Date:- 31 August 2010
Distance:- 41.40 Km
Distance to Date:- 10081.0 Km
Start:- Kirup Caravan Park
Finish:- Bridgetown Caravan Park
Comment:- Cooked tea in my tent last night, then into bed about 7.30 pm and listened to the radio for a while before falling asleep. I awoke a number of times through the night to the sound of rain on my tent. I am hoping it clears by morning.
At 6 am when I got up, the sun was beginning to rise in a partly overcast sky. I was on the road by 7.15 am travelling through some rather hilly country with patches of fog in the valleys. Through the town of Mullalyup and onto Balingup where I stopped for a coffee and toasted raison bread.
Quite a few hills now that need “special” treatment. A sign on the side of the road informs me I have crossed over the highest part of the Darling Escarpment. I knew there had to be a reason.
A lot of tree farming (pine plantations) and grazing country I have travelled through in the latter part of the day.
Arrived in Bridgetown and went to the Visitor Centre in an endeavour to find out what lies ahead of me. I was told that Manjimup is only 35 km away but there are two rather large hills to negotiate and it looks like a few showers are forecast for the afternoon. I decided to stay in Bridgetown.
Booked into the local caravan park, put my tent up and down came the rain. The caravan park has a good camp kitchen so as soon as the rain cleared I went into town and got a couple of items for tea.
Back to camp and had a shower, washed a couple of things out then did my diary. Had a most welcome phone call from Tony and Pam who are somewhere near Penong at the east end of the Nullarbor.
Tomorrow, provided the weather is fine I will head for Manjimup
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Day 169
Date:- 30 August 2010
Distance:- 55.03 Km
Distance to Date:- 10039 Km
Start:- Koombana Bay Caravan Park - Bunbury
Finish:- Kirup Caravan Park
Comment:- In bed by 8.30 pm last night and awoke, at one stage, to the sound of rain on the tent. Back to sleep hoping it would clear by the morning. Awoke again and thought it was time to get up. No, it was only 3.30 am. I had a restless night. Finally I got up at 6.30 am.
Gathered my breakfast gear and went to the camp kitchen. Still raining lightly. After I had breakfast I slowly packed up everything except the tent. I had decided to stay here if the rain had set in.
It looked like it was clearing so packed up the tent and set off up the broad about 9.15 am. I worked my way over to the South Western Highway and on my way to Albany.
I turned over 10,000 km today on the bike about 16 km out of Bunbury about 10.30 am.
I rode through the little town of Boyanup, 20 km out from Bunbury, then on to Donnybrook where I had a lunch. Stopped at the Info. Centre for some information of towns ahead and had a cup of tea there.
Riding through an orchard area at one stage and there were road side stalls and cheap fruit. There are also wineries and a couple of marron (fish) farms.
The road has been fairly good but there have been a number of hills which slowed my progress. Decided to stop at Kirup for the night. A couple of showers have passed through since I have been here.
Hope to get to Bridgetown or further tomorrow.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Day 168
Date:- 29 August 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.80 Km
Start:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Finish:- Koombana Bay Caravan Park - Bunbury
Comment:- Had another wonderful sleep last night. Arising about 9 am and Cheryl cooked another nice breakfast. Then we discussed the days plan. The BBQ we were going to attend was cancelled because the host was called away on an emergency breakdown. Garry and Cheryl suggested they were happy to drive me to Bunbury this afternoon to which I happily agreed.
I then set about gathering all my gear together and getting organised. Loaded everything into the boot of the car and departed about 1.30 pm I think. Had a good trip down although we ran into a couple of showers of rain. Arrived in Bunbury and had lunch at a Turkish café and coffee in another café. Then it was time to find a caravan park. I settled for a park we saw on the way into Bunbury.
Booked into the park unloaded my gear, said our farewells and Garry and Cheryl were on their way home.
I am deeply indebted to Garry and Cheryl for the sincere hospitality and friendship. I look forward to maintaining the friendship and for them to visit us in Geelong in the not too distant future.
Put my tent up and got myself organised. Do my diary and plan out my next few days heading towards Albany.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.80 Km
Start:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Finish:- Koombana Bay Caravan Park - Bunbury
Comment:- Had another wonderful sleep last night. Arising about 9 am and Cheryl cooked another nice breakfast. Then we discussed the days plan. The BBQ we were going to attend was cancelled because the host was called away on an emergency breakdown. Garry and Cheryl suggested they were happy to drive me to Bunbury this afternoon to which I happily agreed.
I then set about gathering all my gear together and getting organised. Loaded everything into the boot of the car and departed about 1.30 pm I think. Had a good trip down although we ran into a couple of showers of rain. Arrived in Bunbury and had lunch at a Turkish café and coffee in another café. Then it was time to find a caravan park. I settled for a park we saw on the way into Bunbury.
Booked into the park unloaded my gear, said our farewells and Garry and Cheryl were on their way home.
I am deeply indebted to Garry and Cheryl for the sincere hospitality and friendship. I look forward to maintaining the friendship and for them to visit us in Geelong in the not too distant future.
Put my tent up and got myself organised. Do my diary and plan out my next few days heading towards Albany.
Day 167
Date:- 28 August 2010
Distance:- Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.8 Km
Start:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Finish:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Comment:- Met up with Cheryl last night. She was out with the girls celebrating one of the girls 50th birthdays. I am not sure what time we went to bed but it wasn’t all that late.
Had a very good nights sleep, being able to stretch out in a real comfy bed. I was up about 9 am and Cheryl cooked up a really nice breakfast. I then sorted my washing out Cheryl then put it into the machine and then onto the line.
I then checked the bike and trailer over and stripped the front tyre down as for some reason it had lost pressure. Couldn’t find the problem which is a bit of a worry I then changed the front and back tyres around as the back tyre was wearing down rather noticeably.
Garry and Cheryl then drove me to the Anaconda Store were I got some more freeze dried meals, a couple of tubes for the bike and trailer and a couple of other things. We then headed home stopping at the supermarket on the way home.
A quiet afternoon what was left of it before we went out for tea. Watched a bit of telly,had a glass of red before retiring for the night.
Distance:- Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.8 Km
Start:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Finish:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Comment:- Met up with Cheryl last night. She was out with the girls celebrating one of the girls 50th birthdays. I am not sure what time we went to bed but it wasn’t all that late.
Had a very good nights sleep, being able to stretch out in a real comfy bed. I was up about 9 am and Cheryl cooked up a really nice breakfast. I then sorted my washing out Cheryl then put it into the machine and then onto the line.
I then checked the bike and trailer over and stripped the front tyre down as for some reason it had lost pressure. Couldn’t find the problem which is a bit of a worry I then changed the front and back tyres around as the back tyre was wearing down rather noticeably.
Garry and Cheryl then drove me to the Anaconda Store were I got some more freeze dried meals, a couple of tubes for the bike and trailer and a couple of other things. We then headed home stopping at the supermarket on the way home.
A quiet afternoon what was left of it before we went out for tea. Watched a bit of telly,had a glass of red before retiring for the night.
Friday, August 27, 2010
Day 166
Date:- 27 August 2010
Distance:- 102.63 Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.8 Km (Nearly There)
Start:- Lancelin Caravan Park
Finish:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Comment:- Up at 6.45 am and on the road by 8.30 am. Rode the 7.5 km back to the Indian Ocean Drive.
Heard planes exercising around the area and realised that Pearce Air Force Base is close by.
Sunny, cloudless sky with an easterly wind of 5 - 10 kt gusting to 15 kts. I felt reasonable comfortable with that.
There are clumps of wild flowers here and there but you have to look to find them. As I said before I am about 2 - 3 weeks too early. I am 80% of the trip. The road is undulating but not too bad.
At 40 km out was the turn off for Guilderson or Moore River Estuary where there is a caravan park and a road house. Stopped at the Moore River Rest Area where there are new toilets, a dump point for motor homes and a few table and chair setups. There was an Info board and a number of walking tracks.
I was then confronted with a 2 km stretch of roadworks and I was directed to ride up the work lane.
Stopped for my break at the Wilbinga Rest Area. No toilets, just seating and rubbish bins. This was 53 km out at 1 pm. While at the rest area I was approached by a gentleman who enquired about what I was up to. Promised to go on line and make a donation. He gave me a small bag of fruit.
Another 2 km stretch of roadworks again rode down the works lane so no real disadvantage. They are widening the road.
Around Yanchep there were pine plantations. It looks like a number of tree have been marked for harvesting.
I now have a north west wind (tailwind) but was only temporary. I enjoyed the ride through the Yanchep State Forest then into suburbia. The traffic has increased somewhat as I approach the northern suburbs of Perth. Gave Garry a ring as I was about 10 km out from Wannaroo and organised a meeting spot.
Met Garry at the nominated spot and loaded the bike and gear into his car for the drive back to their home in Huntingdale. There was traffic chaos in Perth as the train drivers had called a snap strike and the footy is in Subiaco.
Unloaded my gear at Garry and Cheryl’s house, had a very nice hot shower and a good feed of fish and chips and the odd glass of wine.
Hope to do all my washing tomorrow, visit the supermarket and maybe Anaconda and enjoy another day off.
Distance:- 102.63 Km
Distance to Date:- 9984.8 Km (Nearly There)
Start:- Lancelin Caravan Park
Finish:- Garry & Cheryl - Perth
Comment:- Up at 6.45 am and on the road by 8.30 am. Rode the 7.5 km back to the Indian Ocean Drive.
Heard planes exercising around the area and realised that Pearce Air Force Base is close by.
Sunny, cloudless sky with an easterly wind of 5 - 10 kt gusting to 15 kts. I felt reasonable comfortable with that.
There are clumps of wild flowers here and there but you have to look to find them. As I said before I am about 2 - 3 weeks too early. I am 80% of the trip. The road is undulating but not too bad.
At 40 km out was the turn off for Guilderson or Moore River Estuary where there is a caravan park and a road house. Stopped at the Moore River Rest Area where there are new toilets, a dump point for motor homes and a few table and chair setups. There was an Info board and a number of walking tracks.
I was then confronted with a 2 km stretch of roadworks and I was directed to ride up the work lane.
Stopped for my break at the Wilbinga Rest Area. No toilets, just seating and rubbish bins. This was 53 km out at 1 pm. While at the rest area I was approached by a gentleman who enquired about what I was up to. Promised to go on line and make a donation. He gave me a small bag of fruit.
Another 2 km stretch of roadworks again rode down the works lane so no real disadvantage. They are widening the road.
Around Yanchep there were pine plantations. It looks like a number of tree have been marked for harvesting.
I now have a north west wind (tailwind) but was only temporary. I enjoyed the ride through the Yanchep State Forest then into suburbia. The traffic has increased somewhat as I approach the northern suburbs of Perth. Gave Garry a ring as I was about 10 km out from Wannaroo and organised a meeting spot.
Met Garry at the nominated spot and loaded the bike and gear into his car for the drive back to their home in Huntingdale. There was traffic chaos in Perth as the train drivers had called a snap strike and the footy is in Subiaco.
Unloaded my gear at Garry and Cheryl’s house, had a very nice hot shower and a good feed of fish and chips and the odd glass of wine.
Hope to do all my washing tomorrow, visit the supermarket and maybe Anaconda and enjoy another day off.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 165
Date:- 26 August 2010
Distance:- 86.81 Km
Distance to Date:- 9882.1 Km
Start:- Cervantes Caravan Park
Finish:- Lancelin Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I finished my diary I joined Coral in her motor home and had a delightful meal and the odd glass of white. It was very nice, thankyou Coral it was much appreciated.
After I left Coral I had a shave and shower then into bed about 10.30 pm. Had a good nights sleep and found it quite difficult getting out of bed this morning. Its cold.
I was up at 6.45 am, had breakfast in the camp kitchen, packed and on the road by 8.45 am. Rode about one kilometre back to the Indian Ocean Drive and onto the Pinnacles which are 18 km from Cervantes.
I had heard the road between Cervantes and Lancelin (Extenstion of Indian Ocean Drive) has now been fully sealed but closed to the public. Official opening mid September. There was a Security Officer on duty and stopped me. After a phone call or two and several discussions I was granted permission. What a relief and off I went as fast as my little legs could go.
Not much to report on my travel down the road. The day is overcast and windy East South East , the same as I have had the last few days.
Stopped for my break 45 km out at about 1.15 pm. A turn off to Wedge Point on my right then the road swung a wide arc around a “Restricted Area” Apparently it’s a military firing range. It wasn’t long before the turn off to Lancelin appeared. Rode the 6 km in and found the caravan park and set my self up. Fairly basic park.
Unhitched the trailer and rode into town were I enjoyed a nice counter meal at one of the two pubs there. Back to the park to do my diary and I gave Garry and Cheryl a ring to tell them I was in the area. Garry has offered to pick me up when I arrive in Wanneroo tomorrow night.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Day 164
Date:- 25 August 2010
Distance:- 72.44 Km
Distance to Date:- 9795.3 Km
Start:- Leeman Caravan Park
Finish:- Cervantes Pinnacles Caravan Park
Comment:- Made myself a cuppa then off to bed about 8.30 pm. Too cold to sit outside. Had a very good nights sleep. So much so I slept in and didn’t get up till 6.45 am. It was icy cold. East South Easterly wind of 5 -10 kt gusting to 15 with a current temp of 5.4 degrees but feels like 1.4 degrees was the forecast on my phone and I am sure it is right. I have finally tried using Big pond - local weather and it’s a free service.
On the road by 8.45 am, sunny but still cold. About 10 km out was the turn off for Green Head. The wind is 5 - 10 kts gusting to 15 is on my left face most of the day. Weather seems to be more hostile the further south I travel. Traffic is light - 1 car every 10 minutes either direction.
Passed Grigson Lookout about 25 km out.
Nearly got hit by a car. Saw him coming in my mirror and I was within two feet of the edge of the road. I could reach out and touch him as he passed and swerved into the middle of the road. He was on his mobile phone. I could see his right hand up against his head as he drove away. It certainly gave me a scare.
Had my break on the side of the road about 35 km out at 11.30 am. The frequency of cars has increased. Arrived in Jurian Bay about 12.30 pm and I needed a prescription filled. Found a Chemist and picked up my prescription as well as a very nice donation of a $100 cheque for the Asthma Foundation. I thank you very much.
Rang the Publicity Officer of Main Roads to get permission to ride the new road from Cervantes to Lancelin. She was going to ring me back. I am still waiting for her call.
Set off for Cervantes about 2.30 pm into a stiff head wind. Arrived in Cervantes about 4.30 pm and finally found the caravan park. Set myself up, found the camp kitchen, made a coffee for myself and am doing my diary.
A familiar face popped into the kitchen and it was Coral who has invited me to tea.
Tomorrow I will head for Lancelin on the new road
Distance:- 72.44 Km
Distance to Date:- 9795.3 Km
Start:- Leeman Caravan Park
Finish:- Cervantes Pinnacles Caravan Park
Comment:- Made myself a cuppa then off to bed about 8.30 pm. Too cold to sit outside. Had a very good nights sleep. So much so I slept in and didn’t get up till 6.45 am. It was icy cold. East South Easterly wind of 5 -10 kt gusting to 15 with a current temp of 5.4 degrees but feels like 1.4 degrees was the forecast on my phone and I am sure it is right. I have finally tried using Big pond - local weather and it’s a free service.
On the road by 8.45 am, sunny but still cold. About 10 km out was the turn off for Green Head. The wind is 5 - 10 kts gusting to 15 is on my left face most of the day. Weather seems to be more hostile the further south I travel. Traffic is light - 1 car every 10 minutes either direction.
Passed Grigson Lookout about 25 km out.
Nearly got hit by a car. Saw him coming in my mirror and I was within two feet of the edge of the road. I could reach out and touch him as he passed and swerved into the middle of the road. He was on his mobile phone. I could see his right hand up against his head as he drove away. It certainly gave me a scare.
Had my break on the side of the road about 35 km out at 11.30 am. The frequency of cars has increased. Arrived in Jurian Bay about 12.30 pm and I needed a prescription filled. Found a Chemist and picked up my prescription as well as a very nice donation of a $100 cheque for the Asthma Foundation. I thank you very much.
Rang the Publicity Officer of Main Roads to get permission to ride the new road from Cervantes to Lancelin. She was going to ring me back. I am still waiting for her call.
Set off for Cervantes about 2.30 pm into a stiff head wind. Arrived in Cervantes about 4.30 pm and finally found the caravan park. Set myself up, found the camp kitchen, made a coffee for myself and am doing my diary.
A familiar face popped into the kitchen and it was Coral who has invited me to tea.
Tomorrow I will head for Lancelin on the new road
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Day 163
Date:- 24 August 2010
Distance:- 86.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 9722.8 Km
Start:- Dongara Tourist Park
Finish:- Leeman Caravan Park
Comment:- After finishing my Blog update it was time for tea. Gathered my utensils, food etc and went over to the camp kitchen. Turned the light on and it was faulty but there was plenty of light from outside. Gas hotplates were OK. Plugged the toaster in and turned it on, no go. On further investigation found there was no power to the power points. Took the toaster and jug to the laundry and plugged them in and they were OK. Microwave Oven not working either but was on a different circuit. I got through tea, washed up, read a magazine I found in the laundry then off to bed about 8.30 pm.
Had a very good nights sleep and got up about 6.30 am. Managed breakfast under the same conditions as last night. I couldn’t be bothered chasing management to rectify the problems. Packed up and on the road by 8.15 am.
Rode about 11.5 km back to the Brand Highway along an alternative route south of Dongara. About 28 km from Dongara I turned right onto the Indian Ocean Drive.
Pulled into a nice little rest area with toilets, etc. It was Cliff Head North. While I was making my notes a lady came up to me and offered me a cuppa. I am not renown for saying no. As we chatted we found out we both went to the same high school, Bacchus Marsh High and that we were in the same form. it’s a small world.
I am now riding through a lot of burnt out country at the moment. I have been told it was a camp fire that got out of control.
The road is following the waters edge which is about 300 - 500 metres away to my right and I am catching quite a few glimpses of the ocean. There are numerous tracks leading to the beach along here.
Stopped at Freshwater Point Rest Area for my break 45 km out at 12.15 pm. There are a lot of fishermen’s shanties around the area, in fact they are dotted right along the shore line.
Coral came up and passed me and stopped and we had a chat on the side of the road. She is off to Jurian Bay for the night. We will keep in touch through SMS.
Arrived at Leeman and found the caravan park at the south end of town. Nice little park with everything you may need. Good Camp Kitchen. Went down the street and had a hamburger with the lot and chips and it was very filling. Back to the park and do my diary, then off to bed.
Tomorrow I will head for Cervantes a distance of 60 - 70 km
Monday, August 23, 2010
Day 162
Date:- 23 August 2010
Distance:- 74.23 Km
Distance to Date:- 9636.10 Km
Start:- Belair Gardens Caravan Park - Geraldton
Finish:- Dongara Tourist Park
Comment:- Last night after I finished my diary and bought my Blog up to date, I had tea. I cooked rissoles, potatoes and tomatoes on the barbeque. Went down well followed by a piece of fruit (an apple) and a cup of tea. Received a welcome phone call from Ian. Sat around reading a couple of magazines before retiring to bed about 8.30 pm.
Laid down in bed and that’s when it started. I had another tummy ache like I had the and I know it wasn’t from eating too much. I think there was something in the rissoles that didn’t agree with me or the rissoles were off. The long and short of it all I made a hurried retreat to the toilet and me and the food parted company. I was right after that.
I was up and out of bed by 6.30 am, had breakfast in the camp kitchen, packed up and on the road by 7.45 am It took about 10 km to clear the town boundary. I am now on the Brand Highway heading to Perth.
Cool morning with some cloud cover and a light south easterly wind. The road seems to be following the coast line. Sand dunes to my right, separated by an area of grazing land, then the road. The road is fairly flat but quite a lot of traffic including road trains.
Stopped at Greenough Historical Village and had tea and scones, then continued on to Dongara, arriving there about 2.30 pm. Found one caravan park near town but didn’t have anything suitable for me. They directed me to the Dongara Tourist Park. Back on the bike and another 6 km found the park booked in, etc. Nice park with a good camp kitchen. Settled in and had a shower now the diary.
Tomorrow I aim to get to Leeman.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our very good friends, Jill and Stuart, a happy anniversary. Sorry we are not there to share this special occasion with you. It was wonderful hearing from you on Saturday night.
Distance:- 74.23 Km
Distance to Date:- 9636.10 Km
Start:- Belair Gardens Caravan Park - Geraldton
Finish:- Dongara Tourist Park
Comment:- Last night after I finished my diary and bought my Blog up to date, I had tea. I cooked rissoles, potatoes and tomatoes on the barbeque. Went down well followed by a piece of fruit (an apple) and a cup of tea. Received a welcome phone call from Ian. Sat around reading a couple of magazines before retiring to bed about 8.30 pm.
Laid down in bed and that’s when it started. I had another tummy ache like I had the and I know it wasn’t from eating too much. I think there was something in the rissoles that didn’t agree with me or the rissoles were off. The long and short of it all I made a hurried retreat to the toilet and me and the food parted company. I was right after that.
I was up and out of bed by 6.30 am, had breakfast in the camp kitchen, packed up and on the road by 7.45 am It took about 10 km to clear the town boundary. I am now on the Brand Highway heading to Perth.
Cool morning with some cloud cover and a light south easterly wind. The road seems to be following the coast line. Sand dunes to my right, separated by an area of grazing land, then the road. The road is fairly flat but quite a lot of traffic including road trains.
Stopped at Greenough Historical Village and had tea and scones, then continued on to Dongara, arriving there about 2.30 pm. Found one caravan park near town but didn’t have anything suitable for me. They directed me to the Dongara Tourist Park. Back on the bike and another 6 km found the park booked in, etc. Nice park with a good camp kitchen. Settled in and had a shower now the diary.
Tomorrow I aim to get to Leeman.
I would also like to take this opportunity to wish our very good friends, Jill and Stuart, a happy anniversary. Sorry we are not there to share this special occasion with you. It was wonderful hearing from you on Saturday night.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Day 161
Date:- 22 August 2010
Distance:- 22.93 Km
Distance to Date:- 9561.80 Km
Start:- Belair Caravan Park - Geraldton
Finish:- Belair Caravan Park - Geraldton
Comment:- In the Camp Kitchen last night I finally met the husband and wife who were in front of me. David and Lynne from Melbourne. They started their journey earlier than me but have taken time to do a bit more sight seeing than me. A son in Brisbane, a couple of week in Cairns, hired a car and drove through Kalbarri and numerous other side trips. David has been a WARBY on the Great Victorian Bike Rides as well as The two Great Western Australia Rides.
