day adventure. With a few hours to kill, we kick back in Bar Pulpo by Movido, enjoying overpriced drinks - Maeloc dry apple cider and Moritz beer, whilst people watching. I don't know about you but there's something about airports that I find fascinating. So many people and everyone has a back story or is about to embark on some kind of adventure. Boarding our Qatar flight at 9.30pm, we were given boarding priority as we were on the Upper Deck. This was a first for us, and given that we'll ... read more

GOR Day 11. Queenscliff I love Queenscliff and what a lovely day to travel there from Geelong. We were a bit sad to leave the Gatehouse on Ryrie, despite its lack of en-suite facilities, due to its old world quaintness. The day started a bit dull and we had a headwind for much of the way making it hard riding on the long straight roads. There was a nice cycle route just before 13th Beach with the big rolling waves off to our right. The Jirrahlinga Wildlife Sanctuary were having a Koala talk when we arrived which was very good and we saw a large male and several females munching away on gum tree leaves. There was a good variety of birds, including Kookaburras, tawny frogmouth owls, kestrels, lorikeets and parrots etc. Obviously we saw kangaroos, ... read more

Hi Jennifer, lets hope this works!... read more

GOR Day8 Torquay. Better looking day with cloud but no rain and a forecast of 19. Breakfast on the strip of bacon and egg in a sourdough loaf. It tasted very good but the egg was done with cheese and tasted nice but my mouth is now inflamed with ulcers 8 hours later. I was treated to a pleasant Happy Birthday song and suitable card with a cyclist on it by the group to mark my 3/4 century. How time flies and luckily I still have my legs. The coast from Lorne to Torquay is very picturesque with big rolling waves dashing onto sandy shores and as the day progressed it got warmer and must be in the mid 20’s at least by late afternoon. I saw a snake at the roadside, luckily dead, just before ... read more