Saturday 13 April 2019
NSW to Perth Wed 10/4 Eucla, Thurs 11/4 Fraser Range, 12/4Merredin, 13/4 Perth
As I mentioned there was no wifi across the Nullabor. Even when we were staying in a pricey motel in Merredin last night it was an extra charge which I refused to pay. So this is the highlights of the past days.
The ride to Eucla was probably most notable for the little birds I saw flitting around in the salt bush. There were also lots of crows and some wedgetails that were surviving very nicely off the roadkill. At Nullabor Roadhouse we were eating our lunch outside because it was sunny and along came a young magpie who sat near the table and warbled hopefully at us. When we didn't offer any food he hopped along to the men at the next table and sang again. It is the first time I have seen a maggie acting as a busker.
When we arrived at the motel units at Eucla the man in the units opposite was holding forth about the ludicrous speed limits on this road. The local SA policeman had clocked him at 145km/hr which cost him $980.00 and 7 demerits. The person defending the rules was a retired cop. Bob found the conversation amusing especiially since the offender had roared past us and admitted he was doing 160 kms at that stage. He was old enough to know better and seemed to have the resources not to be impoverished by the fine.
The next day the roads were the section which has the long straights including the 90 mile( 143.5 kms) straight. Bob spent most of the time riding just across the centreline so that the opposite camber wore the tread on the tyres evenly. The traffic was light and there was plenty of warning of oncoming vehicles. It was cool at first because we had started early but after lunch it was 39 C and we were very pleased to reach Fraser Range. We went straight to our cool stone walled room in the old shearers quarters but also turned on the airconditioning until we cooled down. Dinner is always just one choice and you have to book in at the time you check-in. It was roast chiicken and vegetables and the serve was huge. It was great to have veges for a change and they were generous portions. Just as we went into dinner it started to rain and it continued to rain all night. I am sure the station people were delighted and we were relieved because we knew it would be a cool ride. The only tricky part was navigating the unsealed access road. It was pretty slimey where some of the caravaners had left early but Bob did a great job of choosing the best track and we made the main road safely.
On the road this day we were travelling through the Great Western Woodland which extends from about 30 kms east of Balladonia to Coolgardie. The woodland became the Goldfields Woodland when it began again after the impact area of the mines around Kalgoorlie/ Coolgardie. From there it morphs into the Yellowdine Reserve. I hadn't noticed the specific reserves before but I guess they were developed as a reaction to the decimation of the vegetation by the mining industry.
We had left early again so we were in Southern Cross by lunch time. This was too early to stop and so we rode the extra 100 kms to Merredin. Dinner at the Commercial Hotel was a sociable event. While I was ordering our meals a guy standing next to me asked if we were "grey nomals". Fairly cheeky I thought so I suggested we join them at the large table he and his mate were sitting at. It emerged that they were two new employees at the Mukinbuden Bendigo Bank. They had driven the 80 kms in for dinner and some male bonding. Their manager is a woman.
The hotel was closed for a while and has recently reopened with new owners so it was good to see a reasonable crowd. Dinner took a while to arrive but was very good when it did. We were joined by a sparky couple of Melbournites of our era who introduced us to a new tag. "SHITs" which is Silver Haired Itinerate Travelers which we though decribed the four of us more accurately than grey nomads since we were short term expeditioners.
Today we were on the road by 8am and had just one stop at Meckering. For the first time we had a look at the display showing details of the 1968 earthquake. Most amazing was the section of the Mundaring to Kalgoorle pipeline which has been telescoped into itself and pushed up 15feet into the air.
We arrived at Ingrid's well before lunch while she was still at the markets buying fresh veges for us. It has been nice to relax this afternoon. This is the end apart from some photos.
