Day 12: Tooleybuc to Robinvale

Noisy night last night with lots of truck noise (I think I remember this being the same last year as well). Everyone was up early, even those that seemed to over indulge last night. They did not appear to have any side effects from the wine intake- I would be having trouble with my head and stomach, if it was me. Big argument occurred in the unit next to us this morning and I was a bit concerned for their welfare- not sure who was slapping who but it was a bit nasty.

We got on the road again, crossed the bridge and came across lots of orchards. The fruit trees seem to have really become established around here.  Received a phone call from Melanie to tell me about an orange stall, which is the same one where Jacquei bought a bag last year. Bought a small bag for $5.00. Passed Mel, Jane & Gareth not much later and then a car pulling a trailer passed us going quite fast but with half his load hanging off the back of the trailer and dragging on the ground. He seemed unaware of the sparks flying off his load but not much further down the road we come across a small fire. A truck driver had pulled over, got his fire extinguisher and put out most of the fire while I poured our precious water over the smouldering mess. In the meantime Collis rang the emergency services and we could see fires starting up all along the side of the road ahead. I decided to jump in my car and race ahead to see if I could catch the culprit and/or check all cyclists OK. Passed three more fires which were more established but then there seemed to be no more.Found the remainder of the cyclists at the morning tea stop which was at Boundary Bend. They were unaware of all the dramas and just happily waiting for me with their meals on wheels. Today was oranges, wild peaches, fruit cake, mixed nuts and dried fruit and biscuits. Collis arrived and he had contacted the CFA and the police (to try and catch the guy further up the highway). The Boundary bend boys flew past while we were still at the rest stop.

After morning tea we stopped frequently to check water supplies as the temperature was rising. Whilst Collis chatted with Roger, B1 & B2 a brown snake was spotted in the grass near by. While they were watching, the snake suddenly took off at a hundred miles an hour, chasing a little lizard, which he managed to get and eat.

We arrived at Robinvale around midday once again and everyone got to the shops for supplies and then the girls decided to celebrate "treat Wednesday" with Magnum ice creams.