I finally got to bed about 10.30 pm after eating too much and had a bit of a tummy ache. There was a few sprinkles of rain through the night and I thought my washing (which I left on the line overnight) would be wet. Slept in till 8 am. Got up and had some breakfast, then a shower and joined David and Lynne as they had their breakfast. They are off to Dongarra today.
After they departed I checked and oiled my bike and trailer. Emptied all my water bottles and washed them. Then folded all my washing and packed it away. Had a coffee just before Coral arrived. Washed up and prepared to ride into town with Coral.
I needed a new rain jacket as I feel I will be needing it the nearer I get to Perth. I was advised of a sport store (Rangers) which would be open on a Sunday. We found the store on the north edge of town and I made my purchase.
Back into the town centre of Geraldton were we found a restaurant for a meal. Coral insisted on paying for the meal and allowed me to buy her a coffee. She told me all about her experiences riding from Cairns to Cape York back in June. She rode with a group of about 20 people in a ride organised by “All Trails”. After a nice lunch we finally returned to the caravan park, said our farewells and Coral returned to her park.
We have had a few showers this morning but as the day wore on the sun came out and the wind has moderated and it has turned into a nice day.
Doing my diary in the camp kitchen. I will have an early night and aim to get to Dongarra tomorrow.
Distance:- 22.93 Km
Distance to Date:- 9561.80 Km
Start:- Belair Caravan Park - Geraldton
Finish:- Belair Caravan Park - Geraldton
Comment:- In the Camp Kitchen last night I finally met the husband and wife who were in front of me. David and Lynne from Melbourne. They started their journey earlier than me but have taken time to do a bit more sight seeing than me. A son in Brisbane, a couple of week in Cairns, hired a car and drove through Kalbarri and numerous other side trips. David has been a WARBY on the Great Victorian Bike Rides as well as The two Great Western Australia Rides.
I finally got to bed about 10.30 pm after eating too much and had a bit of a tummy ache. There was a few sprinkles of rain through the night and I thought my washing (which I left on the line overnight) would be wet. Slept in till 8 am. Got up and had some breakfast, then a shower and joined David and Lynne as they had their breakfast. They are off to Dongarra today.
After they departed I checked and oiled my bike and trailer. Emptied all my water bottles and washed them. Then folded all my washing and packed it away. Had a coffee just before Coral arrived. Washed up and prepared to ride into town with Coral.
I needed a new rain jacket as I feel I will be needing it the nearer I get to Perth. I was advised of a sport store (Rangers) which would be open on a Sunday. We found the store on the north edge of town and I made my purchase.
Back into the town centre of Geraldton were we found a restaurant for a meal. Coral insisted on paying for the meal and allowed me to buy her a coffee. She told me all about her experiences riding from Cairns to Cape York back in June. She rode with a group of about 20 people in a ride organised by “All Trails”. After a nice lunch we finally returned to the caravan park, said our farewells and Coral returned to her park.
We have had a few showers this morning but as the day wore on the sun came out and the wind has moderated and it has turned into a nice day.
Doing my diary in the camp kitchen. I will have an early night and aim to get to Dongarra tomorrow.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Day 160
Date:- 21 August 2010
Distance:- 56.55 Km
Distance to Date:- 9538.90 Km
Start:- Northampton Caravan Park
Finish:- Belair Gardens Caravan Park - Geraldton
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night. Had a restless night what with traffic noise, radio in a near by van going all night and a couple of snorers. I was up at 6 am, packed most things like the tent, clothes and odds and ends, as the toaster and kettle have been locked away overnight. Cooked some toast, made a cuppa and had a couple of cold sausages left over from my tea last night.
This is a very nice little park and had I not needed to vote today I could have easily spent my rest day there.
I was on the road by 8 am and straight away into some long hill climbs. Good to get the blood racing and getting warm. Nice day with cloud cover to the south and west of me and a light south westerly wind.
I am riding through a farming area which is very green and lush. Looks like they are having a good season. Crops of canola and various other crops are visible as well as sheep and cattle.
Had a nice run in to Geraldton following the North West Coastal Road and found the caravan park that people have recommended me stay. Went through the formalities of booking in, set tent up, changed into casual gear and into town to vote.
Found the Polling Booth went in and voted then went to a shopping centre and wandered through Target then into Coles and bought my meals for the next two days. Back to the park and put a load of washing in, then hung it out when finished.
Then it was diary time. Evon rang for our nightly chat and then Coral rang. Organised a lunch time meeting with her tomorrow.
Rest Day Tomorrow. First one since South Hedland.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Day 159
Date:- 20 August 2010
Distance:- 62.02 Km
Distance to Date:- 9482.30 Km
Start:- Galena Bridge Rest Area
Finish:- Northampton Caravan Park
Comment:- It was very cold this morning. I heard one of the caravaners say it was 4 degrees. I finally broke the ice about 6.45 am. Had breakfast and then packed. There was a heavy dew last night so I had a wet tent to pack.
On the road by 8 am. Nice morning although still quite cool. Cloudless sky and a 5 kt south westerly wind puffing in every now and then. I have had a few hills to contend with in the early stages.
Turn Off to Kalbarri National Park came up on my right about 13.5 km out from the rest area. Cropping for as far as the eye can see. Wheat, Oats, Barley or Canola seem to be the most popular.
Stopped at the Service Station come General Store at Binnu for my break. Had a pie and a sausage roll and a free coffee (Driver Survivor). There is a large grain holding facility at Binnu.
There are a few patches of wildflowers around not like yesterday.
There are a lot of game fishing boats being tow each way on the road, possibly people getting away for the weekend. I am back on the air with mobile phone coverage 20 km from Northampton.
I am now riding through an area rich with wattle bushes or the like with yellow blossoms and there are Banksia bushes mixed in as well. This was about 15 km out from Northampton.
As I got closer to Northampton I could hear lambs bleating then I could see sheep with lambs at foot. It bought back memories of my experiences in the wool industry. I haven’t seen too many sheep since I left home.
I arrived in Northampton about 3.30 pm I think, and it is certainly bigger than I expected. Rode through town and found the caravan park and booked in. Very nice little park within walking distance of everything. Put my tent up, had a shower then down to the supermarket to get something for tea and breakfast. The park has a good Camp Kitchen. Back to the park, and as I needed a haircut, I so found a person in the park who cuts hair. Now I can put the comb away again.
Doing my diary in the Camp Kitchen and now that I have phone coverage, update my Blog site.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Geraldton about 50 km from here. I need to vote there. I am having a rest day on Sunday before heading for Perth.
Day 158
Date:- 19 August 2010
Distance:- 72.70 Km
Distance to Date:- 9420.20 Km
Start:- Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area
Finish:- Galena Bridge Rest Area
Comment:- I was up about 6.30 am this morning after a cold night. I was quite comfortable in my sleeping bag in my tent under a steel roof. I was a bit reluctant to get up. Had breakfast in the tent, washed up then slowly packed up. My fingers were frozen. A number of people came over for a chat and Paul kept making cups of coffee for me.
I finally got away about 9 am. Beautiful morning, cloudless skies and no wind to speak of.
There seems to be more varieties of wildflowers scattered here and there but no real concentrations as I remember them.
The scenery is just wonderful, all the shades of green with the occasional glimpses of colour, pink, white, yellow, red, etc. Another week or two and it is going to be magnificent through here.
Stopped for my break 40 km out about 12 pm.
About 55 km out from the rest area cropping is visible on the right hand side of the road and a bit further down the road a whole new vista opens up with paddocks of cropping, a few sheep grazing here and there. The whole place looks quite prosperous.
Everlastings (wildflowers) everywhere looks like snow on the ground and then we get a change of colour and pink is the dominant colour. The camera got a real workout but unfortunately a camera cant do justice to what you can see by being here.
All of a sudden Galena Bridge Rest Area loomed up on my left. This is my destination for today. So in I went and found a nice little spot to put my tent up and settle down for the day. Dennis, a gentleman I had met at a previous rest area came over and invited me over for a cup of coffee to which I had accepted.
While I was with Dennis a Motor home pull up to empty a toilet cassette and the person looked familiar, so I went over to check to find it was Coral, a lady I had met firstly in Bega, then a number of times since. Coral rode her bike from Cairns to Cape York with a company called All Trails.
Coral was booked into a caravan park further down the road so we organised a meeting in Geraldton on Saturday when I hope to arrive.
Settled in my tent and doing my diary before I have tea and retire for the night
Tomorrow I would like to get to Geraldton but may have to settle for Northampton as I hear there are a few hills in front of me.
Day 157
Date:- 18 August 2010
Distance:- 91.79 Km
Distance to Date:- 9347.50 Km
Start:- Overlander Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6 am this morning, packed and over to the café for breakfast. Julie, the shop assistant filled my water bottles and I was set to go.
I was on the road by 7.45 am. Nice cool morning, little cloud cover. I have got to slow down a bit as I find I am pushing a little to get to my destinations. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. I started to sing to myself (I don’t think I am going mad):-
Oh what a beautiful Morning
Oh what a beautiful Day
I’ve got a wonderful feeling
Everything’s going my way.
I had mobile phone coverage up to 30 km out from the Overland Roadhouse. Road is more undulating than the last few days and a light south westerly wind is starting to come in, a head wind.
A sign on the road said “Overtaking Lane 5 Km Ahead”. Generally that means I may have a few hills to contend with shortly. A couple of the hills did need some special attention.
Arrived at the Billabong Roadhouse about 11.30 am, had a pie and chips and a drink then set off again about 12.39 pm.
Little patches of white everlastings every now and then also some pink ones as well as different wildflowers.
We have had 62 km or probably more of dead straight road. Finally a bend to the right from south east around to about due south.
About 80 km out from the Roadhouse a white van stopped in front of me. I get nervous when this happens. It was the gentleman who played the mandolin in the Lyndon Creek Rest Area. He offered me some water and a few pieces of fruit
Finally arrived at my destination of the Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area and quickly found the steel shelter, parked the bike and trailer and sat down to catch my breath. A couple of people, as usual, wandered over and enquired about my journey.
Decided to erect my tent under the roof secured by rope and straps. No sooner had I set up camp, we were hit with a shower of rain which lasted about 30 minutes. Paul the gentleman who offered me water a couple of days ago pulled up and set up camp near me. He makes a very nice cup of coffee. Latter on he offered me tea. Comprised of sweet potatoes, an onion and half his nice piece of steak. I cooked it up and we enjoyed a nice red wine with our tea.
We were then invited to join other travellers at their fire and Paul produced a couple of Crown Lagers. Went down very well, as did the next couple. About 10 pm it was decided we should retire for the night. It was quite a cold evening.
Distance:- 91.79 Km
Distance to Date:- 9347.50 Km
Start:- Overlander Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6 am this morning, packed and over to the café for breakfast. Julie, the shop assistant filled my water bottles and I was set to go.
I was on the road by 7.45 am. Nice cool morning, little cloud cover. I have got to slow down a bit as I find I am pushing a little to get to my destinations. Slow down and enjoy the scenery. I started to sing to myself (I don’t think I am going mad):-
Oh what a beautiful Morning
Oh what a beautiful Day
I’ve got a wonderful feeling
Everything’s going my way.
I had mobile phone coverage up to 30 km out from the Overland Roadhouse. Road is more undulating than the last few days and a light south westerly wind is starting to come in, a head wind.
A sign on the road said “Overtaking Lane 5 Km Ahead”. Generally that means I may have a few hills to contend with shortly. A couple of the hills did need some special attention.
