Date:- 30 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Port Augusta Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Broughton Caravan Park
Comment:- Gerd and I, after setting up camp, drove down to the local hotel and enjoyed a counter meal, then back to the caravan park and into bed. I had a very good nights sleep and felt a little better this morning.
Have decided to take Gerd up on his offer and go to Port Broughton. So packed everything up and loaded it into his van and away by 7.45 am. We stopped at Port Pirie at the supermarket and purchased some items for my meals over the next few days. Gerd bought us a nice coffee and other goodies, then it was back on the road to Port Broughton.
Arrived at the caravan park in Port Broughton about 11.15 am booked in and set up camp. Prepared some lunch in the fully equipped camp kitchen. Watched some TV, then a stroll around the caravan park.
Had a phone call from Allan, a motorcyclist I met in Western Australia. He lives in Melbourne and had read my Blog from last night and was enquiring about my well being. It was a pleasure to hear from you.
Evon has returned safely home from her overseas trip. It was tremendous hearing from her and that she had a very good time.
Hope to hear and see photos in the very near future.
It is a public holiday in South Australia on Monday so I will either take off from here on Sunday or Tuesday to avoid the traffic congestion following a public holiday.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Day 199
Date:- 29 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Port Augusta Caravan Park.
Comment:- Well have I got a story to tell now. After tea last night I was charging my various batteries while watching TV in the camp kitchen, a large van pull up and reversed into the shed where I was. He had obviously stayed here before. It was a gentleman by the name of Gerd. Once he got set up he joined me watching TV and chatting. I told him I had a touch of the flu and that I wasn’t feeling 100% and I asked him if he would give me a lift to Ceduna and he said yes and if I desired he could take me to Port Augusta. I said I would sleep on it.
Well I had a very rough night, hardly sleeping a wink, aching all over, hot and sweaty, etc. I was up at 6.30 am packed up all my gear and transferred it across to where Gerd’s van was. Loaded everything in quite comfortably and were on our way by 8 am as planned. It was very nice sitting in a comfy seat watching the road go by. We were in Ceduna before we knew it and I had decided I had a better prospect of medical treatment in Port Augusta.
Our first stop was Wirrulla General Store for morning tea and toilet break. Then it was onto Kimba where we made a quick lunch break. Then onto Port Augusta and to the local hospital where I was given a simple examination, was given ventolin in a mask and the nurses had made an appointment with the local doctor.
It was then off to see the doctor who gave me a more thorough examination and diagnosed severe bronchitis for which he wrote a script for some antibiotics and told to rest up for a few days. Down to the chemist to pick up my script.
If it wasn’t for Gerds insistence I probably would be still in Penong. I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Gerd who not only transporting me and my gear to Port Augusta but transported me around to the hospital, the doctors, the chemist and finally to our caravan park. Thank you sincerely Gerd.
Tomorrow he is off to Port Broughton and has offered to transport me there. It maybe a little less expensive than where I am now but we will assess the situation in the morning.
I would like to think I am deferring my riding this route to a latter date, that is from Penong to Port Augusta.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Day 198
Date:- 28 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night with a couple of panadol to help me sleep. Had a reasonable sleep but still had a couple of aches and pains and a ticklish throat this morning.
Decided a rest day would be more beneficial to my wellbeing I didn’t crawl out of bed till 8 am. Had breakfast, then took a stroll down the street. Went to the Penong General Store where I enjoyed a couple of free cups of coffee, before making a few purchases. I bought a BBQ meat pack, loaf of bread, a tin of fruit and a couple of other things.
Back to the caravan park to store my purchases. I received a phone call from Reg from Leopold. I worked with Reg up until his retirement at a wool scour in Geelong. It was nice to hear another familiar voice. Thanks Reg and will catch up with you when I return.
I cooked my lunch on the BBQ along with some vegetables left in the laundry by people heading east. After washing up I laid down in my tent for a few hours listening to the radio. The wind blew from the south east all day and threats of rain continued but never eventuated.
