Some Interesting Statistics
Total Kilometres Ridden 13,249.19 (Bike Computer)
Total days of riding 168 Days
Average Kilometres per day 78.86 Km
Overall Average Speed 16.74 Km per Hour
Total Days Away 224 Days
(Includes 4 days in Canberra and 14 days in Cairns)
Accommodation:- Tent 190 Days
House 25 Days
Cabin 8 Days
Donger 2 Days
Motel 1 Day
On Site Van 1 Day
(Erected Tent 157 times)
Time Spent in Each State
Victoria 23 Days
New South Wales 33 Days
Queensland 61 Days
Northern Territory 19 Days
Western Australia 67 Days
South Australia 21 Days
Costs:- Camping Fees $2148.70
Meals, etc $4844.43
Repairs $213.75
Miscellaneous $692.36
$7899.24
Average Daily Cost $38.35
Found Along Road $102.26
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Day 223
Date:- 23 October 2010
Distance:- 41.21 Km
Distance to Date:- 13250 Km
Start:- Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Finish:- Home (Leopold)
Comment:- Last night Jill and Stuart arrived in Torquay and we went across the road from the caravan park and had a nice meal of fish and chips while having a chat. We then went to another café where we all indulged in a good coffee. It was really nice catching up with Jill and Stuart.
It had started raining while we were having coffee. Jill and Stuart departed about 9.30 pm and I went back to the tent and into bed. Went to sleep listening to the rain on the tent and thinking I am going to get wet tomorrow. Awoke about 3.30 am and there was a group of people still celebrating something nearby. Back to sleep till 6 am when I got up. The fly on the tent wasn’t too wet thank goodness.
Over to the camp kitchen for breakfast, then back to the tent and packed up and on the road by 7.30 am. Rode through Torquay to Horseshoe Bend road. About a km before my next turn off a car had stopped on the side of the road and it was Pam. I stopped and we had a nice chat on the side of the road.
Back on the road again and heading for Barwon Heads via 13th beach. I had a nice tail wind (SW wind of 10 - 15 kts). Across the new bridge and I gave Stuart a ring. We had organised to meet in Barwon Heads. It so happened he was only 10 minutes behind me.
We enjoyed another coffee once in Ocean Grove, before heading down the road to Grub road then onto the Bellarine Highway. Jill had caught up to us by then and was busy taking photos. Arrived in Leopold and it was then I realized my journey was about to end. Turned into Mandlay Close up the small incline and I was home about 10.45 am.
I must thank everyone who came to welcome me home. As I said yesterday it was a happy and sad day for me. Happy that I had achieved my objective, but sad it was over. I have made a lot of new friends and I hope we continue to communicate regularly.
Tomorrow I get to Sleep in.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day 222
Date:- 22 October 2010
Distance:- 45.58 Km
Distance to Date:- 13208 Km
Start:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Finish:- Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 9.30 pm last night and had a good night. Up about 6.30 am, a slow breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.30 am.
It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining, no wind at this stage and a good road. Met a cyclist coming towards me and it was Tony who said he would more than likely be out on a training run. We both ended up at Aireys Inlet, Tony doing it a bit easier than me. We were joined at the coffee shop by Pam, Tony’s wife, and we enjoyed a coffee together.
Back on the road and a couple of hills latter I arrived in Anglesea, found the local bakery and ordered a pie, sausage roll and a drink.
While I was there I had a surprise visit from Ian C. from Geelong.
Had a relaxing half hour or so with Ian before I had to face the inevitable, the long hill out of Anglesea.
Back on the road and slowly up the hill into a head wind. A north easterly wind of about 5 - 10 kts had settled in. Even on the flat I had to work that little bit harder till I turned right for Torquay. I arrived in Torquay about 2 pm. Found the caravan park, booked in and set up.
As I was booking in Alison from the Bellarine Times rang and we organised a get together. She arrived and took a couple of photos and will organise a formal interview next week.
While I was doing my Blog in the camp kitchen my phone went off and it was Evon who paid me a surprise visit. We had coffee together before she had to return back to Geelong.
I had also received a call from Jill who welcomed me back to Geelong. Jill and Stuart are coming down tonight for tea. I am looking forward to that.
Tomorrow I will ride home. It’s a happy day in some respects, sad in another that my journey comes to an end. It has been an incredible journey and I have enjoyed every minute of it. There were a few lonely moments but they were outweighed by good times.
People have suggested I put a book together. I am not a journalist or the like. If anyone has any advice please get in touch with me.
Distance:- 45.58 Km
Distance to Date:- 13208 Km
Start:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Finish:- Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 9.30 pm last night and had a good night. Up about 6.30 am, a slow breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.30 am.
It was a beautiful morning with the sun shining, no wind at this stage and a good road. Met a cyclist coming towards me and it was Tony who said he would more than likely be out on a training run. We both ended up at Aireys Inlet, Tony doing it a bit easier than me. We were joined at the coffee shop by Pam, Tony’s wife, and we enjoyed a coffee together.
Back on the road and a couple of hills latter I arrived in Anglesea, found the local bakery and ordered a pie, sausage roll and a drink.
While I was there I had a surprise visit from Ian C. from Geelong.
Had a relaxing half hour or so with Ian before I had to face the inevitable, the long hill out of Anglesea.
Back on the road and slowly up the hill into a head wind. A north easterly wind of about 5 - 10 kts had settled in. Even on the flat I had to work that little bit harder till I turned right for Torquay. I arrived in Torquay about 2 pm. Found the caravan park, booked in and set up.
As I was booking in Alison from the Bellarine Times rang and we organised a get together. She arrived and took a couple of photos and will organise a formal interview next week.
While I was doing my Blog in the camp kitchen my phone went off and it was Evon who paid me a surprise visit. We had coffee together before she had to return back to Geelong.
I had also received a call from Jill who welcomed me back to Geelong. Jill and Stuart are coming down tonight for tea. I am looking forward to that.
Tomorrow I will ride home. It’s a happy day in some respects, sad in another that my journey comes to an end. It has been an incredible journey and I have enjoyed every minute of it. There were a few lonely moments but they were outweighed by good times.
People have suggested I put a book together. I am not a journalist or the like. If anyone has any advice please get in touch with me.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Day 221
Date:- 21 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 13163 Km
Start:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Finish:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Comment:- Finished my diary and went to bed about 10.30 pm. Had a good night and sleeping in till 8 am.
Had breakfast in the camp kitchen. Over to the supermarket and bought a newspaper, then read the paper while enjoying the early morning sun.
I then went for a walk from the caravan park down to the swing bridge then onto the beach and walked towards the surf club. A lot of people on the beach enjoying the fine weather. Off the beach and up into the town and wandered through the various shops. Cant buy anything because what ever I buy I have to carry.
Worked my way back to the caravan park where I made lunch for myself. After lunch I had a bit of a lay down then went down town again to the Info centre. Picked up some interesting info on the Great Southern Walk.
Heading back to the park when Tony rang. We organised a get together in about 30 minutes. He arrived as planned and we sat in the camp kitchen and enjoyed a nice chat over a couple of beers.
When Tony left I made tea then gathered my gear to did my diary. I will watch a bit of telly before heading off to bed about9.30 pm.
Tomorrow I will head for Torquay.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 13163 Km
Start:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Finish:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Comment:- Finished my diary and went to bed about 10.30 pm. Had a good night and sleeping in till 8 am.
Had breakfast in the camp kitchen. Over to the supermarket and bought a newspaper, then read the paper while enjoying the early morning sun.
I then went for a walk from the caravan park down to the swing bridge then onto the beach and walked towards the surf club. A lot of people on the beach enjoying the fine weather. Off the beach and up into the town and wandered through the various shops. Cant buy anything because what ever I buy I have to carry.
Worked my way back to the caravan park where I made lunch for myself. After lunch I had a bit of a lay down then went down town again to the Info centre. Picked up some interesting info on the Great Southern Walk.
Heading back to the park when Tony rang. We organised a get together in about 30 minutes. He arrived as planned and we sat in the camp kitchen and enjoyed a nice chat over a couple of beers.
When Tony left I made tea then gathered my gear to did my diary. I will watch a bit of telly before heading off to bed about9.30 pm.
Tomorrow I will head for Torquay.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Day 220
Date:- 20 October 2010
Distance:- 48.45 Km
Distance to Date:- 13163 Km
Start:- Marengo Holiday Park
Finish:- Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I had finished my diary a number of people came into the camp kitchen. They were from a Probus group from the Mornington Peninsula. We spent “Happy Hour” together, then it was tea time and I was invited to join a gentleman in his van for tea. Paul, who had lost his wife 18 months ago, was a square dance caller and teacher.
About 8.30 pm I excused myself and went to bed. I was up at 7.30 am and down to the camp kitchen to prepare my breakfast. Then packed up and on the road by 8.30 am.
A near cloudless sky, no wind but a bit cool. Rode 2 km into Apollo Bay then another 7 km to Skenes Creek. “Gee” its nice riding at the moment. Stopped and looked back along the rugged coastline it is absolutely magnificent. Stopped at Cape Patton Lookout, admired the view and took a couple of photos.
Continued on to Kennett River about 25 km out at 11 am where I had a coffee. Wye River was the next town I passed through then onto Lorne. A lot of fallen rock was strewn over the breakdown lane and a couple of earth slides from the deluge of rain the area had received in previous weeks.
There have been a lot of tourist buses on the road today, as well as caravans and motor bikes.
Arrived at the caravan park in Lorne and booked in. Met a couple of cyclists from England. They were cycling from Sydney to Perth. Put my tent up, had a shower then onto the supermarket.
My wife, Evon, and Nicole and Simone (two of my wonderful daughters) arrived. It was good to see them. We all went down to the local hotel and had tea together. We have a lot of catching up to do. Time certainly flies. It was soon time for my visitors to return home as they are all working tomorrow.
I then gathered my stuff and went to the camp kitchen to do my diary and blog.
Tomorrow will be another rest day for me as I am planning to ride home Saturday morning.
Thursday - Lorne
Friday - Ride from Lorne to Torquay
Saturday - Ride from Torquay to Home.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Day 219
Date:- 19 October 2010
Distance:- 51.78 Km
Distance to Date:- 13114 Km
Start:- Lavers Hill Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Marengo Holiday Park
Comment:- Finished my diary then went to bed about 10 pm. Very comfy and had a good nights sleep. I got up about 7.30 am and made breakfast. Packed up my gear and started to load my bike when Peter and Sally came along on their bikes and we had another chat.
I finally got on the road by 9.30 am, rode through the small town of Lavers Hill to the turn off to the Great Ocean Road and headed for Apollo Bay.
Beautiful cloudy morning, no wind, no rain, and the road generally downhill. Passed through Glenaire about 13 km out. Nothing there. Stopped at the Castle Cove Lookout and took a couple of photos of the rugged coast line.
Quite a few motor bikes on the road yesterday as well as today. I presume they are all returning from Philip Island Grande Prix.
Stopped on the side of the road for my break about 25 km out at 11.30 am. Back on the road and enjoyed the nice downhill run into Apollo Bay. Decided to stop at the caravan park at Marengo and glad I did. it’s a very nice little park on the coast and a good camp kitchen.
A quick trip into the supermarket to pick up something for tea, back to the park, had a shower then into the camp kitchen to do my diary.
Tomorrow I will go to Lorne a distance of 45 km
Monday, October 18, 2010
Day 218
Date:- 18 October 2010
Distance:- 34.29 Km
Distance to Date:- 13062 Km
Start:- Princetown Recreation Camp Area
Finish:- Lavers Hill Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Went for a stroll around the camp area last night before returning to my tent and cooking tea. Into bed by 8.30 pm and listened to the radio. Had another welcome phone call from Ian.
It was raining on and off through the night. Out of bed about 7.30 pm and had breakfast. By the time I was ready to pack up my tent it was dry.
The sun was shining as I left the camp ground but that soon changed and a light rain set in and this was the pattern for the rest of the day.
It was only 35 km to ride but there were a few hills to contend with and needed special attention. The road twisted and turned, the breakdown lane was strewn with rubbish, bark and sticks etc.
Today was full of positives and negatives. Sun shining, sun not shining. Running down a hill, climbing up a hill. Tail wind, head wind. Not raining, raining.
Arrived in Lavers Hill about 1.30 pm, I was wet, cold and miserable. There was an Info Centre here so I enquired about accommodation. Motel Room - too expensive, Backpackers Accommodation - Full. Caravan Park - Under water. Budget Accommodation was the go.
Took the budget room, turned the heater on full bore, had a long hot shower and slowly feeling human again. Made a cup of soup settled back and watched some telly.
I met Sally and Peter from Milwaukee at the info centre in Lavers Hill They are cycling the same route as me but in reverse. Their web site:- ridetheroad.com. We met again at the roadhouse where we all had tea. We were able to share quite a bit of helpful advice. At the end of the night we wished each other well and parted company.
Back to my room and do my diary and blog.
Tomorrow I will head for Apollo Bay.
Distance:- 34.29 Km
Distance to Date:- 13062 Km
Start:- Princetown Recreation Camp Area
Finish:- Lavers Hill Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Went for a stroll around the camp area last night before returning to my tent and cooking tea. Into bed by 8.30 pm and listened to the radio. Had another welcome phone call from Ian.
It was raining on and off through the night. Out of bed about 7.30 pm and had breakfast. By the time I was ready to pack up my tent it was dry.
The sun was shining as I left the camp ground but that soon changed and a light rain set in and this was the pattern for the rest of the day.
It was only 35 km to ride but there were a few hills to contend with and needed special attention. The road twisted and turned, the breakdown lane was strewn with rubbish, bark and sticks etc.
Today was full of positives and negatives. Sun shining, sun not shining. Running down a hill, climbing up a hill. Tail wind, head wind. Not raining, raining.
Arrived in Lavers Hill about 1.30 pm, I was wet, cold and miserable. There was an Info Centre here so I enquired about accommodation. Motel Room - too expensive, Backpackers Accommodation - Full. Caravan Park - Under water. Budget Accommodation was the go.
Took the budget room, turned the heater on full bore, had a long hot shower and slowly feeling human again. Made a cup of soup settled back and watched some telly.