Arrived at the Billabong Roadhouse about 11.30 am, had a pie and chips and a drink then set off again about 12.39 pm.
Little patches of white everlastings every now and then also some pink ones as well as different wildflowers.
We have had 62 km or probably more of dead straight road. Finally a bend to the right from south east around to about due south.
About 80 km out from the Roadhouse a white van stopped in front of me. I get nervous when this happens. It was the gentleman who played the mandolin in the Lyndon Creek Rest Area. He offered me some water and a few pieces of fruit
Finally arrived at my destination of the Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area and quickly found the steel shelter, parked the bike and trailer and sat down to catch my breath. A couple of people, as usual, wandered over and enquired about my journey.
Decided to erect my tent under the roof secured by rope and straps. No sooner had I set up camp, we were hit with a shower of rain which lasted about 30 minutes. Paul the gentleman who offered me water a couple of days ago pulled up and set up camp near me. He makes a very nice cup of coffee. Latter on he offered me tea. Comprised of sweet potatoes, an onion and half his nice piece of steak. I cooked it up and we enjoyed a nice red wine with our tea.
We were then invited to join other travellers at their fire and Paul produced a couple of Crown Lagers. Went down very well, as did the next couple. About 10 pm it was decided we should retire for the night. It was quite a cold evening.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Day 156
Date:- 17 August 2010
Distance:- 117.40 Km
Distance to Date:- 9255.7 Km
Start:- Edaggee Rest Area
Finish:- Overlander Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night it was too cold to eat outside. So I cooked my tea and made a cuppa in the tent. Crawled into bed about 7.30pm and listened to the radio before going to sleep. There was a shower of rain about 8 pm. I had a reasonable sleep waking early and was going to get an early start. But the sound of rain on the tent put pay to that and I eventually got up about 6.30 am.
Had breakfast, packed up wet tent and all, and on the road by 7.45 am. Nice morning, no wind at this stage, sun shining and a bit of cloud around.
A lot of feral goats around, and to make me feel at home, a few small mobs of sheep, as well as some cattle.
A north westerly wind is starting to come in about 9 am and as I am heading south west it’s a nice tail wind.
I spotted another cyclist coming towards me so stopped to say hi. It was Stephanie and she is from Germany. She flew into Perth and she is cycling up to Port Hedland and hoping to get a job so her visa can be extended. She then wants to visit the various National Parks before going to Darwin then home.
About 2 km from Wooramel Roadhouse it started to rain lightly so I didn’t bother to stop and put covers on. By the time I got to the roadhouse the rain was quite heavy. I arrived there about 10.30 am, had a bite to eat and decided to make a decision to stay there or go on to Overlander Roadhouse. The rain stopped about 1.30 pm and it was decision time. Overlander it was.
There was a popular Lookout where cars and caravans could drive up a hill and oversee the country. And a bit further down the road I crossed over the 26th Parallel.
About 70 km out from the rest area a car pulled up in front of me and the driver got out and held up a bottle of water. I stopped and he gave three small bottles of water, also a donation which was very much appreciated.
Stopped for a quick break about 90 km out at 3.30 pm. Wind has swung around to the east. I am watching heavy rain moving across in front of me while I am still enjoying the sunshine. It wasn’t long before the road was very wet, and every time a truck came towards me I would get off the road to avoid being drenched.
Finally arrived at my destination about 5.30 pm booked into the caravan park, set the tent up, had a nice hot shower, then it was diary time.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area about 75 km from here.
Distance:- 117.40 Km
Distance to Date:- 9255.7 Km
Start:- Edaggee Rest Area
Finish:- Overlander Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night it was too cold to eat outside. So I cooked my tea and made a cuppa in the tent. Crawled into bed about 7.30pm and listened to the radio before going to sleep. There was a shower of rain about 8 pm. I had a reasonable sleep waking early and was going to get an early start. But the sound of rain on the tent put pay to that and I eventually got up about 6.30 am.
Had breakfast, packed up wet tent and all, and on the road by 7.45 am. Nice morning, no wind at this stage, sun shining and a bit of cloud around.
A lot of feral goats around, and to make me feel at home, a few small mobs of sheep, as well as some cattle.
A north westerly wind is starting to come in about 9 am and as I am heading south west it’s a nice tail wind.
I spotted another cyclist coming towards me so stopped to say hi. It was Stephanie and she is from Germany. She flew into Perth and she is cycling up to Port Hedland and hoping to get a job so her visa can be extended. She then wants to visit the various National Parks before going to Darwin then home.
About 2 km from Wooramel Roadhouse it started to rain lightly so I didn’t bother to stop and put covers on. By the time I got to the roadhouse the rain was quite heavy. I arrived there about 10.30 am, had a bite to eat and decided to make a decision to stay there or go on to Overlander Roadhouse. The rain stopped about 1.30 pm and it was decision time. Overlander it was.
There was a popular Lookout where cars and caravans could drive up a hill and oversee the country. And a bit further down the road I crossed over the 26th Parallel.
About 70 km out from the rest area a car pulled up in front of me and the driver got out and held up a bottle of water. I stopped and he gave three small bottles of water, also a donation which was very much appreciated.
Stopped for a quick break about 90 km out at 3.30 pm. Wind has swung around to the east. I am watching heavy rain moving across in front of me while I am still enjoying the sunshine. It wasn’t long before the road was very wet, and every time a truck came towards me I would get off the road to avoid being drenched.
Finally arrived at my destination about 5.30 pm booked into the caravan park, set the tent up, had a nice hot shower, then it was diary time.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Nerrin Nerrin Rest Area about 75 km from here.
Day 155
Date:- 16 August 2010
Distance:- 76.12 Km
Distance to Date:- 9138.2 Km
Start:- Capricorn Holiday Village - Carnarvan
Finish:- Edaggee Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday I was able to bring my Blog up to date. I then cooked tea washed up then settled down to watch TV and one of my favourite programs - “Dancing with the Stars”. Then into bed about 10 pm.
Had a very good nights sleep, awoke about 5.45 am and got up at 6 am. Had another shower, then prepared breakfast. Spaghetti on toast for about $3, not $18 which one of the roadhouses was charging. Washed up, then packed all my gear up and on the road by 8.15 am.
Another cloudless sky with a south easterly breeze of 5 - 10 kts. Flies are out in force again. The North West Coastal Road I am travelling is now heading south east so I have a bit of a head wind to contend with.
About 14 km out a white van passed me slowed a little then about 500 metres up the road pulled over and hailed me to stop. The driver wanted to know what I was doing and that I looked tired and would I like a lift somewhere. He asked me a number of times if I wanted a lift and each time I said no. He was of Vietnamese origin and looking for seasonal work. I was a little worried about his ulterior motive. Load all my gear into his van, bump me on the head and take off leaving me stranded. I was relieved when he moved on
Had my break 50 km out at 11.45 am. The wind had swung around to the east and made life a little easier.
Quite a few motor bikes heading north, all the riders had a similar insignia on their left chest so must be a club. Most of them were carrying swags and the strange thing was they were being escorted by quite a number of police Vehicles.
Clouds building over to the west of me and the wind has increased a little. Arrived at my destination about 2.30 pm, found the permanent shelter and set up my tent. Had a chat with a gentleman from Mandura, south of Perth. I had met him in an earlier rest area. Had a coffee together, then I excused myself to do my diary.
It is quite cool now and the forecast was for a light shower, but I think it may pass over. I can only hope.
Not sure how far I will travel tomorrow. I would like to get to the Overlander Roadhouse a distance of 139 km,
Distance:- 76.12 Km
Distance to Date:- 9138.2 Km
Start:- Capricorn Holiday Village - Carnarvan
Finish:- Edaggee Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday I was able to bring my Blog up to date. I then cooked tea washed up then settled down to watch TV and one of my favourite programs - “Dancing with the Stars”. Then into bed about 10 pm.
Had a very good nights sleep, awoke about 5.45 am and got up at 6 am. Had another shower, then prepared breakfast. Spaghetti on toast for about $3, not $18 which one of the roadhouses was charging. Washed up, then packed all my gear up and on the road by 8.15 am.
Another cloudless sky with a south easterly breeze of 5 - 10 kts. Flies are out in force again. The North West Coastal Road I am travelling is now heading south east so I have a bit of a head wind to contend with.
About 14 km out a white van passed me slowed a little then about 500 metres up the road pulled over and hailed me to stop. The driver wanted to know what I was doing and that I looked tired and would I like a lift somewhere. He asked me a number of times if I wanted a lift and each time I said no. He was of Vietnamese origin and looking for seasonal work. I was a little worried about his ulterior motive. Load all my gear into his van, bump me on the head and take off leaving me stranded. I was relieved when he moved on
Had my break 50 km out at 11.45 am. The wind had swung around to the east and made life a little easier.
Quite a few motor bikes heading north, all the riders had a similar insignia on their left chest so must be a club. Most of them were carrying swags and the strange thing was they were being escorted by quite a number of police Vehicles.
Clouds building over to the west of me and the wind has increased a little. Arrived at my destination about 2.30 pm, found the permanent shelter and set up my tent. Had a chat with a gentleman from Mandura, south of Perth. I had met him in an earlier rest area. Had a coffee together, then I excused myself to do my diary.
It is quite cool now and the forecast was for a light shower, but I think it may pass over. I can only hope.
Not sure how far I will travel tomorrow. I would like to get to the Overlander Roadhouse a distance of 139 km,
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Day 154
Date:- 15 August 2010
Distance:- 84.22 Km
Distance to Date:- 9062.1 Km
Start:- Yalabia Rest Area
Finish:- Capricorn Holiday Village - Carnarvon
Comment:- In bed by 7.30 pm last night, listened to the radio before going to sleep about 8.30 pm. II had a good nights sleep considering I was the only person in the rest area.
I was up at 6 am, had breakfast, and on the road by 7.15 am. A beautiful Sunday morning with the sun just rising in a cloudless sky and a light easterly breeze. I am feeling great and as I am riding along I can hear lots of birds chirping.
Another mile (kilometre) stone reached today. 9000 kilometres turned over on my bicycle computer. Getting closer to achieving my goals.
A few dead Emus around here. Obviously were not fast enough to dodge the traffic. At one stage there were quite a few goats roaming along the road. I don’t know whether they are wild or not.
Stopped for my break 45 km out at 10.30 am. Inundated with flies again. Very annoying.
About 15 km north of Carnarvon market gardens and banana plantations suddenly appeared. On the left side of the road is desert type terrain and on the right side of the road lush market gardens and the like.
I arrived at the intersection where you turn off to Carnarvon and there was a caravan park there. I have no need to go into Carnarvon so booked into the Caravan Park. Did all the usual things then paid a visit to the nearby supermarket to get some provisions to see me through to Geraldton.
And since I have mobile phone coverage I will be able to update the web site. I was a bit disappointed at the phone coverage along the highway. I have been able to phone Evon most nights through a public telephone.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Edaggee Rest Area about 83 km from here.
Day 153
Date:- 14 August 2010
Distance:- 49.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 8977.8 Km
Start:- Minilya Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yalabia Rest Area
Comment:- After I did my diary yesterday, I gathered all my dry washing and packed it away then over to the café for tea. After tea I went to ring Evon but someone was using the phone and did so for about 30 minutes.
In to bed about 8pm and listened to the radio for a while before going to sleep. Had a good nights sleep waking about 5.30am and getting up at 6am. Had another hot shower, packed everything up and went across to the café for breakfast.