The ride to Eucla was probably most notable for the little birds I saw flitting around in the salt bush. There were also lots of crows and some wedgetails that were surviving very nicely off the roadkill. At Nullabor Roadhouse we were eating our lunch outside because it was sunny and along came a young magpie who sat near the table and warbled hopefully at us. When we didn't offer any food he hopped along to the men at the next table and sang again. It is the first time I have seen a maggie acting as a busker.
When we arrived at the motel units at Eucla the man in the units opposite was holding forth about the ludicrous speed limits on this road. The local SA policeman had clocked him at 145km/hr which cost him $980.00 and 7 demerits. The person defending the rules was a retired cop. Bob found the conversation amusing especiially since the offender had roared past us and admitted he was doing 160 kms at that stage. He was old enough to know better and seemed to have the resources not to be impoverished by the fine.
The next day the roads were the section which has the long straights including the 90 mile( 143.5 kms) straight. Bob spent most of the time riding just across the centreline so that the opposite camber wore the tread on the tyres evenly. The traffic was light and there was plenty of warning of oncoming vehicles. It was cool at first because we had started early but after lunch it was 39 C and we were very pleased to reach Fraser Range. We went straight to our cool stone walled room in the old shearers quarters but also turned on the airconditioning until we cooled down. Dinner is always just one choice and you have to book in at the time you check-in. It was roast chiicken and vegetables and the serve was huge. It was great to have veges for a change and they were generous portions. Just as we went into dinner it started to rain and it continued to rain all night. I am sure the station people were delighted and we were relieved because we knew it would be a cool ride. The only tricky part was navigating the unsealed access road. It was pretty slimey where some of the caravaners had left early but Bob did a great job of choosing the best track and we made the main road safely.
On the road this day we were travelling through the Great Western Woodland which extends from about 30 kms east of Balladonia to Coolgardie. The woodland became the Goldfields Woodland when it began again after the impact area of the mines around Kalgoorlie/ Coolgardie. From there it morphs into the Yellowdine Reserve. I hadn't noticed the specific reserves before but I guess they were developed as a reaction to the decimation of the vegetation by the mining industry.
We had left early again so we were in Southern Cross by lunch time. This was too early to stop and so we rode the extra 100 kms to Merredin. Dinner at the Commercial Hotel was a sociable event. While I was ordering our meals a guy standing next to me asked if we were "grey nomals". Fairly cheeky I thought so I suggested we join them at the large table he and his mate were sitting at. It emerged that they were two new employees at the Mukinbuden Bendigo Bank. They had driven the 80 kms in for dinner and some male bonding. Their manager is a woman.
The hotel was closed for a while and has recently reopened with new owners so it was good to see a reasonable crowd. Dinner took a while to arrive but was very good when it did. We were joined by a sparky couple of Melbournites of our era who introduced us to a new tag. "SHITs" which is Silver Haired Itinerate Travelers which we though decribed the four of us more accurately than grey nomads since we were short term expeditioners.
Today we were on the road by 8am and had just one stop at Meckering. For the first time we had a look at the display showing details of the 1968 earthquake. Most amazing was the section of the Mundaring to Kalgoorle pipeline which has been telescoped into itself and pushed up 15feet into the air.
We arrived at Ingrid's well before lunch while she was still at the markets buying fresh veges for us. It has been nice to relax this afternoon. This is the end apart from some photos.
Tuesday 9 April 2019
NSW to Perth Tues 9/4/19 to Ceduna
Well it was a smoother departure this morning once Bob had found a service station that had a functioning air hose. It was pretty windy as we left Port Augusta and then it rained. However once we reached Iron Knob 60 kms up the road the road direction changed and the wind was not so buffetting. We stopped at Kimba at the Pink Galah because I wanted to buy a couple of T shirts so we had a coffee and a pink iced bun. Very wicked. This was fortunate because we knew that the next four towns along the way were mere skeltons and we would be lucky to find lunch. We finally found a shop serving food in the last town before Ceduna at 1.00pm and bought the last two pasties which were the last two anything. The shop was closing at 1.30pm for a local funeral. It occurred to us that burial is the only option in these towns as they are a fairly long way from the alternative.
