Day 2 in Townsville

Last night I cooked an enormous feed. It's weird because I didn't know that I could cook. I think it's because I'm expecting failure. It was skewers, mushrooms, baby spinach and a ton of potato, sweet potato and corn so not exactly complicated. Usually I can cook stuff if it is only 2 things. But this was 3 things in a pot, 2 things in a pan (mushrooms and spinach, hard to mess that up) and 1 thing in a grill. So maybe my cooking skills are pattern based. I took a photo because I was so proud.

After that I had to Skype with the doctor. She reckons I'm under-methylated. Symptoms include perfectionism, high accomplishment and compulsive planning (for real!). So it will be good to be finally cured of that.

Today I checked out of the hotel, loaded up all my stuff on the bike and set off for the hostel. 400 metres later I arrived and stored my luggage for the day as I couldn't check in yet. Then I went to Kmart to buy a couple of extra bags. One for the camera and a camelbak knock off for water.

When I was leaving the carpark I followed the exit signs and they led me around the building and back to the start. Then I looked at the other side of the carpark and they pointed the opposite direction so I followed them and they led me back to the start as well. I pulled up next to a trolleyboy and asked him how I get out of the carpark and he just said "OK". Eventually I went the opposite of the exit arrows and made it out after almost hitting some people on a pedestrian crossing.

Next I went up Mount Stuart. It was a really windy, steep, fun ride up. The mountain overlooks Townsville and the army base is just below it. I could hear the guns from the gun range below, which I later found out was from a course being run by Sam Clarke, who I know from Kempsey. From the top you can see all of Townsville and Magnetic Island in the distance. On the other side is Ross Lake, where I assume the mosquitoes that give you Ross River fever begin their life cycle.

After I went back down I wanted to get a photo of Mount Stuart so I found a nice little park where I could take a photo and fill up my newly acquired camelbak. When it is hot I often pull my riding trousers down as they are too cumbersome to take off without taking the boots off. It is easier to just hang them around my ankles. My legs get super hot and sweaty and the trouser stink.

When a bell rang between me and Mount Stuart, I realised that I had been standing with my pants around my ankles and a camera outside a primary school.

I went back to check into the hostel. They had just collected a bunch of people from the airport so it took ages and even longer to get a key to the luggage room.

By the time that was done Sam, who I mentioned earlier, arrived to collect me. I went out the front to meet him and instead found 4 ice heads who wanted me to call a taxi for them. I realised after a bit one was Sam, who'd been waylaid by these 3 iceheads as well. We tried to call them a taxi but it just rang out. They caused a bit of a ruckus and the hostel staff came out. I think they thought these junkies were with me.

Sam took me to a fishing shop and I bought a rod and reel. So I'm going to go fishing I guess. In fairness I am going to some of the best fishing spots in the country so I probably should go fishing. Plus I can eat them.

From now on I'm not buying ANYTHING ELSE.