I met Sally and Peter from Milwaukee at the info centre in Lavers Hill They are cycling the same route as me but in reverse. Their web site:- ridetheroad.com. We met again at the roadhouse where we all had tea. We were able to share quite a bit of helpful advice. At the end of the night we wished each other well and parted company.
Back to my room and do my diary and blog.
Tomorrow I will head for Apollo Bay.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Day 217
Date:- 17 October 2010
Distance:- 75.51 Km
Distance to Date:- 13028 Km
Start:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Finish:- Princetown Recreation Reserve Camp Area
Comment:- After our nice tea last night we washed the dishes then as I was sorting through my gear Evon read a book. I sorted through my gear to send stuff I wouldn’t need home with Evon. I was able to reduce my load rather significantly.
Into bed about 10.30 pm and had a good nights sleep. I think it was 8 am when I got up and had a shower, etc. Had breakfast of bacon and tomatoes again. Then proceeded to pack the car. I am being spoilt today. Evon is going to follow me in her car to Princetown, so I have loaded my trailer and panniers into her car and I will ride my bike to Princetown.
I left the caravan park about 9.30 am and onto the Princes Highway with a little stop at McDonalds to pick up my free pancakes and coffee. Evon met me there and we waited for the showers of rain to clear. I think it was about 10.30 when I hit the road, rode for about 11 km before the turn off to The Great Ocean Road appeared. Turned right onto this road and stopped with Evon at Allansford until the rain cleared again.
When the road was heading south east I had a nice tail wind but when it ran south it was a nasty cross wind. Anyhow I pressed on regardless. The magpies were taking a keen interest in me today as well. Probably because I wasn’t pulling my trailer with the tall flag on it.
Another milestone today. 13,000 km ticked over about 4 km out of Peterborough. As I was taking my photo of the computer a number of groups of bike riders passed me. It was the Ship Wreck Coast Classic Bike race.
Met Evon in Peterborough were we had lunch at one of the eateries then we continued on down the road past the various tourist scenes like London Bridge, Loch Ard Gorge, 12 Apostles and so forth.
Arrived at my destination for the day, Princetown Recreation Reserve Camp Area were I put my tent up and stowed my gear before another shower of rain hit. Evon departed for home shortly after. I had a good hot shower and have settled in and doing my diary.
Tony Spark gave me a call this afternoon and I hope to meet up with him on my way home.
I would like to extend an invitation to anyone to join me on my ride into Geelong. My schedule is something like:-
17/10 Warrnambool to Princetown
18/10 Princetown to Lavers Hill
19/10 Lavers Hill to Apollo Bay
20/10 Apollo Bay to Lorne
21/10 Lorne (Rest Day)
22/10 Lorne to Torquay
23/10 Torquay to Leopold (Home)
Tomorrow I hope to conquer Lavers Hill
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Day 216
Date:- 16 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12952 Km
Start:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Finish:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Comment:- Well Evon arrived in Warrnambool about 6.15 pm and it was great to see her after 4 months of being on the road. All she could say was how skinny I looked. It was a tremendous reunion as I believe she suffered my absence more than anyone.
As soon as the dust had settled we went down to the local supermarket and bought a few items for tea for the next couple of nights. Back to the cabin and we enjoyed a nice wine with our tea. We then chatted for a while, watched a bit of telly then retired for the night.
Had a nice sleep in finally surfacing about 8.30 am. Evon cooked some bacon and tomatoes for breakfast and then I put a load of washing through. Hung the washing around the cabin to dry then headed into Warrnambool. Wandered around the shops for a while. Had a nice lunch at one of the local eateries then down to McDonalds for my free seniors coffee.
It was the Melbourne to Warrnambool Road Cycling Race and the riders were expected about 2.30 pm. We joined the crowd at the finish line and witnessed an exciting finish. We then drove around the fore shore of Warrnambool before returning to our cabin and another nice bottle of wine and cheese and bickies.
Evon cooked a nice roast tea while I did my diary
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Princetown about 75 km from here.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12952 Km
Start:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Finish:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Comment:- Well Evon arrived in Warrnambool about 6.15 pm and it was great to see her after 4 months of being on the road. All she could say was how skinny I looked. It was a tremendous reunion as I believe she suffered my absence more than anyone.
As soon as the dust had settled we went down to the local supermarket and bought a few items for tea for the next couple of nights. Back to the cabin and we enjoyed a nice wine with our tea. We then chatted for a while, watched a bit of telly then retired for the night.
Had a nice sleep in finally surfacing about 8.30 am. Evon cooked some bacon and tomatoes for breakfast and then I put a load of washing through. Hung the washing around the cabin to dry then headed into Warrnambool. Wandered around the shops for a while. Had a nice lunch at one of the local eateries then down to McDonalds for my free seniors coffee.
It was the Melbourne to Warrnambool Road Cycling Race and the riders were expected about 2.30 pm. We joined the crowd at the finish line and witnessed an exciting finish. We then drove around the fore shore of Warrnambool before returning to our cabin and another nice bottle of wine and cheese and bickies.
Evon cooked a nice roast tea while I did my diary
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Princetown about 75 km from here.
Friday, October 15, 2010
Day 215
Date:- 15 October 2010
Distance:- 31.74 Km
Distance to Date:- 12952 Km
Start:- Catalina Caravan Park - Port Fairy
Finish:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Comment:- After I had completed my diary and blog for the day I went to the café and ordered my tea. As I mentioned yesterday, the park owners, Lloyd and Janet, had given me a voucher to cover the cost of my tea. I thank you very much.
Enjoyed my tea while watching a bit of telly then off to bed about 8 pm. Had a good sleep only to be awoken by the sound of rain on the tent in the early hours of the morning. No sign of any water ingress. The rain stopped temporarily about 7.30 am so I got up and had breakfast in the camp kitchen. Back to the tent to pack and get ready for the road.
I hadn’t avoided the water because as I rolled up my mattress up water had seeped in somehow, maybe through the seam in the floor.
Packed up everything carefully and ready for the road.
Stopped at Reception to say goodbye to Lloyd and Janet. They then gave me a nice donation to the Asthma Foundation as their young son is an asthmatic. Again thank you for your hospitality and donation.
On the road by 9 am and although I was only riding 30 km to Warrnambool it was quite a hard ride. The road wasn’t too bad. It was the strong wind of about 25 - 30 kts from the south west that created the problem. It was blowing across the road right to left and I was having trouble keeping the bike on the road. Every car and truck effected the wind flow as well. The scattered showers of rain added to the mix.
Out of Port Fairy, through Killarney, over Tower Hill, past the Tower Hill Cemetery and onto Warrnambool. The caravan we had booked was on the Geelong side of Warrnambool. Evon is driving from Geelong and meeting me here, and we will spend the weekend together. Something I am looking forward to and I am sure she is too.
Distance:- 31.74 Km
Distance to Date:- 12952 Km
Start:- Catalina Caravan Park - Port Fairy
Finish:- Warrnambool Holiday Park
Comment:- After I had completed my diary and blog for the day I went to the café and ordered my tea. As I mentioned yesterday, the park owners, Lloyd and Janet, had given me a voucher to cover the cost of my tea. I thank you very much.
Enjoyed my tea while watching a bit of telly then off to bed about 8 pm. Had a good sleep only to be awoken by the sound of rain on the tent in the early hours of the morning. No sign of any water ingress. The rain stopped temporarily about 7.30 am so I got up and had breakfast in the camp kitchen. Back to the tent to pack and get ready for the road.
I hadn’t avoided the water because as I rolled up my mattress up water had seeped in somehow, maybe through the seam in the floor.
Packed up everything carefully and ready for the road.
Stopped at Reception to say goodbye to Lloyd and Janet. They then gave me a nice donation to the Asthma Foundation as their young son is an asthmatic. Again thank you for your hospitality and donation.
On the road by 9 am and although I was only riding 30 km to Warrnambool it was quite a hard ride. The road wasn’t too bad. It was the strong wind of about 25 - 30 kts from the south west that created the problem. It was blowing across the road right to left and I was having trouble keeping the bike on the road. Every car and truck effected the wind flow as well. The scattered showers of rain added to the mix.
Out of Port Fairy, through Killarney, over Tower Hill, past the Tower Hill Cemetery and onto Warrnambool. The caravan we had booked was on the Geelong side of Warrnambool. Evon is driving from Geelong and meeting me here, and we will spend the weekend together. Something I am looking forward to and I am sure she is too.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Day 214
Date:- 14 October 2010
Distance:- 66.82 Km
Distance to Date:- 12921 Km
Start:- Pinewood Caravan Park - Heywood
Finish:- Catalina Caravan Park - Port Fairy
Comment:- Cooked tea in the cabin last night, then watched TV and then to bed about 9.30 pm. Had a strange night waking every hour or so then straight back to sleep. Had a couple of dreams the main one being - riding around Australia again only slower.
I finally surfaced about 7.30 am. Had breakfast and packed and on the road by 9 am.
Into town, then turn left and head for Port Fairy/Warrnambool. Nice sunny day with a few clouds around. A light north westerly wind of 5 - 10 kts (tail wind) topped off the elements.
Contrary to what the weather forecast said, it’s a beautiful day. Sheep and cattle grazing quietly while young lambs frolicked in the sun.
At 21 km out, at Tyandarra, was the road junction with the Princes Highway (A1). I turned left and off to Port Fairy. Had my break 35 km out at 11.15 am on the side of the road to the amusement of passing motorists who tooted as they passed.
Codrington Wind Farm came up on my right about 40 km out. Originally there were 14 turbines which could supply enough electricity to supply 1100 homes. I counted 34 wind turbines.
There was a wide breakdown lane on the highway but it was very rough. It may have been smoother riding on the vibration strip. As I got closer to Port Fairy the road became more undulating. I spotted a caravan park sign on the outskirts of Port Fairy and in I went. Booked in and set myself up on some nice green grass with a fence as a wind break.
After I had a nice shower I went into town and to my favourite café where I enjoyed a coffee and cake and read the paper. Back to the park and do my diary.
The owner of the park had given me a takeaway food voucher so I will purchase my tea with it.
Tomorrow I will have a short trip to Warrnambool (30 km)
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Day 213
Date:- 13 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12854 Km
Start:- Pinewood Caravan Park - Heywood
Finish:- Pinewood Caravan Park - Heywood
Comment:- Got to bed about 11.30 pm after drying gear and watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Had a really good nights sleep, warm and able to stretch out.
I got up about 7.30 am and had breakfast. I then went down town to find an ATM, as the caravan park I am staying in doesn’t accept credit cards and I wasn’t carrying that sort of cash. Into the caravan office and was able to negotiate a very favourable tariff for a second night here.
Down town again and got a couple of items for lunch and tea today. Back to camp and went through the rest of my gear and found everything dry and OK.
Spent quite a bit of time cleaning and oiling my bike and trailer. Had an easy afternoon watching the Chile mine rescue and the commonwealth games and planning my return home.
Wednesday 13th October - Heywood (Rest Day)
Thursday 14th October - Port Fairy
Friday 15th October - Warrnambool
Saturday 16th October - Warrnambool (Rest Day)
Sunday 17th October - Princetown
Monday 18th October - Lavers Hill
Tuesday 19th October - Apollo Bay
Wednesday 20th October - Lorne
Thursday 21st October - Lorne (Rest Day)
Friday 22nd October - Torquay
Saturday 23rd October - Home
If all goes according to plan I should be home on Saturday 23rd October 2010.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Fairy.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12854 Km
Start:- Pinewood Caravan Park - Heywood
Finish:- Pinewood Caravan Park - Heywood
Comment:- Got to bed about 11.30 pm after drying gear and watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Had a really good nights sleep, warm and able to stretch out.
I got up about 7.30 am and had breakfast. I then went down town to find an ATM, as the caravan park I am staying in doesn’t accept credit cards and I wasn’t carrying that sort of cash. Into the caravan office and was able to negotiate a very favourable tariff for a second night here.
Down town again and got a couple of items for lunch and tea today. Back to camp and went through the rest of my gear and found everything dry and OK.
Spent quite a bit of time cleaning and oiling my bike and trailer. Had an easy afternoon watching the Chile mine rescue and the commonwealth games and planning my return home.
Wednesday 13th October - Heywood (Rest Day)
Thursday 14th October - Port Fairy
Friday 15th October - Warrnambool
Saturday 16th October - Warrnambool (Rest Day)
Sunday 17th October - Princetown
Monday 18th October - Lavers Hill
Tuesday 19th October - Apollo Bay
Wednesday 20th October - Lorne
Thursday 21st October - Lorne (Rest Day)
Friday 22nd October - Torquay
Saturday 23rd October - Home
If all goes according to plan I should be home on Saturday 23rd October 2010.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Fairy.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Day 212
,
Date:- 12 October 2010
Distance:- 136.91 Km
Distance to Date:- 12854 Km
Start:- Hillview Caravan Park - Millicent
Finish:- Pineview Caravan Park - Heywood
Comment:- Last night after I completed my diary I cooked my tea, washed up then watched a bit of telly in the camp kitchen. Went to bed about 9 pm. We had a few light showers of rain overnight, but I had a dry tent to pack up. Possibly due to the warm night.
I surfaced about 5.30 am this morning, had breakfast in the camp kitchen, packed and on the road by 7 am. Out the gate of the caravan park and turn left and off to Mount Gambier. An overcast day and a very light north westerly breeze and a few spots of rain early on.
About 10 km out of Millicent light rain set in and continued all the way to Mount Gambier along with the light breeze from the north west.
Arrived in Mount Gambier about 10.30 am, rode through town then I saw it - the golden arches (MacDonald’s - Bert). In I went and bought a couple of items and read the paper. I was killing time in the hope the showers would dissipate. No such luck.
Since I was wet and cold I decided to keep going on to Dartmoor. The road was fairly flat and in reasonable condition but there was quite a bit of traffic around each way.
Crossed over the border from South Australia to Victoria about 1.15 pm (South Australian time)
Arrived at Dartmore about 3.30 pm and had a coffee at the local café. I couldn’t find a suitable place to camp as there was so much water around so decided to keep going to Heywood and take a cabin so I can dry my gear out.
The countryside is so diverse, from general farming, cropping, a lot of tree farming and then a few national parks to boot. A couple of emus flew, no ran across the road in front of me. Emus cant fly.
Arrived in Heywood about 6.45 pm and found the caravan park and settled in very nicely. Had a nice long hot shower to thaw out. Hung my wet gear out to dry (only the clothes I was wearing), the two front panniers and my backpack. Hopefully I can get my shoes dry for the morning.
Cooked tea in the well equipped kitchenette then onto my diary and blog.
Not sure what I will do tomorrow. Possibly head for Port Fairy or stay here depending on the weather.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Day 211
Date:- 11 October 2010
Distance:- 108.83 Km
Distance to Date:- 12717 Km
Start:- Kingston SE Caravan Park
Finish:- Hillview Caravan Park - Millicent
Comment:- Last night I had fish and chips for tea. A nice change to tinned food, etc. Finished my diary when everyone went to bed.
As I said last night I have three options available to me. I was up at 6 am this morning and checked my washing and it was dry after the warm windy night we had. Folded and packed my washing then had breakfast. Weather forecast was for north easterly wind and rather warm day. The wind will be in my favour if I head for Millicent.
I was on the road by 9.30 am and rode about 1.5 km back to the Millicent/ Mount Gambier road. A strong north easterly wind (25 - 30 kt) was blowing. The wind was generally in my favour all the way to Millicent. The road was flat and very pleasant riding.
I stopped for my break about 60 km out about 12.15 pm. The whole area I have ridden through seems to be general farming. Cropping, sheep, cattle and hay conservation. Everything looks so lush and healthy.
I arrived in Millicent about 3.45 pm and rode through town. Stopped at the Info Centre and had a coffee there. The caravan park was just a km down the road. Booked in and set myself up. Down to the supermarket (no McDonalds here) to get something for tea, then back to camp, had a shower then gathered my gear for my diary.
Tomorrow I will head for Mount Gambier and quite possibly onto Dartmoor. Weather dependent. I don’t want to get wet.
Distance:- 108.83 Km
Distance to Date:- 12717 Km
Start:- Kingston SE Caravan Park
Finish:- Hillview Caravan Park - Millicent
Comment:- Last night I had fish and chips for tea. A nice change to tinned food, etc. Finished my diary when everyone went to bed.
As I said last night I have three options available to me. I was up at 6 am this morning and checked my washing and it was dry after the warm windy night we had. Folded and packed my washing then had breakfast. Weather forecast was for north easterly wind and rather warm day. The wind will be in my favour if I head for Millicent.
I was on the road by 9.30 am and rode about 1.5 km back to the Millicent/ Mount Gambier road. A strong north easterly wind (25 - 30 kt) was blowing. The wind was generally in my favour all the way to Millicent. The road was flat and very pleasant riding.
I stopped for my break about 60 km out about 12.15 pm. The whole area I have ridden through seems to be general farming. Cropping, sheep, cattle and hay conservation. Everything looks so lush and healthy.
I arrived in Millicent about 3.45 pm and rode through town. Stopped at the Info Centre and had a coffee there. The caravan park was just a km down the road. Booked in and set myself up. Down to the supermarket (no McDonalds here) to get something for tea, then back to camp, had a shower then gathered my gear for my diary.
Tomorrow I will head for Mount Gambier and quite possibly onto Dartmoor. Weather dependent. I don’t want to get wet.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Day 210
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Date:- 10 October 2010
Distance:- 121.05 Km
Distance to Date:- 12608 Km
Start:- Coorong Wilderness Lodge
Finish:- Kingston SE Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night as I was doing my diary in the café. Management decided it was time to go home. A few subtle hints like locking doors etc got my attention and I adjourned to my tent to finish my diary.
I then prepared my tea in the tent, washed up and into bed by 8.45 pm. Had a really good nights sleep. Thought about getting up about 5 am then decided I was too comfortable and 6 am sounded better.
So I was up at 6 am, a quick breakfast, packed and on my way by 7 am. It was a 3.8 km stretch of gravel road back to the highway. Very rough. I didn’t care too much last night when I came in.
It’s a beautiful morning, cloudless sky, no wind beautiful scenery and I feel on top of the world. I was soon riding through the small community of Woods Well about 18 km out.
A north easterly breeze is starting to fill in about 8.30 am. Arrived at Policeman’s Point about 9 am and enjoyed some raison toast and a pot of tea (real tea leaves). Then it was back on the road and into Salt Creek and the roadhouse where I had a coffee.
Back on the road again and a long stint of 86 km to Kingston SE. Very nice riding at the moment and in fact it was very good all the way to Kingston SE. Road was almost flat, the north easterly was assisting me and there was light to medium traffic. One truck all day. It was one of those days that anyone who rides a bike would have enjoyed. Maybe not the distance though. I would have to say it rated up there with my other good days.
Arrived in Kingston about 4.30 pm and found the caravan park. Booked in found a site, low and behold there are three other cyclists here. The husband and wife couple I met in Geraldton. They are riding back to Melbourne. A Dutch lady riding from Sydney to Perth by herself. It has been a busy night trading information, comparing notes etc.
I am not sure what I will do tomorrow. There are three options. Rest day here as I have done a load of washing. Secondly ride from here to Millicent (107 km) or thirdly ride from here to Beachport then to Mt Gambia. I will just go with the flow.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Day 209
Date:- 9 October 2010
Distance:- 86.37 Km
Distance to Date:- 12487 Km
Start:- Riversedge Caravan Park - Tailem Bend
Finish:- Coorong Wilderness Lodge
Comment:- I found it a bit hard to get moving this morning. Nice big bed, warm, etc, but finally crawled out about 7.30 am. Enjoyed a nice breakfast, wheatbix with real milk, crumpets and a good cup of tea.
Washed up, packed up and on the road by 9.15 am. Rode through the town of Tailem Bend and found the turnoff to Meningie. A light easterly breeze blowing and a partly cloudy sky. Nice road with a breakdown lane and not much traffic.
I am riding through general farming area with rolling hills and the occasional salt pans or swamps. The wind has swung around to the south west as I approached Meningie.
Arrived in Meningie about 1.15 pm. Had a bite to eat and decided to keep going towards Gemini Downs Caravan Park. I was going to stay in Meningie to night.
So back on the road again with about another 55 km to my new destination. I found it hard going as the road led south west and I had a south easterly wind of about 5 - 10 kts (a head wind). I got to McGrath Flat and there was a national park camp ground. Good I thought until I read there was 4 - 5 km of dirt road. I kept going
A sign appeared a bvit further down the road advertising The Coorong Wilderness Lodge and Caravan Park so in I went. 2 - 3 km of dirt road and I arrived at this little oasis in the Coorong. Its run by an aboriginal community and everything is near new. A lot of unfinished projects around. I feel the place has potential but not under this management.
I am doing my diary in my tent then I will prepare tea then off to bed early.
I would like to get to Kingston SE tomorrow so hopefully the wind is kinder to me.
P.S. Thank you everyone for reminding me it was my birthday yesterday. It is much appreciated.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Day 208
Date:- 8 October 2010
Distance:- 62.60 Km
Distance to Date:- 12400 Km
Start:- Palmer Rest Area
Finish:- Riversedge Caravan Park - Tailem Bend
Comment:- After doing my diary last night, I cooked tea in my tent, cleaned up and into bed by 8 pm. Listened to the radio, then off to sleep. Had a very good nights sleep.
Had a phone call from Garry and Cheryl from Perth last night. They were checking on my well being and location. I stayed with them when I was in Perth.
I was up about 7 am this morning, breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.30 am. Cloudy skies with a light south westerly wind. it’s a bit cool. Road is still undulating but not as bad as yesterday.
General farming area, cropping, grazing, etc. Again old stone houses dot the country side.
About 40 km out I copped a light shower which didn’t last long. I have been watching dark clouds around me all morning.
Arrived in Murray Bridge about 11.30 am and went to the Info centre looking for any information which may be handy for me. Armed with a hand full of maps I found an eatery, ordered a light meal then perused my new collection of maps.
Back on the road and down Bridge Street (Main Street of Murray Bridge) and onto the old Princes Highway which lead me onto the Princes Highway and on the way to Tailem Bend.
Arrived at the caravan park which is about 3 km west of Tailem Bend. Decided to spoil myself and take an On Site Van. I can spread out. A very comfy van with double bed, real bath towels, jug, toaster, microwave, the list goes on. Its my birthday today so why not be a little extravagant.
Tomorrow I will head for Meningie about 60 km from here.
Distance:- 62.60 Km
Distance to Date:- 12400 Km
Start:- Palmer Rest Area
Finish:- Riversedge Caravan Park - Tailem Bend
Comment:- After doing my diary last night, I cooked tea in my tent, cleaned up and into bed by 8 pm. Listened to the radio, then off to sleep. Had a very good nights sleep.
Had a phone call from Garry and Cheryl from Perth last night. They were checking on my well being and location. I stayed with them when I was in Perth.
I was up about 7 am this morning, breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.30 am. Cloudy skies with a light south westerly wind. it’s a bit cool. Road is still undulating but not as bad as yesterday.
General farming area, cropping, grazing, etc. Again old stone houses dot the country side.
About 40 km out I copped a light shower which didn’t last long. I have been watching dark clouds around me all morning.
Arrived in Murray Bridge about 11.30 am and went to the Info centre looking for any information which may be handy for me. Armed with a hand full of maps I found an eatery, ordered a light meal then perused my new collection of maps.
Back on the road and down Bridge Street (Main Street of Murray Bridge) and onto the old Princes Highway which lead me onto the Princes Highway and on the way to Tailem Bend.
Arrived at the caravan park which is about 3 km west of Tailem Bend. Decided to spoil myself and take an On Site Van. I can spread out. A very comfy van with double bed, real bath towels, jug, toaster, microwave, the list goes on. Its my birthday today so why not be a little extravagant.
Tomorrow I will head for Meningie about 60 km from here.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Day 207
Date:- 7 October 2010
Distance:- 55.31 Km
Distance to Date:- 12338 Km
Start:- Gawler Caravan Park
Finish:- Palmer Rest Area
Comment:- In bed by 9.30 pm last night but it was a very noisy caravan park. Managed to get a reasonable sleep. I was up at 7 am (seems a more civilized time). Had breakfast, packed a chat to a couple who gave me a nice little donation, then on the road by 9 am.
Headed out towards Lyndoch. When I reached Sandy Creek I turned right for Williamstown which was 10 km down the road.
It has been a another near cloudless day with a light south westerly breeze which picked up by late morning to about 10 - 15 kts.
Arrived at Williamstown about 11.15 am and had a cuppa and a pie at the local bakery. Back on the road again and just out of town a nice gradual hill for about 3 km. At the top was a sign which said “Warren Hill, Congratulations you have made it to the summit at 428 m” It got special treatment.
The road then meandered through the Warren Reservoir Reserve. I stopped at the Mount Crawford Forest Information Centre where I had a toilet break and a snack.
Back on the road again and soon came to another intersection. I took the Mount Pleasant road and rode the 12 km to Mount Pleasant. I did think of staying at the caravan park there until I saw all the horses. They were having a kids gymkhana and as I am allergic to horses it wasn’t the place for me.
I found the turn off for Murray Bridge and off we went. I have decided to stop overnight at Palmer.
I have done a lot of walking today. Its been a long day. The road has been climbing since Gawler. The Northern Adelaide Hills being the reason. It wasn’t till about 5 km from Palmer I experienced a wonderful downhill run into Palmer.
There was a nice big rest area just before Palmer so I chose to camp there the night. Tent up then wandered down town. Nothing but the pub was open. Went in and had a lemon squash and filled a couple of water bottles and return to camp where I will do my diary and blog.
As you are probably aware I was going to Strathalbyn, but Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend seems more direct. I will probably get to Tailem Bend tomorrow.
Distance:- 55.31 Km
Distance to Date:- 12338 Km
Start:- Gawler Caravan Park
Finish:- Palmer Rest Area
Comment:- In bed by 9.30 pm last night but it was a very noisy caravan park. Managed to get a reasonable sleep. I was up at 7 am (seems a more civilized time). Had breakfast, packed a chat to a couple who gave me a nice little donation, then on the road by 9 am.
Headed out towards Lyndoch. When I reached Sandy Creek I turned right for Williamstown which was 10 km down the road.
It has been a another near cloudless day with a light south westerly breeze which picked up by late morning to about 10 - 15 kts.
Arrived at Williamstown about 11.15 am and had a cuppa and a pie at the local bakery. Back on the road again and just out of town a nice gradual hill for about 3 km. At the top was a sign which said “Warren Hill, Congratulations you have made it to the summit at 428 m” It got special treatment.
The road then meandered through the Warren Reservoir Reserve. I stopped at the Mount Crawford Forest Information Centre where I had a toilet break and a snack.
Back on the road again and soon came to another intersection. I took the Mount Pleasant road and rode the 12 km to Mount Pleasant. I did think of staying at the caravan park there until I saw all the horses. They were having a kids gymkhana and as I am allergic to horses it wasn’t the place for me.
I found the turn off for Murray Bridge and off we went. I have decided to stop overnight at Palmer.
I have done a lot of walking today. Its been a long day. The road has been climbing since Gawler. The Northern Adelaide Hills being the reason. It wasn’t till about 5 km from Palmer I experienced a wonderful downhill run into Palmer.
There was a nice big rest area just before Palmer so I chose to camp there the night. Tent up then wandered down town. Nothing but the pub was open. Went in and had a lemon squash and filled a couple of water bottles and return to camp where I will do my diary and blog.
As you are probably aware I was going to Strathalbyn, but Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend seems more direct. I will probably get to Tailem Bend tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 206
Date:- 6 October 2010
Distance:- 83.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 12282 Km
Start:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Finish:- Gawler Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night. Had a good sleep. I was a bit lazy this morning and didn’t get up till 7 am. Had breakfast, packed up and on the road by8.30 am.
I have decided to head down the A1 (Princes Highway) to Two Wells then turn off to Gawler.
About 2 km out of Port Wakefield the highway changed to a 4 lane highway all the way to Adelaide. I had a 2 metre wide Breakdown lane for most of my trip to Two Wells
A little cloud around early on and a light North westerly breeze which increased as the day progressed and scattered showers were forecast for latter in the day.
Stopped at the small town of Dublin about 36 km out for a cup of tea and a bowl of chips and gravy. Very nice. Back on the road and it wasn’t long before I arrived at Two Wells. Had another cuppa there before I set sail for Gawler.
The wind up to this stage was blowing right to left across the road. When I turned to go to Gawler It was on my right back and you could feel it pushing me along.
Had a tremendous run into Gawler arriving about 1.45 pm. Walked up the main street. Into OPSM to have the arms on my glasses tightened, then found the Information Office and got a bit of local advice on heading south. The caravan park wasn’t far from the Info place and camp was soon established.
I then went to the supermarket to get a couple of things for tea and the next couple of days. Back to camp to do my diary, cook tea and then to bed.
My right knee wasn’t too bad today. Just a slight tinge. I must have jarred it or something. I expect it will be back to normal after another nights rest.
Tomorrow I will head south towards Strathalbyn, stopping somewhere in between tomorrow night.
Distance:- 83.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 12282 Km
Start:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Finish:- Gawler Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night. Had a good sleep. I was a bit lazy this morning and didn’t get up till 7 am. Had breakfast, packed up and on the road by8.30 am.
I have decided to head down the A1 (Princes Highway) to Two Wells then turn off to Gawler.
About 2 km out of Port Wakefield the highway changed to a 4 lane highway all the way to Adelaide. I had a 2 metre wide Breakdown lane for most of my trip to Two Wells
A little cloud around early on and a light North westerly breeze which increased as the day progressed and scattered showers were forecast for latter in the day.
Stopped at the small town of Dublin about 36 km out for a cup of tea and a bowl of chips and gravy. Very nice. Back on the road and it wasn’t long before I arrived at Two Wells. Had another cuppa there before I set sail for Gawler.
The wind up to this stage was blowing right to left across the road. When I turned to go to Gawler It was on my right back and you could feel it pushing me along.
Had a tremendous run into Gawler arriving about 1.45 pm. Walked up the main street. Into OPSM to have the arms on my glasses tightened, then found the Information Office and got a bit of local advice on heading south. The caravan park wasn’t far from the Info place and camp was soon established.
I then went to the supermarket to get a couple of things for tea and the next couple of days. Back to camp to do my diary, cook tea and then to bed.
My right knee wasn’t too bad today. Just a slight tinge. I must have jarred it or something. I expect it will be back to normal after another nights rest.
Tomorrow I will head south towards Strathalbyn, stopping somewhere in between tomorrow night.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 205
Date:- 5 October 2010
Distance:- 77.17 Km
Distance to Date:- 12199 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Comment:- Had tea in the camp kitchen while watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Retired to the tent about 9.15 pm.
The day has come when I start riding again. I was up at 6 am and over to the amenities to shave and shower. I then had breakfast in the camp kitchen, back to the tent and pack up.
I was on the road by 8 am. It was a cloudless sky and no wind. A light fog which lifted fairly quickly. Rode through the town and turned right and going to Bute (31 km)
About 15 km out I looked at the hills to my left and there are wind turbines for as far as the eye can see. Not much production as there was no wind.
Arrived at Bute 32 km out about 10.30 am. Had a coffee and meat pie. Back on the road and heading for Kulparra. I am on nice quiet country roads at the moment. A lot of cropping through this area - wheat, oats, barley, lucerne and some canola. Arrived at Kulparra and onto the road to Port Wakefield.
Stopped at a Look Out just out of Kulparra which over looked the country side and ocean. On a clear day it would make a tremendous photo. I rode out from the lookout and enjoyed a 2 km downhill run (Sign said 5% gradient) Then a gentle undulating road to my destination.
I arrived in Port Wakefield about 4 pm and stopped at the various roadhouses looking for a good map of the area. I have decided to go around Adelaide which means I will be using a few back roads.
Basically I hope to ride from Port Wakefield to Gawler, then to Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend then down to the Coorong.
May have better luck at the Info Office in Gawler.
Found the caravan park and went through the usual procedures. That is book in, tent up, shower then down the street. Had tea at one of the local eateries, back to the park and do my diary and blog. I started to write my diary at one of the outdoor settings, but soon relocated to my tent. The mossies had found me and they were going beserk.
My health? I still feel a little chestie but not too bad. I am a little concerned about my right knee which is a bit sore. I don’t know why. Hopefully a rest overnight and all will be OK
Tomorrow, as I said, I hope to get to Gawler.
Distance:- 77.17 Km
Distance to Date:- 12199 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Comment:- Had tea in the camp kitchen while watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Retired to the tent about 9.15 pm.
The day has come when I start riding again. I was up at 6 am and over to the amenities to shave and shower. I then had breakfast in the camp kitchen, back to the tent and pack up.
I was on the road by 8 am. It was a cloudless sky and no wind. A light fog which lifted fairly quickly. Rode through the town and turned right and going to Bute (31 km)
About 15 km out I looked at the hills to my left and there are wind turbines for as far as the eye can see. Not much production as there was no wind.
Arrived at Bute 32 km out about 10.30 am. Had a coffee and meat pie. Back on the road and heading for Kulparra. I am on nice quiet country roads at the moment. A lot of cropping through this area - wheat, oats, barley, lucerne and some canola. Arrived at Kulparra and onto the road to Port Wakefield.
Stopped at a Look Out just out of Kulparra which over looked the country side and ocean. On a clear day it would make a tremendous photo. I rode out from the lookout and enjoyed a 2 km downhill run (Sign said 5% gradient) Then a gentle undulating road to my destination.
I arrived in Port Wakefield about 4 pm and stopped at the various roadhouses looking for a good map of the area. I have decided to go around Adelaide which means I will be using a few back roads.
Basically I hope to ride from Port Wakefield to Gawler, then to Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend then down to the Coorong.
May have better luck at the Info Office in Gawler.
Found the caravan park and went through the usual procedures. That is book in, tent up, shower then down the street. Had tea at one of the local eateries, back to the park and do my diary and blog. I started to write my diary at one of the outdoor settings, but soon relocated to my tent. The mossies had found me and they were going beserk.
My health? I still feel a little chestie but not too bad. I am a little concerned about my right knee which is a bit sore. I don’t know why. Hopefully a rest overnight and all will be OK
Tomorrow, as I said, I hope to get to Gawler.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 204
Date:- 4 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Cooked and had tea about 7.30 pm last night, watched a bit of TV then off to bed about 8.45 pm. I am feeling pretty good now. Ready to get back on the road and heading for home.
I have been warned the traffic would be horrific on Monday as everyone will be returning home after a long weekend. I will heed their advice and go to morrow.
Awoke about 7.30 am this morning and got up about 8.30 am after listening to the radio and feeling quite lazy. Wandered over to the camp kitchen and had breakfast. Chatted to a few people who were packing up and returning to Adelaide after their long weekend. Read a bit more of my borrowed book before returning it to the person who lent it to me.
I then wandered down the street and had lunch at one of the many cafes open for business. Back to camp and checked my bike and trailer over ready for tomorrow. Had a phone call from Ian from Geelong.
Wandered around the caravan park and got chatting to the owner of a Cole 23 (Trailer Sailer) He put the boat in the water this morning and found the area wasn’t really suitable for yachts. He had hit a channel marker scrapping right down the port side of the boat.
Had a quick phone call from Tony Spark who was checking on what I was up to. He spoke very highly of the World Cycling Championships in Geelong. Everything was great. The weather, the spectators and of course the competitors.
Gathered my gear to do my diary and Blog and over to the camp kitchen to work in comfort.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Wakefield a distance of 80 km.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Cooked and had tea about 7.30 pm last night, watched a bit of TV then off to bed about 8.45 pm. I am feeling pretty good now. Ready to get back on the road and heading for home.
I have been warned the traffic would be horrific on Monday as everyone will be returning home after a long weekend. I will heed their advice and go to morrow.
Awoke about 7.30 am this morning and got up about 8.30 am after listening to the radio and feeling quite lazy. Wandered over to the camp kitchen and had breakfast. Chatted to a few people who were packing up and returning to Adelaide after their long weekend. Read a bit more of my borrowed book before returning it to the person who lent it to me.
I then wandered down the street and had lunch at one of the many cafes open for business. Back to camp and checked my bike and trailer over ready for tomorrow. Had a phone call from Ian from Geelong.
Wandered around the caravan park and got chatting to the owner of a Cole 23 (Trailer Sailer) He put the boat in the water this morning and found the area wasn’t really suitable for yachts. He had hit a channel marker scrapping right down the port side of the boat.
Had a quick phone call from Tony Spark who was checking on what I was up to. He spoke very highly of the World Cycling Championships in Geelong. Everything was great. The weather, the spectators and of course the competitors.
Gathered my gear to do my diary and Blog and over to the camp kitchen to work in comfort.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Wakefield a distance of 80 km.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 203
Date:- 3 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night and listened to the radio before going to sleep. Feeling a lot better now and I was thinking of getting back on the road tomorrow.
Daylight saving came into effect over night and I was up at 8 am and over for a shower. I then had a slow breakfast, then joined the queue of free loaders for the free pancakes offered by the caravan staff.
I went back to my tent and laid down and started reading a book someone had lent me. The autobiography of R.M.Williams. I got absorbed in the book and before I knew it was lunch time (1 pm). Made myself a couple of sandwiches and a cuppa.
I then wandered down to the water front to watch the model yachts again. They are really authentic. All the rules of racing apply, port and starboard, buoy room, etc. The boats can run and reach as well as tack and you don’t get wet. The competition was quite fierce.
Treated myself to another coffee and cake before returning to the caravan park and do my diary and blog.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night and listened to the radio before going to sleep. Feeling a lot better now and I was thinking of getting back on the road tomorrow.
Daylight saving came into effect over night and I was up at 8 am and over for a shower. I then had a slow breakfast, then joined the queue of free loaders for the free pancakes offered by the caravan staff.
I went back to my tent and laid down and started reading a book someone had lent me. The autobiography of R.M.Williams. I got absorbed in the book and before I knew it was lunch time (1 pm). Made myself a couple of sandwiches and a cuppa.
I then wandered down to the water front to watch the model yachts again. They are really authentic. All the rules of racing apply, port and starboard, buoy room, etc. The boats can run and reach as well as tack and you don’t get wet. The competition was quite fierce.
Treated myself to another coffee and cake before returning to the caravan park and do my diary and blog.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Day 202
Date:- 2 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- After completing my diary last night, Evon rang and we talked for a considerable time. I then cooked tea, watched some TV before heading off to bed.
Had a very good nights sleep finally surfacing about 8 am. Had a shower then breakfast in the camp kitchen. I spent the morning reading various magazines and chatting to my next door neighbours.
About 1 pm I wandered down the street and onto the jetty where the remote controlled yachts where racing. Quite interesting and very realistic. Maybe my next hobby. I then went up the street to the local R.S.L. club to watch the start of the Grand Final between Collingwood and Saint Kilda. Watch the first quarter before wandering off and enjoyed a coffee and cake at a local café.
I then made my way back to the caravan park and watched the third quarter on the TV in the camp kitchen. The result was going to be a fore gone conclusion. Back to my tent to read a bit more when my next door neighbour, John offered me some home brew. It went down very well.
They went into town for tea and I gathered my gear to do my diary and blog and off to the camp kitchen.
No real plans for tomorrow other than enjoying the free pan cakes on offer here then down to see the model yachts again.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- After completing my diary last night, Evon rang and we talked for a considerable time. I then cooked tea, watched some TV before heading off to bed.
Had a very good nights sleep finally surfacing about 8 am. Had a shower then breakfast in the camp kitchen. I spent the morning reading various magazines and chatting to my next door neighbours.
About 1 pm I wandered down the street and onto the jetty where the remote controlled yachts where racing. Quite interesting and very realistic. Maybe my next hobby. I then went up the street to the local R.S.L. club to watch the start of the Grand Final between Collingwood and Saint Kilda. Watch the first quarter before wandering off and enjoyed a coffee and cake at a local café.
I then made my way back to the caravan park and watched the third quarter on the TV in the camp kitchen. The result was going to be a fore gone conclusion. Back to my tent to read a bit more when my next door neighbour, John offered me some home brew. It went down very well.
They went into town for tea and I gathered my gear to do my diary and blog and off to the camp kitchen.
No real plans for tomorrow other than enjoying the free pan cakes on offer here then down to see the model yachts again.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 201
Date:- 1 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I prepared tea in the well equipped camp kitchen. I then watched a bit of TV before Gerd arrived back here with his son, Garry. We chatted for a while before I got my long awaited phone call from Evon.
The three girls, Evon, Roz and Mundi, had a great time in China and I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip when I get home.
Had a phone call from Pam from Geelong enquiring about my wellbeing. I am really grateful for your concerns and advice.
Garry had departed while I was on the phone and Gerd was in his van, so on my return to my tent I had another chat with Gerd before retiring to bed about 10.30 pm. Gerd is heading back home in the morning.
Had a good nights sleep, crawling out of bed about 7 am, in time to thank Gerd for all his help and wish him a safe trip home. Had a very nice hot shower then settled in to have a nice breakfast. Cleaned up my tent. Received a phone call from Ian from Geelong who was also concerned about my health.
I then grabbed my camera and went for a walk along the foreshore up to the jetty. There are a number of shelters and BBQ along the fore shore and kiddies playgrounds. Out along the jetty where there were a number of people fishing.
I didn’t realize how big this town was. Two hotels, Supermarket, Hardware store, Chemist, Bakery, Butchers and numerous coffee shops.
Bruce from Clifton Springs rang and we had a bit of a chat. Will get together on my return to Geelong.
Back to the caravan park and made my lunch. Read a couple of magazines before going back to the tent, laying down and dozing off to sleep for a few hours. Made myself a coffee about 4 pm and sat on one of the many seats outside enjoying the wonderful sunshine.
