April 24, 2015
Braidwood, NSW, Australia
Easter Monday, ya that long ago, I was pedaling through rain and down a busy, holiday 2 lane road on my way from Jindabyne to Cooma and a Warmshowers host. Adrian had responded to my Rain Delay note the day before saying if I needed a lift, just give him a call. The day before I'd only made it 5 kms to a sweet cafe with a park next door. Outlook was for heavy showers all afternoon. Don't ya know, it never even drizzled after I out up my tent around 2 pm. That's okay. I needed a rest. Been feeling a bit tired. And besides it was Easter Sunday!
So here I was, Easter Monday, with all the cars driving back to Sydney. And I get a flat tire! Mind you, I think I was riding on it for 20 kms. Couldn't figure out why mybtrike was all of a sudden pulling right. Checked everything except that. I never get flat tires so I don't think about it. So I'm cold and wet on a busy road with no shoulder about 15 kms outside Cooma. I'd ridden 45 kms already. "Adrian? Can you come pick me up?" Sure. If he hadn't offered, I wouldn't have called. WS folks do so much for us already, I wouldn't think to ask for more. But since he offered...
And one night turned into three. Monday night Adrian took me along to a Hash run...I walked...and dinner. Tuesday night we drove 1.5 hours to Canberra to his fencing class at the University. I got to suit up:). It's a physically and mentally exhausting sport. I can attest.
In between he fixed this and that on my bike and my gear. What a handy guy! We cleaned my chain and tubes, aligned my front end (again), etc. Finally, Thursday morning I hit the road northward. A late start because I knew where I wanted to damp 35 kms down the road in a town park. Next morning, I was dragging to get up and packed. Just didn't feel up to par. Still rumbly tummy for a couple of weeks now. And fatigue. I was pedaling and crying. No energy. Not feeling myself, but not real sick. Adrian had offered that if I needed anything, just call. "Adrian? Can you pick me up?" Sure. And he got me right in to see a doc and get some antibiotics for giardia, which I thought I had. I stayed for 10 more days getting tests done with no specific diagnosis. Some times the fatigue was so bad all I could do was lay around. No energy. Then lightheadedness. Dizzy spells. Go figure. When I had 3 good days in a row, it was time to go.
During that stay I got to go up into the mountains and see the Nordic Ski Center and help spruce it up. Got to see Mt Kosiuszko, the highest point on this continent. No energy to climb it though:(. Got a tour of the area and one of the dams.
During the last couple of days at Adrian's, he got a note from a young German fellow that crashed in a large hole up in the mountains on his bike and was being brought by ambulance to the Cooma hospital. He needed a place to stay when he got out. We went down to the hospital to see if we could help. He was okay after they stitched his lip, so he came home with us. Adrian was able to arrange for someone to bring down his broken bike and gear. That saved a trip! He's hoping to replace his front fork and continue on his way. He couldn't have landed at a better place to get everything done. Thank goodness for Warmshowers! Adrian, I can't thank you enough for everything you did to make me feel comfortable and at home!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Friday, April 24, 2015
Saturday, April 4, 2015
Pics for Buchan to Jindabyne
Dead carcasses hanging by the mailbox. Dingos I think.
A phone booth in the middle of nowhere!
And it worked!
And a trike on the cover of the phone book!!!!!!
Getting water from a tank. Had to climb through the fence because no one was around.
Old schoolhouse. First old building I've seen.
Another beautiful campsite. No one around for miles. No phone signal. REMOTE!
These guys road in one day what took me 5! Then turned around and road back the next!! Training for a mountain bike ride in Mongolia that will be 8 consecutive days like that! A century each day!!
Dam on Snowy River
Fall is coming!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Buchan to Jindabyne
March 31, 2015
Galentipy, Victoria, AU
Last night I had one of the most magical camp sites. I passed on staying in the small, but cute town of Buchan at a quaint park campground "like the 1950's" they said. And I missed seeing the caves by 10 minutes. Wasn't sure I wanted to. Claustrophobic big time. Why do you think I love the great outdoors???
