Date:- 7 October 2010
Distance:- 55.31 Km
Distance to Date:- 12338 Km
Start:- Gawler Caravan Park
Finish:- Palmer Rest Area
Comment:- In bed by 9.30 pm last night but it was a very noisy caravan park. Managed to get a reasonable sleep. I was up at 7 am (seems a more civilized time). Had breakfast, packed a chat to a couple who gave me a nice little donation, then on the road by 9 am.
Headed out towards Lyndoch. When I reached Sandy Creek I turned right for Williamstown which was 10 km down the road.
It has been a another near cloudless day with a light south westerly breeze which picked up by late morning to about 10 - 15 kts.
Arrived at Williamstown about 11.15 am and had a cuppa and a pie at the local bakery. Back on the road again and just out of town a nice gradual hill for about 3 km. At the top was a sign which said “Warren Hill, Congratulations you have made it to the summit at 428 m” It got special treatment.
The road then meandered through the Warren Reservoir Reserve. I stopped at the Mount Crawford Forest Information Centre where I had a toilet break and a snack.
Back on the road again and soon came to another intersection. I took the Mount Pleasant road and rode the 12 km to Mount Pleasant. I did think of staying at the caravan park there until I saw all the horses. They were having a kids gymkhana and as I am allergic to horses it wasn’t the place for me.
I found the turn off for Murray Bridge and off we went. I have decided to stop overnight at Palmer.
I have done a lot of walking today. Its been a long day. The road has been climbing since Gawler. The Northern Adelaide Hills being the reason. It wasn’t till about 5 km from Palmer I experienced a wonderful downhill run into Palmer.
There was a nice big rest area just before Palmer so I chose to camp there the night. Tent up then wandered down town. Nothing but the pub was open. Went in and had a lemon squash and filled a couple of water bottles and return to camp where I will do my diary and blog.
As you are probably aware I was going to Strathalbyn, but Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend seems more direct. I will probably get to Tailem Bend tomorrow.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Day 206
Date:- 6 October 2010
Distance:- 83.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 12282 Km
Start:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Finish:- Gawler Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night. Had a good sleep. I was a bit lazy this morning and didn’t get up till 7 am. Had breakfast, packed up and on the road by8.30 am.
I have decided to head down the A1 (Princes Highway) to Two Wells then turn off to Gawler.
About 2 km out of Port Wakefield the highway changed to a 4 lane highway all the way to Adelaide. I had a 2 metre wide Breakdown lane for most of my trip to Two Wells
A little cloud around early on and a light North westerly breeze which increased as the day progressed and scattered showers were forecast for latter in the day.
Stopped at the small town of Dublin about 36 km out for a cup of tea and a bowl of chips and gravy. Very nice. Back on the road and it wasn’t long before I arrived at Two Wells. Had another cuppa there before I set sail for Gawler.
The wind up to this stage was blowing right to left across the road. When I turned to go to Gawler It was on my right back and you could feel it pushing me along.
Had a tremendous run into Gawler arriving about 1.45 pm. Walked up the main street. Into OPSM to have the arms on my glasses tightened, then found the Information Office and got a bit of local advice on heading south. The caravan park wasn’t far from the Info place and camp was soon established.
I then went to the supermarket to get a couple of things for tea and the next couple of days. Back to camp to do my diary, cook tea and then to bed.
My right knee wasn’t too bad today. Just a slight tinge. I must have jarred it or something. I expect it will be back to normal after another nights rest.
Tomorrow I will head south towards Strathalbyn, stopping somewhere in between tomorrow night.
Distance:- 83.57 Km
Distance to Date:- 12282 Km
Start:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Finish:- Gawler Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night. Had a good sleep. I was a bit lazy this morning and didn’t get up till 7 am. Had breakfast, packed up and on the road by8.30 am.
I have decided to head down the A1 (Princes Highway) to Two Wells then turn off to Gawler.
About 2 km out of Port Wakefield the highway changed to a 4 lane highway all the way to Adelaide. I had a 2 metre wide Breakdown lane for most of my trip to Two Wells
A little cloud around early on and a light North westerly breeze which increased as the day progressed and scattered showers were forecast for latter in the day.
Stopped at the small town of Dublin about 36 km out for a cup of tea and a bowl of chips and gravy. Very nice. Back on the road and it wasn’t long before I arrived at Two Wells. Had another cuppa there before I set sail for Gawler.