I am feeling quite a bit better although there is still some congestion on my chest and a couple of aching joints. Certainly a lot better than a couple of days ago.
I am now doing my diary and Blog before I cook tea etc. Tomorrow there is a model boat regatta which I am looking forward to seeing, other than that another quiet day.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Day 200
Date:- 30 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Augusta Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Gerd and I, after setting up camp, drove down to the local hotel and enjoyed a counter meal, then back to the caravan park and into bed. I had a very good nights sleep and felt a little better this morning.
Have decided to take Gerd up on his offer and go to Port Broughton. So packed everything up and loaded it into his van and away by 7.45 am. We stopped at Port Pirie at the supermarket and purchased some items for my meals over the next few days. Gerd bought us a nice coffee and other goodies, then it was back on the road to Port Broughton.
Arrived at the caravan park in Port Broughton about 11.15 am booked in and set up camp. Prepared some lunch in the fully equipped camp kitchen. Watched some TV, then a stroll around the caravan park.
Had a phone call from Allan, a motorcyclist I met in Western Australia. He lives in Melbourne and had read my Blog from last night and was enquiring about my well being. It was a pleasure to hear from you.
Evon has returned safely home from her overseas trip. It was tremendous hearing from her and that she had a very good time.
Hope to hear and see photos in the very near future.
It is a public holiday in South Australia on Monday so I will either take off from here on Sunday or Tuesday to avoid the traffic congestion following a public holiday.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Augusta Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Gerd and I, after setting up camp, drove down to the local hotel and enjoyed a counter meal, then back to the caravan park and into bed. I had a very good nights sleep and felt a little better this morning.
Have decided to take Gerd up on his offer and go to Port Broughton. So packed everything up and loaded it into his van and away by 7.45 am. We stopped at Port Pirie at the supermarket and purchased some items for my meals over the next few days. Gerd bought us a nice coffee and other goodies, then it was back on the road to Port Broughton.
Arrived at the caravan park in Port Broughton about 11.15 am booked in and set up camp. Prepared some lunch in the fully equipped camp kitchen. Watched some TV, then a stroll around the caravan park.
Had a phone call from Allan, a motorcyclist I met in Western Australia. He lives in Melbourne and had read my Blog from last night and was enquiring about my well being. It was a pleasure to hear from you.
Evon has returned safely home from her overseas trip. It was tremendous hearing from her and that she had a very good time.
Hope to hear and see photos in the very near future.
It is a public holiday in South Australia on Monday so I will either take off from here on Sunday or Tuesday to avoid the traffic congestion following a public holiday.
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 199
Date:- 29 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Augusta Caravan Park.
Comment:- Well have I got a story to tell now. After tea last night I was charging my various batteries while watching TV in the camp kitchen, a large van pull up and reversed into the shed where I was. He had obviously stayed here before. It was a gentleman by the name of Gerd. Once he got set up he joined me watching TV and chatting. I told him I had a touch of the flu and that I wasn’t feeling 100% and I asked him if he would give me a lift to Ceduna and he said yes and if I desired he could take me to Port Augusta. I said I would sleep on it.
Well I had a very rough night, hardly sleeping a wink, aching all over, hot and sweaty, etc. I was up at 6.30 am packed up all my gear and transferred it across to where Gerd’s van was. Loaded everything in quite comfortably and were on our way by 8 am as planned. It was very nice sitting in a comfy seat watching the road go by. We were in Ceduna before we knew it and I had decided I had a better prospect of medical treatment in Port Augusta.
Our first stop was Wirrulla General Store for morning tea and toilet break. Then it was onto Kimba where we made a quick lunch break. Then onto Port Augusta and to the local hospital where I was given a simple examination, was given ventolin in a mask and the nurses had made an appointment with the local doctor.
It was then off to see the doctor who gave me a more thorough examination and diagnosed severe bronchitis for which he wrote a script for some antibiotics and told to rest up for a few days. Down to the chemist to pick up my script.
If it wasn’t for Gerds insistence I probably would be still in Penong. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Gerd who not only transporting me and my gear to Port Augusta but transported me around to the hospital, the doctors, the chemist and finally to our caravan park. Thank you sincerely Gerd.
Tomorrow he is off to Port Broughton and has offered to transport me there. It maybe a little less expensive than where I am now but we will assess the situation in the morning.
I would like to think I am deferring my riding this route to a latter date, that is from Penong to Port Augusta.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 198
Date:- 28 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night with a couple of panadol to help me sleep. Had a reasonable sleep but still had a couple of aches and pains and a ticklish throat this morning.
Decided a rest day would be more beneficial to my wellbeing I didn’t crawl out of bed till 8 am. Had breakfast, then took a stroll down the street. Went to the Penong General Store where I enjoyed a couple of free cups of coffee, before making a few purchases. I bought a BBQ meat pack, loaf of bread, a tin of fruit and a couple of other things.
Back to the caravan park to store my purchases. I received a phone call from Reg from Leopold. I worked with Reg up until his retirement at a wool scour in Geelong. It was nice to hear another familiar voice. Thanks Reg and will catch up with you when I return.
I cooked my lunch on the BBQ along with some vegetables left in the laundry by people heading east. After washing up I laid down in my tent for a few hours listening to the radio. The wind blew from the south east all day and threats of rain continued but never eventuated.
Up and mobile about 4.30 pm, had a nice long hot shower, then my diary and Blog. Another BBQ tonight then another early night. I feel a little better, possibly because I am relaxing and not exerting myself. I would like to get to Ceduna tomorrow. We will have a look at the forecast etc.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night with a couple of panadol to help me sleep. Had a reasonable sleep but still had a couple of aches and pains and a ticklish throat this morning.
Decided a rest day would be more beneficial to my wellbeing I didn’t crawl out of bed till 8 am. Had breakfast, then took a stroll down the street. Went to the Penong General Store where I enjoyed a couple of free cups of coffee, before making a few purchases. I bought a BBQ meat pack, loaf of bread, a tin of fruit and a couple of other things.
Back to the caravan park to store my purchases. I received a phone call from Reg from Leopold. I worked with Reg up until his retirement at a wool scour in Geelong. It was nice to hear another familiar voice. Thanks Reg and will catch up with you when I return.
I cooked my lunch on the BBQ along with some vegetables left in the laundry by people heading east. After washing up I laid down in my tent for a few hours listening to the radio. The wind blew from the south east all day and threats of rain continued but never eventuated.
Up and mobile about 4.30 pm, had a nice long hot shower, then my diary and Blog. Another BBQ tonight then another early night. I feel a little better, possibly because I am relaxing and not exerting myself. I would like to get to Ceduna tomorrow. We will have a look at the forecast etc.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 197
Date:- 27 September 2010
Distance:- 81.32 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I did my diary I laid down in my tent again for an hour or two. Went over to the café for tea then back to the tent and bed about 7.45 pm. Had a couple of panadol then off to sleep.
Had a good nights sleep. Up at 6.30 am, had breakfast and on the road by 7.30 am. Good road, gentle undulations as usual. Overcast sky with my old favourite the south easterly breeze. Gentle at first but increased as the day wore on. Cloud started to clear mid morning and periods of sunshine were experienced.
Rode past the turn off to Fowlers Bay a popular fishing venue, also I believe where an early explorer started from. This turn off was about 30 km out.
A lot of broad acres cropping through this area and looking very healthy.
An approaching cyclist crossed the road and we had a chat. It was Mike from Sydney. He is riding from Sydney to Perth, staying in Perth for a couple of weeks before flying back to Sydney.
No idea what the time is as my wonderful $20 watch has decided to stop temporarily. Had my break on the side of the road 40 km out.
There are quite a few ruins of buildings dotting the landscape. All old stone buildings and I bet they can tell a story or two.
Passed a sign for an aboringal community and museum. I was going to stop and have a coffee but there was no further signage and no caravans visible, so I just rode past.
I was now starting to feel a bit down. The wind had increased in speed and was swinging from south east , to south, then south west and back again. It was a head wind, then on my right face, then on my side. The road seemed to be gradually climbing and quite a few trucks passing. Every time a truck passed or overtook me, I would stop, because the amount of wind they pushed was horrendous.
The closer I got to Penong the weaker I was feeling, eventually arriving at the caravan park about 4.15 pm. Very nice park and I was able to pitch my tent under a shelter type of shed. Excellent showers with plenty of room to move. Laundry was free so I put a small load in, then hung them out to dry on the clothes line.
Down the street for tea then back to camp to do my diary in the big community shed. I shall bring my Blog up to date then head off to bed with a couple of panadol.
I may stay here another day as its threatening to rain and I don’t like getting wet. Another day off probably wouldn’t hurt to give my body time to get better.
Evon gets home on Thursday so I would like to be in mobile phone coverage either here or Ceduna.
Distance:- 81.32 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I did my diary I laid down in my tent again for an hour or two. Went over to the café for tea then back to the tent and bed about 7.45 pm. Had a couple of panadol then off to sleep.
Had a good nights sleep. Up at 6.30 am, had breakfast and on the road by 7.30 am. Good road, gentle undulations as usual. Overcast sky with my old favourite the south easterly breeze. Gentle at first but increased as the day wore on. Cloud started to clear mid morning and periods of sunshine were experienced.
Rode past the turn off to Fowlers Bay a popular fishing venue, also I believe where an early explorer started from. This turn off was about 30 km out.
A lot of broad acres cropping through this area and looking very healthy.
An approaching cyclist crossed the road and we had a chat. It was Mike from Sydney. He is riding from Sydney to Perth, staying in Perth for a couple of weeks before flying back to Sydney.
No idea what the time is as my wonderful $20 watch has decided to stop temporarily. Had my break on the side of the road 40 km out.
There are quite a few ruins of buildings dotting the landscape. All old stone buildings and I bet they can tell a story or two.
Passed a sign for an aboringal community and museum. I was going to stop and have a coffee but there was no further signage and no caravans visible, so I just rode past.
I was now starting to feel a bit down. The wind had increased in speed and was swinging from south east , to south, then south west and back again. It was a head wind, then on my right face, then on my side. The road seemed to be gradually climbing and quite a few trucks passing. Every time a truck passed or overtook me, I would stop, because the amount of wind they pushed was horrendous.
The closer I got to Penong the weaker I was feeling, eventually arriving at the caravan park about 4.15 pm. Very nice park and I was able to pitch my tent under a shelter type of shed. Excellent showers with plenty of room to move. Laundry was free so I put a small load in, then hung them out to dry on the clothes line.
Down the street for tea then back to camp to do my diary in the big community shed. I shall bring my Blog up to date then head off to bed with a couple of panadol.
I may stay here another day as its threatening to rain and I don’t like getting wet. Another day off probably wouldn’t hurt to give my body time to get better.
Evon gets home on Thursday so I would like to be in mobile phone coverage either here or Ceduna.
Day 196
Date:- 26 September 2010
Distance:- 73.15 Km
Distance to Date:- 12042 Km
Start:- West Yatala Rest Area
Finish:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Comment:- After I had completed my diary I laid down in my tent and listened to a riveting broadcast of the last half of the Grand Final in Victoria. It was a draw so both teams have to line up again next week.
I then went for a walk around the rest area for about hour before cooking and enjoying my tea. There was a tank of water at the rest area so I had no problem washing up, etc.
Very heavy cloud cover came in from the south about 5 pm. I thought we were in for a couple of heavy showers. No rain was forth coming.
Crawled into bed about 7.45 pm, had a couple of Pannadol for my sore throat, listened to the radio before dropping off to a good nights sleep.
Up to a light foggy morning about 6.30 pm. Had breakfast, packed and away by 7.30 am. Nice little 3 km gentle hill climb first up, then the road was gently undulating from then on.
Its just delightful riding early this morning. A hint of fog in the valleys, crisp morning and no wind to speak of. Everything is good.
Pulled into Yalata Roadhouse about 9 am. Has been all boarded up. There was some activity in the caravan park so I think that is still operational.
Turned over 12,000 kms today, only 2,000 km left to get home and with my rough calculations I should be home by October 28th.
Took my break on the side of the road about 10.30 am, then back on the road to Nundroo.
I seem to be entering more intensive pastoral country with fencing and cleared areas visible on both sides of the road. Another 10 km down the road crops were visible and everything looks very healthy.
About 5 km from Nundroo a crow was going berserk and swopping at me so I assume there was a nest nearby. I have never know crows to be that protective.
Arrived at Nundroo Caravan Park and booked in. Fairly Spartan type of place but the showers and toilets were clean and working.
Over to the restaurant to find a table and chairs so I can sit in comfort and do my diary. Tried to SMS my daughters but the pubic phone wont accept my phone cards.
Tomorrow I will go to Penong a distance of 76 km
Day 195
Date:- 25 September 2010
Distance:- 71.61 Km
Distance to Date:- 11969 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yatalla West Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15 am to a beautiful sunrise and behind me the moon was still going down. Not a cloud in the sky.
Packed everything up and over to the café for a light breakfast, tea and toast. On the road by 7.30 am. Flat road, light westerly (tail) wind, and I am feeling great. Since I have been in South Australia the roads are good but no breakdown lanes and the shoulders are very loose gravel.
Passed the Head of the Bight about 14 km out and most cars seem to be going to have a look at the whales. Its 12 km in so I have elected not to venture in.
About 20 km down the road a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger drew along side for a chat and I was invited to have a cuppa with them. It was Murray and Simone who had their motor home parked up a bush track while they went and explored on their motorbike.
Back on the road again after a nice 30 minute break and a further 10 km down the road a caravan had stopped on the side of the road and the driver held up a couple of oranges. That was enough reason to stop. They gave me half a dozen oranges and after a chat we went our separate ways. They came from Albany and knew of Phil and Josie.
Had my break on the side of the road about 11 am. I had thoughts of making Nundro today but a couple of hills and a wind change soon put pay to that idea.
Arrived at the West Yatalla Rest Area about 2.30 and soon settled in. No one else here in the early stages and I hope that changes. Time will tell.
I will see if I can pick up the footy broadcast this afternoon while I am dodging the flies.
