8th August Melbourne

 Kms today 610       Kms to date 11,320

To meet the 11:30 deadline for crossing the border, I had to leave Hillston at 7am.  It was just above freezing at that time of day and misty to add complications.  Wildlife was not a problem but keeping warm was.  My heated gloves and heated grips were on maximum and just managed to keep my hands from freezing up.  It was tough going and I had to keep my speed down.

By the time I got to Hay, things were improving.  I filled up and had quick snack before pressing on to do the last 200kms. Hay was surrounded by the Hay Plains, which were saltbush plains intersected every 50kms by creeks which had little settlements on them.   I could open up the Kawasaki a bit and arrived at the border with 15mins to spare

 The police were operating a road block on the Victorian side of the Murray River and I produced my Licence and my Transit Pass.  It was scanned and I was relieved to be told I had the Green Zone pass confirmed and I was free to proceed.  

Back in Victoria mightily relived that my Transit Pass was accepted

After some refreshment I headed off south to Heathcote, Kyneton  on and the Calder Fwy to Melbourne. 

Melbourne's skyline was a welcome sight

I pulled up in my driveway at 2:30 and unpacked the bike and relaxed with a coffee prepared by our boarder Ella.  She has been house sitting while I have been away.

Well that was quite a journey and I visited some great places along the way.  Both my front and rear tyres had worn square, but the bike performed faultlessly.  My only regret was that my brother Alan wasn't travelling with me.  He is still stuck in Sydney.