Chatterbox for community hero

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.