The days get busier the closer to home we get!

I forgot to mention yesterday that we travelled 170km from Melbourne to Traralgon, eventually resting at the Park Lane Caravan Park. Today we have got back onto the water after cycling 120km’s from Traralgon to Loch Sport on Lake Victoria. I had a sleep in until 5.30am this morning and hit the road just before 6am to travel north along the Princess Highway. After 26km’s I made a detour at Rosedale and rode along some great country side to Longford. I had grazing paddocks on one side of the road and Radiata Pine forest to the other. There was no wind, traffic or people along this stretch of road at this time of the day which made my journey that little bit easier. As I travelled through Longford I headed out along the Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park eventually finishing around 120km’s at Loch Sport.

I am now going to put the ski in the water and paddle for a couple of hours towards Metung.

We have the local news crew meeting us in about 10 minutes and later in the day we are heading back to Sale to have a cuppa with the Major. Tonight we are doing a talk in at Sale to two Rotary clubs and a number of people from the town in hope to raise further funds and awareness.

The new crew has slotted in well and intend to get me home in one piece. I have just jumped in the water here for about 10 minutes at waist depth, and I swear there are ice bergs floating past. My legs just went bright red in seconds, but they say it is great for recovery.

Thanks to Phil Kearns for his kind words. It is really appreciated to know that a person of your sporting calibre is following the journey.

Also a special mention to Dave and Rob at Bicycle Super Store, Traralgon for giving us a hand with the new Cannondale.

Until tomorrow, Craig

Lake Victoria

 

A crowd of fans gather to see Craig paddle past...

15 days to go!

Warrnambool continued their support last night by hosting a BBQ on the Civic Green with the major in the middle of town. Funds totalling $1,000 were received by groups and individuals who attended the function. We also had the pleasure of being invited for dinner to “The Flying Horse Bar and Brewery”, for complimentary dinner and drinks. After having a great nights sleep at the Big 4 Discovery Caravan Park in Warrnambool, I headed off to the mouth of the Hopkins River to be joined for a 10km paddle with local kayak and surf club members.

The Hopkins River runs in a north-easterly direction from the surf to the Princess Highway. It is surrounded by small cliffs and beautiful green grazing country. The conditions were ideal for paddling with no wind and a glassy surface across the water. We had a slight mist throughout the paddle and it was enjoyable to have some company along the journey. I think the other paddlers probably thought I talk a lot, but it is rare to have company and that’s what happens when you are enjoying the surrounds.

After exiting the river it was a matter of riding 100km to a small town called Colac. The morning mist made visibility difficult and there was still an abundance of trucks transporting timber to Melbourne. The country side is extremely green and has the smell of cattle and wet grass. Part of the scenery around a small town called Terang was fascinating with stone fences running through the paddocks that went for miles and would have taken years to build.

The media has been great along the day with each town sending out press to cover the story. I now hope that this converts to donations. My days are now drawing to an end and I am hoping that the effort is worth the end result.

Craig

Craig and the Mayor of Warrnambool

 

Company while paddling

 

Media shot in Campbelltown, VIC

 

School presentation