The wind up to this stage was blowing right to left across the road. When I turned to go to Gawler It was on my right back and you could feel it pushing me along.
Had a tremendous run into Gawler arriving about 1.45 pm. Walked up the main street. Into OPSM to have the arms on my glasses tightened, then found the Information Office and got a bit of local advice on heading south. The caravan park wasn’t far from the Info place and camp was soon established.
I then went to the supermarket to get a couple of things for tea and the next couple of days. Back to camp to do my diary, cook tea and then to bed.
My right knee wasn’t too bad today. Just a slight tinge. I must have jarred it or something. I expect it will be back to normal after another nights rest.
Tomorrow I will head south towards Strathalbyn, stopping somewhere in between tomorrow night.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Day 205
Date:- 5 October 2010
Distance:- 77.17 Km
Distance to Date:- 12199 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Comment:- Had tea in the camp kitchen while watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Retired to the tent about 9.15 pm.
The day has come when I start riding again. I was up at 6 am and over to the amenities to shave and shower. I then had breakfast in the camp kitchen, back to the tent and pack up.
I was on the road by 8 am. It was a cloudless sky and no wind. A light fog which lifted fairly quickly. Rode through the town and turned right and going to Bute (31 km)
About 15 km out I looked at the hills to my left and there are wind turbines for as far as the eye can see. Not much production as there was no wind.
Arrived at Bute 32 km out about 10.30 am. Had a coffee and meat pie. Back on the road and heading for Kulparra. I am on nice quiet country roads at the moment. A lot of cropping through this area - wheat, oats, barley, lucerne and some canola. Arrived at Kulparra and onto the road to Port Wakefield.
Stopped at a Look Out just out of Kulparra which over looked the country side and ocean. On a clear day it would make a tremendous photo. I rode out from the lookout and enjoyed a 2 km downhill run (Sign said 5% gradient) Then a gentle undulating road to my destination.
I arrived in Port Wakefield about 4 pm and stopped at the various roadhouses looking for a good map of the area. I have decided to go around Adelaide which means I will be using a few back roads.
Basically I hope to ride from Port Wakefield to Gawler, then to Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend then down to the Coorong.
May have better luck at the Info Office in Gawler.
Found the caravan park and went through the usual procedures. That is book in, tent up, shower then down the street. Had tea at one of the local eateries, back to the park and do my diary and blog. I started to write my diary at one of the outdoor settings, but soon relocated to my tent. The mossies had found me and they were going beserk.
My health? I still feel a little chestie but not too bad. I am a little concerned about my right knee which is a bit sore. I don’t know why. Hopefully a rest overnight and all will be OK
Tomorrow, as I said, I hope to get to Gawler.
Distance:- 77.17 Km
Distance to Date:- 12199 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Wakefield Caravan Park
Comment:- Had tea in the camp kitchen while watching the Commonwealth Games on TV. Retired to the tent about 9.15 pm.
The day has come when I start riding again. I was up at 6 am and over to the amenities to shave and shower. I then had breakfast in the camp kitchen, back to the tent and pack up.
I was on the road by 8 am. It was a cloudless sky and no wind. A light fog which lifted fairly quickly. Rode through the town and turned right and going to Bute (31 km)
About 15 km out I looked at the hills to my left and there are wind turbines for as far as the eye can see. Not much production as there was no wind.
Arrived at Bute 32 km out about 10.30 am. Had a coffee and meat pie. Back on the road and heading for Kulparra. I am on nice quiet country roads at the moment. A lot of cropping through this area - wheat, oats, barley, lucerne and some canola. Arrived at Kulparra and onto the road to Port Wakefield.
Stopped at a Look Out just out of Kulparra which over looked the country side and ocean. On a clear day it would make a tremendous photo. I rode out from the lookout and enjoyed a 2 km downhill run (Sign said 5% gradient) Then a gentle undulating road to my destination.
I arrived in Port Wakefield about 4 pm and stopped at the various roadhouses looking for a good map of the area. I have decided to go around Adelaide which means I will be using a few back roads.
Basically I hope to ride from Port Wakefield to Gawler, then to Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend then down to the Coorong.
May have better luck at the Info Office in Gawler.
