Sandy Point to Bairnsdale

March 28, 2015
Bairnsdale, Victoria, Australia
Holiday Park

38 years ago today my first baby was born. What a happy mommy I was! Thank you, Avery, for choosing me to be your mother! No matter how far apart we are, you're still right under my heart. Love you, Sweetie!!

First night out from Sandy Point was a short ride into Foster, a darling town I'd had lunch in when the Coupers gave me a tour. And I had spied the town park by the creek as a possible tent spot. Since it was Friday and there was a farmers market scheduled for Saturday morning, I decided to hang out. And who did I run into? Keith Couper! He's a park ranger who's office is in Foster. And he spotted Blaze and couldn't miss my voice:). I also decided I needed a project for the long winter nights and there was a yarn shop in town. Sox are a good project to carry on the bike, don't ya think? The yarn is heritage wool yarn from Italy and knits up into a Fair Isle like pattern. The needles are so small I feel like I'm knitting with miniature needles:). And now that I gave most of one cuff done I think the sizing is off. Yes, I did a test and it looked like I would run big which would be fine. I may be ripping these out. S'okay. I've got lots of time:))!!

The market was a bust. Few veggies and that's what I wanted. They say it's been a poor growing season this summer with little rain.

Along the road into the forest, I met a farmer and chatted. A while later he pulled up behind me. He said he just had to tell me how dangerous it was to bike the Grand Ridge Rd. And now at least he can sleep because he warned me. Ok. But that's the route I want to take. Appreciate the warning.

That night I was camped on the side of the very, very quiet road overlooking a beautiful valley. Got to watch an amazing sunset. About 9:30, after I was asleep I hear a car pull up and some guy talking to me. "No camping." Really. I think it's all right. The police told me it was. "Ok, if the police said it." Then he wanted to know where I was headed. And I explained my route. "You can't go up in there! Gravel road. Big boulders. Dangerous logging trucks!" Ok. Thanks for the warning. "How old are ya?" Old enough, I replied. Didn't want him thinking I was some daffy grandma:). Then he told me his farm was across the way if I needed anything. Just need some sleep, I replied.

So in the morning, I'm thinking: two locals have told me it's dangerous "to go in there"! Hmmm. Wonder what it's like. Let's go and find out! If it's bad I'll turn around... like I've ever done that:)). I hate retracing my steps. Just ask April;)

I did get water at the first farmhouse I saw. Not his. And that was good because it was the last one I saw all day. But I saw forest views and wallabies and a black snake. All too fast for pics. The road was packed gravel and like a wide bike trail. One of my better decisions!

Camped again right on the side of the road. We're talking 10 ft off. No other options. And in the morning didn't a truck fly by. I had no trucks the day before because it was Sunday. None on Monday either. Or not many. That day the forest road ended and I was back on farm roads. Paved. Minimal traffic. Late in the day I was looking for water and stopped at several houses with no answer. The 4th house was a charm. A delightful 2 women, mother-in-laws. I got offered the lawn to camp but said I just needed someplace quiet so I was going down to the swing bridge. Another good idea. Delightful place with mowed grass and picnic tables. So nice I stayed 2 nights. Some times I just need a rest and I'm learning not to pass up great places. But 2 nights was enough. I was ready to go on.

But my bike needed attention. Still grinding gears. Bike shop in Sale, Darren aligned it and fixed the cable. All no charge. I went to the cafe next door where I had had lunch and chatted with the owner and got Darren's favorite thing and took it back to him. One good turn deserves another.

Back on the road out of town I camped on the mowed grass on a side road. Right near the firehouse and wouldn't ya know it had bright lights on all night :/. Oh well. It was quiet.

The next day had WIND! Tail winds that blew me into Bairnsdale where I needed to get chores done before the mountains. Also needed laundry and a shower so I booked into the Holiday Park for 2 nights. Ahh. A resort!


Livin' the life,

BagLady

Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman