Date:- 7 September 2010
Distance:- 115.30 Km
Distance to Date:- 10589 Km
Start:- Jerramungup Caravan Park
Finish:- Ravensthorpe Caravan Park
Comment:- Up at 6 am this morning after a good nights sleep. Had breakfast, packed and on the road by 7.45 am. While I was having breakfast a kangaroo found an apple I had in a plastic bag stored under the fly of my tent. I found the remains in my tent. The kangaroo then appeared around the corner of the camp kitchen and tried to get my cereal. It was given short shift. I was warned about the kangaroos.
Nice morning with the sun shining, a light north westerly wind but a few hills to start with. Cropping as far as the eye can see through this area.
Had a bit of muscle pain on the inside upper right leg yesterday and I think it was because I pushed a little too hard on the bike yesterday. Seems OK in the early part of the day. I am just poking along enjoying the moment.
About 20 km out I entered the Fitzroy River National Park.
About mid morning the wind speed had increased to 5 - 10 kts. Nice run downhill to the Fitzroy River Rest Area. Went in to check it out. Good big area for caravans but still no toilets. Met a woman in there who had just boiled the kettle so I grabbed my cup and tea bag and made a cuppa. We were joined by another two couples from Melbourne who were enquiring as to what I was up to.
Back out on the road after a half hour break, and I had a long slow climb out of the valley. Wind strength now increased to 20 - 25 kts gusting to 30 plus kts.
Stopped 55 km out at 12.30 pm for my lunch break, again another couple of people came over for a chat.
Wind is causing some concern as generally blowing left to right across the road with the strong gusts pushing me into the centre of the road. A number of times I felt like I was nearly blown off my bike. Just the sheer weight of my bike and gear holding me down.
For the last 40 km or so I just concentrated on staying upright and on the left hand side of the road. When the road swung around to the east it was quite pleasant. Didn’t happen too often.
Finally arrived in Ravensthorpe about 5.45 pm found the caravan park and booked in. Usual routine, tent up, shower then cook tea, wash up then onto my diary, etc. Had a couple of showers of rain while I was having tea.
Hope to ride to Mungunup tomorrow a distance of 84 km, then to Esperance the next day (Thursday).
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Monday, September 6, 2010
Day 176
Date:- 6 September 2010
Distance:- 105.59 Km
Distance to Date:- 10474 Km
Start:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Finish:- Jerramungup Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I sat up till 10 pm and charged all my batteries. Packed a few things then into bed.
I reluctantly crawled out of bed about 6.45 am, packed the rest of my gear then fronted up to another fine breakfast. Said goodbye to Josie, then Phil drove me out to the South Coast Highway, found a place to put the bike and trailer together. Said good bye to Phil and I was on my way.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Phil and Josie for being such good hosts. I really enjoyed my stay and all that home cooking. The home brew and the Port were something else. Thanks again Phil and Josie.
On the road by 9 am. A North West wind of about 5 - 10 kts, nice flat road, sun shining and a full tummy. What else would you want?
Stopped at Welsted for a cuppa about 11 am. A few small hills are evident now. Canola seems to be the main crop through here. There are a number of other crops which I don’t recognise.
Had a nice downhill run into the Pallinup River Rest Area where I decided to have my lunch break. This is a nice little rest area but no toilets. There were a number of other vehicles here having a break.
Back on the road and a long slow climb out of the valley and onto Boxwood Hill where there is another Roadhouse. I didn’t stop. It was also where the turnoff for Bremer Bay, another local tourist spot.
Just out of Boxwood Hill a very much alive snake slithered across the road in front of me. There was no question of who had right of way. I also encountered another snake just out of the small town of Gairdner.
I then rode the last 20 km into Jerrnumgup. The wind had increased to about 15 - 20 kts and abated gradually, the closer I got to my destination. The road also seemed to be climbing with the occasional downhill run. Arrived at Jerrnumgup Caravan Park about 5 am and booked in, set up my tent, then headed for the shower.
