Packing up from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken packs up his trusty steed for the 16,000 kilometre on-move from Melbourne, Australia to Anchorage, Alaska
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Packing up
August 23rd, 2011Reunion
August 22nd, 2011For, whilst I’d decided Phillip Island would be a fitting formal end to my time riding down the east coast of Australia, there remained the small detail of fifty or so miles into Melbourne’s south eastern suburbs. Off to stay with Simon and Sue. We’d originally met by chance in the small town of Atherton, back in Far North Queensland. I’d joined them for dinner and we’d kept in touch.
The thirty minute ferry crossing from the island to the Mornington Peninsular had been largely uneventful, bar my efforts at head-butting the vessel as I’d boarded. And the requirement to keep my bicycle, and panniers, outside on the rear deck, exposed to the ravages of the inevitable salt spray. My protestations that the large cabin was empty, surely I could at least secure the bags inside, unsuccessful. Rules were rules.
Back on the road, the journey north towards the city was unremarkable. I’d a decent map and a good idea where I was going. Despite this, I’d still ended up finishing in the dark, made worse by rush hour traffic, steady drizzle and rain-soaked glasses.
There’d been a short detour on the way north from the Phillip Island ferry. Stopping off to pick up my second passport, safely delivered by hand from Sydney by friend of a friend. Essential piece of the jigsaw, for it contained my US visa. I’d really needed to press on sooner than I actually did, but it seemed rather rude to grab the document and go. Besides, a cup of tea and a chat was always welcome.
[With especial thanks to Simon and Sue for hosting me, and Chris and Jen for safe custody of my passport]
Danny Boy
August 22nd, 2011Text to my parents. "DANNY BOY CALLING BROADSWORD. EAGLE HAS LANDED". Suppose I could have said "Finished Australia". But brevity not my strong point. And the film from which the line’s taken is an old favourite of mine. The one Kiwis call "Weir eagles dear".
Down at the jetty
August 22nd, 2011Down at the jetty from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken awaits the morning ferry from Phillip Island across to the Mornington Peninsular and the final run into Melbourne
Past the Promontory
August 21st, 2011Past the Promontory from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken looks out towards Wilsons Promontory, the most southerly point of Australia. South East corner.
Final preparations
August 20th, 2011I’d a day in hand, thanks to my premature departure from the rather depressing town of Lakes Entrance. Deciding to spend it in Toora, a day’s ride from the finish on Phillip Island. Besides, it was a Sunday and I rather liked the idea of a day of rest, mental rather than physical. Pottered for a while, something I’d often liken to faffing, but more focused, more productive.
With departure for Alaska getting ever closer, and mindful of all the things I’d need to do in Melbourne, I’d decided to empty out all the panniers. Bit of a purge. In part to sift out the inevitable, but unnecessary, accumulations. In part to remove items I’d not be allowed to import into the US or carry on an aircraft.
A few tricky items. Lubricants for my trusty steed. Flammable is a no-no, even in checked baggage, but mine were inflammable. Not quite sure I understand the difference, other than the point that there is one. And I’d the manufacturer’s data sheets to prove it.
But it was the First Aid kit that consumed most of my attentions. It’s a pretty comprehensive affair and one I’m not keen to have confiscated. However, clarity on what you’re permitted to import does seem to be a bit lacking.
From what I could make out, prescription medicines in their original containers were permissible. Provided you didn’t exceed ninety days supply and they are medications licensed for use in the States. So, to avoid confusion, out went anything with Cyrillic or Simplified Chinese characters. And a few items past their marked Use By date.
Penultimate stop
August 20th, 2011Penultimate stop from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Town of Toora. Ken’s penultimate stop in Australia before reaching his finish point on Phillip Island, just south of Melbourne. Throbbing.
Penultimate day
August 19th, 2011Penultimate day from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Ken’s penultimate day on the road. Look out for the traffic
Lakes Entrance
August 18th, 2011Lakes Entrance from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.
Lakes Entrance proper. Much nicer than the nearby town of the same name.
A bit depressed
August 18th, 2011Two nights were quite enough. I’d planned to spend a couple of days in Lakes Entrance. The hostel hadn’t impressed. Tired motel units, mostly occupied by equally depressing long term residents. Damp and dreary outside, it was little better indoors. Penny pinching perfected. In the kitchen, never more than a dribble of washing up liquid. A single tea towel I’d doubted had been that clean and dry to start with.
The town itself was little better. A few charity shops, several outlets offering everything for two bucks. Not one, but that’s par for the course. Everything costs more in Australia, even the cheap stuff.
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