We were in Ceduna by 2.30pm and checked into our usual motel. The owner/ operator gave us one of the rooms with the covered area again and he has fast wifi.
Bob then invited a Harley rider who arrived later to share our bay because he looked anxious trying to work out whether his bike would be secure. His bike makes the most dreadful noise but he turned out to be a nice person who just likes a noisy bike. It was only later that it occurred to us that he is on his way to Melbourne and has a deadline so will probably be starting it up outside our window at 5am.
We went to the hotel for dinner and had delicious King George Whiting. I deliberagely scheduled us to be here for my birthday because I knew the food was good and the ones in the stops either side are not as good. It was delicious but I over ate by having sweets as well.
Tomorrow we go to Eucla and the night after we will be at Fraser's Range and neither of them have wifi so there won't be any more blogs until Souther Cross.
We were in Ceduna by 2.30pm and checked into our usual motel. The owner/ operator gave us one of the rooms with the covered area again and he has fast wifi.
Bob then invited a Harley rider who arrived later to share our bay because he looked anxious trying to work out whether his bike would be secure. His bike makes the most dreadful noise but he turned out to be a nice person who just likes a noisy bike. It was only later that it occurred to us that he is on his way to Melbourne and has a deadline so will probably be starting it up outside our window at 5am.
We went to the hotel for dinner and had delicious King George Whiting. I deliberagely scheduled us to be here for my birthday because I knew the food was good and the ones in the stops either side are not as good. It was delicious but I over ate by having sweets as well.
Tomorrow we go to Eucla and the night after we will be at Fraser's Range and neither of them have wifi so there won't be any more blogs until Souther Cross.
Photos of Port Gemaine
Bob looking at history on panels with appropriate sculptures around. The other panel describes the purpose of the stange construction past his shoulder. The sun made it difficult to photograph but it described the clock faced depth gauge which guided ships into the port.
NSWto Perth Mon 8/4/19 to Port Augusta
We left Adelaide via the ring road without actually seeing the city centre. Another time. Even so it was a bit tense as it was still peak hour and the lights prioritised cross traffic going into the business area. This frustrated Bob as he always just seemed to miss the green. Fortunately no one else could hear his language. As we headed north there was a vicious cross wind which made life hard . We had planned to drive up through the Southern Flinders Ranges anyway and this meant we were more comfortable once we were in the shelter of the hills. Clare has grown some what since our last visit and the vineyards were wall to wall green up the sides of the hills. Lots of towns have planted deciduous trees and the cooler nights has brought out the colours so it was quite beautiful. Some of the other towns were not prospering as much and we had lunch in a funny old cafe in Spalding which had had an important history in the early diversion of water by the construction of huge concrete chanels. These have been replaced by modern steel pipes and the town is quietly withering. If we had continued northwards we knew from past experience that we would be exposed to the wind on the plateau so we cut across towards Port Pirie. We didn't go into this rather unattractive town (I was told) but visited the next port to the north. This was the first port on Spencer's Gulf and loaded wheat, wool and timber to the sailing ships along a two mile long jetty. The jetty is now only one mile long but claims to be the longest wooden jetty remaining in Australia. It is a pretty town that relies on tourism since the construction of deep water ports at Pirie and Augusta.
We stayed at our favourite motel in Port Augusta and strolled along to the usual pub for dinner.
We stayed at our favourite motel in Port Augusta and strolled along to the usual pub for dinner.
NSW to Perth Sunday 7/4/19 to Adelaide
This was a sraight forward ride along the Western Hway to Horsham and then the Wimmera Hway through Nhill, Dimbola and Bordertown. The Wimmera region seemss to have had a good year despite the drought elsewhere. There were huge covered mounds of wheat at all the collection centres and stacks of the big square bales of hay in paddocks and loaded on trucks ready to take to export at Bordertown.