I was having a small problem with the march flies. They were biting like crazy even through my lycra. Aerogard had no effect on them but they disappeared as quick as they appeared
Tomorrow I will go to Nundro Roadhouse
Distance:- 71.61 Km
Distance to Date:- 11969 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yatalla West Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15 am to a beautiful sunrise and behind me the moon was still going down. Not a cloud in the sky.
Packed everything up and over to the café for a light breakfast, tea and toast. On the road by 7.30 am. Flat road, light westerly (tail) wind, and I am feeling great. Since I have been in South Australia the roads are good but no breakdown lanes and the shoulders are very loose gravel.
Passed the Head of the Bight about 14 km out and most cars seem to be going to have a look at the whales. Its 12 km in so I have elected not to venture in.
About 20 km down the road a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger drew along side for a chat and I was invited to have a cuppa with them. It was Murray and Simone who had their motor home parked up a bush track while they went and explored on their motorbike.
Back on the road again after a nice 30 minute break and a further 10 km down the road a caravan had stopped on the side of the road and the driver held up a couple of oranges. That was enough reason to stop. They gave me half a dozen oranges and after a chat we went our separate ways. They came from Albany and knew of Phil and Josie.
Had my break on the side of the road about 11 am. I had thoughts of making Nundro today but a couple of hills and a wind change soon put pay to that idea.
Arrived at the West Yatalla Rest Area about 2.30 and soon settled in. No one else here in the early stages and I hope that changes. Time will tell.
I will see if I can pick up the footy broadcast this afternoon while I am dodging the flies.
I was having a small problem with the march flies. They were biting like crazy even through my lycra. Aerogard had no effect on them but they disappeared as quick as they appeared
Tomorrow I will go to Nundro Roadhouse
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day 194
Date:- 24 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café, then watched some television in the bar before I retired to bed. Had a good nights sleep.
I have decided to have a rest day so I was up at 7 am and hung my washing out then breakfast
A cyclist passing through stopped and said hi. It was Adam who was riding from Fremantle to Melbourne.
Checked over my trailer and bike, cleaned them up a bit and oiled up the chain.
Then over to the café with my computer and maps to work out my next few days. Since the ferry is not running between Cowell and Wallaroo I will have to alter my route up to Port Augusta then down to Adelaide.
I like getting those phone calls when I am in mobile range. Jill and Stuart the other night and Ian this afternoon. Keep them coming.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Yatala West Rest Area a distance of about 70 km.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café, then watched some television in the bar before I retired to bed. Had a good nights sleep.
I have decided to have a rest day so I was up at 7 am and hung my washing out then breakfast
A cyclist passing through stopped and said hi. It was Adam who was riding from Fremantle to Melbourne.
Checked over my trailer and bike, cleaned them up a bit and oiled up the chain.
Then over to the café with my computer and maps to work out my next few days. Since the ferry is not running between Cowell and Wallaroo I will have to alter my route up to Port Augusta then down to Adelaide.
I like getting those phone calls when I am in mobile range. Jill and Stuart the other night and Ian this afternoon. Keep them coming.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Yatala West Rest Area a distance of about 70 km.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Day 193
Date:- 23 September 2010
Distance:- 74.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Rest Area 111K peg
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I cooked tea in my tent, washed up and into bed and listened to the radio. There was a very strong wind blowing and I thought at one stage my tent was going to turn itself inside out.
Up at 5.30 am this morning and on the road by 6.45 am. An overcast day with a very light south easterly breeze to start with. The weather seems a little more settled today, but who knows.
About 10 km out a couple of caravans had stopped on the side of the road. As I approached a gentleman crossed the road and gave me an orange. We chatted for a few minutes then he gave me a nice small donation. I asked and was given some water and we went our separate ways. They were from Tasmania.
Stopped at the Wigunda Rest Area and checked my mobile phone. No coverage. I was told there was reception there.
I had just turned over 35 km for the day, that meant break time at 10.30 am. Back on the road again and express to Nullarbor Roadhouse.
I am struggling at the moment what with the head wind and I am starting to get a sore backside. I must have lost all my padding and it seems, from about 50 km onwards, I am terribly uncomfortable. Stopping every km to let my backside have a rest. Sometimes squeezing a couple of extra km in if I am lucky.
I am thinking of having a Rest Day here and do my washing, and address my other problems. I will get the maps out and seek some advice about what is in front of me.
Distance:- 74.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Rest Area 111K peg
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I cooked tea in my tent, washed up and into bed and listened to the radio. There was a very strong wind blowing and I thought at one stage my tent was going to turn itself inside out.
Up at 5.30 am this morning and on the road by 6.45 am. An overcast day with a very light south easterly breeze to start with. The weather seems a little more settled today, but who knows.
About 10 km out a couple of caravans had stopped on the side of the road. As I approached a gentleman crossed the road and gave me an orange. We chatted for a few minutes then he gave me a nice small donation. I asked and was given some water and we went our separate ways. They were from Tasmania.
Stopped at the Wigunda Rest Area and checked my mobile phone. No coverage. I was told there was reception there.
I had just turned over 35 km for the day, that meant break time at 10.30 am. Back on the road again and express to Nullarbor Roadhouse.
I am struggling at the moment what with the head wind and I am starting to get a sore backside. I must have lost all my padding and it seems, from about 50 km onwards, I am terribly uncomfortable. Stopping every km to let my backside have a rest. Sometimes squeezing a couple of extra km in if I am lucky.
I am thinking of having a Rest Day here and do my washing, and address my other problems. I will get the maps out and seek some advice about what is in front of me.
Day 192
Date:- 22 September 2010
Distance:- 66.97 Km
Distance to Date:- 11823 Km
Start:- Rest Area 45 K Peg
Finish:- Rest Area 111 K Peg
Comment:- A number of showers last night meant I had a wet tent to pack up. I was up at 6 am, breakfast , said goodbye to Kevin and Jan and on the road by 7 am.
Kevin had given me a good handful of fruit - apples, an orange and a mandarin.
Shortly after I left the rest area I coped another light shower of rain. I have been watching rain clouds build up to my weather (right hand) side and either cross the front of me or behind me.
The cloud seems to be breaking up and the sun had come out momentarily. Early in the day there was little or no wind but by mid morning I had my south easterly wind of 5 - 10 kts which slowed my progress somewhat.
Stopped for my break about 30 km out at 9.30 am. I was all of a sudden hit with a light shower of rain which seemed to come out of nowhere. Back on the road again heading for 111 k peg rest area.
I then stopped at a rest area to avoid a passing shower and met 3 young people from Manjimup who were travelling to Coffin Bay. They didn’t have any hot water but they did give me some sausages wrapped in bread. After the shower passed I continued on my way.
A bit further down the road I stopped and waited for another shower to pass and then it was express to the rest area arriving about 2.15 pm. The Rest area was closed but that didn’t stop me putting my tent up near the steel shelter shed. it’s a little blowy but the views are magnificent. I may even see a whale or two if I am lucky.
I am doing my diary in the tent. No mobile phone coverage again so no downloading to blog.
Tomorrow I will head for the Nullarbor Roadhouse a distance of about 75 km
Day 191
Date e:- 21 September 2010
Distance:- 57.36 Km
Distance to Date:- 11756 Km
Start:- Eucla Caravan Park
Finish:- Rest Area 45 mile Peg
Comment:- Went over to the restaurant for tea last night but found there was nothing on the menu I liked and it was quite expensive, so settle for a light meal in the café. Read a magazine then back to the camp kitchen to charge up all my batteries and make a cuppa before bed.
Quite a bit of drizzle overnight but my tent was dry in the morning. Up at 6 am and over to the camp kitchen for breakfast. Murray, a motorbike rider from Albany offered me some sausages, bacon and toast for breakfast. Went down very nicely. Thankyou Murray.
Back to pack up all my gear and on the road by 8 am. About 12 km out from Eucla was the state border which I crossed at 9 am. Another time adjustment and we are now on South Australian time.
Stopped at the shop in Border Village for some snacks and oranges.
Then I had another couple of stops for photo shoots. I also had my break at the last stop about 11.30 am. Back on the road for another few kms. The rain clouds have cleared away and the sun is shining. Still have my 5 - 10 kt south easterly wind to contend with.
About 50 km out I noticed someone ahead of me on the right hand side of the road and as I drew closer it was a man walking. I pulled up along side him and we introduced ourselves. He was Kevin and he was walking from one side of Australia to the other. He had nearly finished his days walk of 32 km and was going to pull into a rest area ahead. I asked him if he minded if I camped next to him. No worries. His wife Jan was following behind with a caravan as backup crew.
They were heading for the 45 k peg rest area. Found the rest area and set up our respective camps then Kevin offered me an ale. We sat around a small camp fire and chatted till tea time. I then cooked my tea and enjoyed it with them. After another couple of ales and a cup of tea it was time for bed.
Tomorrow I hope to get to the 111K Peg Rest Area, a distance of 66 km.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Day 190
Date:- 20 September 2010
Distance:- 66.25 Km
Distance to Date:- 11698 Km
Start:- Mundrabilla Caravan Park
Finish:- Eucla Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 5.45 am this morning, packed and over to the café for breakfast. On the road by 7.15 am.
Heavy overcast day with a light to moderate south easterly wind. On my right face again. The road is good with the break down lane.
Today was just as cold as yesterday and miserable with a few light showers mixed in. Mid morning the cloud started to break up and periods of sun shine were experienced.
Lots of small clumps of wild flowers along the road. White, Pink, Red and yellow flowers, quite stunning when you look closely at them.
Stopped for my break 35 km out, on the side of the road about 10.15 am. Continued on my way to Eucla without incident and the last km into Eucla required special treatment. Found the caravan park, booked in, set up tent, etc.
My mobile phone has sprung to life finally. There has been no mobile phone coverage between Norseman and Eucla. I am not set up for Internet Cafes and most of them were not working. Public Phones were my main form of communication with family.
Distance:- 66.25 Km
Distance to Date:- 11698 Km
Start:- Mundrabilla Caravan Park
Finish:- Eucla Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 5.45 am this morning, packed and over to the café for breakfast. On the road by 7.15 am.
Heavy overcast day with a light to moderate south easterly wind. On my right face again. The road is good with the break down lane.
Today was just as cold as yesterday and miserable with a few light showers mixed in. Mid morning the cloud started to break up and periods of sun shine were experienced.
Lots of small clumps of wild flowers along the road. White, Pink, Red and yellow flowers, quite stunning when you look closely at them.
Stopped for my break 35 km out, on the side of the road about 10.15 am. Continued on my way to Eucla without incident and the last km into Eucla required special treatment. Found the caravan park, booked in, set up tent, etc.
My mobile phone has sprung to life finally. There has been no mobile phone coverage between Norseman and Eucla. I am not set up for Internet Cafes and most of them were not working. Public Phones were my main form of communication with family.
Day 189
Date:- 19 September 2010
Distance:- 90.24 Km
Distance to Date:- 11632 Km
Start:- Moodini Bluff Rest Area
Finish:- Mundrabilla Caravan Park
Comment:- Had a good sleep last night and crawled out of bed about 6 am. Quite a bit of rain overnight as the ground and the tent were very wet.
Had a quick breakfast, packed, said my goodbyes and on the road by 7.30 am. Cool morning, heavy overcast sky with a few showers was the order of the day. It was a cold, wet, miserable day. I even resorted to walking about 1 km to warm my feet up.
The road was flat with a break down lane of about 1 metre. It was a fairly slow hard day because of the south easterly wind which was blowing right to left across the road most of the day. Quite a few trucks both ways and I got to a stage I would stop when I saw a truck coming as the amount of wind they pushed virtually stopped me or blew me off the road.
Finally arrived at the Mundrabilla Roadhouse and booked into the caravan park. Tent up, had a shower then over to the café to do my diary.
Had tea in the café, read a couple of magazines then off to bed about 8.30 pm.
Tomorrow I will head for Eucla a distance of about 68 km
Distance:- 90.24 Km
Distance to Date:- 11632 Km
Start:- Moodini Bluff Rest Area
Finish:- Mundrabilla Caravan Park
Comment:- Had a good sleep last night and crawled out of bed about 6 am. Quite a bit of rain overnight as the ground and the tent were very wet.
Had a quick breakfast, packed, said my goodbyes and on the road by 7.30 am. Cool morning, heavy overcast sky with a few showers was the order of the day. It was a cold, wet, miserable day. I even resorted to walking about 1 km to warm my feet up.
The road was flat with a break down lane of about 1 metre. It was a fairly slow hard day because of the south easterly wind which was blowing right to left across the road most of the day. Quite a few trucks both ways and I got to a stage I would stop when I saw a truck coming as the amount of wind they pushed virtually stopped me or blew me off the road.
Finally arrived at the Mundrabilla Roadhouse and booked into the caravan park. Tent up, had a shower then over to the café to do my diary.
Had tea in the café, read a couple of magazines then off to bed about 8.30 pm.
Tomorrow I will head for Eucla a distance of about 68 km
Day 188
Date:- 18 September 2010
Distance:- 117.36 Km
Distance to Date:- 11542 Km
Start:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Finish:- Moodini Bluff Rest Area
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café and watched the news and current affairs programs before the telecast of the preliminary footy final between Geelong and Collingwood was to be shown. While having tea a couple of women came into the café for tea. One of the women was an Allen from Meredith who where old family friends from when we lived at Ballan.
I decided it was time to retire to bed about 8.15 pm so said good bye to everyone and back to my tent for the night. Listened to the last quarter of the football final and was disappointed that Geelong was beaten.
After a good nights sleep I was up at 6 am, packed had breakfast in the café like the day before and on the road by 7.30 am.
An overcast day with the odd shower of rain and a light southerly breeze which increased as the day progressed. Good road with the break down lane for a bit of added security. Light traffic flow.
About 10 km out of Cocklebiddy was the turnoff for the Eyre Bird Observatory which is housed in the Eyre Telegraph Station ruins.
And then about 15 km out I met two cyclists from Perth. They were riding the Nullarbor from Ceduna to Norseman.
Stopped at the Moonera Tank Rest Area for my break about 45 km out at 10.45 am. I then had an incident free straight run into Madura where I met up with Sarah again. After having a look around I decided I would head out to the next rest area which was 27 km down the road.
