Movie stage XVI & XVII

Many people helped me with the logistics of shipping the bike from Alice Springs, so I got back on my steel machine in Apollo Bay. With each pedals push I was getting closer to civilization, I was more and more often hosted by people. Twice by couples met earlier on the road, by Warm Shower cyclist site, and once by friends. In terms company at evenings this stage was exceptional.

Melbourne was my first big city in over 7 months. I haven't seen so many people, cars, traffic lights and shops in a long time. I received amazing service at the Patagonia store where the manager, unable to help me to fix a broken zipper in a jacket from another brand, simply gave me a new jacket. Also JB HiFi helped a bit, while at Apple Store I received terrible treatment. The fact that they did not agree to match 15% discount from the previous model from 11 months ago, is what they have the right to do. So since the store didn't have models in stock, I had to buy it asap from another store. Unfortunately, being on the road I had no access to a computer or the Internet, and when I tried to download ICloud to a new phone, I was asked for a code that was sent to an IPad to which I did not have access. I needed help. Unfortunately, Apple said that since I didn't buy a phone from them (I wanted to, but they didn't have any), they won't help me!? After asking to see the manager they finally agreed to help me, but a minute later the main manager, who was listening our discussion, stepped in and overrulled his co-worker's promise, stating that "She already over served you" and I have to leave the store. There were no queues in the store, not budy, absolutely ridiculous. They haven't served me at all, have not received any sort of help. I think manager Dave from Highpoint is a racist, he didn't like my accent or something, there must have been a reason for his absurd behaviour.

Before the trip I was afraid of how outback people would treat me. I was expecting that I would meet "Rednecks", such racists who, among other things, do not like immigrants. And it turned out that all this time I met wonderful and helpful people - an absolutely excellent experience. In the end I had only one unpleasant incident at the Apple corporation, it was the only case for over 8 months time.

Unfortunately, Apple does not have a procedure where you can submit a complaint about customer service. Unbelievable that such a company is not interested in evaluation process. I sent several emails and made phone calls but was refused get manager names or positions, got contradicting info what I can do, and at the end never got any response. In this case I give up on Apple products and remember that the photos you see are taken with a Fuji mirrorless camera or with a smartphone.

I will not remember Melbourne best way once again. After leaving I reached Wilsons Promontory where I went hiking in order to reach the southernmost cape. There was a bit of jumping on the rocks, but in the end I managed to stand in this unique place. In addition, one of the seen islands is formally in Tasmania, so at least visually I caught up with this state.

Then it was all uphill. And the climbs were steep, even with over 10-kilometer sections with a slope gradient exceeding 10%. It wasn't easy, and together with increasing altitude, snow and cold came. I felt that I was entering a different mountain landscape, it was different and interesting.

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