This morning we knew we had a busy start. First
things first, pack up the tent. Then I called my dad. Great news,
he found some tyres in Ballarat. Problem. Ballarat was at least
100kms from Halls Gap. We weren't going to make it. So we decided
we would drive to Stawell
(pronounced stool, as in the thing you sit on, or ... sample) and
pick up a couple of second hand tyres to get us to Ballarat. So
we headed off on our journey at an average speed of about 40kms/hr.
Needless to say we got some strange looks from Victorian drivers.
I don't think they were impressed with our New South Wales numberplate.
In Stawell, the guy fitted us up with some slighly
smaller second hand tyres and we drove to Ballarat.On the road again
and 'on a mission for Michelins' - the big fat marshmellow man.
On the way from the Stawell out to Ballarat we passed something
that probably would only happen in Australia. A little caravan was
set up at the side of the road offering free teas, coffees and biscuits.
The idea is that you stop and break up your journey. They're very
strong on taking breaks when you drive. The recommendation is that
you stop at least every two hours to rejuvinate yourself. There's
even a slogan, "Stop, Revive, Survive" and you'll see
posters at the side of the road, as well as adverts on the television.
My hat goes off to the guys of the Rotary Club running the tea stop
- the drinks and food may have been donated by various different
companies, but these guys were giving up their time to dish it out
to us motarists at all times of the day and night.
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