Melbourne - Sydney - Townsville

Well you have probably heard of the first two- Townsville is a northern city in Queensland- but more about that later.

The 9 hour journey from Melbourne to Sydney was broken up a brief visit to Beechworth. Having been recommended to visit by some close family friends we were glad to break the journey up.

We now recognise that we have a few key weaknesses that prevent us from becoming quicker athletes......the joy of good food and wine. I think we showed great restraint to have only one bottle. We both feel that we had earnt a relaxing evening after a good ride in the hills. Again we were lucky has some of the areas around Beechworth had been underthreat from fires. Luckily most are now under control and the threat has passed with some unseasonal rain showers. It almost felt like home (both the rain and the locals complaining about the weather).

On to Sydney.....Steve and Lisa have been great hosts and have allowed us to stay with them. Fine wine and good food is never far away.

We now feel we know Centennial Park like the back of our hands- its a great park to train in- almost 5km in diameter. Having run 4 times round and then 10 laps on the bike the next day I wouldn't mind if we found another route when we are in Sydney.

In an attempt to stay fresh we have had a number of massages. A Chinese chop shop massage in Kings Cross left Shannon underwhelmed and me battered and bruised. I think I was stiffer when I came out.

Townsville- travelling has given us the chance to catch up with the numerous friends that have returned home from stints in the UK. It has been great to see Jacqui on her home turf and to share the beauty of Magnetic (Maggie Island). Gorgeous beaches and lovely walks made us both feel as if were were really on holiday and able to relax. To make us feel at home I got sunburnt again and shared a bottle of Pimms with our new Aussie friends.

Now that we have got over the shark phobia we only have to deal with the stingers (of which there are plenty) and the salties (crocs)......

Tomorrow off to dive the Great Barrier Reef and later in the week some rafting.

We are both pretty jaded after a 3 hour run around Townsville. At 32 degrees (90F) and high humidity it would be fair to say we weren't setting any land speed records. It was a great run and a great chance to see the Quarantine Reserve, Castle Hill and a local nature reserve.