The road to Tasmania

After leaving Canberra, I had a few setbacks. I visited the highest point in Australia, Mt. Kosciusko (6,800 ft). About ten minutes east of that spot, my car broke down. It is in a town called Jindabyne where the vacuum advance is being fixed. From there, I decided to try to hitchhike down to Melbourne instead of taking the bus. I figured it would be a good experience. It was an interesting one. I told a driver I was headed to Melbourne, which was to the Southwest. He thought it was a good idea to take me 4 hours (he got lost) North to the main freeway between Sydney and Melbourne. I had low spirits at this point, but a very friendly college student picked me up and offered that I could stay at his place for the night, so I slept on a spare mattress on his floor in Wagga Wagga. It is out in the country and is very hot. We had a night out on the town, which wasn't very impressive. The next morning he made me breakfast and took me to a good spot to catch a ride. I made it to Albury on the border of New South Wales and Victoria. I waited over an hour for another ride, but the guy that stopped was very nice and we had a good conversation while he drove to Melbourne. He dropped me off at the door of my hostel, and even brought back my aluminum water bottle that I left in his car. I liked what I saw of Melbourne. It is more orderly and cleaner than Sydney. Also, there's good beer. I went to James Squire and Little Creatures brewery while I was there, both of which were delicious on a 100 degree day. The architecture was very interesting, especially in the larger buildings, but it is a bit difficult to explain. I made the short flight to Tasmania, and so far it is beautiful and cooler. I have to get prepared for my week long hike on the Overland Track. To help me prepare, there is a brewery across the river from my hostel.