Morning Troubles and Farewell
On March 5, I woke up at my host’s home only to discover that my GoPro mount had completely broken. I managed to fix part of it, but the section that holds the screw in place was missing. Without that, the camera could easily fall off.
There wasn’t much I could do except rely on a spare mount and move forward. These small troubles are part of traveling, and while they can be frustrating, they also remind me that overcoming them is simply part of the journey.
After packing up, it was time to say goodbye to my host family. Their kindness and hospitality had given me the rest I needed. Before leaving, I congratulated their son on his upcoming wedding. With gratitude in my heart, I set out once again.
Entering the Countryside
Looking at the map the day before, I had noticed that the landscape would soon change from city to countryside. I was excited. While city cycling has its own charm, the sameness of urban streets can feel repetitive. Entering the countryside promised a fresh sense of freedom.
After about an hour of riding from Busselton, the scenery finally opened into long stretches of rural road. Soon, I passed a sign warning of possums crossing. Australia has many interesting animal signs—ducks, kangaroos, even dingoes that resemble wild dogs from northern Japan. Each one adds character to the road.
Not long after, I came across Mallokup Bridge, a historic site tied to Australia’s early colonial era and convict labor. The quiet surroundings gave me time to pause, eat lunch, and reflect on the history held in these wooden beams.
Challenges on the Road
Back on the bike, the road stretched out beautifully straight under the sun. It was hot, but the openness felt liberating. Then the pavement gave way to dirt roads. My tires weren’t built for this, and it quickly became difficult to ride.
Worse, I realized my water supply was running dangerously low. I decided to ask at a nearby house. When I explained I needed water, they kindly filled my bottles and even offered extra. Traveling has taught me that asking for help is essential. Back in Japan, I might hesitate, but here, people respond warmly when you reach out.
A Warm Welcome and Unexpected Work
By the time I reached my host’s house, I was greeted not only by people but also by a large, energetic dog who leapt onto me as if I were family. I spent nearly two hours playing with him before remembering the task I had been putting off—repairing a flat tire I had gotten just 30 minutes before arriving.
In a way, I was thankful. A flat tire so close to a safe place was far better than having one in the middle of nowhere. With the repair finished, I washed up and sat down for dinner.
That night’s meal was spaghetti with meatballs. As I slowly ate each bite, I thought about how much meaning a simple meal can carry after a long day of effort and gratitude.
