The Final Morning in Mt. Gambier
“Good morning.” The words felt bittersweet. It was my last morning in Mt. Gambier.
The kitchen table was already set with breakfast. Warm bread, fried eggs, and the gentle aroma filling the entire room. It felt like all the kindness of the past three days had been placed on a single plate.
I said “thank you” again and again, but the words never felt enough. Just a few days ago, I hadn’t even known much about this town. And now, leaving felt heavy.
Stepping into Victoria
I climbed onto my bicycle, carrying both gratitude and a touch of sadness, and began to pedal forward.
After about 40 kilometers on a long, endless road, a new sign appeared:
“Welcome to Victoria.”
Crossing the border gave me a quiet sense of accomplishment. The journey was still long, but passing into a new state felt like a milestone. Each past day seemed to push me toward new landscapes, reminding me that the path ahead holds even more discoveries.
Victoria, with Melbourne as its capital, is known for its rich culture and art, while the southwest stretches with fertile farmland and a dramatic coastline. From here on, the road promised new encounters.
Trials of Rain and Hills
I paused by a lakeside view, tempted to camp there. But the sun was still high, so I decided to continue. The memory of yesterday’s giant burger, lovingly prepared by my host, gave me strength to push on.
The road, however, turned into a test. Hill after hill, rising endlessly. Then came the rain. Cold water seeped into my shoes, chilling my feet.
And still, I did not stop. The kindness I had received yesterday was the force carrying me forward.
The Warmth of Spaghetti
At last, I found a small bush camp surrounded by trees. I set up my tent and warmed up the leftover spaghetti from the day before.
Eating it while listening to the rain was more than just a meal—it was a memory turned into flavor. A reminder of kindness, keeping me warm in the night and lighting the path ahead.
Once again, I fell asleep supported by the generosity of others. And tomorrow, new landscapes would be waiting.
