April 10th, 2014 7:00pm

 I biked 115k today and ended up in a rest area just south of Grafton. There is nice grassy area back in the trees and I’m told that early morning, the kangaroos feed in the field to the east of my camp. I met a local cyclist and free camper who passed on a wealth of information on camping sites to the South. I should be good to go for the next couple of days utilizing his information. While in Grafton I stopped at the McDonalds and emailed Luc & Will. Prices in Australia are very high. I bought a quart of milk and a loaf of bread for $6.50 and an ice cream treat for $4.45 so I guess this day was under my budget. I certainly need more days like this one if I’m to stretch the $600 until May 12th, when my flight leaves Sidney. The flight is timed so it arrives in Los Angeles a few hours before Luc & Will’s flight comes in from Tel Aviv. It will be good to see the both of them again. They are the last of my true family and I miss them often.

The past few days under the Australian sun has caused me to burn on my face, neck and shoulders. Although it is hot and humid, I have taken to wearing my Surly merino wool long sleeve jersey as protection. It is black and fairly heavy so it’s not the most comfortable piece of clothing but it is thick enough to keep the mosquitoes from biting and a good cover from the sun. Now all I need is a hat or sun visor to protect my face and I’ll be set.  If I can find a used clothing shop in the next town I’ll pick up a dark colored pair of shorts. The only pair I own is white and is so stained it will never be clean again. I am beginning to look like a bum and get strange looks from people when I go shopping.  The plan for tomorrow is to try for Coffs Harbour which is about 75k from my present location. I could go farther but apparently there are great free camping areas on the beach.  If I find a good one, I may stop for a day or two and rest up.  Overall my spirits are high and I am in good health. It was a good day.