Day 99– 17th July
2013 - Mt Gambier to Port Fairy
The first fine morning for many days and
this was warmly welcomed by us – Walter headed off and I almost caught him at
around 50 kms but decided to head into a turn-off at Piccanini Pools which is
an important Aboriginal cultural sight. It was to be a gravel road but it was a
very very smooth white sandy road and the view from the beach whilst standing
on a very small but high dune meant I was perched for a perfect view of the
beach and the beautiful green peaceful vegetation – very beautiful.
Cycling Stats: 160kms
Cycling Average: 29 kms per hour
The Piccanni Pools also along this road is
an important sanctuary for migratory birds and it is also somewhere where in
the summer I presume you can dive to see all species of fish, turtles as there
is a floating pontoon there.
Nelson, the next town is a small pretty
coastal town. Today was about forestry – huge vast forest plantations.
Unfortunately the road was rough – Walter had the first flat on his front tyre
just outside Mt Gambier. The road was rough – lots of signs told us that &
we were of the mind that if it is rough why not fix it !!
There were so many deep large potholes in
the road. There was Walter told me for the first 60 kms, a very hilly terrain
with numerous short steep climbs and most of the day there was a very brisk
head wind all the way so a very challenging ride today. He is fast asleep on
the couch now !!
The scenery changed dramatically after our
lunch stop and became very pretty picturesque green pasturelands with sheep and
cattle and another very large wind farm. I want to mention we met a lovely
friendly couple Ian & Maree who were on a 4 week driving holiday. They had
just come from Port Fairy and gave me their map – we had a huge chat and Ian
was very interested in Walter’s ride and our fundraising & so when I handed
him our bookmark he handed me a $50 note and said we are doing a great job – it
certainly is the people you meet and the support on the way – Walter was
thrilled to hear this later when I told him.
There were lots of logging trucks on the
road and I must admit I was a little concerned for Walter as the roads are
quite narrow here. The farming areas are so very beautiful though and I arrived
in Port Fairy before him and found our lodgings.
We had booked some accommodation on the
internet last night as we want to rest up and Trish & John at The Victoria
Apartments are very friendly and dropped by with an envelope with a donation & a wonderful
message of support – thank you – it certainly is about the people you meet !!
 |
| Piccanni Pools - a bird haven |
 |
| And here they are - the shy water birds |
 |
| The front tyre had to be changed for the first time since leaving Brisbane |
 |
| Forestry & lots of short sharp hills |
 |
| The fence of shoes & boots - I just came across it and had to stop - bizarre |
 |
| Standing on the small high duneat Piccanie and looking over the beach & the beautiful expansive view of the beach vegetation |
 |
| The border crossing happened so quickly that I missed it and had to go back to photograph the sign |
 |
| Lots of forest plantations |
 |
| And downhills and many uphills |
No comments:
Post a Comment