So I cycled out about 4 pm. And up and up in the hottest part of the day. Thank you umbrella! Lots of big paddocks. No shoulder to the road. No side roads. Hmmm? Wonder what tonight's camping spot will look like. Found a pulloff, or layby as they're called here. Didn't look inviting. Keep moving. You're not desperate yet. In an hour you will be. See a dirt road pulling off to the right. Possibilities up here. Nothing great. Pretty close to the road. (I don't like the noise.). Where's this road go? So I walk up the hill to a fairly mowed flat spot, a gate, and a loading ramp. This is great! So up I pedal. And the views were amazing. I love the day's end. Quiet. Restful. All the creatures are tucking in for the night. You'll see the pics in another post.
Today was a lot of climbing. Looking at the profile map tonight I now understand why my legs don't want to move. But it was spectacular views and then forests. Few cars. Fewer houses.
I found an injured animal on the side of the road in a ditch. Panting. Unable to rise. First thought it was a young deer. But it might have been a kangaroo. Hard to tell because it was curled up and couldn't stand. So sad. What could I do? Namaste. Namaste. I tried calling Wildlife Rescue number but got a recording because their swamped. Mother Nature is not always gentle. Namaste. And I biked away. And my heart hurt. Still does. Death is part of the flow of life. Doesn't make it easy.
Then later in an area that had burned out recently I see quite a bit of smoke coming out of a pile. I called 000 the emergency number and reported it. A bit further down the road I passed the fire ute going to my smoke. I hope they found all 3 hot spots I noticed. Wished they could help my injured animal. They didn't stop and talk to me.
A day full of ups and downs. And now it's dusk. That favorite part if the day. And I'm camped at a picnic spot just down the hill from a farmhouse. Very nice. But not as nice as last night:)
April 1, 2015
Suggan Buggan, Victoria, AU
Don't ya just love the name of this "fork in the road"? It's actually just a bridge and 2 houses I think. One on each side of the creek. I had a lovely, though rough, 10 km downhill on a dirt road. Day after tomorrow I pay for it with a 20 km climb. On a dirt road. Not sure I can do it in one day. We'll see. But tomorrow is a 5 km climb first thing then after a downhill, pretty flat. On dirt. That's slow going.
Whenever I've asked people about water on this stretch of secluded road, they've said "you'll cross a lot of creeks"...and they're right. I have. A lot of DRY creeks:(. It's been a dry summer. There's no water in them. Today I crawled through a fence to get to a water tank to stock up. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! I'm carrying 6 liters...good for 3 days. Then didn't the creek here have water flowing through it! Since I'm going up tomorrow I'd better stay stocked up. No water up high, I don't think. And I'm carrying food for 6 days. This is day number 2. I've got a ways to go. About 100 kms or 60 miles of tough road. Hard tellin', not knowin'...as they say in Maine.
I had amazing views out over the Alpine National Park of beautiful mountains. Lots of eucalyptus trees as far as the eye can see. It's a sight I never tire of. Takes my breath away every time. I'm in awe!
I'm at a town camp spot tonight. Thank you, Suggan Buggan! Free. And a spotless outhouse...with toilet paper!
April 2, 2015
Running Waters campsite on the Snowy River,
New South Wales, AU
Another day on all gravel road. Took from 8:30 to 4 pm to go 30 kms and I'm pooped! But it was such a wonderful ride and worth all the effort.
In NZ it was the foliage that impressed me and I tried to learn the names of many different trees while I was there. In Australia, it's the birds! I didn't know they had so many exotic birds here. And I'm not a bird person. But here they're do distinctly different. From the white cockatoos to the lyrical mud larks. Parrots, willy wags, and kookaburras. And many songs I don't even know yet. They are so entertaining. And so plentiful. What a surprise.
So I've officially bathed in the infamous Snowy River. And did it ever feel good. Simple pleasures: a bath and hair wash. And a quiet campsite. For a holiday weekend, I've been pretty lucky. One place I passed they were packed in bumper to bumper. But they must have had more room because some people stopped on here on their way there...and didn't return. Yup. Lucky me.
