Day 5 Lakes Entrance to Orbost - 59 kms

Left hostel early to avoid retribution from Dutch backpackers in room next door. Wine with dinner increased the snoring volume significantly. Weather was glorious, cool with a clear blue sky and no wind. A number of long hill climbs and some really nice descents. Passed through an area that had been burnt in a bushfire in early February. We saw one tree trunk that was still smoldering. One of Joe's panniers jumped off after hitting a bump following a fast descent but fortunately no damage.

We arrived in Orbost and went straight to bakery for lunch (BTW, steer clear of the Hawaiian sausage roll). There were a lot of cyclists in town who had been on the East Gippsland Rail Trail as we have done number of times before.

We booked in at the pub, Marshall's Commonwealth. Walked into the public bar in cycling gear to pay and the locals obviously thought we were a bit strange/gay/alien/wackers (Of course, if Joe would stop mincing when he walks it would help too). Rooms are basic, but we both have the up market rooms that have basins and running water. Seems like luxury when you know the next few days will be camping in the scrub. Good views from the rooms too.

Unpacked and took our washing to the laundry. Had a chat to the guy there and with the washing in the washing machine went for a walk around town. When we came back the laundry was shut. Unbelievable!!! The tosser had locked up even though he knew we had washing in there. Not a major drama as we do not have far to go tomorrow but even so.

Went and sat on the balcony at the pub and had a few drinks while we planned our next few days and to wonder at the psychological profile of the tosser from the laundry. Tony went for a walk later and was able to access the laundry from the back and put the clothes in the dryer.

Went to the "other" pub for tea where they do great chinese. This will probably be the last bought meal we have for about 3 days. The next few days are fairly remote with not much in the way of shops. We will be taking most of our food for the next 3 days and camping in the bush.

Not much happens in Orbost on a Sunday and kids obviously don't have much to do and were wandering around the streets alot.

Weather is meant to be good tomorrow so we are off to Cape Conran to spend the day by the beach. The next 3 days we will be riding through areas where mobile coverage is limited so we may not post to the blog.