We have noticed the "death " of lawns from Bendigo onwards in particular. Strict water rationing has meant that they don't rate as a priority. Flower gardens are rarely seen and are striking when people have contrived water for them. Scattered shrubs are the standard front garden. This was not the case in Horsham, Dimboĺa and Nhill though as they obviously had access to irrigation water and local Councils had prioritised public streetscapes and recreation areas.
The Wimmera Hway bypasses Dimboola but it is such a memorable name from history that we decided to go through it. It is an attractive small town with all the buildings well kept. The businesses are suffering a bit from it's proximity to Nhill but it seems to be surviving due to the productive wheat and sheep lands. We saw lots of new lambs too.
We had arranged to meet some of our new "Wing" aquaintances on the way into Adelaide. Lesley and Robert Anderson live at Strathalbyn on the SE and it was an easy stop. We arrived at about 1.30 for the lunch they had offered. It was very pleasant catching up and enjoying their home made hamburgers. I eventually had to tear Bob away because Robert loves talking bikes and we had a commitment to meet Lorenzo Caruso in Glenelg when he finished work at his tatoo studio at 6pm. We had booked into a "family" motel in downtown Glenelg and he had burst out laughing when Bob told him where we were staying. He said "it is next door to my house". And it was. His side fence was the back fence of the motel. This was convenient because he had arranged for a friend of his to do an oil change on our bike. He met us just after we arrived, pointed out the good Italian restaurant across the road and invited us to come around for a cuppa and cake afterward. We met his delightful wife Jeanette and were invited to come back for "really good coffee" at 8.30 the next morning before being guided to his friends backyard garage. All proceeded as arranged and we were on the road by 9.15.
We have noticed the "death " of lawns from Bendigo onwards in particular. Strict water rationing has meant that they don't rate as a priority. Flower gardens are rarely seen and are striking when people have contrived water for them. Scattered shrubs are the standard front garden. This was not the case in Horsham, Dimboĺa and Nhill though as they obviously had access to irrigation water and local Councils had prioritised public streetscapes and recreation areas.
The Wimmera Hway bypasses Dimboola but it is such a memorable name from history that we decided to go through it. It is an attractive small town with all the buildings well kept. The businesses are suffering a bit from it's proximity to Nhill but it seems to be surviving due to the productive wheat and sheep lands. We saw lots of new lambs too.
We had arranged to meet some of our new "Wing" aquaintances on the way into Adelaide. Lesley and Robert Anderson live at Strathalbyn on the SE and it was an easy stop. We arrived at about 1.30 for the lunch they had offered. It was very pleasant catching up and enjoying their home made hamburgers. I eventually had to tear Bob away because Robert loves talking bikes and we had a commitment to meet Lorenzo Caruso in Glenelg when he finished work at his tatoo studio at 6pm. We had booked into a "family" motel in downtown Glenelg and he had burst out laughing when Bob told him where we were staying. He said "it is next door to my house". And it was. His side fence was the back fence of the motel. This was convenient because he had arranged for a friend of his to do an oil change on our bike. He met us just after we arrived, pointed out the good Italian restaurant across the road and invited us to come around for a cuppa and cake afterward. We met his delightful wife Jeanette and were invited to come back for "really good coffee" at 8.30 the next morning before being guided to his friends backyard garage. All proceeded as arranged and we were on the road by 9.15.
Saturday 6 April 2019
Photos Halls Gap
Friday 5 April 2019
NSW to Perth Sat 6/4/19 Halls Gap & Stalwell
Yesterdays run to Halls Gap was cruisy. We were there for lunch and the bakery was our first stop. It fronted on to a shady park with picnic tables and there were Major Michell Cockatoos, Kookaburras, Magpies and a one legged Maned Goose/Duck which were obviously used to being fed by visitors. We had a chat with fellow travellers and then headed for the Halls Gap Motel. After time to relax we went shopping for breakfact essentials on foot to stretch our legs. While we were sitting outside our room later watching the sunset we met some of the neighbours. Some had two legs and were chatty some had four legs and long tails and ignored us completely as they focussed on the greenest of the grass. We went to the recommended restaurant for dinner and it was very good.
