A Morning of Kindness
On March 12, I woke up at the home of the cattle farmer I had met the day before. He had kindly offered me a place to stay after a long day on the road. As I prepared to leave in the morning, I noticed that he had already made breakfast.
Bacon, eggs, bread, and a cup of coffee—such a classic Australian meal. It gave me the energy I needed for the day ahead.
Just as I was getting ready to set off, he said, “There are a lot of construction zones up ahead where bicycles can’t pass. I’ll drive you part of the way.”
I gratefully accepted. Along with the ride, he also handed me fresh water, assuring me it was good. His generosity was overwhelming.
Eventually, we reached the point where we had to part ways. I thanked David, deeply touched by the warmth he showed me despite having his own work to do. Encounters like this make the journey unforgettable.
Struggling on Muddy Dirt Roads
After saying goodbye, I reorganized my gear and set off toward Middlesex. The path was rough—long stretches of dirt roads with constant ups and downs.
Because it had rained the day before, the ground was muddy and soft, making it extremely difficult to pedal. Each turn of the wheel felt heavier than usual. Progress was painfully slow, but after nearly three hours, including breaks, I finally arrived at my host’s house in Middlesex.
A House in Progress
The host explained that the house was still under renovation, a project spanning several years. The room I stayed in looked more like a warehouse, with two unused train cars—about three or four cars long—parked outside.
The place had a unique atmosphere, constantly evolving through ongoing renovations. It felt like a living project, and I found inspiration in it. Someday, I would love to create a place with a similar sense of character and history.
First Time Using My Gas Burner
Dinner that night was simple: instant noodles. It was also the first time on this journey that I used my gas burner.
Until now, I had avoided it, partly out of fear. The thought of flames spreading uncontrollably made me hesitant. And truthfully, the kindness of Australians—sharing food and meals with me—meant I rarely needed to cook for myself.
But this time, I finally tried it. To my surprise, it worked smoothly, and I realized it could be a reliable option moving forward. From now on, I plan to use it more often, especially in remote areas where sharing meals may not always be possible.
Tomorrow I will stay in Middlesex for a day of rest, giving my body a chance to recover before continuing on.
