It’s interesting, even though I’m constantly on some type of road or path being passed by cars and getting stopped to talk to well-wishers, for the majority of the time I feel quite disconnected from civilisation. I have also begun to notice the difference between people’s attitudes, friendliness and curiosity when entering/leaving towns and cities of different sizes. Walking in Mornington Peninsula today felt somewhat like a return to civilisation, as the roads were busy and there were people everywhere.
Nonetheless, the day started with some amazing homemade fruit toast at the Nitz family home as Oscar shared some of his round-the-world tall ship sailing voyage snaps, which felt like being at home really. I felt part of the family, which was lovely! A quick farewell and I was off to town for some quick groceries, then quickly down to the wharf to board the Searoad ferry. Searoad kindly provided my passage free of charge as the project is for charity, so if you can, give them some love. Thanks Searoad!
Arriving in Sorrento, there wasn’t much else to do but to get on my way! I’d initially planned for a short 10-15 km day as tomorrow I will be staying with my mate Fraser’s family in Mornington, and didn’t want to get too close today considering the poor sod has to study for exams! But I quickly covered the distance and didn't feel like stopping, so I continued on a bit further.
Along the way I helped a German lady adjust the seat post on her bike, which prompted her companion to ask what I was doing. Well, I’m sure you’ve heard about this scenario before, but we got to chatting which lead to them supporting the project. Not too much farther on I was passing a stretch of houses when I was stopped by an elderly couple, Marie and Don, who asked what was in my trolley (thinking I was a delivery-person!). After telling them about the project they invited me in for a salad roll and cup of tea. How could I refuse!? They were extremely kind, concerned and gently people, and we talk about their family and how the area had changed over the years. It was probably one of the most pleasant meetings I have had on my whole trip and was sad to leave so soon! They left me with armfuls of cake, more salad sandwiches and fruit and I managed to get a snap of them before I left! I’ve been thinking for some time now that I might eventually come back for a return (car) trip to say thank you to everyone who has helped me out along the way, and I would love to return to say thank you to these two sweet souls.
Passing a bar later in the day lead to a few more donations from some interested fellas, which was followed by a quick swim in Port Phillip Bay as I left the coast to find a campsite. And here I sit in my tent having covered 27 km for the day, again incredibly appreciative for all of the kindness and generosity I've experienced and the beautiful environment we all share.