Today we rode up the Pass into the Grampians National Park and tackled the two hour return walk up to the Pinnacle. It wasn't particularly difficult but it did take the full two hours. Along the way we were told by a slightly breathless woman that it was the easiest rated walk up there; suitable for the elderly and children. Since we had tackled the most difficult climb here back in 1972 we didn't feel slighted by this information. The views were stunning and when we arrived at the Pinnacle Lookout there were lots of people up there. Plenty of them were young international tourists but others were oldies like us. As we were walking down we met family groups with young children in tow. Later we heard that today is the first day of the school holidays. That is undoubtedly one reason that we could only have one night there. It has not been a problem because after another visit to the bakery we rode the 24 kms across to Stalwell. This is a larger but quieter town on Saturday afternoon. We have been for a stroll around the city centre, bought supplies for breakfast and then visited the laundromat. This is an old goldmining town and some of the public buildings are very impressive. They are more widely distributed than other towns which detracts from the effect a little. The main oval where they now hold the Stawell Gift still has a beautiful old grandstand. As we walked the Main Street we found the names of the Gift winners and where they came from since 1881 on brass plaques embedded in the footpath.
Now we are sitting on our piece of the verandah in the sun and grateful for it. It rained overnight which pleased the locals but has been sunny today which pleases the visitors. Over and out.
Today we rode up the Pass into the Grampians National Park and tackled the two hour return walk up to the Pinnacle. It wasn't particularly difficult but it did take the full two hours. Along the way we were told by a slightly breathless woman that it was the easiest rated walk up there; suitable for the elderly and children. Since we had tackled the most difficult climb here back in 1972 we didn't feel slighted by this information. The views were stunning and when we arrived at the Pinnacle Lookout there were lots of people up there. Plenty of them were young international tourists but others were oldies like us. As we were walking down we met family groups with young children in tow. Later we heard that today is the first day of the school holidays. That is undoubtedly one reason that we could only have one night there. It has not been a problem because after another visit to the bakery we rode the 24 kms across to Stalwell. This is a larger but quieter town on Saturday afternoon. We have been for a stroll around the city centre, bought supplies for breakfast and then visited the laundromat. This is an old goldmining town and some of the public buildings are very impressive. They are more widely distributed than other towns which detracts from the effect a little. The main oval where they now hold the Stawell Gift still has a beautiful old grandstand. As we walked the Main Street we found the names of the Gift winners and where they came from since 1881 on brass plaques embedded in the footpath.
Now we are sitting on our piece of the verandah in the sun and grateful for it. It rained overnight which pleased the locals but has been sunny today which pleases the visitors. Over and out.
Thursday 4 April 2019
NSW to Perth Thurs 4/4/19 to Bendigo
It was chilly and overcast when we left Tumbarumba this morning. We enjoyed this small town and were glad of our unintentional visit. The road backtracked a bit at first then took us out to the edge of the mountainous area. This was where I took the photo from the lookout. It was built as a memorial to a plane that crashed with 8 people on board in 1931. The remains were not found until 27 years later when a worker on the Snowey Hydro Scheme went bush walking and found it.
From here we went down a "steep 3 km decent" to the foothills where pasture had been established for sheep and cattle. Fortunately this road had more gentle curves and Bob could enjoy the ride. Everywhere was green as they have had enough rain to get the grass growing and even germinate some crops. We still came across a large herd of young Black Angus that were grazing the "long paddock" that had plentiful growth of paspalam and other grasses. We proceeded cautiously but they were more interested in eating than diving across in front of us. It was a beautiful ride out to Corryong and we found a very busy town there. It was the 1st day of a 4 day horse event and we were glad we weren't looking for accomodation there. As we headed across to Wadonga we met lots of horse floats heading toward the event. I wonder why they are called floats and not trailors?