This is a very nice little park with a very good Camp Kitchen, clean amenities, etc.
Sent out some SMS messages and rang Phil and Josie to tell them I had arrived at Jerrnumup safely. Cooked tea then onto my diary and Blog.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Ravensthorpe a distance of 119 km. There are a couple of Rest Areas where I can overnight if I want to.
Distance:- 105.59 Km
Distance to Date:- 10474 Km
Start:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Finish:- Jerramungup Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I sat up till 10 pm and charged all my batteries. Packed a few things then into bed.
I reluctantly crawled out of bed about 6.45 am, packed the rest of my gear then fronted up to another fine breakfast. Said goodbye to Josie, then Phil drove me out to the South Coast Highway, found a place to put the bike and trailer together. Said good bye to Phil and I was on my way.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Phil and Josie for being such good hosts. I really enjoyed my stay and all that home cooking. The home brew and the Port were something else. Thanks again Phil and Josie.
On the road by 9 am. A North West wind of about 5 - 10 kts, nice flat road, sun shining and a full tummy. What else would you want?
Stopped at Welsted for a cuppa about 11 am. A few small hills are evident now. Canola seems to be the main crop through here. There are a number of other crops which I don’t recognise.
Had a nice downhill run into the Pallinup River Rest Area where I decided to have my lunch break. This is a nice little rest area but no toilets. There were a number of other vehicles here having a break.
Back on the road and a long slow climb out of the valley and onto Boxwood Hill where there is another Roadhouse. I didn’t stop. It was also where the turnoff for Bremer Bay, another local tourist spot.
Just out of Boxwood Hill a very much alive snake slithered across the road in front of me. There was no question of who had right of way. I also encountered another snake just out of the small town of Gairdner.
I then rode the last 20 km into Jerrnumgup. The wind had increased to about 15 - 20 kts and abated gradually, the closer I got to my destination. The road also seemed to be climbing with the occasional downhill run. Arrived at Jerrnumgup Caravan Park about 5 am and booked in, set up my tent, then headed for the shower.
This is a very nice little park with a very good Camp Kitchen, clean amenities, etc.
Sent out some SMS messages and rang Phil and Josie to tell them I had arrived at Jerrnumup safely. Cooked tea then onto my diary and Blog.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Ravensthorpe a distance of 119 km. There are a couple of Rest Areas where I can overnight if I want to.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Day 175
Date:- 5 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 10368 Km
Start:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Finish:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Comment:- After tea we sat around and chatted and watched a bit of TV. Then we all retired to bed about 9.45 pm. Again it was very nice sleeping in a comfy bed.
Out of bed about 7 am this morning and enjoyed a cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomatoes on toast. I could get to like this life. A cup of tea topped this off.
We then checked and cleaned the bike and trailer. Degreased and oiled the chain. Washed all my water bottles, then it was morning “smoko” . My daughter, Nicole sent me a Happy Fathers Day SMS and said she would ring latter. Then Simone, my youngest daughter, rang to wish me a Happy Fathers Day.
It wasn’t long before lunch was served. Veggie soup, homemade sausage rolls, and home made bread. I am going to find it hard to leave.
We then drove down town and I was able to replenish my food supply at the local super market. Back home and packed all my clothes and then do my diary while enjoying an ale and then a nice port before tea. Nicole rang and we had a nice chat.
Tomorrow I will head for Welsted Service Station where I hope to camp.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 10368 Km
Start:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Finish:- Phil & Josie - Albany
Comment:- After tea we sat around and chatted and watched a bit of TV. Then we all retired to bed about 9.45 pm. Again it was very nice sleeping in a comfy bed.
Out of bed about 7 am this morning and enjoyed a cooked breakfast of bacon, eggs, tomatoes on toast. I could get to like this life. A cup of tea topped this off.
We then checked and cleaned the bike and trailer. Degreased and oiled the chain. Washed all my water bottles, then it was morning “smoko” . My daughter, Nicole sent me a Happy Fathers Day SMS and said she would ring latter. Then Simone, my youngest daughter, rang to wish me a Happy Fathers Day.
