Burpengary to Torquay - 18th AprilSo at last I set off into my full adventure, day 1 proper! Thanks to my "Queensland fixers" Paula & Ian, who put up with me for a month, feeding me and helping in many ways to get the bike roadworthy and on the road.
I set off (thats me leaving Ian & Paula's house)around 11am on Sat 18th April, heading towards a familiar place name, Torquay, in Hervey Bay, which is the step-off point for those going onto Fraser Island, the world's largest sand Island and home to many free roaming Dingos.
Heading up the Bruce Highway I had read about a rather good detour, that would keep me going in the general direction, but a great road anda break from the mundane main highway.
First turn off was onto the famous Steve Irwin road, where his famous Australia Zoo is situated. A quick stop there for a picture (and to say I'd been past it) then on my way. Now, to the detour, on up the road I sawe a sign with one of the place names I recognised from the Australian 
Motorcycle Atlas that I'm following and it was on this detour road, so I headed off! about an hour later I was entering a town that I didn't expect to see, as I should have gone way past it ages ago! It turns out that I had gone too far up the Croc hunters road and turned off too late, so instead off doing a clockwise detour which should have ended further on up the road, I did it in reverse and ended up further back than I started! Bugger! I kept going but the time was getting on and I had been warned, especially by people who have travelled by bike here before, not to ride at night and especially at dusk, beasties like to roam the streets! and I really dont fancy hitting a 'roo on a bike!
Motorcycle Atlas that I'm following and it was on this detour road, so I headed off! about an hour later I was entering a town that I didn't expect to see, as I should have gone way past it ages ago! It turns out that I had gone too far up the Croc hunters road and turned off too late, so instead off doing a clockwise detour which should have ended further on up the road, I did it in reverse and ended up further back than I started! Bugger! I kept going but the time was getting on and I had been warned, especially by people who have travelled by bike here before, not to ride at night and especially at dusk, beasties like to roam the streets! and I really dont fancy hitting a 'roo on a bike! I did end up dashing the last 30kms or so in the dark, it was a nervous time I must say, but got to Hervey Bay and the campsite at about 6.30pm.
As it was dark I thought I'd get a backpacker cabin instead of puttin the tent up, same price too and I had the cabin to myself, which usually sleeps 4, shared kitchen, toilet & shower.
I haven't done much today, bought a few essential tools for the bike, adjusted the chain, went out for groceries and a bit of a ride around. Off to Bundaberg where they make the rum tomorrow :)
Hey you :-) The bike looks great! Glad you have finally got started. Make sure you have a few rums for moi in Bunderberg huh!! Enjoying your stories. Talk to you soon.
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