Up and mobile about 4.30 pm, had a nice long hot shower, then my diary and Blog. Another BBQ tonight then another early night. I feel a little better, possibly because I am relaxing and not exerting myself. I would like to get to Ceduna tomorrow. We will have a look at the forecast etc.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Penong Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- I was in bed by 8.30 pm last night with a couple of panadol to help me sleep. Had a reasonable sleep but still had a couple of aches and pains and a ticklish throat this morning.
Decided a rest day would be more beneficial to my wellbeing I didn’t crawl out of bed till 8 am. Had breakfast, then took a stroll down the street. Went to the Penong General Store where I enjoyed a couple of free cups of coffee, before making a few purchases. I bought a BBQ meat pack, loaf of bread, a tin of fruit and a couple of other things.
Back to the caravan park to store my purchases. I received a phone call from Reg from Leopold. I worked with Reg up until his retirement at a wool scour in Geelong. It was nice to hear another familiar voice. Thanks Reg and will catch up with you when I return.
I cooked my lunch on the BBQ along with some vegetables left in the laundry by people heading east. After washing up I laid down in my tent for a few hours listening to the radio. The wind blew from the south east all day and threats of rain continued but never eventuated.
Up and mobile about 4.30 pm, had a nice long hot shower, then my diary and Blog. Another BBQ tonight then another early night. I feel a little better, possibly because I am relaxing and not exerting myself. I would like to get to Ceduna tomorrow. We will have a look at the forecast etc.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Day 197
Date:- 27 September 2010
Distance:- 81.32 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I did my diary I laid down in my tent again for an hour or two. Went over to the café for tea then back to the tent and bed about 7.45 pm. Had a couple of panadol then off to sleep.
Had a good nights sleep. Up at 6.30 am, had breakfast and on the road by 7.30 am. Good road, gentle undulations as usual. Overcast sky with my old favourite the south easterly breeze. Gentle at first but increased as the day wore on. Cloud started to clear mid morning and periods of sunshine were experienced.
Rode past the turn off to Fowlers Bay a popular fishing venue, also I believe where an early explorer started from. This turn off was about 30 km out.
A lot of broad acres cropping through this area and looking very healthy.
An approaching cyclist crossed the road and we had a chat. It was Mike from Sydney. He is riding from Sydney to Perth, staying in Perth for a couple of weeks before flying back to Sydney.
No idea what the time is as my wonderful $20 watch has decided to stop temporarily. Had my break on the side of the road 40 km out.
There are quite a few ruins of buildings dotting the landscape. All old stone buildings and I bet they can tell a story or two.
Passed a sign for an aboringal community and museum. I was going to stop and have a coffee but there was no further signage and no caravans visible, so I just rode past.
I was now starting to feel a bit down. The wind had increased in speed and was swinging from south east , to south, then south west and back again. It was a head wind, then on my right face, then on my side. The road seemed to be gradually climbing and quite a few trucks passing. Every time a truck passed or overtook me, I would stop, because the amount of wind they pushed was horrendous.
The closer I got to Penong the weaker I was feeling, eventually arriving at the caravan park about 4.15 pm. Very nice park and I was able to pitch my tent under a shelter type of shed. Excellent showers with plenty of room to move. Laundry was free so I put a small load in, then hung them out to dry on the clothes line.
Down the street for tea then back to camp to do my diary in the big community shed. I shall bring my Blog up to date then head off to bed with a couple of panadol.
I may stay here another day as its threatening to rain and I don’t like getting wet. Another day off probably wouldn’t hurt to give my body time to get better.
Evon gets home on Thursday so I would like to be in mobile phone coverage either here or Ceduna.
Distance:- 81.32 Km
Distance to Date:- 12122 Km
Start:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Finish:- Penong Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night after I did my diary I laid down in my tent again for an hour or two. Went over to the café for tea then back to the tent and bed about 7.45 pm. Had a couple of panadol then off to sleep.
Had a good nights sleep. Up at 6.30 am, had breakfast and on the road by 7.30 am. Good road, gentle undulations as usual. Overcast sky with my old favourite the south easterly breeze. Gentle at first but increased as the day wore on. Cloud started to clear mid morning and periods of sunshine were experienced.
Rode past the turn off to Fowlers Bay a popular fishing venue, also I believe where an early explorer started from. This turn off was about 30 km out.