It wasn’t long before lunch was served. Veggie soup, homemade sausage rolls, and home made bread. I am going to find it hard to leave.
We then drove down town and I was able to replenish my food supply at the local super market. Back home and packed all my clothes and then do my diary while enjoying an ale and then a nice port before tea. Nicole rang and we had a nice chat.
Tomorrow I will head for Welsted Service Station where I hope to camp.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Day 174
Date:- 4 September 2010
Distance:- 50.37 Km
Distance to Date:- 10368 Km
Start:- Rivermouth Caravan Park - Denmark
Finish:- Phil and Josie - Albany
Comment:- Had a very good nights sleep again last night. When I eventually got up about 7 am, Lois was already up and champing at the bit to get going. When I went to the amenities there was water everywhere so obviously we had a lot of rain overnight.
I took my time packing and on the road by 9.05 am. Lois left about 30 minutes before me. I handed the key to the cabin, along with a small list of faults to the managers thinking they may not be aware of. I was met with the reply:- “Its budget accomodation, what do you expect?” I was deeply disappointed at this, but I left it at that, and departed.
Had a couple of hills to negotiate leaving Denmark, then the road flattened out with the odd hill near Albany. Quite a bit of traffic around today. A west south west wind and an overcast day with the sun shining every now and then.
Stopped on the side of the road for a break 25km out about 11 am, then back on the road to Albany.
Stopped at the Info Bay about 6 km from Albany and gave Phil and Josie a ring to organise a pickup place. Met Phil about 3 km out and loaded the bike and gear and travellel to their nice home in Albany. Met with Josie again and had a chat over lunch. Josie put a load of washing in, then hung it under the veranda.
Phil then took me for a drive around Albany and showed me the various attractions. Back home and it was cuppa time again. It was then “happy hour” and we sampled Phil’s home brew and it a very good drop.
Josie had cooked a wonderful roast tea; fruit salad, custard and icecream all washed down with a cup of tea.
I then did my diary and updated my blog. Tomorrow will be a rest day.
Distance:- 50.37 Km
Distance to Date:- 10368 Km
Start:- Rivermouth Caravan Park - Denmark
Finish:- Phil and Josie - Albany
Comment:- Had a very good nights sleep again last night. When I eventually got up about 7 am, Lois was already up and champing at the bit to get going. When I went to the amenities there was water everywhere so obviously we had a lot of rain overnight.
I took my time packing and on the road by 9.05 am. Lois left about 30 minutes before me. I handed the key to the cabin, along with a small list of faults to the managers thinking they may not be aware of. I was met with the reply:- “Its budget accomodation, what do you expect?” I was deeply disappointed at this, but I left it at that, and departed.
Had a couple of hills to negotiate leaving Denmark, then the road flattened out with the odd hill near Albany. Quite a bit of traffic around today. A west south west wind and an overcast day with the sun shining every now and then.
Stopped on the side of the road for a break 25km out about 11 am, then back on the road to Albany.
Stopped at the Info Bay about 6 km from Albany and gave Phil and Josie a ring to organise a pickup place. Met Phil about 3 km out and loaded the bike and gear and travellel to their nice home in Albany. Met with Josie again and had a chat over lunch. Josie put a load of washing in, then hung it under the veranda.
Phil then took me for a drive around Albany and showed me the various attractions. Back home and it was cuppa time again. It was then “happy hour” and we sampled Phil’s home brew and it a very good drop.
Josie had cooked a wonderful roast tea; fruit salad, custard and icecream all washed down with a cup of tea.
I then did my diary and updated my blog. Tomorrow will be a rest day.
Day 173
Date:- 3 September 2010
Distance:- 71.84 Km
Distance to Date:- 10318 Km
Start:- Coalmine Beach Holiday Park - Walpole
Finish:- Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 10.30 pm last night after shuffling my wet gear to dry out. Left heater on all night and it did the trick. Everything dried out nicely.