Took off about 4 pm and arrived at the Moodini Rest Area about 6 pm and Sarah’s bus was there as well. Set up camp next to her bus and enjoyed the company of her backup crew. Had tea and a nice glass or two of white wine and sat around a camp fire before I had to excuse myself to do my diary and go to bed.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Mundrabilla Roadhouse a distance of about 87 Km.
Distance:- 117.36 Km
Distance to Date:- 11542 Km
Start:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Finish:- Moodini Bluff Rest Area
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café and watched the news and current affairs programs before the telecast of the preliminary footy final between Geelong and Collingwood was to be shown. While having tea a couple of women came into the café for tea. One of the women was an Allen from Meredith who where old family friends from when we lived at Ballan.
I decided it was time to retire to bed about 8.15 pm so said good bye to everyone and back to my tent for the night. Listened to the last quarter of the football final and was disappointed that Geelong was beaten.
After a good nights sleep I was up at 6 am, packed had breakfast in the café like the day before and on the road by 7.30 am.
An overcast day with the odd shower of rain and a light southerly breeze which increased as the day progressed. Good road with the break down lane for a bit of added security. Light traffic flow.
About 10 km out of Cocklebiddy was the turnoff for the Eyre Bird Observatory which is housed in the Eyre Telegraph Station ruins.
And then about 15 km out I met two cyclists from Perth. They were riding the Nullarbor from Ceduna to Norseman.
Stopped at the Moonera Tank Rest Area for my break about 45 km out at 10.45 am. I then had an incident free straight run into Madura where I met up with Sarah again. After having a look around I decided I would head out to the next rest area which was 27 km down the road.
Took off about 4 pm and arrived at the Moodini Rest Area about 6 pm and Sarah’s bus was there as well. Set up camp next to her bus and enjoyed the company of her backup crew. Had tea and a nice glass or two of white wine and sat around a camp fire before I had to excuse myself to do my diary and go to bed.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Mundrabilla Roadhouse a distance of about 87 Km.
Day 187
Date:- 17 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11424 Km
Start:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Finish:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Comment:- Woke up about 5.30 am this morning and it was still drizzling so I have decided to stay here and review the situation about lunchtime. We are experiencing scattered showers and a moderate south easterly wind.
Lunch time was really no different so I will take the whole day off and hope the weather is more kind tomorrow.
Went for a walk around the property in between showers, sat in the café doing sudoku puzzles and rechecking my route for the next few days. it’s a miserable sort of a day.
Late in the afternoon a bus pulled up at Cocklebiddy and it was Sarah Mycroft and her entourage. Sarah is going to be the first female to run around Australia continuously starting from Sydney. She has decked out the bus for living quarters and co-opts the help of young foreign tourists in the various support vehicles and to look after her two young children. I chatted with Sarah for a while before she set off for a rest area about 40 km out.
Tomorrow I will head for Madura a distance of 91 km.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11424 Km
Start:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Finish:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Comment:- Woke up about 5.30 am this morning and it was still drizzling so I have decided to stay here and review the situation about lunchtime. We are experiencing scattered showers and a moderate south easterly wind.
Lunch time was really no different so I will take the whole day off and hope the weather is more kind tomorrow.
Went for a walk around the property in between showers, sat in the café doing sudoku puzzles and rechecking my route for the next few days. it’s a miserable sort of a day.
Late in the afternoon a bus pulled up at Cocklebiddy and it was Sarah Mycroft and her entourage. Sarah is going to be the first female to run around Australia continuously starting from Sydney. She has decked out the bus for living quarters and co-opts the help of young foreign tourists in the various support vehicles and to look after her two young children. I chatted with Sarah for a while before she set off for a rest area about 40 km out.
Tomorrow I will head for Madura a distance of 91 km.
Day 186
Date:- 16 September 2010
Distance:- 65.4 Km
Distance to Date:- 11424 Km
Start:- Caiguna Caravan Park
Finish:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Comment:- When I had finished my diary last night I had a wander around the property then it was time for tea. Had tea in the café and finished with a nice cup of tea. Watched a bit of television before retiring to bed about 8.45 pm. Had some trouble sleeping and I don’t know why. It wasn’t a cold night or noisy for that matter.
I got up at 5.45 am and with my cereal in hand went over to the café for some real milk, some toast and jam and a cup of tea. All free.
Packed up everything and on the road by 7.30 am. Nice day to start with but scattered showers where forecast. About 1.5 km out a sign to tell me to advance my clock 45 minutes, so any time quoted now will be in the new time zone.
7 km out I stopped to put my wet weather gear on as it started to drizzle, then a bit heavier for 5 minutes and then nothing. Sun was now shining so stop and take my wet weather gear off. All morning showers were crossing in front of me and behind me. I was lucky not to cope another shower.
A light south westerly breeze initially and as the morning progressed it strengthened and swung around to the south east and a head wind for the last 20 km into Cocklebiddy.
Arrived in Cocklebiddy about 1.30 pm, booked into the caravan park, tent up and then gathered all my washing and down to the laundry. Had a light lunch while the washing was being done. Hung the washing out then gathered my stuff to do my diary and headed for the comfort of the café dining room.
Had tea in the café about 6 pm while I watched the news and current affairs programs, then headed for my tent for the night. It rain a number of times through the night and the wind blew. I was reasonably comfortable though.
I will decide in the morning whether I head for Madura or have a Rest Day.
Distance:- 65.4 Km
Distance to Date:- 11424 Km
Start:- Caiguna Caravan Park
Finish:- Cocklebiddy Caravan Park
Comment:- When I had finished my diary last night I had a wander around the property then it was time for tea. Had tea in the café and finished with a nice cup of tea. Watched a bit of television before retiring to bed about 8.45 pm. Had some trouble sleeping and I don’t know why. It wasn’t a cold night or noisy for that matter.
I got up at 5.45 am and with my cereal in hand went over to the café for some real milk, some toast and jam and a cup of tea. All free.
Packed up everything and on the road by 7.30 am. Nice day to start with but scattered showers where forecast. About 1.5 km out a sign to tell me to advance my clock 45 minutes, so any time quoted now will be in the new time zone.
7 km out I stopped to put my wet weather gear on as it started to drizzle, then a bit heavier for 5 minutes and then nothing. Sun was now shining so stop and take my wet weather gear off. All morning showers were crossing in front of me and behind me. I was lucky not to cope another shower.
A light south westerly breeze initially and as the morning progressed it strengthened and swung around to the south east and a head wind for the last 20 km into Cocklebiddy.
Arrived in Cocklebiddy about 1.30 pm, booked into the caravan park, tent up and then gathered all my washing and down to the laundry. Had a light lunch while the washing was being done. Hung the washing out then gathered my stuff to do my diary and headed for the comfort of the café dining room.
Had tea in the café about 6 pm while I watched the news and current affairs programs, then headed for my tent for the night. It rain a number of times through the night and the wind blew. I was reasonably comfortable though.
I will decide in the morning whether I head for Madura or have a Rest Day.
Day 185
Date:- 15 September 2010
Distance:- 66.96 Km
Distance to Date:- 11359 Km
Start:- Baxter Rest Area
Finish:- Caiguna Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I cooked tea in the tent, washed up and in bed by 7.30 pm. Listened to the radio for a while, then off to sleep. It was very cold last night so I put on an extra layer of clothing. My feet were really cold. Eventually fell asleep awaking about 5.45 am and getting up at 6 am. Cooked some noodles for breakfast, cleaned up and packed up and on the road by 7.30 am.
Baxter Rest Area was a good big rest area with seating and tables and a toilet. Again in need of servicing. Rubbish bins full to overflowing.
Good clear morning with a light northerly breeze.
It is just wonderful riding through this section of the Nullarbor. Its so green, the sun shining, the odd bunch of wildflowers, birds chirping and light traffic.
Stopped at Domblegabby Rest Area for a break. Nice big area with big sheltered area, a water tank, numerous table and chairs and a toilet. This rest area is well used.
On the road again and I was “deflaged” by an overtaking truck. It broke my “Aussie” flag clean off BOB. I will try and remount the flag when I get to my destination tonight.
Not a breath of wind in late morning. Dead calm but the traffic has increased with a number of trucks passing now. Having a pleasant ride.
I have now ridden the longest straight stretch of road in Australia ending at Caiguna. 146 km (100 miles). It was very gently undulating and a reasonably good road.
On my arrival at Caiguna I booked into the Caravan Park, set up my tent, had a nice hot shower then moved over to the café to do my diary.
Another easy day tomorrow as I will head for Cocklebiddy Road House, a distance of 64 km.
Distance:- 66.96 Km
Distance to Date:- 11359 Km
Start:- Baxter Rest Area
Finish:- Caiguna Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I cooked tea in the tent, washed up and in bed by 7.30 pm. Listened to the radio for a while, then off to sleep. It was very cold last night so I put on an extra layer of clothing. My feet were really cold. Eventually fell asleep awaking about 5.45 am and getting up at 6 am. Cooked some noodles for breakfast, cleaned up and packed up and on the road by 7.30 am.
Baxter Rest Area was a good big rest area with seating and tables and a toilet. Again in need of servicing. Rubbish bins full to overflowing.
Good clear morning with a light northerly breeze.
It is just wonderful riding through this section of the Nullarbor. Its so green, the sun shining, the odd bunch of wildflowers, birds chirping and light traffic.
Stopped at Domblegabby Rest Area for a break. Nice big area with big sheltered area, a water tank, numerous table and chairs and a toilet. This rest area is well used.
On the road again and I was “deflaged” by an overtaking truck. It broke my “Aussie” flag clean off BOB. I will try and remount the flag when I get to my destination tonight.
Not a breath of wind in late morning. Dead calm but the traffic has increased with a number of trucks passing now. Having a pleasant ride.
I have now ridden the longest straight stretch of road in Australia ending at Caiguna. 146 km (100 miles). It was very gently undulating and a reasonably good road.
On my arrival at Caiguna I booked into the Caravan Park, set up my tent, had a nice hot shower then moved over to the café to do my diary.
Another easy day tomorrow as I will head for Cocklebiddy Road House, a distance of 64 km.
Day 184
Date:- 14 September 2010
Distance:- 114.62 Km
Distance to Date:- 11292 Km
Start:- Balladonia Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Baxter Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6 am this morning and had breakfast with Wally from Barwon Heads. Thank you Wally.
I then packed up all my gear and filled my water bottles and on the road by 8 am.
Beautiful morning with the sun shining and a light south westerly breeze blowing. Afgan Rocks Rest Area was just 5 km out of town, with tables and chairs and a big parking area but no toilets.
About 17 km out was a sign indicating an emergency landing strip for the R.F.D.S. The road had been widened and cleared along the shoulders and the appropriate markings were on the road.
I then rode past the ruins of an old Telegraph station about 25 km out.
At 35 km out was a sign telling me the next section of road was Australia’s Longest Straight Road. Its 100 miles or 145 km long.
Stopped at Woorlba Homestead Rest area for my break. One gentleman came over to enquire about what I was doing so I asked him for a coffee while we talked. He no sooner left when another gentleman came over. I asked him for a cuppa and he too obliged. I was back on the road about 45 minutes latter heading for Baxter Rest Area.
Lost my good breakdown lane on the road just out of the rest area but traffic was very light.
People have been telling me how green the Nullarbor is and I have to agree, even a sprinkling of wild flowers if you look.
About 20 km out from my destination the wind swung around to the south and made the riding a little more difficult but we poked along and eventually arrived at then rest area about 4.15pm. Found a spot to put my tent up in and settled in for the night.
Tomorrow I will head for Caiguna a distance of 67 km.
Distance:- 114.62 Km
Distance to Date:- 11292 Km
Start:- Balladonia Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Baxter Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6 am this morning and had breakfast with Wally from Barwon Heads. Thank you Wally.
I then packed up all my gear and filled my water bottles and on the road by 8 am.
Beautiful morning with the sun shining and a light south westerly breeze blowing. Afgan Rocks Rest Area was just 5 km out of town, with tables and chairs and a big parking area but no toilets.
About 17 km out was a sign indicating an emergency landing strip for the R.F.D.S. The road had been widened and cleared along the shoulders and the appropriate markings were on the road.
I then rode past the ruins of an old Telegraph station about 25 km out.
At 35 km out was a sign telling me the next section of road was Australia’s Longest Straight Road. Its 100 miles or 145 km long.
Stopped at Woorlba Homestead Rest area for my break. One gentleman came over to enquire about what I was doing so I asked him for a coffee while we talked. He no sooner left when another gentleman came over. I asked him for a cuppa and he too obliged. I was back on the road about 45 minutes latter heading for Baxter Rest Area.
Lost my good breakdown lane on the road just out of the rest area but traffic was very light.
People have been telling me how green the Nullarbor is and I have to agree, even a sprinkling of wild flowers if you look.
About 20 km out from my destination the wind swung around to the south and made the riding a little more difficult but we poked along and eventually arrived at then rest area about 4.15pm. Found a spot to put my tent up in and settled in for the night.
Tomorrow I will head for Caiguna a distance of 67 km.
Day 183
Date:- 13 September 2010
Distance:- 89.29 Km
Distance to Date:- 11177 Km
Start:- Fraser Ranges Caravan Park
Finish:- Balladonia Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Up at 6 am and on the road by 7.30 am. Foggy morning with a light south westerly breeze starting to come in. Sun started to come out and starting to warm things up. The good road continued to Balladonia. It gives you a feeling of a little more security.
Clouding over mid morning and the south westerly wind has built up to 5 - 10 kts (blowing right to left across the road for most of the day.
First two “Parking” areas are big and well off the road. Rubbish Bins only. The Newman Rocks Rest Area was close to the road but had table and chairs and Rubbish Bins but no Toilets.
Stopped on the side of the road for my break 45 kms out at 10.30 am.
About 50 kms out a couple of young men hailed me to stop and gave me some water and a nice cup of tea. Very nice, thanks fellas.
Rode past Harms Lake Rest Area and was very similar to the other but much larger area. Continued on and soon arrived at the Balladonia Roadhouse. Booked in, tent up, shower and then had a wander around the property.