I was on the road by 7.45am. Cloudless sky and a light south easterly breeze which freshened latter on.
Ever since the second turn off to Exmouth and Coral Bay yesterday I have had a one metre wide breakdown lane to ride in although sometimes a bit rough.
I took a quick break about 30km out at 10am then proceeded to Yalabia Rest Area arriving there about 11.30am. I made the decision to stay here because Carnarvon is still another 90km away and at my current speed would be another 6 hours of riding.
Set up my tent and heated some water for a cuppa when I was over run by flies. Flies everywhere. I have never seen so many flies. Out with the Aerogard and flynet and that seemed to contol them. A couple of cars pulled up, people got out, and it wasn’t long before they were swatting flies, then back in the cars and off.
Tomorrow we will make Carnarvon. Hopefully the wind will be in the right quarter.
Distance:- 49.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 8977.8 Km
Start:- Minilya Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yalabia Rest Area
Comment:- After I did my diary yesterday, I gathered all my dry washing and packed it away then over to the café for tea. After tea I went to ring Evon but someone was using the phone and did so for about 30 minutes.
In to bed about 8pm and listened to the radio for a while before going to sleep. Had a good nights sleep waking about 5.30am and getting up at 6am. Had another hot shower, packed everything up and went across to the café for breakfast.
I was on the road by 7.45am. Cloudless sky and a light south easterly breeze which freshened latter on.
Ever since the second turn off to Exmouth and Coral Bay yesterday I have had a one metre wide breakdown lane to ride in although sometimes a bit rough.
I took a quick break about 30km out at 10am then proceeded to Yalabia Rest Area arriving there about 11.30am. I made the decision to stay here because Carnarvon is still another 90km away and at my current speed would be another 6 hours of riding.
Set up my tent and heated some water for a cuppa when I was over run by flies. Flies everywhere. I have never seen so many flies. Out with the Aerogard and flynet and that seemed to contol them. A couple of cars pulled up, people got out, and it wasn’t long before they were swatting flies, then back in the cars and off.
Tomorrow we will make Carnarvon. Hopefully the wind will be in the right quarter.
Day 152
Date:- 13 August 2010
Distance:- 48.74 Km
Distance to Date:- 8928.6 Km
Start:- Lyndon Creek Rest Area
Finish:- Minilya Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 6 am this morning and had breakfast, washed up and packed up slowly drying things as I went. There was a shower of rain while I was packing but I was under a shelter so it didn’t effect me this time. One gentleman came over and offered to fill my water bottles. A cup of tea and a couple of biscuits and a container of freshly made fruit salad I received from them as well. Thank you.
Said my farewells to everyone and on the road by 8am. I saw three emus run across the road in front of me early in the day, and further down six kangaroos hopped across the road and judging by the road kill they must be bin plague numbers.
Had a quick break about 25 km out at 10 am. There is hardly a cloud in the sky now but I am enduring a south easterly wind of 5 - 10 kts and as the day progressed it got stronger. I really struggled the last 10 km into Minilya as it was straight in my face.
About 40 km out there was another turn off for Coral Bay and Exmouth. Arrived at Minilya Caravan Park, booked in and the first thing I did was put a load of washing in. Hung my sleeping bag out to air then put my tent up, cleaning red mud off as I went. Then I enjoyed a nice hot shower, before relaxing for the afternoon.
Met some female cyclists who were cycling for Midwives, women, Normal Birth & Breast Feeding. They had started their trip from Darwin and riding around Australia. They have given themselves 12 months to complete the trip.
Tomorrow I will go to the Yalabia Rest Area and if the wind is in my favour continue on to Carnarvon.
Distance:- 48.74 Km
Distance to Date:- 8928.6 Km
Start:- Lyndon Creek Rest Area
Finish:- Minilya Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 6 am this morning and had breakfast, washed up and packed up slowly drying things as I went. There was a shower of rain while I was packing but I was under a shelter so it didn’t effect me this time. One gentleman came over and offered to fill my water bottles. A cup of tea and a couple of biscuits and a container of freshly made fruit salad I received from them as well. Thank you.
Said my farewells to everyone and on the road by 8am. I saw three emus run across the road in front of me early in the day, and further down six kangaroos hopped across the road and judging by the road kill they must be bin plague numbers.
Had a quick break about 25 km out at 10 am. There is hardly a cloud in the sky now but I am enduring a south easterly wind of 5 - 10 kts and as the day progressed it got stronger. I really struggled the last 10 km into Minilya as it was straight in my face.
About 40 km out there was another turn off for Coral Bay and Exmouth. Arrived at Minilya Caravan Park, booked in and the first thing I did was put a load of washing in. Hung my sleeping bag out to air then put my tent up, cleaning red mud off as I went. Then I enjoyed a nice hot shower, before relaxing for the afternoon.
Met some female cyclists who were cycling for Midwives, women, Normal Birth & Breast Feeding. They had started their trip from Darwin and riding around Australia. They have given themselves 12 months to complete the trip.
Tomorrow I will go to the Yalabia Rest Area and if the wind is in my favour continue on to Carnarvon.
Day 151
Date:- 12 August 2010
Distance:- 106.91 Km
Distance to Date:- 8879.80 Km
Start:- Barradale Rest Area
Finish:- Lyndon Creek Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6am, had breakfast. A gentleman from a near by motor home made me a cup of tea. I then packed up and on the road by 7.45am. Overcast morning to start with a 5 - 20 kt north easterly wind to my advantage again.
A few clumps of wildflowers starting to appear. White, mauve, and pink.
About 30 km from rest area a “pop top” caravan was travelling towards me and the right hand front top was lifting from the van. I waved and pointed to his roof in the hope he could be aware. I stopped to look back and thank goodness he had stopped and hopefully rectified the problem.
Stopped at the Burkett Road Information Bay then rode past the Coral Bay and Exmouth turn off about 40 km out from the rest area.
Wind has swung to the north west at 20 -25 kts, gusting to 30 kts. Stopped for my break 55 km out at 11,30am. Saw a telephone box in the middle of nowhere so sent an SMS to Evon to inform her of my progress. (Winning Pool Tele Building).
I crossed the Tropic of Capricorn so a sign on the side of the road told me.
About 30 km from my destination of Lyndon Creek Rest Area I had to go into survival mode, with the wind blowing it started to rain. I have been on the road for 160 days and haven’t got wet, well today is another story. For the last 20 km it drizzled, the wind blew and I wasn’t happy. I got wet, yes W.E.T. Not nice.
Arrived at Lyndon Creek Rest Area and headed for the sheltered seating area where I set up my tent and a clothes line to dry my wet clothes.
It turned out to be a community meeting place where someone played a mandolin and three other couples joined in. On of the couples plied us with some home made red wine and it was very nice. About 7.30pm I cooked tea, had a cuppa then adjourned to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I will go to Minilya Roadhouse or beyond.
Distance:- 106.91 Km
Distance to Date:- 8879.80 Km
Start:- Barradale Rest Area
Finish:- Lyndon Creek Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6am, had breakfast. A gentleman from a near by motor home made me a cup of tea. I then packed up and on the road by 7.45am. Overcast morning to start with a 5 - 20 kt north easterly wind to my advantage again.
A few clumps of wildflowers starting to appear. White, mauve, and pink.
About 30 km from rest area a “pop top” caravan was travelling towards me and the right hand front top was lifting from the van. I waved and pointed to his roof in the hope he could be aware. I stopped to look back and thank goodness he had stopped and hopefully rectified the problem.
Stopped at the Burkett Road Information Bay then rode past the Coral Bay and Exmouth turn off about 40 km out from the rest area.
Wind has swung to the north west at 20 -25 kts, gusting to 30 kts. Stopped for my break 55 km out at 11,30am. Saw a telephone box in the middle of nowhere so sent an SMS to Evon to inform her of my progress. (Winning Pool Tele Building).
I crossed the Tropic of Capricorn so a sign on the side of the road told me.
About 30 km from my destination of Lyndon Creek Rest Area I had to go into survival mode, with the wind blowing it started to rain. I have been on the road for 160 days and haven’t got wet, well today is another story. For the last 20 km it drizzled, the wind blew and I wasn’t happy. I got wet, yes W.E.T. Not nice.
Arrived at Lyndon Creek Rest Area and headed for the sheltered seating area where I set up my tent and a clothes line to dry my wet clothes.
It turned out to be a community meeting place where someone played a mandolin and three other couples joined in. On of the couples plied us with some home made red wine and it was very nice. About 7.30pm I cooked tea, had a cuppa then adjourned to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I will go to Minilya Roadhouse or beyond.
Day 150
Date:- 11 August 2010
Distance:- 70.80 Km
Distance to Date:- 8772.9 Km
Start:- Nanutarra Roadhouse Caravan Roadhouse
Finish:- Barradale Rest Area
Comment:- I was up about 6am this morning and decided to have another shower, then a good breakfast, retrieved my washing from the clothes line folded and packed them away. Picked up my key deposit and received a donation from the management of the roadhouse. Packed up my tent and said my farewells to everyone and on the road by 8.30am.
An R.F.D.S. landing Strip was marked out on the road about 10 km from Nanutarra. Shortly after a kangaroo jumped out in front of me and then changed its mind and hopped back into the bushes.
Another cloudless sky and a 15 to 20 kt north easterly wind and I am travelling generally south west means I have another tail wind. Another thing, I have crossed more cattle grids today than for the whole time I have been away. I have taken to walking the bike across them as they can be quite rough.
I enjoyed today’s ride. It was only 70 km with a tail wind and very little traffic. I like these shorter distances. If I am trying to cover 100 km or more I seem to get uneasy, uncomfortable and not really enjoying it. It makes for a long day.
I arrived at my destination about 12.30pm, selected a tent site and set up camp. Daryl and his wife Anne are parked close by and I got talking to Daryl. They are from Port Lincoln in South Australia. I enjoyed a cup of coffee with them and was invited to tea latter on.
After a very delicious tea, spaghetti bolognaise, and a glass of red. I parted their company, back to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Lyndon River Rest Area.
Distance:- 70.80 Km
Distance to Date:- 8772.9 Km
Start:- Nanutarra Roadhouse Caravan Roadhouse
Finish:- Barradale Rest Area
Comment:- I was up about 6am this morning and decided to have another shower, then a good breakfast, retrieved my washing from the clothes line folded and packed them away. Picked up my key deposit and received a donation from the management of the roadhouse. Packed up my tent and said my farewells to everyone and on the road by 8.30am.
An R.F.D.S. landing Strip was marked out on the road about 10 km from Nanutarra. Shortly after a kangaroo jumped out in front of me and then changed its mind and hopped back into the bushes.
Another cloudless sky and a 15 to 20 kt north easterly wind and I am travelling generally south west means I have another tail wind. Another thing, I have crossed more cattle grids today than for the whole time I have been away. I have taken to walking the bike across them as they can be quite rough.
I enjoyed today’s ride. It was only 70 km with a tail wind and very little traffic. I like these shorter distances. If I am trying to cover 100 km or more I seem to get uneasy, uncomfortable and not really enjoying it. It makes for a long day.
I arrived at my destination about 12.30pm, selected a tent site and set up camp. Daryl and his wife Anne are parked close by and I got talking to Daryl. They are from Port Lincoln in South Australia. I enjoyed a cup of coffee with them and was invited to tea latter on.
After a very delicious tea, spaghetti bolognaise, and a glass of red. I parted their company, back to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Lyndon River Rest Area.
