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
WHAT ! you met someone you went to school in the same form with. That's pretty incredible!
ReplyDeleteGeoff You just don't know who you will bump into these days! Sounds like you have picked the scenic route to follow the Indian Ocean. I hope you have kept a list of all the rest areas/Camping grounds after all you may need them for future reference??? Keep those pedals turning Perth is still down the road a little ways. Thanks for your note the other day the "boss" was impressed. regards Stuart and Jill
ReplyDeleteHi Geoff - can't believe it --- you were off the air for awhile & I was busy working, babysitting, socialising etc --- got back on to your blog to find, not only have you been through Geraldton, but Dongarra as well !!!!!! I was going to give you my brother's ph number in Gero but oops tooo late. Great to read your ongoing adventures!! You have become a real social butterfly! I think you are having more cups of teas than Evon!? Cheers Pam ---- & safe travelling.
ReplyDeleteHi Geoff,
ReplyDeleteNice meeting up with you yesterday and have a great and safe trip ahead.
One of just many things we all just dream about but never get to do.
Cheers Ben
Hi Geoff
ReplyDeleteVery impressed that you are still plodding along. you have showed yourself how much courage and perseverance you have in doing this trek. I look forward to having a cold ale when I meet up with you around xmas and hearing all those interesting yarns. well done mate and best wishes from Helen and frank
Hi Geoff, This is Beryl Ing (nee Woodroffe) _ The "lass" you went to school with - ( met at Cliff Head North).
ReplyDeleteSaw you at the Wanneroo Road works again. Wanted to stop and offer you another cuppa but wasnt a very good spot to stop with caravan on behind. Trust your trip is going well for you. Your blog is very interesing.
Cheers Beryl