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We all got up early and Natalie took us to the Ferry to Moreton’s Island which assembled at 6:30 and left at 7. We were really looking forward to some kayaking and snorkeling. The package we got included both (with paddleboarding, too, if we so desired), and a meal ticket for use at the resort’s restaurants.

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The folks at the George were so kind as to let us keep our fully loaded bikes in their luggage storage room (along with a load of other baggage) which freed us to go exploring Brisbane on foot. Which we did. Across the bus/bike/ped bridge to South Brisbane where the Armed Services had finished up their race and an Army band was still rockin’ the crowd. Plus, they were giving away leftover fruit and gummy worms, so we stocked up on bananas, apples, oranges and gummies.

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Pete was out on his morning ride, and Kath had taken the dog to the beach for a walk, but they left us breakfast (and coffee!). We had a long day ahead of us if we hoped to make Brisbane — that was the plan, at least. Pete came back while we were on the porch enjoying the sun and view and we chatted more. He also showed us a copy of “The Simplicity Mobility Method” by Tom Morrison, a training guide for maintaining agility while aging. Going to get a copy when we get home. We said our good-byes to Pete, and Kath who had returned, too, and started towards the Gold Coast & Brisbane.

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A good rest, clean clothes, filling breakfast, great conversations; Kerry & Laurie had us all prepared for the day ahead. As Laurie didn’t have to sub today, they also showed us their album of photos from their trip to India — amazing photos and stories to go along with them, especially about the families they met and stayed with. While we wanted to stay and talk more, we did need to get on the road, so we said our thanks and good-byes, and left closer to our “regular” leaving time of 9ish.

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Up early, packed up damp, and got on the bikes at 7 and into town to Blueberries Smoothies and Health bar for coffee and breakfast before our 70ish mile ride to Ballina. Projected temps today were going to be in the 80s, so another reason to get out early. The coffee was a good start, and after a stop at the public restrooms on the way out, we bid Maclean “Taing” (Thanks) and “Slat gun robh ur dhiobrgainn” (Straight be your path)!

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Mixed bag night for me. I started the night off on a loveseat to avoid unpacking my sleeping pad and get to bed faster, but it proved pretty uncomfortable. Half way through the night I put the cushions on the floor and that proved a much better sleeping spot. Dana had a good night in the hammock and we got right to packing up and making breakfast, snapping some daylight pics of the camp spot, and talking with Tom some more. We have a 105+ km (65+ mile) ride in front of us to our next stop in Maclean.

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In the morning, we got to meet Amy’s & Harry’s three adorably cute children, Ferg, Ada, & Edith! We shared breakfast with them while they readied themselves for the day. Ferg was soon to be off to school, and Ada stayed and entertained us with songs and stories while Amy took Ferg to school. Edith isn’t quite there yet as she’s just about 5 months old, but we can imagine she’ll be just as animated and smart.

We hung our clothes out on the line to soak up what the sun could muster and I worked on the bikes, cleaning and lubing them and trying to find the source of the noise in my drivetrain. It was totally quiet — so no idea why it was acting up yesterday.

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We looked at the weather and weren’t exactly thrilled. Quite a number of bands of rain coming and one pretty strong one had come through already. Kristie made us coffee and breakfast and we continued our chats of the night before. Gary had left for work early. We packed the bikes up and waited for a clearing.

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A short storm last night, but the tent stayed firmly on the ground, we stayed dry, and woke up to a sunny Sunday morning. Thanks to the wind & sun, the tent was dry by the time we packed up (and returned the screw stakes to our neighbor!). A short riding day today 31km (19 miles), so Dana used the lack of urgency to get on the bikes to go for a run on the beach. I took the packed bikes to the common kitchen area and worked on the blog.

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Ahhh. Nice dry everything and a place to make coffee and breakfast. We got packed up and on the road a little bit earlier today than our normal start of 9, and 110+ km (70+ miles) and 3000′ of climbing ahead of us today and it was going to be a hot one. We added a little tour of Forster on the way out of town and were treated to a pretty nice trail and wide shoulders for the first part of the morning as we went through Forster’s sister city of Tuncurry.