By my estimations I have 3 more days on this incredible road through the wilderness. Must say this has been one of my most favorite rides ever. I chatted with a woman today who invited me to come visit whenever I get to Brisbane. Thanks Jackie. See ya in a few months. And she said I've got quite a climb ahead: the 20 kms...and steep. I hope I can break it into 2 days. Hope there's a place to camp halfway up. Some days I can grind away, no worries. Other times each pedal stroke is painful and I stop frequently. And I never know when to expect what. I just know I'll get to the top. Somehow. Because that's what I have to do.
April 3, 2013
Wallace Craigie Lookout
"Not an official camping spot", so said the ranger I'd been seeing on and off all day as I climbed that freakin' hill. But he said ok. Just one night.
I had to get 6 liters of water from the river at the bottom before this all day climb. Didn't know where I'd be camping the next 2 nights and what my water options were. That's 12 lbs of water I hauled up the dusty gravel road during "rush hour" Good Friday traffic. I should have counted the cars, trucks, 4 WD utes towing back country campers, trucks hauling trailers with horses that passed me today raising up dust so bad one guy said I needed a gas mask:). Most slowed as they passed to lower the dust. Only a few sped by thoughtlessly. Many took pictures, or waved, or gave thumbs up...and most smiled. To see me slowly grinding up this dusty gravel road with my umbrella up, grinning away, must have made their day...for a moment anyways. And I made it...most of the way...still have 5 kms tomorrow. The steepest part. But today these legs were done.
April 4th
Dam on Snowy River, Jindabyne
I think I wore out my legs on that gravel after so many days of pedaling on it. My knees are throbbing. But the beauty was so worth it.
I think of all this great stuff I want to write in my journal while I'm pedaling. Then my mind goes blank when I start. Often times I can't remember if I already said something or just thought about writing it.
Yesterday I was so slow I was passed by some joggers on the gravel. How insulting! Now will folks believe me when I say I'm slow? But I did see a brumby (wild mustang), I think. But it was near a farm so maybe it was just a loose horse. Someone did say they like to hang out near the ranches, going from place to place. I also saw kangaroos. He was right in the road looking at me as I fumbled to get my phone out. Before I could take the picture, he hopped away. I put the phone away. Then out hopped his mate across the road:/. It wouldn't have been a good shot too far away. I'm seriously thinking about a super zoom camera because of all the shots I can't get with what I have. Then there's the issue of how to post them off the camera. If I could pick and choose which ones to transfer with wifi I'd like that feature. But I don't want all of them to move that way. Too much power zapper. Power is a previous commodity. Never enough.
I got into Jindabyne and never felt so alone in a crowd. Think of a mountain resort town on a big holiday weekend. People everywhere. Buzzing around chaotically. Not locals. No connections. Rain. And I don't have a plan. And I'm tired. Culture shock, to say the least. Got my groceries and got out of town. Now where to go? Head out of town and see what I can find. Look at that wide "grassy" area overlooking the dam accessible only by bikes or walking. Yup. Camp there!
Sometimes I think: did I miss seeing important or interesting sights by passing through so quickly? Should I stay and play tourist? Not in those crowds. Not this weekend. I'm enjoying lying alone next to the lake. I'm a traveler, not a tourist.
But I did arrange a Warmshowers host for tomorrow night in Cooma. Shower will be nice:)
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Galentipy, Victoria, AU
Last night I had one of the most magical camp sites. I passed on staying in the small, but cute town of Buchan at a quaint park campground "like the 1950's" they said. And I missed seeing the caves by 10 minutes. Wasn't sure I wanted to. Claustrophobic big time. Why do you think I love the great outdoors???
So I cycled out about 4 pm. And up and up in the hottest part of the day. Thank you umbrella! Lots of big paddocks. No shoulder to the road. No side roads. Hmmm? Wonder what tonight's camping spot will look like. Found a pulloff, or layby as they're called here. Didn't look inviting. Keep moving. You're not desperate yet. In an hour you will be. See a dirt road pulling off to the right. Possibilities up here. Nothing great. Pretty close to the road. (I don't like the noise.). Where's this road go? So I walk up the hill to a fairly mowed flat spot, a gate, and a loading ramp. This is great! So up I pedal. And the views were amazing. I love the day's end. Quiet. Restful. All the creatures are tucking in for the night. You'll see the pics in another post.
