28 March 2025

Killarney became windy and cold, no potable water, very basic amenities, and a school camp to boot. My airbed informed me that after twenty years of abuse it had had enough, splitting at the seam in harmony with atmospheric pressure. Made for a very poor sleep.

Up at the crack of dawn, I made my way to Port Fairy, a pretty little tourist town that, according to the internet, had a sports and camping goods store. Unfortunately, they only had a large velour covered mattress, weighing in at three kilos. I enjoyed a coffee, thinking, one more crap night and I’ll be in Portland. Hopefully there’s an airbed with my name on it there.

Princess Highway to Yambuk Lake. Trucks, cars, and caravans, but joy of joy, a semi decent shoulder. Still on edge, but amazing what a white line can do to make one feel relatively safe.

Pulled into Yambuk store to get some water. Lady behind the counter said a caravanner had popped in and paid for a coffee for the cyclist passing through. I enjoyed it thoroughly while taking back all the things I said about people towing caravans😂😂

Pitched my tent next to Fritz, a German guy out celebrating his 75th birthday, by himself, at Yambuk Lake. He welcomed me with a filtered coffee, and we enjoyed a pleasant conversation about nothing in particular.

No shade at Yambuk Lake, a pleasant enough place, but very hot in the sun. I attacked my airbed with the last of my sealant and it only deflated four times in the night.

Up early in fog, so had to curtail my enthusiasm. With sixty kms on the Princess Highway… I wanted to be seen!!

Big place Portland. Four bulk carriers in the harbour, and lots of tourists.

I found one of those shops that sells absolutely everything, and they had one “Sea to Summit” airbed for sale. So happy😊😊. Bit expensive, but a good night’s sleep is a good night’s sleep! Treated myself to a coffee before booking into the campground at Portland.