Tuesday - Coffs Harbour

Waking up the morning at 6 something with the sun creeping in my window was definitely a good start a day, especially as nothing had collapsed under me during the night. I'd booked in for a quad bikeing experience on the largest moving same mass in the southern hemisphere! Due to the season it was a small group of 3 including an 11 year old boy who struggled to keep up, but just roaring over the 33km of sand dunes down inclines i'd have hesitated about on ski's (the kid sat out for that bit!), the sun was baking hot, the sky was clear, the only thing that could have been better was an appearance by the local dolphin pod who sadly played somewhere else all morning. I eventually got on the road at about 1 with the aim of getting to Byron Bay, but part way along decided to stop before that, as i'd be arriving at night so would miss the epic scenery. Having decided this, I could justify the extra time for scenic routes which was fortunate as the first one that came up was unmissable. The detour was through a national park, but was signposted Stroud and Gloucester! Stroud was a charming 1 road village, but did have it's own country club, while Gloucester sprawlled much further meaning the surrounding area could call themselves the shire! Alas no recognisable road names, they must have come along later. I did spot one road that I could easily imagine the conversation occurring when maps were being drawn. `what about this small road here, whats that?` `arr, that be joes tree cutting path` and so forever more the small spur off the road has indeed been named joes tree cutting path! The second scenic detour took me for a long time in. If wrong direction, and then left me climbing narrow windy roads up a hill until I reached a look out sort at the top. The view was excellent, especially as the sun was starting to set, but I had no idea where I was or where to go next. I started backtracking with google maps telling me I had to go all the way back from where i'd started the detour to get round the national park area, only to discover part way back a sign from my direction pointing me off another way. Intrigued, I followed and soon decided it was the route I was supposed to be on, and maybe i'd missed the sign from my direction. However when later along the route the same happened and I arrive at a great lookout spot but with no signs until i'd back tracked and found it in the wrong direction, I figured they do that so you happen across some great touristy spots that otherwise wouldn't be on the route. Tricksters! So having arrived finally in coffs harbour, I decided early night and early start tomorrow to make up the miles, which meant no drinking. Good thing this place has a cinema! Cheap ass tuesday it is!