SYD2BNE Days 7 and 8
Retirees Everywhere
I had breakfast at a café at the front of the Port Macquarie Hotel. It looks over the waterfront. The passing parade was, almost exclusively, middle to late aged walkers and joggers. This place appears to be retirement heaven.
The route north took me past a ‘canal development’. There appears to be no slowing of these developments along the eastern seaboard.
I crossed the water on the Settlement Point ferry. It is only a short, but long enough for a bloke on a 250cc Honda to give me his views of the state of the American Motor Vehicle industry. Is suspect this had something to do with the, soon to be announced, closure of the Holden factories in Australia.
Dirt road to Crescent Head
The route took me north to Crescent Head. It is dirt road, however, unlike the Diamond Had road, this one is graded regularly. I must say the countryside was a bit bleak.
I arrived in Crescent Head in time for lunch. I stopped by the beach where I got into a long conversation with woman from the Gold Coast. She was very intrigued by the fact that I travelled alone.
North through Gladstone
The road north from Crescent Head was great. There was also a marked change on the countryside. It actually became quite picturesque. I passed through Gladstone, which is one of the old ‘river towns’, which has declined due to the move to road transport.
I arrived in South West Rocks in the late afternoon and check into the camping ground. I rang the Riverside Tavern for their courtesy bus.
Spectacular Sunset
As I waited for my meal, I notice a very spectacular sunset and took a photo. I was the only person that seemed interested. The locals have “seen heaps of them before”.
The Tavern was very busy and staffed by very young waitresses. When I ordered an ‘espresso coffee’, I was given a cappuccino. I asked for a “short black espresso” again and was told, “we don’t do those”. When I suggested they probably do, given it was simply a cappuccino without milk, the waitress said she would have to speak to her manager. Finally I got my coffee.
Mainly of the Highway
The route north from South West Rocks was mainly on the Pacific Highway. This is not much fun with huge semi-trailer trucks passing very close.
I stopped in classic ‘milk bar’ in Macksville. Check out the Flickr photos.
I took a detour through Nambucca Heads. I know people that have left Nambucca Heads. It is easy to see why.
After another spell on the highway I arrived in Uranga and checked in to the Ocean View Hotel. This classic country pub. The room was on the balcony and very comfortable. The meal was basic but very good.
There is a great board walk along the Bellinger River to the beach.
Flickr Links
Garmin Links
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/414559750
http://connect.garmin.com/activity/414872945
billrider2013 