There is a very interesting museum in the roadhouse covering the early history of the area as well as a piece of “Skylab” which fell back to earth in 1979.
A round of golf on the Nullarbor Links will see you teeing off on outback style natural terrain fairways. Each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway will contribute to the 18 - hole par - 72 golf course.
No.1 tee is in Kalgoorlie and the 18th hole some 1365 km away in Ceduna.
Will probably get to the Baxter Rest Area Tomorrow a distance of 115 km.
Distance:- 89.29 Km
Distance to Date:- 11177 Km
Start:- Fraser Ranges Caravan Park
Finish:- Balladonia Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Up at 6 am and on the road by 7.30 am. Foggy morning with a light south westerly breeze starting to come in. Sun started to come out and starting to warm things up. The good road continued to Balladonia. It gives you a feeling of a little more security.
Clouding over mid morning and the south westerly wind has built up to 5 - 10 kts (blowing right to left across the road for most of the day.
First two “Parking” areas are big and well off the road. Rubbish Bins only. The Newman Rocks Rest Area was close to the road but had table and chairs and Rubbish Bins but no Toilets.
Stopped on the side of the road for my break 45 kms out at 10.30 am.
About 50 kms out a couple of young men hailed me to stop and gave me some water and a nice cup of tea. Very nice, thanks fellas.
Rode past Harms Lake Rest Area and was very similar to the other but much larger area. Continued on and soon arrived at the Balladonia Roadhouse. Booked in, tent up, shower and then had a wander around the property.
There is a very interesting museum in the roadhouse covering the early history of the area as well as a piece of “Skylab” which fell back to earth in 1979.
A round of golf on the Nullarbor Links will see you teeing off on outback style natural terrain fairways. Each participating town or roadhouse along the Eyre Highway will contribute to the 18 - hole par - 72 golf course.
No.1 tee is in Kalgoorlie and the 18th hole some 1365 km away in Ceduna.
Will probably get to the Baxter Rest Area Tomorrow a distance of 115 km.
Day 182
Date:- 12 September 2010
Distance:- 105.70 Km
Distance to Date:- 11,088 Km
Start:- Railway Motel - Norseman
Finish:- Fraser Range Caravan Park
Comment:- After I finished my diary and Blog it was time to prepare for a BBQ while Lois used my computer to do her Emails.
We had bought steak, sausages, potatoes, onion and a salad. Prepared and cooked everything up and Lois dished it up and we sat in the dinning room and enjoyed our tea.
Washed up and back to our room and had a cuppa and biscuits while we watched TV. Had a very welcome phone call from Jill and Stuart and it was then time for bed.
Up about 6 am this morning after a good sleep. Over to the reception area for a big breakfast of fruit juice, a compote of fruit, cereal, toast and tea which was all included in the room charge.
Back to the room to pack and load the bikes and on the road by 7.45 am. Rode through the caravan park to see if Coral was there. There was no sign of her.
Just a little way out of Norseman was the turnoff to the Eyre Highway and the Great Nullarbor. We encountered a few hills on the way and there was a light north westerly wind to start with and a cloudless sky.
Another milestone reached today. 11,000 km turned over just out of Norseman.
The wind swung to the south west and it clouded over very quickly. Had my break at 40 km at 10.30 am and shortly after I continued it started to lightly drizzle, and that was the order for the rest of the day.
Very good road with a metre wide breakdown lane all the way to Fraser Ranges turnoff
I arrived at the Fraser Range Caravan Park about 3.30 pm, cold and wet. Booked in, put tent up, had a shower ($1 per 5 min for hot water), then dried my clothes in the camp kitchen in front of a pot belly stove.
Lois took off and left me about 10 km out of Norseman. She was hoping to ride through to Balladonia.
Doing my diary in the nice warm camp kitchen. But I have no mobile phone coverage here.
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Balladonia a distance of about 90 Km
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Day 181
Date:- 11 September 2010
Distance:- 97.15 Km
Distance to Date:- 10982 Km
Start:- Salmon Gums Caravan Park
Finish:- The Railway Motel - Norseman
Comment:- I had a rough night last night. In bed by 9.30 pm. Straight to sleep only to be woken by a train about 12.30 am. Then interrupted sleep with people using the toilet which was only 20 metres away. So I got up at 5.30 am, had a quick breakfast, and on the road by 6.30 am.
Cloudless sky, but still quite cool. Kumarl Siding Rest Area about 24 Km out. Big area, table and chairs, but no toilets.
About 9.30 a north westerly breeze had come in, about 5 - 10 kts. Stopped on the side of the road for my break about 50 km out at 10.30 am. Back on the road and into a couple of rolling hills but not too bad.
Lois caught up with me after I had covered 70 km. She had departed her luxury room in Salmon Gums about 7.40 am. We had a quick lunch break together before she took off for Norseman. I followed shortly after.
When I arrived in Norseman Lois had organised a double room at the local motel, which was very pleasant. Unpacked all our gear and locked the bikes in a store room then down to the super market to get something for tea.
Had a coffee and scones at the local café before returning to the motel and doing our respective diaries.
We will then work out a strategy for the next few days as we tackle the mighty Nullarbor.
I think I will have a few problems posting to my blog while I am on the Nullarbor. I will do my best to keep it up to date.
More info on how to enter a “Comment”:-
(1) Click on the word comment (not the envelope)
(2)Write your comment
(3) Comment as “Anonymous”
(4) Click “Post Comment”
(5) Do the word verification
(6) Then click on “Post Comment”
If you are having trouble posting a “comment” why not send me an Email:-
geoff47@pipeline.com.au
Distance:- 97.15 Km
Distance to Date:- 10982 Km
Start:- Salmon Gums Caravan Park
Finish:- The Railway Motel - Norseman
Comment:- I had a rough night last night. In bed by 9.30 pm. Straight to sleep only to be woken by a train about 12.30 am. Then interrupted sleep with people using the toilet which was only 20 metres away. So I got up at 5.30 am, had a quick breakfast, and on the road by 6.30 am.
Cloudless sky, but still quite cool. Kumarl Siding Rest Area about 24 Km out. Big area, table and chairs, but no toilets.
About 9.30 a north westerly breeze had come in, about 5 - 10 kts. Stopped on the side of the road for my break about 50 km out at 10.30 am. Back on the road and into a couple of rolling hills but not too bad.
Lois caught up with me after I had covered 70 km. She had departed her luxury room in Salmon Gums about 7.40 am. We had a quick lunch break together before she took off for Norseman. I followed shortly after.
When I arrived in Norseman Lois had organised a double room at the local motel, which was very pleasant. Unpacked all our gear and locked the bikes in a store room then down to the super market to get something for tea.
Had a coffee and scones at the local café before returning to the motel and doing our respective diaries.
We will then work out a strategy for the next few days as we tackle the mighty Nullarbor.
I think I will have a few problems posting to my blog while I am on the Nullarbor. I will do my best to keep it up to date.
More info on how to enter a “Comment”:-
(1) Click on the word comment (not the envelope)
(2)Write your comment
(3) Comment as “Anonymous”
(4) Click “Post Comment”
(5) Do the word verification
(6) Then click on “Post Comment”
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Day 180
Date:- 10 September 2010
Distance:- 107.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 10885 Km
Start:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Finish:- Salmon Gums Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 9.45 pm last night and had a tremendous sleep awaking about 5 am and getting up at 5.30 am. Very mild morning but as the sun rose it got colder.
Had breakfast in the camp kitchen, washed up and packed up and on the road by 6.45 am. Cool overcast day with showers predicted for Esperance this morning, so the further north I can get the safer I should be. A light north westerly wind to start with.
One nice hill to warm you up just out of Esperance, then a gradual climb up to where the Airport is situated about 20 Km out of town. The wind has increased to about 5 - 10 kts so its on my left front face most of the day.
Found a Bike Path on the right hand side of the road which took me through the small town of Gibson. Nice and smooth and no cars to worry about.
Stopped at Scadan Rest Area about 55 km out of town at 11 am. Nice day stop area with new toilets, table and chairs etc and display buildings recognising the pioneers of the area and the various wars. There are numerous murals on the walls of the buildings depicting the history and industries of the area. Lois caught up to me here and we had lunch together.
Back on the road again and enjoying the gentle rolling hills. Soon arrived at the little town of Green Patch where I enjoyed a coffee and a sausage roll.
Salmon Gums was my objective for the day and I arrived there about 3.30 pm and booked into the caravan park. A very basic park but none the less comfortable. Down to the pub for a counter tea tonight. Louis is booked in there and offered to pay for my tea then I will do my diary and Blog before I go to bed.
Tomorrow Norseman is the objective, a distance of 90 km
Distance:- 107.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 10885 Km
Start:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Finish:- Salmon Gums Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 9.45 pm last night and had a tremendous sleep awaking about 5 am and getting up at 5.30 am. Very mild morning but as the sun rose it got colder.
Had breakfast in the camp kitchen, washed up and packed up and on the road by 6.45 am. Cool overcast day with showers predicted for Esperance this morning, so the further north I can get the safer I should be. A light north westerly wind to start with.
One nice hill to warm you up just out of Esperance, then a gradual climb up to where the Airport is situated about 20 Km out of town. The wind has increased to about 5 - 10 kts so its on my left front face most of the day.
Found a Bike Path on the right hand side of the road which took me through the small town of Gibson. Nice and smooth and no cars to worry about.
Stopped at Scadan Rest Area about 55 km out of town at 11 am. Nice day stop area with new toilets, table and chairs etc and display buildings recognising the pioneers of the area and the various wars. There are numerous murals on the walls of the buildings depicting the history and industries of the area. Lois caught up to me here and we had lunch together.
Back on the road again and enjoying the gentle rolling hills. Soon arrived at the little town of Green Patch where I enjoyed a coffee and a sausage roll.
Salmon Gums was my objective for the day and I arrived there about 3.30 pm and booked into the caravan park. A very basic park but none the less comfortable. Down to the pub for a counter tea tonight. Louis is booked in there and offered to pay for my tea then I will do my diary and Blog before I go to bed.
Tomorrow Norseman is the objective, a distance of 90 km
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Day 179
Date:- 9 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 10777 Km
Start:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Finish:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 10.30 pm last night. Light rain was falling. Awoke a few times through the night to the sound of strong wind and showers. About 6 am it was still blowing strong so I checked the forecast and it 20 - 25 kts gusting to 45 kts at times with showers becoming more isolated in the afternoon. I have decided to stay here for the day. Lois sent me an SMS to find out where I was and it turned out she was here as well in “couch surfer” accommodation.
I had breakfast, then did a load of washing and hung it out to dry. Lois came around and we headed off into town. I found a bike mechanic and had my bike checked over. I was having trouble with my right hand selector as well as a noise in my chain drive. Lois and I went for a coffee first up, then a Post Office, an ATM and finally a super market to stock before we attack the Nullarbor. We had a light lunch at the local Bakery.
Went back and picked up my bike. Lois went back to her accommodation and I went back to the caravan park. Collected and packed up my washing and repacked my other gear. I then went for a stroll along the water front before returning to the park to do my diary and Blog.
The weather forecast is more promising so will set off for Salmon Gums tomorrow.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 10777 Km
Start:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Finish:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 10.30 pm last night. Light rain was falling. Awoke a few times through the night to the sound of strong wind and showers. About 6 am it was still blowing strong so I checked the forecast and it 20 - 25 kts gusting to 45 kts at times with showers becoming more isolated in the afternoon. I have decided to stay here for the day. Lois sent me an SMS to find out where I was and it turned out she was here as well in “couch surfer” accommodation.
I had breakfast, then did a load of washing and hung it out to dry. Lois came around and we headed off into town. I found a bike mechanic and had my bike checked over. I was having trouble with my right hand selector as well as a noise in my chain drive. Lois and I went for a coffee first up, then a Post Office, an ATM and finally a super market to stock before we attack the Nullarbor. We had a light lunch at the local Bakery.
Went back and picked up my bike. Lois went back to her accommodation and I went back to the caravan park. Collected and packed up my washing and repacked my other gear. I then went for a stroll along the water front before returning to the park to do my diary and Blog.
The weather forecast is more promising so will set off for Salmon Gums tomorrow.
Day 178
Date:- 8 September 2010
Distance:- 187.79 Km
Distance to Date:- 10777 Km
Start:- Ravensthorpe Caravan Park
Finish:- Esperance Bay Caravan Park
Comment:- Up at 6 am, breakfast and on the road by 7.30 am. Cloudless sky, westerly wind of 5 - 10 kts and a good road. A bit fresh though. My fingers and toes feel like they are frozen. I am having a tremendous run with the tail wind.
A few pink, white and blue clumps of wildflowers along the road. Stopping on the top of a hill, I can see farming area, big mining setup and short scrubby bush country.
About 24 km out on my left was a Nickle Mining industry.
Had to give way to a couple of wide loads early in the day. A large tractor and three very large grain silos.
Stopped for a break 40 km out at 10 am at Jerdacuttup Freight Depot. The State Vermin Fence crossed near here so had a look and a read. It was designed to keep the rabbits out of the pastoral areas.
Stopped at Mungunup Roadhouse where I had lunch. There is a day rest area here with a good toilet block and hot and cold showers. (Enquire at the roadhouse) Was told there was another cyclist about 2 hours in front of me. It would have to be Lois I guess.
Still having a good ride with my tail wind and reasonably flat road. I was hoping to stay at the rest area about 55 km out from Esperance, but it was not there so I will head for Esperance and make a big day of it.
The magpies were out in full force today and they are mean bird. A number of birds attacked me but I think the flag on BOB deterred a full on attack.
I was about 20 km out of Esperance when I decided to turn my lights on as the sun had set and it was getting dark quickly. Arrived on the outskirts of Esperance and headed for the town centre looking for caravan parks or signs indicating their where abouts.
Close to town I spotted a sign indicating a park about 2 km away. That will do. Found the park and booked in. Set up my tent then down the street for some tea. Back to the park and had a shower then it was time to do my diary and Blog, etc.
Tomorrow I will go to Salmon Gums a distance of 100 km.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Day 177
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).
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).
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