Craig tackling the big things in Ballina

The Big Wet

The Big Prawn

The Big Easy - well he makes it look that way!

Another early rise

Another early rise at 4am in the sleepy coastal town of Arrawarra which is about 35km north of Coffs Harbour. Thanks to a friend from Avalon, Mark Miller, we had a 5 bedroom home on the beach to stay with all the comforts of home. Like every other day so far, I started the day in light drizzle and headed along the Pacific H’way to Grafton, Apart from staying clear of the non-stop truck traffic, I had to look out for kangaroo’s hopping across the road on sunrise. Around the Grafton area there was a warning sign and true to the sign I saw a number of roo’s cross in front of me as I cycled north.

After about three hours of cycling I stripped off my gear and changed into my paddling clothing. I hit the water near a town called Tyndale and paddled for a couple of hours to the coastal town of Iluka. The swell up here has settled down now and I hope to hit the open ocean on the Queensland border.

I then got back onto the bike and cycled for another two and a half hours almost making Ballina. All up it was a big day travelling about 180km by water and road. I had to finish on the road at 2pm to get back to Yamba for some media obligations and our accommodation at the Bottlemart Pacific Hotel. I plan to push ahead tomorrow so I can have a day off in Surfer’s Paradise. Speak soon. Craig

The Convoy

Paddling towards Iluka

Walking it is then!