Once we had crossed into Victoria the green pasture diminished and the paddocks here are waiting for rain. There is some irrigation so it doesn't look as bad as SA.
We made it comfortably to Mildura but our hopes of having two nights here have been scotched by a gymnastics competition and a basketball carnival. Instead we will have a short run to Halls Gap tomorrow and stay close by in Stalwell the following night. All booked because it is the weekend. Maybe one day I will have the chance to explore the town centre of Mildura.
From here we went down a "steep 3 km decent" to the foothills where pasture had been established for sheep and cattle. Fortunately this road had more gentle curves and Bob could enjoy the ride. Everywhere was green as they have had enough rain to get the grass growing and even germinate some crops. We still came across a large herd of young Black Angus that were grazing the "long paddock" that had plentiful growth of paspalam and other grasses. We proceeded cautiously but they were more interested in eating than diving across in front of us. It was a beautiful ride out to Corryong and we found a very busy town there. It was the 1st day of a 4 day horse event and we were glad we weren't looking for accomodation there. As we headed across to Wadonga we met lots of horse floats heading toward the event. I wonder why they are called floats and not trailors?
Once we had crossed into Victoria the green pasture diminished and the paddocks here are waiting for rain. There is some irrigation so it doesn't look as bad as SA.
We made it comfortably to Mildura but our hopes of having two nights here have been scotched by a gymnastics competition and a basketball carnival. Instead we will have a short run to Halls Gap tomorrow and stay close by in Stalwell the following night. All booked because it is the weekend. Maybe one day I will have the chance to explore the town centre of Mildura.
Photos
NSW to Perth Wed 3/4/19 to Tumberumber
The motel we checked into last night had had it's wifi antenna damaged by lightening so this is why I am in catchup mode.
Yesterday we left Gerringong early because Ros was up early to catch the train to work in Wollengong. So we bounced out to say our goodbyes and thank yous. The plan was to at least make Cooma at the edge of the Snowy Mountains and possibly Khancoban if we felt up to it. We actually had lunch in Cooma so decided to go to Khancoban via Kiama. This took us up through the alpine meadows to the last remaining building of the old gold mining town. The stone Courthouse was last used for purpose in the late 1800's but then became a ski lodge and bar until more modern resorts took away it's custom. It has now been restored and acts as a focus for a history walk around the old workings.
This was where we turned off for Khancoban and the road wound gradually higher. After some time we were taken aback to see a sign which said the road was closed at the Tumut Pond Dam. We were past the sign and winding our way down to the dam before the implication really sank in. We decided to check out the dam anyway and it was quite impressive. There was no road block at the end of the wall but there was a car parked there. The couple were tourists also but better informed than us. They told us that the road was definately closed due to a bushfire that had only just been controlled and would not be open until it had been found to be safe from falling trees. They knew the area and gave us our options; either return to Cooma or return to a road junction about 20 minutes back and take the road up to Tumberumba. They thought there was accommodation at Tumba.
We opted for the latter and set off. The road was through the edge of the Kosciuszko National Park and quickly became mountainous. We wound up and down through beautiful valleys covered with tall Stringy Bark and Mountain Ash trees with clear streams wandering through. It was very steep and Bob was constantly changing gears as we wound around tight corners. We saw quite a few of the beautiful red and blue King Parrots. Then we rounded a corner and there were two of the wild brumbies and a foal. It was very special. We eventually reached Tumbarumba and found a comfortable motel ( with no wifi ) and had a good meal at the pub. Bob had a well deserved good nights sleep.
