Cycling, Buddhism and Hervey Bay

Settling into Hervey Bay has raised my confidence and sparked my curiosity. I have had two wonderful cycling journeys up the coast. In the main part of town their is a fair bit of dodging walkers but the rest of the ride has been peaceful and easy as the bike path allows one to think rather than worry about cars. I am just getting back into riding shape and taking it easy to avoid taking any pain over to the island with me. I am so glad I brought my bike!!


My fitness routine is also starting to use a gift Morgan gave me years ago. It is a Resistance Cord and Workout DVD. Amazing how much exercise you can get from a 30 minute low impact session with a resistance cord. If I can achieve the body tone of the instructors all will be worth it. I'm still waiting for the sun to shine long enough to tempt me to the pool. A few walks along the beach have helped me to remember that there is a reef out there. See pic of all the coral pieces.

Hervey Bay is like many seaside Australian towns I've visited. The old, tired looking 2 story hotel and motels are slowly being razed to make way for 4 and 5 story modern buildings. Like most of Australia all of the beach is public land so almost nothing is built right on the beach. (for the benefit of American readers that have not seen this). There are caravan parks on the beach and most seem to be busy with the southerners that came north for the winter. I've never been tempted to try the caravan life but with a nice foam bed in the back of my Honda I will stay in a park or two to have the safety of neighbours and the convenience of kitchen and shower. I joined the library so I will have a place to go and settle in to books, A/C and internet. 

I am trying to find some good options for my time off in Hervey Bay. I will work 10 days on the island then come back to the mainland for 4. With the small wage I earn on the island $100 per night hotels will be a rarity. A Buddhist shop advertising yoga/meditation/accommodation along the beach road looked promising so I stopped in. Khema, a Canadian was very nice and told me they only put up the accomodation sign to please the council but since she had a good feel from me it was a possibility. I went and meditated with Khema and a young guy this morning (seems their 7am meditation has not attracted many others). It was a very pleasant meditation and it looks like there are several sleeping rooms and common area in a clean building. I will go tomorrow morning and meet others. I am not sure that I will like communal living but open to trying.

Thanks for reading my blog of my adventure. Drop me an email and let me know how things are in your life. I am very interested.