From Melbs we travelled by bus for 5 hours into the High Country of Victoria to stay with our Aussie /SF friends Matt, Britt and their dog Woody. Matt was Trey’s first cycle buddy in SF (they moved there around the same time) and they spent many a happy bike ride together. Around 18 months ago they decided to quit corporate life and move back to their homeland to create a new life in the country. Wandiligong is where they landed.

After missing the Fall weather in Japan we managed to hit it here and the expected Spring sunshine was switched for rain and low cloud. Never the less we explored the local town of Bright and T even managed a mountain bike ride with Matt and Britt on one of the many options offered (5 X more trails compared to SF). #RideHighCountry

For the weekend Matt had a cycling event on so we travelled with him to a small town called Buxton to hang with their friends (who had a family farmhouse).

With the weather still rather inclement, we spent the Sunday at the Healesville Sanctuary where we got up close and personal with Kangaroos, Koalas and even a Tasi Devil. They are funny looking things, waddling like a pig but with jaws strong enough to crush a skull. Eeek.

It was wonderful to see what Matt and Britt have created in such a short time. Matt works in marketing for the NE tourism board, promoting cycling in the local area whilst Britt is retraining from Tech Sales to Interior Design. They also Airbnb a ‘wing’ of their property. It was inspiring to see what determination, flexibility and courage will get you. We naturally grilled them on every aspect from finances, plans, 180 deg changes and their hindsight on the decision. We learnt a lot and remain grateful for their willingness to share their experience.

With sadness we left on the Monday and took a hopper flight to Sydney to start the last 5 days of our trip.