Today was going to be a cruisie day, with a short ride to Arno Bay. So we didn't rush around, just plodded along and got packed up. We chatted to some neighbours, who live in Tumby Bay, but have brought their caravans down for a short break. Eventually we took off about 10am, stopping in at the general store for some lunch supplies. After more chatting with another local, we left Port Neill and got back onto the Lincoln Highway.
Good morning kids, how'd you sleep?
Heading out the way we came in, at least it is smaller this way.
Some old farming machinery placed artistically in the paddocks.
Racing towards the horrible highway.
Both of us were feeling relaxed and happy, the temperature was ideal, and the breeze was light. This was going to be a piece of cake, so we could just cruise along and enjoy ourselves. Well, that didn't last too long, as the traffic increased more and more, and the shoulder was still the half shoulder we'd had yesterday, and the hills just seemed to be relentless.
Look at that face, it's not happy Jan, not happy!
We were actually working pretty hard, and constantly having to monitor the mirror for incoming traffic, which seemed to be the most we had experienced for ages. Unfortunately we also had a few of the worst drivers we'd experienced the entire trip. The first one came in a convoy of vehicles, heading in the same direction as us, and passing on a clear stretch of road. The first two caravans, indicated and went around us with plenty of room, but the third was a small red car, who didn't even move over. They were so close, I could have ripped the bloody mirror off. The next few cars in the group gave us heaps of room. Frickin moron. What did you think the other cars were doing? What if it was a cow they were going around, you would have hit it, dickhead!
Stupid half shoulder.........aaarrrrgggghhhhh!
The next one wasn't quite so bad, at least slowing down, but not giving any space. It was a very nice Blue XC Falcon coupe from the 70's, and after passing us roared off into the distance. Another tool, but a nice car. The last one, was actually a big white school bus, that again, had clear vision and no oncoming traffic, but decided to speed past us, as close as close, and as if that wasn't bad enough, they gave a blast of the horn, right next to each of us. "For fuck sake, are you for real?"
Now I'm just hogging the road, stuff it! I'm over this stupid excuse for a shoulder.
By now, our nice relaxing ride, was quickly becoming a hell ride that we both wished was over. Who knows what the scenery was like, we were too busy pushing up the hills and watching traffic to pay attention. Finally we came over a hill to the turn into Arno Bay, with a huge sigh of relief, we shot across the highway into town. It is kind of in two sections, the first had a run down oval, some older homes, and the general store, then we crossed a causeway to the foreshore. Past the pub, a cafe, and straight to the jetty and a park, with undercover BBQ's, clean toilets, and picnic tables. Oh, and a cool playground. So we had lunch, and chatted to some other travellers making use of the free bbq's, before checking into the caravan park.
Riding in past the pub. Looks pretty nice.
At least we have some nice soft grass.
Steve, the park owner, told us about the Yacht club, who do dinner once a month, and tonight was it. It was cheap and nice, so we decided we'd do that after a quick stop to check out the pub. The pub was well set out and looked after, and we had a nice chat to the two bar maids, who are locals, before walking through the old shack area to the yacht club. It was a nice walk, with lots of the old shacks being fixed up, but an equal number looked forgotten and unloved. The yacht club was different, but dinner was cheap and so were the beers. We also sat with some locals and enjoyed a nice night.
Another jetty, we are getting Jettied out!
The bay. Very nice!
After a good slow start, that turned to an unpleasant highway ride, our day ended well, with full tummies and another day of meeting interesting people. What is next?
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