Yesterday we left Gerringong early because Ros was up early to catch the train to work in Wollengong. So we bounced out to say our goodbyes and thank yous. The plan was to at least make Cooma at the edge of the Snowy Mountains and possibly Khancoban if we felt up to it. We actually had lunch in Cooma so decided to go to Khancoban via Kiama. This took us up through the alpine meadows to the last remaining building of the old gold mining town. The stone Courthouse was last used for purpose in the late 1800's but then became a ski lodge and bar until more modern resorts took away it's custom. It has now been restored and acts as a focus for a history walk around the old workings.
This was where we turned off for Khancoban and the road wound gradually higher. After some time we were taken aback to see a sign which said the road was closed at the Tumut Pond Dam. We were past the sign and winding our way down to the dam before the implication really sank in. We decided to check out the dam anyway and it was quite impressive. There was no road block at the end of the wall but there was a car parked there. The couple were tourists also but better informed than us. They told us that the road was definately closed due to a bushfire that had only just been controlled and would not be open until it had been found to be safe from falling trees. They knew the area and gave us our options; either return to Cooma or return to a road junction about 20 minutes back and take the road up to Tumberumba. They thought there was accommodation at Tumba.
We opted for the latter and set off. The road was through the edge of the Kosciuszko National Park and quickly became mountainous. We wound up and down through beautiful valleys covered with tall Stringy Bark and Mountain Ash trees with clear streams wandering through. It was very steep and Bob was constantly changing gears as we wound around tight corners. We saw quite a few of the beautiful red and blue King Parrots. Then we rounded a corner and there were two of the wild brumbies and a foal. It was very special. We eventually reached Tumbarumba and found a comfortable motel ( with no wifi ) and had a good meal at the pub. Bob had a well deserved good nights sleep.
Photos
NSW to Parth Tues 2/4 19 Gerringong
Ros had to work on Tues so Hans was our tour guide for the day. First priority was a coffee at his favourite cafe downtown. I say downtown advisedly because Gerringong is a small town on some very steep hills. Not push bike country. We then walked down to the boat harbour and I was cross with myself because I forgot to take my camera. It was a beautiful little bay enclosed by rocky cliffs which had a seapool built by the early residents. There were originally 3 pools: one for men, one for women and one for children. The remaining one was very tempting and I wished that I had my bathers. From there we climbed up the adjacent headland through the most beautifully located cemetary. It was absolutely prime real estate and very farsighted of the early settlers to annex this piece of land. The graves dated from the late 1800's.
Our next stop was in complete contrast as it was The Seven Mile Beach. This is an expanse of golden sand that is very firm and comfotable to walk on. We went for a walk and I was intrigued by the sand dunes. This beach is exposed to strong winds and the despite the firm sand the wind pushes up dunes about 1 metre high in parallel rows across vulnerable sections of the beach. We had a delicious lunch in a cafe nearby.
Ros had mentioned a rain forest walk as a local attraction and Hans obligingly drove us out there. It was a 2 km walk up hill on boardwalks to a pretty waterfall. I posted the photo in a previous batch. The walk was lovely and not too strenuous. The real highlight though was hearing a Lyrebird singing his repertoire including a rather croaky kookaburra at the end. The other calls: magpie, bell bird, wood chopping and some I didn't recognise he had off pat. It was about 4pm by the time we were quietly walking back to the entrance and we came upon 6 Lyrebirds scratching around near the path. They took off once they realised we were there but I did manage to get a slightly blurred photo of two of them.
By the time we arrived home Ros was almost home from work and when we were organised we went off to the local club to eat again and continue catching up after 20 years of exchanging news in Christmas cards.
Our next stop was in complete contrast as it was The Seven Mile Beach. This is an expanse of golden sand that is very firm and comfotable to walk on. We went for a walk and I was intrigued by the sand dunes. This beach is exposed to strong winds and the despite the firm sand the wind pushes up dunes about 1 metre high in parallel rows across vulnerable sections of the beach. We had a delicious lunch in a cafe nearby.
