Continuing north, the temperatures continued to be more agreeable and the days seemed longer, in large part because we were eager to hit the road earlier. But still the roads weren’t much to comment on, mostly highways shared with cars and trucks, with speed limits topping out at 110 km/hr and dipping to 40 or 60 in towns. With little much to engage us on the road, we focused more on road-side attractions. Quite notable among such things was a very large Mango, perhaps even the world’s largest, but almost definitely this town’s largest. . .

Also of note was a winery by the name of Murdering Point. Considering the intrigue involved in our mission, we certainly needed to stop. But I wouldn’t turn my back on the place. . .

Having seen only one live roo-like creature so far, we stopped by a zoo of sorts to make sure that we’d see one or two of Australia’s finest (not including –of course- the police man who let me ‘borrow’ his bike). At the ‘animal sanctuary’ (or other similar term meant to justify crating a bunch of animals and then train them to feed from the hands of their worst nightmare) we came face-to-face with many a fine specimen.

Here we have a koala, seemingly cute and cuddly, but reportedly at the ready to rip your throat if you disrespect it in any way. . .

We met up with a kangaroo. It looked quite familiar from the MANY we’d seen along the road – it looked quite dead. But when it responded to a simple inquiry about a certain piece of office furniture, we realized it was merely snoozing.

Suddenly, out of nowhere, another hopper showed much more aggression as it charged me. I did the only thing I could think to do, I took its picture. . .

We met up with many other agents of Australia’s underground at that park. Gators, wombats, snakes, freaky birds. I could post pictures of them, but you probably know what they look like. Instead I’ll post a picture of me. Hi. . .

. . .and one of Victoria working some counter-intelligence with “the enemy.”

After such a focused encounter with the natives, a long run was in order. Here’s a view from the beach at sunrise. . .

And in leaving the rainforest-lined beach that morning, we were warned of yet more perilous creatures.

Cassowaries? Someone totally made that up. . .