Next stop: Canberra/Queanbeyan

Day 12: Goulburn, NSW

And so we will! We decided to stay for another night to rest for tomorrow’s ride more than 90km to Canberra or Queanbeyan (where Dan generously offered us a real roof over our heads). We could also spend the day checking out Australia’s first inland city Goulburn, where the world’s biggest merino standing at 15.2m high and weighing 97 tonne stands as a celebration of Australia’s fine wool industry. Too bad (mostly for Sue) we just missed the Australian Blues Music Festival held here last weekend.

We got to sleep in this morning. It is quite amazing (perhaps a little uneasy) to discover how the creepy crawlies have warmly welcomed us and made our home as part of theirs. As we lay in our tent, we could see so many different types and colours of ants, spiders and caterpillars or worms roaming about and around (thankfully) outside our tent.

We headed into the city centre after breakfast and found ourselves sitting in the public library using wireless internet… gratis (free)... thanks to the Goulburn City Council and you, taxpayers! That is tax well-spent. We are finally able to check our mails, keep in touch with families and friends, and blog again. ; ) Thank you all for your patience! Speak soon from Canberra/Queanbeyan.

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn

Sun glorious, sun!

Day 11: Goulburn, NSW

Distance cycled: 67km

We recharged in Moss Vale and were ready to pedal on. It can make so much difference having a refrigerator and a kitchen to cook in, something to look out for in the next campgrounds.

After a wholesome breakfast, we took off at 8:30am. Humidity was very high. “It is just the highlands fog”, a friendly camper suggested as she gave us well wishes. We hoped the ray of sun will break through the mist.

It was a beautiful ride along Tourist Drive 8 passing one farm or ranch after another. Before long, we hit the Hume Highway. It was less stressful riding along the wide shoulder of the highway despite cars and trucks flying past us. Some even honked for support! Unfortunately, we do see a lot of litter and 2 dead turtles along the highways we took. As a gentle reminder: please do not litter… and give those who do an evil stare if not a piece of your mind. ;p

Yes! Sun glorious, sun! We made good progress and decided to stop for lunch at noon. We were dry! It felt good… ahh… the simple things in life. ;=) Despite the looming clouds, the sun was shining and the breeze kept coming. It was very comfortable to ride. The wind picked up and it became a little more challenging, especially with each gradual but seemingly endless climbs.

Before 3pm, we arrived at Goulburn and found one of the nicest campgrounds so far on this trip to stay at. Governor Hill’s Carapark was clean, has a large camp kitchen (that made us felt like home), seating areas and even singing ants! “Have a lovely stay”, said the office attendant. We sure will!

Locations: [NSW] North Sydney - Heathcote - Coledale - Wollongong - Robertson - Moss Vale - Goulburn