Up at 6am to catch the 8am ferry across Spencer Gulf to Lucky Bay. I was first to the ferry terminal so I could make sure everything went smoothly getting my gear on board. The crew were fantastic and let me on the car deck early to find a spot for my bike and trailer and make sure they were secure. John the ferry driver even offered for me to come and get some aloe vera plant from the bridge to put on scratches on my legs from my pedals which seem to be taking a long time to heal. Its amazing what you can learn by talking to the ferryman.
By the time we got to Lucky Bay it was 30degrees and the ride along the bitumen Lucky Bay and Wilton Roads was hot and exposed with a head wind and the temperature was climbing steadily. After 15km and a few kms before Cowell I came across a turn off to the Harbour View Caravan Park which looked like a good option and the word `pool` in fine print was the clincher. I arrived at about 1pm in 37 degrees and the big shady camp kitchen with views over the water was where I stayed for the next 6 hours, only emerging for a dip in the pool every half hour.
The caravan park owners were nice people and even loaned me a rubber mallet to `soften` my new leather bicycle seat which is taking a little getting used to but overall is more comfortable with its springs instead of the gel seat variety. They also said a cool change was on its way.
At about 7pm I finally put up my tent next to some caravanners, cooked dinner in the camp kitchen, chatted to the other travellers and watched the stunning sunset over Franklin Harbour. Just before dark there was a mad flurry by the staff and much flicking of switches all around the caravan park then all at one the entire perimeter fence and all the buildings were ablaze in flashing Christmas lights! There were even reindeer and elves on a see saw in the garden. It certainly was a surprise and I was `lucky` enough to be reminded of it all night as I had unknowingly placed my tent right next to one of the flashing buildings.
Before retiring I packed up my gear except for my tent in preparation for an early departure the following morning . The cool change predicted was nowhere to be seen and the night was so warm that for the first time I didnt even unpack my sleeping bag.
