DAY 13

Out of Nelson, the mini-town with only 228 inhabitants and only a small kiosk as the towns grocery store. Back out on the highway, the only possible way. The speed limit is 110 kph, in Norway these kind of roads have 70 kph. The signs informs us and constantly reminds us about log trucks, transporting timber. Even the owner of Nelson Cottage warned us about these trucks and the said “safe travel boys”.

But John the owner knew what he was talking about. It was an awful amount of traffic and 95 % of it was log trucks, each with three lengths of timber loaded on. These small roads and trucks meant that the boys had to stay very focused. It was no room for error when two log trucks met each other on the road, Anders and Lasse had to step out of the road. The gras a few meters away from the road was the safest. When a log truck passed the boys it created an heavy wind that was sent straight into the boys bikes and bodies. The trucks did not slow down much when they saw the two cycling tourists.

Sometimes they got the feeling “oooh that was so closed we could have touched the timber with the right hand” while others gave them a meter extra. The kangaroos that live nearby this 70 km long road have chosen the wrong place to live. Anders and Lasse gave up counting kangaroo roadkills because it was too many.

Portland Caravan park is today’s destination. The bad weather in the southern parts of Australia is about to disappear, but some local showers in the afternoon meant that the clothes had to dry somewhere else.

What is life on a Caravan park without a can of spaghetti and tomato sauce? Anders and Lasse warms up to cans of the delicatessen and takes an late lunch or early dinner.

During dinner another elderly man starts talking with the boys. It is like they are gathering around Anders and Lasse when they see the two Scandinavians. The pensioner can inform the boys that he have passed them several times on trip as he is on part of the same route. The boys inform him that they are on their way to Darwin and the man gasps for air, laughs and wishes them good luck.

Anders and Lasse have now cycled over 500 km and Melbourne is in their sights. If things goes as planned they reach the city on Saturday afternoon or Sunday.

Awesomestralia – a normal life is boring