A lot of broad acres cropping through this area and looking very healthy.
An approaching cyclist crossed the road and we had a chat. It was Mike from Sydney. He is riding from Sydney to Perth, staying in Perth for a couple of weeks before flying back to Sydney.
No idea what the time is as my wonderful $20 watch has decided to stop temporarily. Had my break on the side of the road 40 km out.
There are quite a few ruins of buildings dotting the landscape. All old stone buildings and I bet they can tell a story or two.
Passed a sign for an aboringal community and museum. I was going to stop and have a coffee but there was no further signage and no caravans visible, so I just rode past.
I was now starting to feel a bit down. The wind had increased in speed and was swinging from south east , to south, then south west and back again. It was a head wind, then on my right face, then on my side. The road seemed to be gradually climbing and quite a few trucks passing. Every time a truck passed or overtook me, I would stop, because the amount of wind they pushed was horrendous.
The closer I got to Penong the weaker I was feeling, eventually arriving at the caravan park about 4.15 pm. Very nice park and I was able to pitch my tent under a shelter type of shed. Excellent showers with plenty of room to move. Laundry was free so I put a small load in, then hung them out to dry on the clothes line.
Down the street for tea then back to camp to do my diary in the big community shed. I shall bring my Blog up to date then head off to bed with a couple of panadol.
I may stay here another day as its threatening to rain and I don’t like getting wet. Another day off probably wouldn’t hurt to give my body time to get better.
Evon gets home on Thursday so I would like to be in mobile phone coverage either here or Ceduna.
Day 196
Date:- 26 September 2010
Distance:- 73.15 Km
Distance to Date:- 12042 Km
Start:- West Yatala Rest Area
Finish:- Nundroo Caravan Park
Comment:- After I had completed my diary I laid down in my tent and listened to a riveting broadcast of the last half of the Grand Final in Victoria. It was a draw so both teams have to line up again next week.
I then went for a walk around the rest area for about hour before cooking and enjoying my tea. There was a tank of water at the rest area so I had no problem washing up, etc.
Very heavy cloud cover came in from the south about 5 pm. I thought we were in for a couple of heavy showers. No rain was forth coming.
Crawled into bed about 7.45 pm, had a couple of Pannadol for my sore throat, listened to the radio before dropping off to a good nights sleep.
Up to a light foggy morning about 6.30 pm. Had breakfast, packed and away by 7.30 am. Nice little 3 km gentle hill climb first up, then the road was gently undulating from then on.
Its just delightful riding early this morning. A hint of fog in the valleys, crisp morning and no wind to speak of. Everything is good.
Pulled into Yalata Roadhouse about 9 am. Has been all boarded up. There was some activity in the caravan park so I think that is still operational.
Turned over 12,000 kms today, only 2,000 km left to get home and with my rough calculations I should be home by October 28th.
Took my break on the side of the road about 10.30 am, then back on the road to Nundroo.
I seem to be entering more intensive pastoral country with fencing and cleared areas visible on both sides of the road. Another 10 km down the road crops were visible and everything looks very healthy.
About 5 km from Nundroo a crow was going berserk and swopping at me so I assume there was a nest nearby. I have never know crows to be that protective.
Arrived at Nundroo Caravan Park and booked in. Fairly Spartan type of place but the showers and toilets were clean and working.
Over to the restaurant to find a table and chairs so I can sit in comfort and do my diary. Tried to SMS my daughters but the pubic phone wont accept my phone cards.
Tomorrow I will go to Penong a distance of 76 km
Day 195
Date:- 25 September 2010
Distance:- 71.61 Km
Distance to Date:- 11969 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yatalla West Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15 am to a beautiful sunrise and behind me the moon was still going down. Not a cloud in the sky.
Packed everything up and over to the café for a light breakfast, tea and toast. On the road by 7.30 am. Flat road, light westerly (tail) wind, and I am feeling great. Since I have been in South Australia the roads are good but no breakdown lanes and the shoulders are very loose gravel.
Passed the Head of the Bight about 14 km out and most cars seem to be going to have a look at the whales. Its 12 km in so I have elected not to venture in.
