Today I was going to try something I had never done before
and that was going to be public speaking. This was part of a competition with
my employer, Coles. I had put my name down for community hero and won at the
store level so that was going to get me to the next level. I was to speak to a
small group of people. I was going to talk about my involvement with the marine
rescue and was hoping something would happen. Other community heroes and their
store managers along with three judges would be present. I had written points
out that would help me if I got stuck.
My plan for the ride down was to visit The Big Prawn that
had been revamped and now located at the Bunnings site in Ballina. I was rugged
up in my marine rescue uniform and off down the road thinking I would get to
the surfclub with plenty of time to relax. The plan went kind of out the window
when I took the first turn off to Ballina and wondered where that prawn was. I
knew it would be huge and sticking out. A comfort stop later, I headed down the
road not sure where I was meant to be heading. I chose the turnoffs mentioning
Lennox Head as I knew the road would be nearby though pretty clueless as I had
taken the wrong turn off to Ballina. On my way to Lennox Head, I spotted a turn
off that said East Ballina and realised I needed that turn off as I was going
the wrong way. I turned around and promptly was lost yet again. Knowing the
surf club would be near the beach and the river entrance. Those I spotted
pretty quickly and headed down the hill even though I found a lighthouse. I had
reached my destination even though I had been slightly lost.
My boss was actually standing out front though I never asked
if he was waiting for me, but he knew I had gotten lost. I was rushing as I
still had my bike jacket over my uniform. Once I entered the room I was met
with several people I knew. One was my old boss and another co worker who was
in another store. At least I knew someone and I chatted to a girl who was in
the SES for my local area. There were some interesting stories. Even Bruce the
safety dragon stepping in for someone who was overseas. All the talks were
interesting. I did stand up amongst them all to have my turn though I didn’t go
to well. My brain splintered into squirrel mode, but I managed to make people
laugh about hitting charter boats. I did not attempt to read my notes and that
could have been the problem, but at least it was done though I have tried my
best and was a new experience for me and am proud of myself. I had achieved so
much out of the talk too. There are many interesting people who work for St.
John ambos, SES, Soft ball coaches, church group leaders, meals on wheels and
so much more. The managers of the stores learnt a bit too as they never knew
the effort people put into volunteering their time. I was congratulated for a
job well done even though I was not a winner at all on the day. I would say
getting lunch and drinks are worth so much more for a day out.
After the meal and everyone went their separate ways I
wanted to find the lighthouse and cemetery. Thing was I found the cemetery, but
had no idea where I could find that cemetery. It had actually lost it again. I
had done the same in Paris a few years before, but found it. My goal was to
find the Big Prawn as I had a fair idea where to find it. I found I got myself
going the wrong way again as I ended up following the exit to Tweed instead of
Grafton. I was actually heading the way I came earlier in the day. Another
comfort stop later I was back heading towards Grafton and that was when I found
my prawn. The prawn should have been big enough for me to find in the first
place. I was happy and off I was heading towards Byron Bay with the weather
starting to close in a touch. There was some rain, but I was hoping not too
much.
The ride towards Byron was interesting as I found my turn
off that I had missed as I had been lost, but further down the road I found
another turn off that could have taken me right to the beach front where the
surf club is. There was a house with a nautical theme especially since it had
lighthouses in front. Lennox Heads I bypassed as I wanted Byron and the famous
lighthouse. The ride was actually longer than I thought it to be especially
when some of the roads were in need of maintenance of some sort. Then I found
the price of parking so I never got off the bike even though I was in need of a
loo. I was surprised by the tracks up to the light house as the road was very
narrow, but I was not going to stop for the $7 parking. The parking down the
hill was $4 though I do hope they did not take offence to the fact I had to use
the loo and not pay for parking. I was going to, but being busting and the coin
wouldn’t go in I decided to opt for the easier option. Byron Bay didn’t prick
my attention though could be as it was a touch wet, but not raining. I had
without realising from the light house chosen the correct route to head towards
the highway. Parking did seem to be costly there as I had noticed and my guess
was the free parking would be full. If I had people to meet I would travel down
more often, but there are interesting places to find. I was a little confused
by the exit onto the highway as they were doing road works, but I soon made my
way to the correct path.
It was actually pretty good to bypass the hill with its
radar trap and the massive amount of road works that was occurring along the
way. The ride home late afternoon was really good and I had to stop at Chinderah
again for fuel unlike last time where I had the fuel light on for some time and
worried I would run out. I am worried about riding through that part of
Chinderah as there are scarlet houses abound in that area. They might like KFC
or Maccas. I did have a pretty good day away from everything and I could not
have asked for more other than getting myself lost. This would have to be my signature
move with every trip I seem to make I misalign myself.