Slow to get up this morning it was nice to stretch out on a nice soft bed, dry and warm. But all good things come to an end so it was up and have breakfast then pack everything up and depart. Lois came round to have a chat and we organised to share a two roomed cabin together to defray the cost.
I finally got on the road about 9.45 am. A good road with very little traffic. The small town of Nornalup came up. I then passed the turnoff for the tree top walk, then onto Bow Bridge where I stopped for a coffee and raison toast. Prior to Bow Bridge it started raining so on with the wet gear and thankfully the rain didn’t last long.
Back on the road again and the sun was shining and the hills a bit less demanding. A fairly big pastoral area with sheep and cattle and a bit of cropping.
About 40 km out I made another stop at The Toffee Shop were I made a small purchase. As I was leaving Lois arrived so I returned to the toffee shop with her where she had lunch.
Back on the road and my next stop was Bartholomew Mary which I heard was quite interesting. I didn’t find it as such and I was soon on my way to Denmark.
Arrived at the caravan park booked in and found the cabin we had booked. Certainly not as good as last night. No microwave, one light working, tap wont turn off, exhaust fan didn’t go, TV faulty, in other words a bit of a lemon. We then went to the supermarket and organised some items for tea. A nice steak, roast vegies, beans, etc all very healthy. Lois did a good job.
Then it was time to do my diary and it was a little difficult because I didn’t take any notes through the day like I usually do.
Tomorrow it is off to Albany to stay with Phil and Josie for a day or two before heading off to Esperance.
Distance:- 71.84 Km
Distance to Date:- 10318 Km
Start:- Coalmine Beach Holiday Park - Walpole
Finish:- Denmark Rivermouth Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 10.30 pm last night after shuffling my wet gear to dry out. Left heater on all night and it did the trick. Everything dried out nicely.
Slow to get up this morning it was nice to stretch out on a nice soft bed, dry and warm. But all good things come to an end so it was up and have breakfast then pack everything up and depart. Lois came round to have a chat and we organised to share a two roomed cabin together to defray the cost.
I finally got on the road about 9.45 am. A good road with very little traffic. The small town of Nornalup came up. I then passed the turnoff for the tree top walk, then onto Bow Bridge where I stopped for a coffee and raison toast. Prior to Bow Bridge it started raining so on with the wet gear and thankfully the rain didn’t last long.
Back on the road again and the sun was shining and the hills a bit less demanding. A fairly big pastoral area with sheep and cattle and a bit of cropping.
About 40 km out I made another stop at The Toffee Shop were I made a small purchase. As I was leaving Lois arrived so I returned to the toffee shop with her where she had lunch.
Back on the road and my next stop was Bartholomew Mary which I heard was quite interesting. I didn’t find it as such and I was soon on my way to Denmark.
Arrived at the caravan park booked in and found the cabin we had booked. Certainly not as good as last night. No microwave, one light working, tap wont turn off, exhaust fan didn’t go, TV faulty, in other words a bit of a lemon. We then went to the supermarket and organised some items for tea. A nice steak, roast vegies, beans, etc all very healthy. Lois did a good job.
Then it was time to do my diary and it was a little difficult because I didn’t take any notes through the day like I usually do.
Tomorrow it is off to Albany to stay with Phil and Josie for a day or two before heading off to Esperance.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Day 172
Date:- 2 September 2010
Distance:- 98.26 Km
Distance to Date:- 10246 Km
Start:- Quinninup Caravan Park
Finish:- Coalmine Beach Holiday Park - Walpole
Comment:- Up at 6.15am this morning after a good, dry nights sleep. Had breakfast while watching kangaroos grazing and listening to birds chirping. Phoned the caravan park owners twice to pay for the night. Once prior to packing and again before I was ready to depart. No answer. I departed leaving my contact details.
On the road by 8.15 am and rode the two km back to the South Western Highway and straight into some hills. Beautiful overcast morning with not a breath of wind.
