Wednesday 9th February 2011 – When I left Byron Bay it was a cold, drizzly morning. In fact, it got so cold at one point, I had to pull over and dig out my windproof jacket. However, by the time I arrived in Port Macquarie it had brightened up a bit and I was able to have a very pleasant stroll around the town.

The next day was also quite cool but again it brightened up later and by the time I got to Newcastle it was lovely. I decided to follow the Pacific Highway into the town instead of joining the Newcastle/Sydney Freeway, which took me all round the coastal beaches of Newcastle and beyond. It was really pretty.

Eventually I had to join the freeway which was very scarey but managed to make it to the YHA at the Northern Beaches by 3pm. I then made contact with Glenn and John from the Wilcannia servo and Glenn invited me round for dinner. So I had a lovely evening with Glenn, his wife Emilia, John and their other friends Mark & Stephan.