Paramatta to Manly

May 3rd

Eastern Creek used to be the venue for the Moto GP and for those that remember when Alex Criville took out the Aussie Mick Doohan on the top of the hill in 1997? I think. Of course Philip Island in Victoria is now used instead. The 'Creek is just down the road from Paramatta, so I got up and rode out there, just to see it, not go in, there was a car racing event going, I watched from outside where you could actually see a lot of the track, for about half an hour, then decided to navigate my way to Bill and Amanda's for lunch. It was bit early to be heading there, but my track record is not too good, so to be early was a bonus. When I got to Glenhaven I called Bill to get more directions to his house, he was driving at the time and was only two mins from where I was so he met me and led me in.It was great to see Bill, Amanda and Charlotte their daughter again, first time in twelve years. They were having lots of friend around to say thanks for all their support over the past few months, as tragically they lost their son Stuart in February. He joined the British army in the Rifles regiment only a few months earlier, he was posted to serve in Afghanistan and was killed whilst on operations. We toasted a tribute to Stuart and to the friends in support, life is so precious.

I had a wonderful lunch and drinks, thank you so much Bill and Amanda.I'd thought of riding to Katoomba in the Blue Mountains as I knew there was a backpackers there and really wanted to avoid central Sydney to find one.

Katoomba was too far and Manly on the north east side of Sydney seemed a better option. I again managed to navigate my way through the Sydnet maze and came to Manly, a very cool place and a great surf beach too. Found the backpackers and it was still light! though this particular backpackers is a bit grotty, the bathroom is miles away, but I do have the room to myself and free internet! so all is not lost. Now, where to tomorrow?