Day 149
Date:- 10 August 2010
Distance:- 118.58 Km
Distance to Date:- 8702.0 Km
Start:- Robe River Rest Area
Finish:- Nanutarra Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 6.15am, had breakfast, packed up when Ian offered me a cup of tea before I departed. I was on the road by 7.15am.
There was a big mine site just 8 km from the rest area. Nothing to tell you who or what it mines.
At one stage on both sides of the road in the distance red dust was visible. A few times I could taste it in my mouth.
Received an SMS from Marlene and Ken regarding Robe River Rest Area, but unbeknown to them I was there. About 30 km out they caught up with me. We compared notes and they gave me a couple of mandarins.
Stopped for my break about 60km out at 10.30am. Greg Hastie and his wife stopped to check on me. I had met Greg at Peawah Rest Area. He offered me an ice cream, can of coke and a couple of small bottles of water.
About 73km out of the rest area was the turnoff for Onslow where, I believe, another gas plant is being assembled.
Rode through the Parry Ranges at an elevation of 210 metres. Quite a lot of controlled burning was evident since Onslow.
Arrived at my destination of Nanutarra Roadhouse, booked in and set up my tent, shaved showered and I feel human again. Washed a set of riding gear and now ready to relax.
A couple of women, Jan from Perth and Marika from Tasmania had set up camp near me and invited me over for a some wine and cheese. Very nice. Geoff and Allan, two motorcyclists joined us. I then excused myself to ring Evon and then had tea in the café with Geoff and Allan.
Allan lost his right arm in an accident and has had his motor bike modified for him. He apologised for not waving to me when he rode past me.
I then left their company to go to my tent to complete my diary and then adjourn to bed.
Hope to ride to Barradale Rest Area tomorrow a distance of 80 km.
Distance:- 118.58 Km
Distance to Date:- 8702.0 Km
Start:- Robe River Rest Area
Finish:- Nanutarra Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 6.15am, had breakfast, packed up when Ian offered me a cup of tea before I departed. I was on the road by 7.15am.
There was a big mine site just 8 km from the rest area. Nothing to tell you who or what it mines.
At one stage on both sides of the road in the distance red dust was visible. A few times I could taste it in my mouth.
Received an SMS from Marlene and Ken regarding Robe River Rest Area, but unbeknown to them I was there. About 30 km out they caught up with me. We compared notes and they gave me a couple of mandarins.
Stopped for my break about 60km out at 10.30am. Greg Hastie and his wife stopped to check on me. I had met Greg at Peawah Rest Area. He offered me an ice cream, can of coke and a couple of small bottles of water.
About 73km out of the rest area was the turnoff for Onslow where, I believe, another gas plant is being assembled.
Rode through the Parry Ranges at an elevation of 210 metres. Quite a lot of controlled burning was evident since Onslow.
Arrived at my destination of Nanutarra Roadhouse, booked in and set up my tent, shaved showered and I feel human again. Washed a set of riding gear and now ready to relax.
A couple of women, Jan from Perth and Marika from Tasmania had set up camp near me and invited me over for a some wine and cheese. Very nice. Geoff and Allan, two motorcyclists joined us. I then excused myself to ring Evon and then had tea in the café with Geoff and Allan.
Allan lost his right arm in an accident and has had his motor bike modified for him. He apologised for not waving to me when he rode past me.
I then left their company to go to my tent to complete my diary and then adjourn to bed.
Hope to ride to Barradale Rest Area tomorrow a distance of 80 km.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Day 148
Date:- 9 August 2010
Distance:- 119.25 Km
Distance to Date:- 8583.4 Km
Start:- Miaree Pool Rest Area
Finish:- Robe River Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15am, a little disorganised this morning. Had breakfast, washed up, and on the road by 7.45am. Another nice day but we have a north westerly wind blowing of about 10 to 15 knots. There was a strong wind warning for all areas from Broome to Port Nelson which is south of where I am.
Just over Devil Creek, (21 km from Miaree Pool), a new gas plant is being erected . Just off 40 mile beach road.
Stopped for my break about 40km out at 10.15am. I have been having a good run up to date.
Ever since I left South Hedland There have been a continuous number of trucks carting big concrete blocks down to Port Nelson. The concrete blocks were fabricated in China, shipped to Port Hedland, then transported to Port Nelson, and I haven’t been able to find out their end use.
A bit further down the road were a couple of mine sites and after them there were no more trucks to contend with.
Had just ridden up a small hill and around a corner and stopped to catch my breath and stretch and a car stopped to check I was OK. It was Bill and Beryl from Busselton. He offered me a nice cold beer and we both enjoyed a drink on the side of the road. I am welcome to stay at their place when I get to Busselton.
Arrived at the Fortescue Roadhouse only to find the caravan park was closed for renovations. Filled all my water bottles there and bought a pie and chips for lunch.
Back out on the road again and heading for Robe River Rest Area which was 42 Km from the roadhouse. The wind had virtually dropped to a light breeze and the road was a little more undulating.
Arrived at the Robe River Rest Area about 3.30pm chose a site and set up camp. Ian and Dawn from South Australia offered me a welcome cup of tea and latter invited me for tea. I thank you very much.
I will finish my diary then see if I can make an internet connection, then off to bed.
Plan to make Nanutarra Roadhouse tomorrow a distance of 120km.
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Distance:- 119.25 Km
Distance to Date:- 8583.4 Km
Start:- Miaree Pool Rest Area
Finish:- Robe River Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15am, a little disorganised this morning. Had breakfast, washed up, and on the road by 7.45am. Another nice day but we have a north westerly wind blowing of about 10 to 15 knots. There was a strong wind warning for all areas from Broome to Port Nelson which is south of where I am.
Just over Devil Creek, (21 km from Miaree Pool), a new gas plant is being erected . Just off 40 mile beach road.
Stopped for my break about 40km out at 10.15am. I have been having a good run up to date.
Ever since I left South Hedland There have been a continuous number of trucks carting big concrete blocks down to Port Nelson. The concrete blocks were fabricated in China, shipped to Port Hedland, then transported to Port Nelson, and I haven’t been able to find out their end use.
A bit further down the road were a couple of mine sites and after them there were no more trucks to contend with.
Had just ridden up a small hill and around a corner and stopped to catch my breath and stretch and a car stopped to check I was OK. It was Bill and Beryl from Busselton. He offered me a nice cold beer and we both enjoyed a drink on the side of the road. I am welcome to stay at their place when I get to Busselton.
Arrived at the Fortescue Roadhouse only to find the caravan park was closed for renovations. Filled all my water bottles there and bought a pie and chips for lunch.
Back out on the road again and heading for Robe River Rest Area which was 42 Km from the roadhouse. The wind had virtually dropped to a light breeze and the road was a little more undulating.
Arrived at the Robe River Rest Area about 3.30pm chose a site and set up camp. Ian and Dawn from South Australia offered me a welcome cup of tea and latter invited me for tea. I thank you very much.
I will finish my diary then see if I can make an internet connection, then off to bed.
Plan to make Nanutarra Roadhouse tomorrow a distance of 120km.
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Day 147
Date:- 8 August 2010
Distance:- 63.03 Km
Distance to Date:- 8464.10 Km
Start:- Harding River Caravan Park - Roebourne
Finish:- Miaree Pool Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday afternoon I spent the time catching up on my blog then cooked tea, washed up and then into bed about 8.30pm.
Had a very good nights sleep and was up about 6am, cooked breakfast, packed and on the road by 7.30am. One km out to the highway then rode through the small township of Roebourne. An old town with a number of art galleries, a very good museum in the old goal, or so I am told, a large police station and a service station. The local pub has been shut for quite some time.
About 8 km out of Roebourne I had to stop at a railway crossing while a train passed. It was about 1km long. I didn’t count the carriages but there were three locomotives pulling it.
There are a number of small aboriginal communities and mining sites dotted through the area.
The first 12 km out of Roebourne was gently up hill and then flatten out as it crossed the desert plains. Quite a bit of traffic around but once past Karratha was minimal. Again, cloudless skies with a light north east breeze.
About 20 km out a group of about 25 cyclists passed me heading north. They had a police escort front and rear, an ambulance and backup vehicles. There was no advertising so I don’t know if it was a charity ride or not.
A massive flock of birds (corellas and galahs) rose up in front of me and flew across the road and I lost sight of the road momentarily.
Rode past the first turn off to Karratha (Pop. 14000) at 32 km out and stopped at the Karratha Roadhouse (Truck Shop) which was another 7 km on. Had a quick bite to eat before continuing on. There was a Gas Plant which seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere.
From here the road continued in a south westerly direction and at 63 km out A sign for Miaree Pool. Someone had told it was a nice place to stay, and I must say they were right. I crossed over a bridge then turned right and down a gravel road and found a nice spot for a tent in the shade of a tree an the bank of this water way.
Once set up I had a bit of a snooze, got up and wandered around and met Ken and Marlene from Mandurah, south of Perth.
Had tea and rejoined Ken and Marlene while I had a cuppa before retiring to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I will get to Fortescue River Rest Area.
Distance:- 63.03 Km
Distance to Date:- 8464.10 Km
Start:- Harding River Caravan Park - Roebourne
Finish:- Miaree Pool Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday afternoon I spent the time catching up on my blog then cooked tea, washed up and then into bed about 8.30pm.
Had a very good nights sleep and was up about 6am, cooked breakfast, packed and on the road by 7.30am. One km out to the highway then rode through the small township of Roebourne. An old town with a number of art galleries, a very good museum in the old goal, or so I am told, a large police station and a service station. The local pub has been shut for quite some time.
About 8 km out of Roebourne I had to stop at a railway crossing while a train passed. It was about 1km long. I didn’t count the carriages but there were three locomotives pulling it.
There are a number of small aboriginal communities and mining sites dotted through the area.
The first 12 km out of Roebourne was gently up hill and then flatten out as it crossed the desert plains. Quite a bit of traffic around but once past Karratha was minimal. Again, cloudless skies with a light north east breeze.
About 20 km out a group of about 25 cyclists passed me heading north. They had a police escort front and rear, an ambulance and backup vehicles. There was no advertising so I don’t know if it was a charity ride or not.
A massive flock of birds (corellas and galahs) rose up in front of me and flew across the road and I lost sight of the road momentarily.
Rode past the first turn off to Karratha (Pop. 14000) at 32 km out and stopped at the Karratha Roadhouse (Truck Shop) which was another 7 km on. Had a quick bite to eat before continuing on. There was a Gas Plant which seemed to be out in the middle of nowhere.
From here the road continued in a south westerly direction and at 63 km out A sign for Miaree Pool. Someone had told it was a nice place to stay, and I must say they were right. I crossed over a bridge then turned right and down a gravel road and found a nice spot for a tent in the shade of a tree an the bank of this water way.
Once set up I had a bit of a snooze, got up and wandered around and met Ken and Marlene from Mandurah, south of Perth.
Had tea and rejoined Ken and Marlene while I had a cuppa before retiring to my tent to do my diary.
Tomorrow I will get to Fortescue River Rest Area.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Day 146
Date:- 7 August 2010
Distance:- 108.52 Km
Distance to Date:- 8401.0 Km
Start:- West Peawah Rest Area
Finish:- Harding River Caravan Park - Roebourne
Comment:- Last night after I had tea and washed up and contemplating what to do next, I noticed some car lights travelling slowly over the bridge and on further observation there was a runner in front of the car.
