Day 4-6: Brunswick Heads to Byron Bay

Ah Byron Bay....the perfect cure for any travelling ails. After 4 days, 66 km and 74962 steps I was sure glad to stomp on into Byron Bay for the first pitstop. I gave myself 3 days to rest, restock and spread the Walk Against Want word. It sure will be tough to leave the bay behind. Anyone mind if I extend my stay?

Before I got to Byron, I woke on Wednesday morning in Brunswick Heads to pouring rain. With spirits a little dampened I suited up in the wet weather gear again and hobbled toward the beach. The time was 930. And quite literally as my feet touch the sand the rain stop. At first I didn't notice, but it wasn't long before I felt awfully hot and wondered why? I took one look up (I usually start out with my gazed fixed to the ground ahead to help get me into the tramping zone!) and the sky was clear and blue. I made the most of my good fortune and high-tailed it toward Bryon.

The going was good. Everytime I gazed towards my day's goal the cape lighthouse looked ever closer. After 2hrs of non-stop walking I breaked for water and a bite to eat. It has to be done but these breaks are terrible! Getting going again is so hard. The feet burn. Ankles and back ache. The steps start off so small.  Only after 20mins or so do they warm up and I'm back into the swing of things. Crossing Belongil Creek I rolled on barefoot for another k or two and into Byron Bay.  Time check... 130pm. And wait for it...it starts raining again. It hasn't stopped raining for the last 2 days. And now as I start preparing for the next leg of the journey I'm blessed with blue skies once more.  I really can't believe my luck. I'm not looking forward to when it turns...

I have to say 2 huge thankyou's. Firstly to the Backpackers Inn who donated $200 towards the Walk Against Want and for putting me up for a night. The second thankyou goes out to the Backpackers Holiday Village. Thanks to Marc, Ben and all the crew for helping me with the journey.

Now the count down to the next departure begins. Although I could quite easily stay in Bryon for a few more days, I'm strangely looking forward to getting back on the road. Maybe it's the solitude. Maybe it's the amazing scenery. I'm not entirely sure, but there's something alluring about the challenge. Having a job to do and seeing it through provides a simple but powerful intrinsic reward. I might come to doubt these thoughts during the first few km's of tomorrow's walk. Here's a pic of what lays ahead... Lennox heads, Ballina and Evans Head. And the sort of blisters I'm walking with.

Till the next check in. Peace.