September Tuesday 23rd - Sunday 27th
Sep 27th, 2008 by steve
Its only 65kms from Denmark to Walpole but I found the trip very tiring and physically draining due to the topography and the wind. I really needed a few days off after just a few days ‘on’ cycling up and down the hills here in the SW - reminded me of the foothills of the Blue Mountains were I first set off almost 8 months ago.
Tuesday - left Denmark in midday sunshine and light winds. Very hilly hard going, overcast by afternoon with increasing wind from the west. Made 25 kms, camped in bush near Owingup Creek.
Wednesday - Another 25kms to Nornalup on winding, hilly, shoulderless road but at least - unlike Stirling Ranges road - no B-Double or B-Triples every 5 minutes. Increasing cloud cover and some afternoon showers. Camped on the Franklin River in a 3 sided boat shed - its’ open side facing the river - the local cafe owner suggested it might suit as overnight rain was expected. Rained on and off all night, driven by strong Westerlies making it difficult to find a sprayless spot in the three sided boat shed.
Thursday - overcast with rain squalls driven by blustery westerlies all day so I sat the day out sheltering in the shed. A few hardy boaters passed in various craft - tinnies and canoes; obviously curious as what the ‘hobo’ was doing holed up in the boat shed.
Friday - last 15kms into Walpole. A quaint little country town with a very pleasant YHA. Rest and recreation in W.
Saturday - Tripped out to the Tree top Walk to experience the ‘tall trees’ - Karri and Tingle. Its a long weekend here in WA this week so there were lots of tourists. A big group of people from the sub-continent provided a lot of observational entertainment. I think I enjoyed watching them at play more than obsering the trees.
Sunday - another R&R day as the weather is not good for cycling.