It was Deborah De Williams and she was on her 2nd attempt of the world Record Run Around Australia and the cause she is representing is a cure for breast cancer. Quite a professional outfit with a sign written car and van and herb parents were the forward party getting into shopping centres and the like advertising her arrival. She has raised something like $100,000 which is not a bad effort. This is what I should have done. Maybe next year (only joking dear)
I spent quite some time with them and enjoyed a wine along with a big bowl of pasta. I excused myself and went to bed about 9.15pm
This morning I was up at 6am, had breakfast, chatted to a couple of people was offered a very nice bacon and tomatoe wrap from a family from Mansfield in Victoria, and then on the road by 7.45am. Cloudless sky, light north west early breeze and a good road. The highway I am on now is the North West Coastal Highway. Rode past the small town of Whim Creek which is a short distance of the highway.
The road was winding around hills most of the day and gently undulating. The country I was riding through is excessively dry.
Just before I was about to stop for my break a Pajero 4X4 passed me, and as he did his right front tyre blew out. The driver did a good job controlling the car and was able to pull over to change it. I offered to help but wasn’t needed.
Stopped for my break at 55 km out about 11.30am. The wind seemed to have swung more west and as I neared my destination I had a head wind which slowed my progress. Passed another turn off to Karijini National Park about 81km out from the rest area.
Arrived at the Roebourne Caravan Park and it is a very pleasant park, but still a lot of caravans booked in. Apparently all the coastal resorts are fully booked out so they are acting as an overflow till vans can move onto the coast.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Fortescue River.
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Distance:- 108.52 Km
Distance to Date:- 8401.0 Km
Start:- West Peawah Rest Area
Finish:- Harding River Caravan Park - Roebourne
Comment:- Last night after I had tea and washed up and contemplating what to do next, I noticed some car lights travelling slowly over the bridge and on further observation there was a runner in front of the car.
It was Deborah De Williams and she was on her 2nd attempt of the world Record Run Around Australia and the cause she is representing is a cure for breast cancer. Quite a professional outfit with a sign written car and van and herb parents were the forward party getting into shopping centres and the like advertising her arrival. She has raised something like $100,000 which is not a bad effort. This is what I should have done. Maybe next year (only joking dear)
I spent quite some time with them and enjoyed a wine along with a big bowl of pasta. I excused myself and went to bed about 9.15pm
This morning I was up at 6am, had breakfast, chatted to a couple of people was offered a very nice bacon and tomatoe wrap from a family from Mansfield in Victoria, and then on the road by 7.45am. Cloudless sky, light north west early breeze and a good road. The highway I am on now is the North West Coastal Highway. Rode past the small town of Whim Creek which is a short distance of the highway.
The road was winding around hills most of the day and gently undulating. The country I was riding through is excessively dry.
Just before I was about to stop for my break a Pajero 4X4 passed me, and as he did his right front tyre blew out. The driver did a good job controlling the car and was able to pull over to change it. I offered to help but wasn’t needed.
Stopped for my break at 55 km out about 11.30am. The wind seemed to have swung more west and as I neared my destination I had a head wind which slowed my progress. Passed another turn off to Karijini National Park about 81km out from the rest area.
Arrived at the Roebourne Caravan Park and it is a very pleasant park, but still a lot of caravans booked in. Apparently all the coastal resorts are fully booked out so they are acting as an overflow till vans can move onto the coast.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Fortescue River.
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Day 145
Date:- 6 August 2010
Distance:- 78.8 Km
Distance to Date:- 8292.5 Km
Start:- South Hedland
Finish:- West Peawah Rest Area
Comment:- It was a noisy night last night with trains, cars, trucks and it seemed like people wandering around all night. I was up about 6am, had breakfast, and on the road by 8am. I must have dawdled a bit.
Found the highway to Karatha and about 6 km down the road I had to stop for a few trucks with oversize loads along with their escort vehicles and police. They were heading for Tom Price or Newman mines.
A good road today with a breakdown lane for most of the trip, a cloudless sky and a north easterly wind of 10 - 15 knots.
About 30 km out was the turn off for Karjini National Park also the way to Tom Price and Newman. This is the continuation of the Great Northern Highway, and I am now on the North West Coastal Highway.
Rode past the Herbert Parker Rest Area on the Yule River The Rest Area was only 50 km from South Hedland so I decided to push on. Had my break about 55 km out about 11.45am and I still had mobile phone coverage.
I soon got to the West Peawah Rest Area and decided that was where I was going to stop for the night. In I went set up camp and settled in for the afternoon. A number of people have come up to me as usual and enquired about what I am up to.
Had tea about 6pm washed up and possibly into bed early. Probably go to Roebourne tomorrow.
P.S. I must make note that the Peawah Rest Area is in bad need of servicing. All the rubbish bins were full to over flowing and rubbish stacked beside them and the toilet was certainly not fit for human habitation.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Day 144
Date:- 5 August 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 8213.6 Km
Start:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Finish:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Comment:- Today was a rest day so I slept in till 7am. Got up and cooked breakfast in the laundry which is the only place that has a bench.
I then set about getting my Blog up to date and I had no problems logging on. Not like last night. I had no hope and I am not sure why. Once I got the blog up to date I spent some time working out my schedule for the next few days, and trying to plan ahead for when I can vote.
Next project was to check over the bike and trailer. All seems to be OK. Then it was fold my washing, and pack. Wash my water bottles and fill them and pack all my food stuffs.
It was time for lunch so I made a few sandwiches with the cold meat and tomatoes I had bought yesterday. Made a cup of coffee to have with a sweet biscuit, then washed up and then went for a wander around the park before laying down to have an afternoon siesta.
I heard my name called and poked my head out of the tent and it was Josie (of bread making fame). I knew Josie and Phil were in South Hedland visiting relatives. I was introduced and invited over for tea. I am sorry, I am no good on remembering names. I will have to write peoples names down in my note book in future. Its embarrassing.
We enjoyed a nice coffee and cake and a chat, then it was time to have a beer. We had a very nice piece of steak with vegetables, followed by waffles and ice cream and a nice cup of tea. A very relaxing evening.
It was time to part company and I said goodbye to the girls, and I was driven back to the park. I would sincerely like to thank my hosts for their hospitality and hope someday I can return the favour,
Back at the tent I did my diary and packed as much as I can for a good departure tomorrow, Port Hedland is a town I would like to remember.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 8213.6 Km
Start:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Finish:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Comment:- Today was a rest day so I slept in till 7am. Got up and cooked breakfast in the laundry which is the only place that has a bench.
I then set about getting my Blog up to date and I had no problems logging on. Not like last night. I had no hope and I am not sure why. Once I got the blog up to date I spent some time working out my schedule for the next few days, and trying to plan ahead for when I can vote.
Next project was to check over the bike and trailer. All seems to be OK. Then it was fold my washing, and pack. Wash my water bottles and fill them and pack all my food stuffs.
It was time for lunch so I made a few sandwiches with the cold meat and tomatoes I had bought yesterday. Made a cup of coffee to have with a sweet biscuit, then washed up and then went for a wander around the park before laying down to have an afternoon siesta.
I heard my name called and poked my head out of the tent and it was Josie (of bread making fame). I knew Josie and Phil were in South Hedland visiting relatives. I was introduced and invited over for tea. I am sorry, I am no good on remembering names. I will have to write peoples names down in my note book in future. Its embarrassing.
We enjoyed a nice coffee and cake and a chat, then it was time to have a beer. We had a very nice piece of steak with vegetables, followed by waffles and ice cream and a nice cup of tea. A very relaxing evening.
It was time to part company and I said goodbye to the girls, and I was driven back to the park. I would sincerely like to thank my hosts for their hospitality and hope someday I can return the favour,
Back at the tent I did my diary and packed as much as I can for a good departure tomorrow, Port Hedland is a town I would like to remember.
Day 143
Date:- 4 August 2010
Distance:- 84.92 Km
Distance to Date:- 8213.6 Km
Start:- DeGrey River Rest Srea
Finish:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Comment:- Had a very good nights sleep last night, no security lights, no generators and no people moving around. Up at 5.45am and cooked breakfast, packed up and on the road by 7.15am.
I forgot to turn my mobile phone off last night and just out of the rest area it came to life with a few messages. Sent an SMS to Evon
There are several mine sites through this area and there was a sign warning us of possible blasting and to keep an eye out for further information regarding times etc.
A bit further down the road there was evidence of “cat” supporters as someone had painted on a couple of rocks “Cats 2009” and “Cats 2010”.
Turn off to Marble Bar (the hottest place in Australia temperature wise) appeared about 31 km out from the rest area and there were a number of cars and vans venturing in and out.
Stopped for my break about 40km out at 10am. Quite a bit of traffic around today, mine vehicles, Road Trains, cars and of course caravans.
I could see the town of Port Hedland in the distance and it wasn’t long before the sign for South Hedland appeared. Turn left and about 8km down the road was my destination, the South Hedland Caravan Park.
Into reception introduced myself and that I was riding around Australia and supporting the Asthma Foundation and the manager waived the fees for the two nights I will be here, also offered to cover the cost of washing a load of clothes. It is generosity like this that really inspires you to achieve your goals of riding around Australia and raising funds for your chosen charity.
Tent up, then shave and shower, then on the bike down to the town centre and the super market to restock. Back to the park and put a load of washing in and got talking to two couples, one couple from Shepparton and the other couple from Clunes near Ballarat.
Cooked tea, washed up and then my diary and bring my Blog up to date. I finally have coverage but had difficulty going onto the internet last night. Will try again tomorrow.
Tomorrow, as I said before will be a rest day.
Day 142
Date:- 3 August 2010
Distance:- 70.70 Km
Distance to Date:- 8129.2 Km
Start:- Pardoo Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- DeGrey River Rest Area
Comment:- Had tea in the café then spoke to different people at the bar. One gentleman was driving a government vehicle from Broome back to Perth as the original driver had to fly back. Another couple from Rockingham were heading north to Broome. After a while I gathered my things and back to the tent and into bed by 9.30pm
Up about 6am and on the road by 7.10am. A 5 to 10 knot north westerly wind, cloudless sky and I am riding in a south westerly direction generally.
Passed a turn off to Pardoo Station Caravan Park about 32 Km out. Took my break 36km out of Pardoo about 9.45am There were a few hills appearing on the scene and at this stage the road is winding around them.
There is always something to ruin a good day and today its flies. Excessively sticky and Aerogard has very little effect.
There is now a railway line and power transmission lines visible which makes you feel like you are back in civilization. Arrived at my destination about 12.39pm. Found a quiet spot to erect my tent and settle in for the day.
It was here I met Douglas Knowles from Carnarvon who is on his third circuit of Australia. He had endured some strong head winds since leaving Carnarvon and is hoping for better conditions ahead.
Also met Michael and Alana from Adelaide where I enjoyed a couple of ales then a very nice tea, I look forward to meeting them again in Adelaide where they offered me a bed for the night.
After a very pleasant evening I excused myself and headed for my tent and into bed about 8.30pm,
Tomorrow I will get to South Hedland a distance of about 84km.
Day 141
Date:- 2 August 2010
Distance:- 137.71 Km
Distance to Date:- 8058.50 Km
Start:- Sandfire Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Pardoo Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Had tea in the café last night. Rang Evon at 7pm then went to bed. Had a very good nights sleep and I was up at 6am, had breakfast and on the road by 7.10am.
Wind had moderated somewhat overnight and was blowing about 10 - 15 knots from the north east. A little cloud around but that soon burnt off. Good flat road and I am feeling great.
A number of small mobs of cattle are wandering the road this morning but nothing to worry about.