Stopped at Shannon Camp Ground to check it out, about 11 am. Its about 500 metres off the road and sports a new unisex toilet block with 4 suites each with toilet, basin and a shower. Hot water is supplied by a solid fuel hot water service which the customer has to light with the supplied wood.
Met with three couples at Shannons and received a nice cup of coffee and some very nice fruit cake. Departed Shannons about 11.45 am.
Not far out of Shannons it started to drizzle so I stopped to put my wet weather jacket on. While I was stopped another cyclist appeared. It was Louis from Sydney. I think she said she flew into Perth and was going to cycle back to Sydney. Her husband accompanied her for the first few days then flew home. She wasn’t carrying as much gear as me and she was on a road bike so considerably faster than me. She was staying in Youth Hostels.
I have been riding through a number of national parks all day. Greater Dordagup National Park, Jane National Park, Shannon National Park, D’Entrecasteaux National Park and the Mt Frankland South National Park.
Today would rate among the hardest I have had to endure. It was drizzling, then the sun was shining, then it was drizzling again, then the sun was shining as it drizzled. Consequently I got a little wet which wasn’t too bad. I was just cold or chilled to the bone. Someone told me the road was flat. Why do I believe what I hear? The road was narrow with no shoulder and most undulating, up one hill down the next. Not much flat road around here. To top it off a grader had just reworked the gravel on the side of the road. In my favour, no trucks and very few cars.
Arrived in Walpole about 5 am and straight to the visitors centre to find a caravan park. I was directed to the Coalmine Holiday Village about 5 km east of Walpole. Cycled out to the park and it was still raining. I decided to spoil myself and took a cabin with a heater, and other facilities. Turned the heater up full and spread all my wet gear out to dry.
Had numerous cups of tea, coffee and soup to warm me up then cooked tea and then onto my diary.
Tomorrow if the weather is fine I will head for Denmark a distance of 66 km.
Distance:- 98.26 Km
Distance to Date:- 10246 Km
Start:- Quinninup Caravan Park
Finish:- Coalmine Beach Holiday Park - Walpole
Comment:- Up at 6.15am this morning after a good, dry nights sleep. Had breakfast while watching kangaroos grazing and listening to birds chirping. Phoned the caravan park owners twice to pay for the night. Once prior to packing and again before I was ready to depart. No answer. I departed leaving my contact details.
On the road by 8.15 am and rode the two km back to the South Western Highway and straight into some hills. Beautiful overcast morning with not a breath of wind.
Stopped at Shannon Camp Ground to check it out, about 11 am. Its about 500 metres off the road and sports a new unisex toilet block with 4 suites each with toilet, basin and a shower. Hot water is supplied by a solid fuel hot water service which the customer has to light with the supplied wood.
Met with three couples at Shannons and received a nice cup of coffee and some very nice fruit cake. Departed Shannons about 11.45 am.
Not far out of Shannons it started to drizzle so I stopped to put my wet weather jacket on. While I was stopped another cyclist appeared. It was Louis from Sydney. I think she said she flew into Perth and was going to cycle back to Sydney. Her husband accompanied her for the first few days then flew home. She wasn’t carrying as much gear as me and she was on a road bike so considerably faster than me. She was staying in Youth Hostels.
I have been riding through a number of national parks all day. Greater Dordagup National Park, Jane National Park, Shannon National Park, D’Entrecasteaux National Park and the Mt Frankland South National Park.
Today would rate among the hardest I have had to endure. It was drizzling, then the sun was shining, then it was drizzling again, then the sun was shining as it drizzled. Consequently I got a little wet which wasn’t too bad. I was just cold or chilled to the bone. Someone told me the road was flat. Why do I believe what I hear? The road was narrow with no shoulder and most undulating, up one hill down the next. Not much flat road around here. To top it off a grader had just reworked the gravel on the side of the road. In my favour, no trucks and very few cars.
