Arriving in Brisbane - Writing

Finding our way out of cities is a reoccurring adventure. Brisbane was no different. A few hours of meandering, we made our way to the outskirts of the city but not far enough to stealth camp. We opted for the campground. Waiting at a light to cross, a guy pulled up next to us asking about our brand of bikes, Surly Long Haul Truckers. He was in the process of planning a long bike ride himself in the following year and had just purchased a Surly frame. After a few minutes of chatting, he offered a shower, dinner, conversation and a mattress on his family room floor. Traveling by bicycle has started many conversations that we would not otherwise have being in a car or touring by foot.

We spent our evening making bbq'ed lamb pizza and exchanging stories. Meeting Daniel, he gave us a bike route that we would never have thought to take. Lucky, lucky us. Rather than ride along the Gold Coast, we would change course and head up into the mountains. From talking to locals, missing the Gold Coast worked out tremendously as it is often compared to Miami (not our cup of tea) and was extremely crowded because of the long 2 week Easter break. Thank you, Daniel!

Australia's wet season was longer than normal this year, forcing us to find shelter throughout our days. Luckily we were not in any hurry and had 4 weeks to make half the initial distance. Taking the train allowed for us to follow our method of travel; asking the locals for advice to take us from town to town. Our flexibility and willingness to ride anywhere allowed for another tremendous wiggle way from Brisbane down to Sydney.