Day 21 Bungwahl to Taree - 80 km

Left Bungwahl after a few short prayers to St James to say "Thanks" for his hospitality.  Had a lovely ride of about 39 km to Forster, past some beautiful lakes.  As it was flat we were able to make very good time and got to Forster about 10:30 am.

Had some morning tea at Forster Fresh, and while we were there had an incident with the St George dragon.  But it didn't phase us.  We finished our coffee/tea and went down the beach.

The beach at Forster was great.  We went to the sea baths and took up location in the picnic shelters next to them.  Liked it so much we decided to spend more time and had lunch there as well.  It was great to be able to go for a swim.

We reluctantly headed off at about 2:00 pm.  It bucketed down just after we left Forster and soaked us.  Knicks, shirts, shoes, everything.  Fortunately it was still relatively warm. 

Trucks and buses sprayed water over us everytime they went past.  The riding was fairly dangerous as it was difficult to see and we were often riding in rivers of water running down the road.

We were very happy to get to Taree.  We would normally camp out or go to a caravan park, but decided to treat ourselves to a room at the Exchange Hotel.

The view from Tony's room was great.

Tony went to the local bike shop to get his nuts tightened, headset that is.  The shop owner, Noel, recognised the bike, Motobecane and said that he used to race a carbon fibre one 35 years ago.  Was so excited he went and got the frame to show to me.  Tightened my nuts for free.

Went for a wander around town and had noodles for dinner (carbohydrate loading) by the Manning River.  Saw the locals taking their dragon boat for a spin.  Watched the news and went to bed.