Part way along it was time to stop for lunch - an apple and water. Upon slowing down to pull into the rest area, it started to drizzle. This continued during lunch; a quick check of the weather radar showed much shower activity ahead, so on with the rain jacket. And a good choice too, as it rained most of the way to the motel, though it was dry by the time I arrived.
At the top of the mountain, the scenery (and climate) changes quite a bit. Typical older mountain area, with many mature trees, some non-native. And the humidity of the coastal area disappeared. I can understand why Ron and Robin moved to the area. As Rob said, "There are seasons!". I understand that entirely after a stint in Seattle, where the seasons are quite pronounced.
I dropped in to the winery, though it was not what I remembered from ten years ago. Turns out they moved! We had a good conversation before Rob had chores to do, and I took my leave. I rode around the top of the mountain, enjoying both the road and the views. Setting forth to North Tambourine a light drizzle started, but not enough to think of getting the rain jacket out. But enough to be cautious on the curves. I headed home from North Tambourine, Tambourine (actually north west of North Tambourine!) then Beenleigh and back to Runaway Bay via freeway.
A shower and clean up meant I was ready to meet Garry who was walking over for dinner. When he arrived, we walked down a block to a small shopping centre with a number of restaurants. Chose the Chinese and we went in for a good meal and a long catchup on the last 50 years. Toronto must be good for Garry, as he looked quite well. While waiting for the main course, I realised I had left my wallet back in the motel, so back I walked to collect it. Return timing was excellent, as the main course had just been delivered.
Over a good meal we caught up with the last 50 years, though of necessity it was of the big picture. The meal went all too quickly, and too soon it was time to say farewell. Garry had just a few days left, and already reasonably well booked.
After 9AM Mass, I returned to the motel, packed the bike and checked out. The planned route was to Beaudesert, to the New England Highway almost to Warwick, thence Toowoomba, Esk, Beerwah, to the Bruce Highway to Eumundi and Tewantin. That should take about 4 hours, which should get me there mid afternoon.
Arriving at Tewantin, I found a place to stop and call Chris. Turned out I had ended up just across the river from the Chris and Deb's residence! The photo at right shows the view Chris had while I called him. We even waved at each other - to confirm our sightings. Chris got in his tinnie and came across. Then drove up to where I was, and guided me to the (safer) parking place. Unload the bike and head to the tinnie for the 5 minute journey across the river. It's been years since being in a small boat, but with appropriate directions, and a bit of practice, it's not too hard to get in and out.
The barbecue was fired up, and a delightful, and filling, dinner ensued. More conversation, and then it was time for bed.
The journey was down the freeway through Brisbane (via the Gateway Bridge, so will see if my eTag works correctly) and then inland to Caboolture and the Mt. Lindesay Highway, which has excellent scenery, little traffic, and many twisty bits. Alas, the road surface is poor, especially climbing the mountains to the border.
Crossing back into NSW brings an immediate improvement in the road. In general. Continued onto Woodenbong for lunch - fruit and drink. Mum, Dad and I had lunch here many years ago. It's a small but well cared for town. From here it was on to the Summerland Way which heads via Kyogle and Casino to Grafton. Feeling ready to continue, I booked a motel room in Coffs Harbour and continued on.
After checking in and a shower, it was time for dinner, and a walk down to restaurant row found a place to eat. Then back to the motel and bed.
Leaving Coffs Harbour, the sky was overcast, but looked OK for a while. But by Macksville, the rain was getting heavy, so pull off and put on the rain jacket. Which stayed on until almost the Hunter River crossing. By which time the sun was shining, and the temperature rising.
When crossing the Hawkesbury River, I thought of pulling off to visit Peter Mason, but decided against it. Alas, had I realised the issues with traffic, it would have been the wise thing to do. Shooting the breeze for a while would have allowed the Sydney traffic to dissipate, and I would have had a much more enjoyable journey.
2010