David's Journal Entry 

More of the same today. The morning started with a chance meeting at the campsite with a couple from Shellharbour, just south of Sydney (this had been our initial intended destination when planning a Perth/Sydney ride, pre-Covid). Perhaps this is the reason Mike was distracted, as he left without filling his water bottles. I continued down the road as he turned back, adding another 4km round trip to his day. Google said our ride would be mostly flat. Google lies. The elevation gain was over 600m, which when fully loaded takes its toll. Already there are fewer services, the two we passed today were both abandoned, denying us the chance to stop for cold drinks and have a 'proper' break. The goodies stashed in our bags from home and noodle-loaded soup fueled us instead, as did finding notes from K and S (two of my boys) stashed in amongst my gear. Once again the pace was slow, and I have yet to find my legs, so for a second day we finished after dark, not helped at all by headwinds all morning (thankfully they eased in the afternoon). We finally arrived at "The Lazy Lizard" and had a pint (not a schooner) and pizza, with the seemingly ubiquitous Australiana soundtrack and our second, big, stuffed crocodile.

Today I learned

1. We still need to get up earlier

2. Mike should set off after me (I am always ready first, but slower on the road)

3. I actually enjoy roadside cooking