Feeling thoroughly chilled out after our Nimbin experience we hit the road, Burleigh Heads bound. It was pelting down with rain and with poor road conditions we were glad to be back on the main road from Lismore to Bangalow. We realised quickly that something was amiss with the car as all our electronics began failing on the car (including the wind screen wipers). With the rain only getting worse we couldn't risk waiting for the next garage so we pulled up on the lay-by (which turned out to be the only one for the next 6km) to see if we could deduce any reason for our malfunctioning station-wagon.

Despite boasting a few honours degrees and a fair claim to intellect we obviously had zero idea what was wrong with our beloved car. Unfortunately for us the damage was irreparable and the car wouldn't start. With no phone signal or breakdown cover the time came to don our raincoats and go in search of a house with a phone. After hearing horror stories of houses with 60km driveways from Lynda our hearts sank as we followed the path up from the mailbox and no house came into view. Luckily it wasn't long before we were knocking on a door and greeted by a friendly and helpful macadamia farmer who put us in touch with a recovery garage just down the road in Bangalow and gave us a lift back to our car on his quad bike.

We didn't have to wait long before we were rescued but our woes continued as it was revealed that not only would the car not be ready till the following day but the only hotel in Bangalow was fully booked. After debating our options over a stiff drink we decided our best bet would be to catch a bus to Byron Bay. Backpackers paradise would surely have accommodation right? Wrong!

Due to the floods up the coast, people hadn't left Byron from the New Year period and despite walking through the rain to every hostel, hotel, motel, b&b and camp site we were forced to accept that we would be sleeping in the train station (the only dry spot in town). It would be a long, cold night as all our stuff was locked in the car miles away.

Luck would have it that the Canadians would save the day again. Despite our refusals, Desiree came to pick us up from Byron Bay after she text us by chance and found out our predicament.