Ros had mentioned a rain forest walk as a local attraction and Hans obligingly drove us out there. It was a 2 km walk up hill on boardwalks to a pretty waterfall. I posted the photo in a previous batch. The walk was lovely and not too strenuous. The real highlight though was hearing a Lyrebird singing his repertoire including a rather croaky kookaburra at the end. The other calls: magpie, bell bird, wood chopping and some I didn't recognise he had off pat. It was about 4pm by the time we were quietly walking back to the entrance and we came upon 6 Lyrebirds scratching around near the path. They took off once they realised we were there but I did manage to get a slightly blurred photo of two of them.
By the time we arrived home Ros was almost home from work and when we were organised we went off to the local club to eat again and continue catching up after 20 years of exchanging news in Christmas cards.
Monday 1 April 2019
Photos
NSW To Perth 1/4/19 Gerringong
Note the change of direction in the title. We had a great time in Karuah. It was a very well organised Meeting. There were 70 bikes in all but some people had driven their cars for various reasons so there were about 170 of us all up. The caravan park was comfortable with the only irritant being the mosquitoes. There was a couple of hours of pouring rain on Saturday morning which delayed the grand parade of bikes through town. However it stopped at about 11am and off we went. Happily it also seemed to drown most of the mosquitoes. Sunday afternoon we went on a ride on a raod known as Bucket's Way which was very scenic. We had lunch at a local popular pub and then went to the National Motorcycle Museum. I knew that once Bob stepped foot in there it would a long time before he emerged. I took my book and after a quick look inside I retreated to a comfortable seat outside and had a relaxing read until he was ready to leave two hours later.
There was a farewell BBQ on Sunday evening and then those who were still there prepared to leave. We sought advice from the locals as to the best way to skirt Sydney and make our way to Gerringong on the south coast. We set off anticipating a shorter day than usual. Unfortunately verbal directions aren't very detailed so it turned into a long day. We rode over to Broke via Pokolbin through the trendy vineyard area. Here we missed the turn and over optimistically took the road into the Woollambi Valley. It was beautiful and like a forgotten world after the glitz of Pokolbin. Against our hope it did not connect with the Putty Road and we had to backtrack losing an hour. Incidently I reseached the origins of the Putty Road due to it's unusual name. There is an interesting history of the development of the Putty Valley accessible through Google. We eventually had lunch at Grey Gums Cafe halfway down the Putty Road. By the time we reached Penrith it was after school time and very slow. Then our route planners had forgotten or not seen the huge roadworks involved with the development of the new airport at Badgery's Creek.
Surfice to say we were very pleased to finally reach the home of friends at Gerringong. Ros has been a friend since our Social Work studies days and we have stayed in touch. She and Hans had dinner ready for us and it was nice to have a home cooked meal. We are exploring this area today and moving on tomorrow.
There was a farewell BBQ on Sunday evening and then those who were still there prepared to leave. We sought advice from the locals as to the best way to skirt Sydney and make our way to Gerringong on the south coast. We set off anticipating a shorter day than usual. Unfortunately verbal directions aren't very detailed so it turned into a long day. We rode over to Broke via Pokolbin through the trendy vineyard area. Here we missed the turn and over optimistically took the road into the Woollambi Valley. It was beautiful and like a forgotten world after the glitz of Pokolbin. Against our hope it did not connect with the Putty Road and we had to backtrack losing an hour. Incidently I reseached the origins of the Putty Road due to it's unusual name. There is an interesting history of the development of the Putty Valley accessible through Google. We eventually had lunch at Grey Gums Cafe halfway down the Putty Road. By the time we reached Penrith it was after school time and very slow. Then our route planners had forgotten or not seen the huge roadworks involved with the development of the new airport at Badgery's Creek.
Surfice to say we were very pleased to finally reach the home of friends at Gerringong. Ros has been a friend since our Social Work studies days and we have stayed in touch. She and Hans had dinner ready for us and it was nice to have a home cooked meal. We are exploring this area today and moving on tomorrow.
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