I was told that if you stand at the base of a radio transmission tower
(you see them dotted around the country side) you will get mobile phone reception. I had an opportunity to try it today. Didn’t work.
Rode past the turn off to the 80 mile beach which is another popular caravan venue. This was about 45 km from Sandfire. Shortly after I reached another milestone. I turned over 8000 km about 12.15pm.
Stopped for my break at 65km out about 11.15am
The rest of my ride today was uneventful and I had arrived at the Pardoo Roadhouse about 3.45pm. Booked in, setup tent, had a shower, set an SMS to Evon, then over to the café where I will do my diary.
Day 140
Date:- 1 August 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 7920.70 Km
Start:- Stanley Rest Area
Finish:- Sandfire Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- After our chat together last night we retired to our respective camps for the night. As I expected the wind blew all night. I got up twice through the night to repeg the tent. I only got about two hours sleep all night. I could hear thunder in the distance, then a few spots of rain. I hurriedly packed up and transferred everything to the shelter. A good move as shortly after it started raining reasonably heavy.
Not knowing what to do next, whether to stay at the rest area, start riding with the intention of getting at least 50 - 60 km down the road and camping on the side of the road because there was no way I was going to make Sandfire in the day.
It was Margo who suggested giving me a lift by car to Sandfire to which I eagerly accepted. We threw all my belongings into the back of their van and away we went arriving in Sandfire about 8.30pm. I thanked my new found friends and booked into the caravan park and proceeded to sort out my gear. Sent an SMS to Evon via Public Phone as there is no mobile coverage. Shaved and showered and feeling quite proud of myself.
Washed one set of riding gear and all my plates and cooking utensils, then onto my diary which I am doing out of the wind in the Café.
Tomorrow I hope to ride to Pardoo Roadhouse, a distance of 124 km, and if this wind stays in the east I should have a good tail wind.
P.S. The wind blew all day and a couple of the locals were saying it was up over 50 -60 knots at times.
Day 139
Date:- 31 July 2010
Distance:- 58.89 Km
Distance to Date:- 7920.70 Km
Start:- Goldwire Rest Area
Finish:- Stanley Rest Area
Comment:- Made myself a cup of tea before bed then thought I would try the mobile phone out again. It worked and I spoke to Evon for about 10 minutes.
Into bed about 9.30pm and had a good nights sleep. Up by 6am, had breakfast, packed and ready for the road. Wheeling my bike out to the road I met Phil. I asked if he would mind filling my water bottles. No worries. Josie gave me a cup of tea and a nice piece of toast. Time to go so said our farewells and I was on the road by 8am.
A westerly wind of 5 to 10 knts gusting to 15 kt met me. The road I was on generally ran south west so I had a head wind at times and a side wind depending which way the road ran. A very overcast day and not too hot.
Stopped for my break about 30km out at10am. Very light traffic flow to date. It is Saturday and Broome has its annual race carnival I have heard.
The scrub has thinned out giving me less protection from the wind and it turned out to be quite a hard days ride. Arrived at the Stanley Rest Area about 1am and parked my bike in one of the shelters like I usually do and I felt like a cup of tea. Some people were sitting in the other shelter so I ventured across and asked for some hot water.
Meg, a lady from Taree in New South Wales offered me a cuppa. She filled my water bottle and then offered me lunch and a soft drink which was gratefully received.
After lunch I excused myself and went to set up my tent etc. We have had a few spots of rain but nothing serious yet. As the day progressed the wind seemed to strenghen. I am going to be in for a rough night. Organised my tea about 5.30pm, just before dark, washed up and Margo came over to enquire about what I was doing, so I explained that and then found out what they were up to.
Margo and her partner, Harm are from the Netherlands. They had planned to ride their bikes through Russia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore then Australia. They had run into a multitude of bad luck and arrived in Darwin a few days ago. They have hired a Campervan and are driving down the west coast of Australia, across to Adelaide from where they will ride their bikes to Sydney.
Distance:- 58.89 Km
Distance to Date:- 7920.70 Km
Start:- Goldwire Rest Area
Finish:- Stanley Rest Area
Comment:- Made myself a cup of tea before bed then thought I would try the mobile phone out again. It worked and I spoke to Evon for about 10 minutes.
Into bed about 9.30pm and had a good nights sleep. Up by 6am, had breakfast, packed and ready for the road. Wheeling my bike out to the road I met Phil. I asked if he would mind filling my water bottles. No worries. Josie gave me a cup of tea and a nice piece of toast. Time to go so said our farewells and I was on the road by 8am.
A westerly wind of 5 to 10 knts gusting to 15 kt met me. The road I was on generally ran south west so I had a head wind at times and a side wind depending which way the road ran. A very overcast day and not too hot.
Stopped for my break about 30km out at10am. Very light traffic flow to date. It is Saturday and Broome has its annual race carnival I have heard.
The scrub has thinned out giving me less protection from the wind and it turned out to be quite a hard days ride. Arrived at the Stanley Rest Area about 1am and parked my bike in one of the shelters like I usually do and I felt like a cup of tea. Some people were sitting in the other shelter so I ventured across and asked for some hot water.
Meg, a lady from Taree in New South Wales offered me a cuppa. She filled my water bottle and then offered me lunch and a soft drink which was gratefully received.
After lunch I excused myself and went to set up my tent etc. We have had a few spots of rain but nothing serious yet. As the day progressed the wind seemed to strenghen. I am going to be in for a rough night. Organised my tea about 5.30pm, just before dark, washed up and Margo came over to enquire about what I was doing, so I explained that and then found out what they were up to.
Margo and her partner, Harm are from the Netherlands. They had planned to ride their bikes through Russia, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore then Australia. They had run into a multitude of bad luck and arrived in Darwin a few days ago. They have hired a Campervan and are driving down the west coast of Australia, across to Adelaide from where they will ride their bikes to Sydney.
Day 138
Date:- 30 July 2010
Distance:- 119.83 Km
Distance to Date:- 7861.8 Km
Start:- Roebuck Plains Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Goldwire Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday afternoon after I had finished doing my diary I went into the bar of the roadhouse armed with 3 or 4 tea bags. A donation to the Royal Flying Doctors secured a first cup of tea of coffee. The bar was nicely air conditioned and I had found some reading material and was able to watch the large screen television while I enjoyed my cups of tea.
Spoke to Evon by phone and caught up on all the news, then had tea in the café. Charged all my batteries up in the laundry. It was while I was going to my tent someone asked “Is that you, Geoff” . It was Willie, wife of Jack who I had originally met at Barkly Homestead and again at Saddle Creek Rest Area.
I wished I had known they where in the park as I am sure I could have put my tent on their site and paid half the fees. They assured me that would have been OK but the damage was done and I had paid the $30.
Enjoyed another couple of ales with them and compared notes on where we had gone. About 9.30 pm we decided we had better call it quits and retire for the night. I collected my computer and phone and packed them away, then went for my second shower of the day before going to bed.
Had a good nights sleep. I had fixed the hole in the mattress. Awoke and checked my watch and it said 4.30am so back to sleep. Heard voices latter on and again checked my watch only to find it was 4.30am. It had stopped. The clock on the phone said 6am so out of bed, had another shower (I was going to get my moneys worth). Had my cereal, then packed up and over to the reception to get my key deposit back. I never used the key the door was always open. The amenities block was quite good actually although one of the mens cubicles didn’t have paper.
I ordered spaghetti on toast and a mug of tea then it was time to hit the road.
On the road by 7.45am, latter than anticipated, out of the caravan park, turn left and about 150 metres turn right for Port Hedland. Over a gentle hill and onto an almost treeless plain with plenty of feed in the paddocks and a few cattle grazing here and there. Virtually a flat road for as far as you could see.
About 20km I rode past a Rest Area for daylight use only. And then the terrain changed. Long gentle uphills and long gentle downhills although I felt I was doing more up than down.
Stopped about 60 km out for my break about 11.45am. Shortly after I started again the turn off for Barn Hill appeared. This is a popular caravan venue.
About 97 km on the turn off for Port Smith Lagoon was passed. Another caravan destination.
From here on in the trip was quite boring, very little traffic, the road going up and down and me wishing I was there. Arrived at the Gold wire Rest Area about 3.45pm and received a loud applause. It was Phillip and Josie who I had met back up the track. Josie baked the bread.
Philip offered me a nice cold beer which hardly hit the sides and then I enjoyed two very nice cups of tea and some chocky biscuits. It was time to put my tent up and settle in for the night. I had all my water bottles filled up with nice filtered water by a family travelling in a giant motor home.
Cooked my tea and completed my diary, tidied up and went to bed.
If all goes well I should be at the Stanley Rest Area Tomorrow
Distance:- 119.83 Km
Distance to Date:- 7861.8 Km
Start:- Roebuck Plains Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Goldwire Rest Area
Comment:- Yesterday afternoon after I had finished doing my diary I went into the bar of the roadhouse armed with 3 or 4 tea bags. A donation to the Royal Flying Doctors secured a first cup of tea of coffee. The bar was nicely air conditioned and I had found some reading material and was able to watch the large screen television while I enjoyed my cups of tea.
Spoke to Evon by phone and caught up on all the news, then had tea in the café. Charged all my batteries up in the laundry. It was while I was going to my tent someone asked “Is that you, Geoff” . It was Willie, wife of Jack who I had originally met at Barkly Homestead and again at Saddle Creek Rest Area.
I wished I had known they where in the park as I am sure I could have put my tent on their site and paid half the fees. They assured me that would have been OK but the damage was done and I had paid the $30.
Enjoyed another couple of ales with them and compared notes on where we had gone. About 9.30 pm we decided we had better call it quits and retire for the night. I collected my computer and phone and packed them away, then went for my second shower of the day before going to bed.
Had a good nights sleep. I had fixed the hole in the mattress. Awoke and checked my watch and it said 4.30am so back to sleep. Heard voices latter on and again checked my watch only to find it was 4.30am. It had stopped. The clock on the phone said 6am so out of bed, had another shower (I was going to get my moneys worth). Had my cereal, then packed up and over to the reception to get my key deposit back. I never used the key the door was always open. The amenities block was quite good actually although one of the mens cubicles didn’t have paper.
I ordered spaghetti on toast and a mug of tea then it was time to hit the road.
On the road by 7.45am, latter than anticipated, out of the caravan park, turn left and about 150 metres turn right for Port Hedland. Over a gentle hill and onto an almost treeless plain with plenty of feed in the paddocks and a few cattle grazing here and there. Virtually a flat road for as far as you could see.
About 20km I rode past a Rest Area for daylight use only. And then the terrain changed. Long gentle uphills and long gentle downhills although I felt I was doing more up than down.
Stopped about 60 km out for my break about 11.45am. Shortly after I started again the turn off for Barn Hill appeared. This is a popular caravan venue.
About 97 km on the turn off for Port Smith Lagoon was passed. Another caravan destination.
From here on in the trip was quite boring, very little traffic, the road going up and down and me wishing I was there. Arrived at the Gold wire Rest Area about 3.45pm and received a loud applause. It was Phillip and Josie who I had met back up the track. Josie baked the bread.
Philip offered me a nice cold beer which hardly hit the sides and then I enjoyed two very nice cups of tea and some chocky biscuits. It was time to put my tent up and settle in for the night. I had all my water bottles filled up with nice filtered water by a family travelling in a giant motor home.
Cooked my tea and completed my diary, tidied up and went to bed.
If all goes well I should be at the Stanley Rest Area Tomorrow
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