25/12/2001- 27/12/2001

Short Trip - Mount Gambier/Wangaratta/Mount Hotham

Day One

Set off in the rain which lasted about 4 hours and then gradually cleared up. I thought this was Summer! Coldest December I can remember. Took the Great Ocean Road and enjoyed all of the scenery. As it was wet I took it easy on the corners and that took away a bit of the fun. I stopped at Torquay for petrol and was greeted with a sign stating "Pay before you fill". Sign of the times I guess. The tourist business sure has effected this area, lots of new facilities not to mention the three businesses offering Helicopter flights of the coast so you can get a better view. I didn't take a flight as I really didn't have the time and the wind sure was blowing, just didn't look safe enough.
As usual I had to be careful to make sure I didn't run out of petrol. I made a potentially bad mistake by not returning the petrol tap to normal when I filled up at Officer, glad I didn't run out by the time I reached Torquay. The other problem is taking into account that Country Petrol Stations tend to close around 7:00 pm, even in Bendigo. It seems that what I need to do is leave early and travel as far as I can before the dreaded curfew time. Oh for a larger petrol tank!
I was quite surprised at the size of Mount Gambier. It almost felt like I was in a suburb of Melbourne, big place.

Day Two

Left in the rain again and was glad that the weather improved the further North I traveled. First Stop was Hamilton where I stopped in at the friendly RACV shop and obtained maps and advice. The man serving me rode a bike and offered me good advice and tips on where to travel. Rode to Halls Gap and traveled up and down the curvy section to Hamilton. I checked out a few of the tourist traps and then continued on through Stawell, St Arnaud, Bendigo, Shepparton before arriving at Wangaratta. Lots and lots of little towns on the way that look like they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth. Not a lot of money out here.

Day Three

Bought a new helmet visor before setting off and stopped at Porepunkah to visit friends. After lunch over Mount Hotham, Omeo, Bairnsdale and home. The only incident happened just out of Rosedale, near Flynn, when I'd pulled into the slow lane where there were two lanes and allowed a Daimler and a Holden to pass. The Holden was in a real hurry so the Daimler moved to the left as well. The Holden speeds up and had just passed the Daimler when the passing lane ran out. A little tight but no problems UNTIL the Holden spots two Police cars traveling the other way, panics because he was speeding, hits the brakes and nearly collects the Daimler. I gave them plenty of room as they passed me and I'm glad I did.

I ended up traveling about 2,000 km and the only problem I had was a sore behind. I'll have to check out seating options for something a little more comfortable.