About 20 km down the road a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger drew along side for a chat and I was invited to have a cuppa with them. It was Murray and Simone who had their motor home parked up a bush track while they went and explored on their motorbike.
Back on the road again after a nice 30 minute break and a further 10 km down the road a caravan had stopped on the side of the road and the driver held up a couple of oranges. That was enough reason to stop. They gave me half a dozen oranges and after a chat we went our separate ways. They came from Albany and knew of Phil and Josie.
Had my break on the side of the road about 11 am. I had thoughts of making Nundro today but a couple of hills and a wind change soon put pay to that idea.
Arrived at the West Yatalla Rest Area about 2.30 and soon settled in. No one else here in the early stages and I hope that changes. Time will tell.
I will see if I can pick up the footy broadcast this afternoon while I am dodging the flies.
I was having a small problem with the march flies. They were biting like crazy even through my lycra. Aerogard had no effect on them but they disappeared as quick as they appeared
Tomorrow I will go to Nundro Roadhouse
Distance:- 71.61 Km
Distance to Date:- 11969 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Yatalla West Rest Area
Comment:- Up at 6.15 am to a beautiful sunrise and behind me the moon was still going down. Not a cloud in the sky.
Packed everything up and over to the café for a light breakfast, tea and toast. On the road by 7.30 am. Flat road, light westerly (tail) wind, and I am feeling great. Since I have been in South Australia the roads are good but no breakdown lanes and the shoulders are very loose gravel.
Passed the Head of the Bight about 14 km out and most cars seem to be going to have a look at the whales. Its 12 km in so I have elected not to venture in.
About 20 km down the road a motorcyclist with a pillion passenger drew along side for a chat and I was invited to have a cuppa with them. It was Murray and Simone who had their motor home parked up a bush track while they went and explored on their motorbike.
Back on the road again after a nice 30 minute break and a further 10 km down the road a caravan had stopped on the side of the road and the driver held up a couple of oranges. That was enough reason to stop. They gave me half a dozen oranges and after a chat we went our separate ways. They came from Albany and knew of Phil and Josie.
Had my break on the side of the road about 11 am. I had thoughts of making Nundro today but a couple of hills and a wind change soon put pay to that idea.
Arrived at the West Yatalla Rest Area about 2.30 and soon settled in. No one else here in the early stages and I hope that changes. Time will tell.
I will see if I can pick up the footy broadcast this afternoon while I am dodging the flies.
I was having a small problem with the march flies. They were biting like crazy even through my lycra. Aerogard had no effect on them but they disappeared as quick as they appeared
Tomorrow I will go to Nundro Roadhouse
Friday, September 24, 2010
Day 194
Date:- 24 September 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café, then watched some television in the bar before I retired to bed. Had a good nights sleep.
I have decided to have a rest day so I was up at 7 am and hung my washing out then breakfast
A cyclist passing through stopped and said hi. It was Adam who was riding from Fremantle to Melbourne.
Checked over my trailer and bike, cleaned them up a bit and oiled up the chain.
Then over to the café with my computer and maps to work out my next few days. Since the ferry is not running between Cowell and Wallaroo I will have to alter my route up to Port Augusta then down to Adelaide.
I like getting those phone calls when I am in mobile range. Jill and Stuart the other night and Ian this afternoon. Keep them coming.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Yatala West Rest Area a distance of about 70 km.
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 11897 Km
Start:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Finish:- Nullarbor Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I had tea in the café, then watched some television in the bar before I retired to bed. Had a good nights sleep.
I have decided to have a rest day so I was up at 7 am and hung my washing out then breakfast
A cyclist passing through stopped and said hi. It was Adam who was riding from Fremantle to Melbourne.
Checked over my trailer and bike, cleaned them up a bit and oiled up the chain.
Then over to the café with my computer and maps to work out my next few days. Since the ferry is not running between Cowell and Wallaroo I will have to alter my route up to Port Augusta then down to Adelaide.
I like getting those phone calls when I am in mobile range. Jill and Stuart the other night and Ian this afternoon. Keep them coming.
Tomorrow I hope to get to Yatala West Rest Area a distance of about 70 km.
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