Arrived in Walpole about 5 am and straight to the visitors centre to find a caravan park. I was directed to the Coalmine Holiday Village about 5 km east of Walpole. Cycled out to the park and it was still raining. I decided to spoil myself and took a cabin with a heater, and other facilities. Turned the heater up full and spread all my wet gear out to dry.
Had numerous cups of tea, coffee and soup to warm me up then cooked tea and then onto my diary.
Tomorrow if the weather is fine I will head for Denmark a distance of 66 km.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Day 171
Date:- 1 September 2010
Distance:- 66.48 Km
Distance to Date:- 10147 Km
Start:- Bridgetown Caravan Park
Finish:- Quinninup Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 8.30 pm last night and had a good sleep. Awoke about 6 am and just laid there listening to the birds chirping including some kookaburras in the distance.
Phone went off with a SMS and it was Evon:- Pinch and a Punch, the first of the month, etc. Its something that Evon and I have done for sometime now.
Out of bed and it is very cold. Over to the camp kitchen for breakfast. Sun just rising and starting to warm the place up. Took my time packing as I wanted to dry the fly of the tent out before packing it.
Speaking to a local bloke last night. He told me I had chosen the hilliest track to Albany. I should have gone from Bunbury to Busselton, Margaret River along the coast. May have been a bit longer but flatter and possibly faster. Never mind the path has been chosen. Next time maybe.
On the road by 9 am and heading for Manjimup. I was told there were a couple of big hills so it could be a slow day. About 12 km out the small town of Yornup and at 26 km the small town of Palgorup. No big hills yet. Arrived at Manjimup about 12.30 pm and went straight to the Info Centre. No real help so grabbed a bite to eat and hit the road again.
About 3 km out of Manjimup it started to rain lightly. What will I do? Return to Manjimup or keep going. I opted for the latter. I had decided to go to Quinnunup as they had a caravan park and mobile phone coverage.
The rain eased off and the sun was now shining as I rode to Quinninup and arrived there about 3.30 pm. Found the caravan park and set myself up under cover in the camp kitchen. A nice hot shower and then down to the local pub (tavern) for a counter meal.
Back to the park and do my diary, then into bed.
Depending what the weather is doing in the morning I would like to get to Walpole a trip of about 80 km. If it is wet I will stay here.
Distance:- 66.48 Km
Distance to Date:- 10147 Km
Start:- Bridgetown Caravan Park
Finish:- Quinninup Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 8.30 pm last night and had a good sleep. Awoke about 6 am and just laid there listening to the birds chirping including some kookaburras in the distance.
Phone went off with a SMS and it was Evon:- Pinch and a Punch, the first of the month, etc. Its something that Evon and I have done for sometime now.
Out of bed and it is very cold. Over to the camp kitchen for breakfast. Sun just rising and starting to warm the place up. Took my time packing as I wanted to dry the fly of the tent out before packing it.
Speaking to a local bloke last night. He told me I had chosen the hilliest track to Albany. I should have gone from Bunbury to Busselton, Margaret River along the coast. May have been a bit longer but flatter and possibly faster. Never mind the path has been chosen. Next time maybe.
On the road by 9 am and heading for Manjimup. I was told there were a couple of big hills so it could be a slow day. About 12 km out the small town of Yornup and at 26 km the small town of Palgorup. No big hills yet. Arrived at Manjimup about 12.30 pm and went straight to the Info Centre. No real help so grabbed a bite to eat and hit the road again.
About 3 km out of Manjimup it started to rain lightly. What will I do? Return to Manjimup or keep going. I opted for the latter. I had decided to go to Quinnunup as they had a caravan park and mobile phone coverage.
The rain eased off and the sun was now shining as I rode to Quinninup and arrived there about 3.30 pm. Found the caravan park and set myself up under cover in the camp kitchen. A nice hot shower and then down to the local pub (tavern) for a counter meal.
Back to the park and do my diary, then into bed.
Depending what the weather is doing in the morning I would like to get to Walpole a trip of about 80 km. If it is wet I will stay here.
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