Found the caravan park and went through the usual procedures. That is book in, tent up, shower then down the street. Had tea at one of the local eateries, back to the park and do my diary and blog. I started to write my diary at one of the outdoor settings, but soon relocated to my tent. The mossies had found me and they were going beserk.
My health? I still feel a little chestie but not too bad. I am a little concerned about my right knee which is a bit sore. I don’t know why. Hopefully a rest overnight and all will be OK
Tomorrow, as I said, I hope to get to Gawler.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Day 204
Date:- 4 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Cooked and had tea about 7.30 pm last night, watched a bit of TV then off to bed about 8.45 pm. I am feeling pretty good now. Ready to get back on the road and heading for home.
I have been warned the traffic would be horrific on Monday as everyone will be returning home after a long weekend. I will heed their advice and go to morrow.
Awoke about 7.30 am this morning and got up about 8.30 am after listening to the radio and feeling quite lazy. Wandered over to the camp kitchen and had breakfast. Chatted to a few people who were packing up and returning to Adelaide after their long weekend. Read a bit more of my borrowed book before returning it to the person who lent it to me.
I then wandered down the street and had lunch at one of the many cafes open for business. Back to camp and checked my bike and trailer over ready for tomorrow. Had a phone call from Ian from Geelong.
Wandered around the caravan park and got chatting to the owner of a Cole 23 (Trailer Sailer) He put the boat in the water this morning and found the area wasn’t really suitable for yachts. He had hit a channel marker scrapping right down the port side of the boat.
Had a quick phone call from Tony Spark who was checking on what I was up to. He spoke very highly of the World Cycling Championships in Geelong. Everything was great. The weather, the spectators and of course the competitors.
Gathered my gear to do my diary and Blog and over to the camp kitchen to work in comfort.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Wakefield a distance of 80 km.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Cooked and had tea about 7.30 pm last night, watched a bit of TV then off to bed about 8.45 pm. I am feeling pretty good now. Ready to get back on the road and heading for home.
I have been warned the traffic would be horrific on Monday as everyone will be returning home after a long weekend. I will heed their advice and go to morrow.
Awoke about 7.30 am this morning and got up about 8.30 am after listening to the radio and feeling quite lazy. Wandered over to the camp kitchen and had breakfast. Chatted to a few people who were packing up and returning to Adelaide after their long weekend. Read a bit more of my borrowed book before returning it to the person who lent it to me.
I then wandered down the street and had lunch at one of the many cafes open for business. Back to camp and checked my bike and trailer over ready for tomorrow. Had a phone call from Ian from Geelong.
Wandered around the caravan park and got chatting to the owner of a Cole 23 (Trailer Sailer) He put the boat in the water this morning and found the area wasn’t really suitable for yachts. He had hit a channel marker scrapping right down the port side of the boat.
Had a quick phone call from Tony Spark who was checking on what I was up to. He spoke very highly of the World Cycling Championships in Geelong. Everything was great. The weather, the spectators and of course the competitors.
Gathered my gear to do my diary and Blog and over to the camp kitchen to work in comfort.
Tomorrow I will head for Port Wakefield a distance of 80 km.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Day 203
Date:- 3 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night and listened to the radio before going to sleep. Feeling a lot better now and I was thinking of getting back on the road tomorrow.
Daylight saving came into effect over night and I was up at 8 am and over for a shower. I then had a slow breakfast, then joined the queue of free loaders for the free pancakes offered by the caravan staff.
I went back to my tent and laid down and started reading a book someone had lent me. The autobiography of R.M.Williams. I got absorbed in the book and before I knew it was lunch time (1 pm). Made myself a couple of sandwiches and a cuppa.
I then wandered down to the water front to watch the model yachts again. They are really authentic. All the rules of racing apply, port and starboard, buoy room, etc. The boats can run and reach as well as tack and you don’t get wet. The competition was quite fierce.
Treated myself to another coffee and cake before returning to the caravan park and do my diary and blog.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night and listened to the radio before going to sleep. Feeling a lot better now and I was thinking of getting back on the road tomorrow.
Daylight saving came into effect over night and I was up at 8 am and over for a shower. I then had a slow breakfast, then joined the queue of free loaders for the free pancakes offered by the caravan staff.
I went back to my tent and laid down and started reading a book someone had lent me. The autobiography of R.M.Williams. I got absorbed in the book and before I knew it was lunch time (1 pm). Made myself a couple of sandwiches and a cuppa.
I then wandered down to the water front to watch the model yachts again. They are really authentic. All the rules of racing apply, port and starboard, buoy room, etc. The boats can run and reach as well as tack and you don’t get wet. The competition was quite fierce.
Treated myself to another coffee and cake before returning to the caravan park and do my diary and blog.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Day 202
Date:- 2 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- After completing my diary last night, Evon rang and we talked for a considerable time. I then cooked tea, watched some TV before heading off to bed.
Had a very good nights sleep finally surfacing about 8 am. Had a shower then breakfast in the camp kitchen. I spent the morning reading various magazines and chatting to my next door neighbours.
About 1 pm I wandered down the street and onto the jetty where the remote controlled yachts where racing. Quite interesting and very realistic. Maybe my next hobby. I then went up the street to the local R.S.L. club to watch the start of the Grand Final between Collingwood and Saint Kilda. Watch the first quarter before wandering off and enjoyed a coffee and cake at a local café.
I then made my way back to the caravan park and watched the third quarter on the TV in the camp kitchen. The result was going to be a fore gone conclusion. Back to my tent to read a bit more when my next door neighbour, John offered me some home brew. It went down very well.
They went into town for tea and I gathered my gear to do my diary and blog and off to the camp kitchen.
No real plans for tomorrow other than enjoying the free pan cakes on offer here then down to see the model yachts again.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- After completing my diary last night, Evon rang and we talked for a considerable time. I then cooked tea, watched some TV before heading off to bed.
Had a very good nights sleep finally surfacing about 8 am. Had a shower then breakfast in the camp kitchen. I spent the morning reading various magazines and chatting to my next door neighbours.
About 1 pm I wandered down the street and onto the jetty where the remote controlled yachts where racing. Quite interesting and very realistic. Maybe my next hobby. I then went up the street to the local R.S.L. club to watch the start of the Grand Final between Collingwood and Saint Kilda. Watch the first quarter before wandering off and enjoyed a coffee and cake at a local café.
I then made my way back to the caravan park and watched the third quarter on the TV in the camp kitchen. The result was going to be a fore gone conclusion. Back to my tent to read a bit more when my next door neighbour, John offered me some home brew. It went down very well.
They went into town for tea and I gathered my gear to do my diary and blog and off to the camp kitchen.
No real plans for tomorrow other than enjoying the free pan cakes on offer here then down to see the model yachts again.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Day 201
Date:- 1 October 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I prepared tea in the well equipped camp kitchen. I then watched a bit of TV before Gerd arrived back here with his son, Garry. We chatted for a while before I got my long awaited phone call from Evon.
The three girls, Evon, Roz and Mundi, had a great time in China and I am looking forward to hearing all about the trip when I get home.
Had a phone call from Pam from Geelong enquiring about my wellbeing. I am really grateful for your concerns and advice.
Garry had departed while I was on the phone and Gerd was in his van, so on my return to my tent I had another chat with Gerd before retiring to bed about 10.30 pm. Gerd is heading back home in the morning.
Had a good nights sleep, crawling out of bed about 7 am, in time to thank Gerd for all his help and wish him a safe trip home. Had a very nice hot shower then settled in to have a nice breakfast. Cleaned up my tent. Received a phone call from Ian from Geelong who was also concerned about my health.
I then grabbed my camera and went for a walk along the foreshore up to the jetty. There are a number of shelters and BBQ along the fore shore and kiddies playgrounds. Out along the jetty where there were a number of people fishing.
I didn’t realize how big this town was. Two hotels, Supermarket, Hardware store, Chemist, Bakery, Butchers and numerous coffee shops.
Bruce from Clifton Springs rang and we had a bit of a chat. Will get together on my return to Geelong.
Back to the caravan park and made my lunch. Read a couple of magazines before going back to the tent, laying down and dozing off to sleep for a few hours. Made myself a coffee about 4 pm and sat on one of the many seats outside enjoying the wonderful sunshine.
I am feeling quite a bit better although there is still some congestion on my chest and a couple of aching joints. Certainly a lot better than a couple of days ago.
I am now doing my diary and Blog before I cook tea etc. Tomorrow there is a model boat regatta which I am looking forward to seeing, other than that another quiet day.
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