Today was a lot of climbing. Looking at the profile map tonight I now understand why my legs don't want to move. But it was spectacular views and then forests. Few cars. Fewer houses.
I found an injured animal on the side of the road in a ditch. Panting. Unable to rise. First thought it was a young deer. But it might have been a kangaroo. Hard to tell because it was curled up and couldn't stand. So sad. What could I do? Namaste. Namaste. I tried calling Wildlife Rescue number but got a recording because their swamped. Mother Nature is not always gentle. Namaste. And I biked away. And my heart hurt. Still does. Death is part of the flow of life. Doesn't make it easy.
Then later in an area that had burned out recently I see quite a bit of smoke coming out of a pile. I called 000 the emergency number and reported it. A bit further down the road I passed the fire ute going to my smoke. I hope they found all 3 hot spots I noticed. Wished they could help my injured animal. They didn't stop and talk to me.
A day full of ups and downs. And now it's dusk. That favorite part if the day. And I'm camped at a picnic spot just down the hill from a farmhouse. Very nice. But not as nice as last night:)
April 1, 2015
Suggan Buggan, Victoria, AU
Don't ya just love the name of this "fork in the road"? It's actually just a bridge and 2 houses I think. One on each side of the creek. I had a lovely, though rough, 10 km downhill on a dirt road. Day after tomorrow I pay for it with a 20 km climb. On a dirt road. Not sure I can do it in one day. We'll see. But tomorrow is a 5 km climb first thing then after a downhill, pretty flat. On dirt. That's slow going.
Whenever I've asked people about water on this stretch of secluded road, they've said "you'll cross a lot of creeks"...and they're right. I have. A lot of DRY creeks:(. It's been a dry summer. There's no water in them. Today I crawled through a fence to get to a water tank to stock up. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do! I'm carrying 6 liters...good for 3 days. Then didn't the creek here have water flowing through it! Since I'm going up tomorrow I'd better stay stocked up. No water up high, I don't think. And I'm carrying food for 6 days. This is day number 2. I've got a ways to go. About 100 kms or 60 miles of tough road. Hard tellin', not knowin'...as they say in Maine.
I had amazing views out over the Alpine National Park of beautiful mountains. Lots of eucalyptus trees as far as the eye can see. It's a sight I never tire of. Takes my breath away every time. I'm in awe!
I'm at a town camp spot tonight. Thank you, Suggan Buggan! Free. And a spotless outhouse...with toilet paper!
April 2, 2015
Running Waters campsite on the Snowy River,
New South Wales, AU
Another day on all gravel road. Took from 8:30 to 4 pm to go 30 kms and I'm pooped! But it was such a wonderful ride and worth all the effort.
In NZ it was the foliage that impressed me and I tried to learn the names of many different trees while I was there. In Australia, it's the birds! I didn't know they had so many exotic birds here. And I'm not a bird person. But here they're do distinctly different. From the white cockatoos to the lyrical mud larks. Parrots, willy wags, and kookaburras. And many songs I don't even know yet. They are so entertaining. And so plentiful. What a surprise.
So I've officially bathed in the infamous Snowy River. And did it ever feel good. Simple pleasures: a bath and hair wash. And a quiet campsite. For a holiday weekend, I've been pretty lucky. One place I passed they were packed in bumper to bumper. But they must have had more room because some people stopped on here on their way there...and didn't return. Yup. Lucky me.
By my estimations I have 3 more days on this incredible road through the wilderness. Must say this has been one of my most favorite rides ever. I chatted with a woman today who invited me to come visit whenever I get to Brisbane. Thanks Jackie. See ya in a few months. And she said I've got quite a climb ahead: the 20 kms...and steep. I hope I can break it into 2 days. Hope there's a place to camp halfway up. Some days I can grind away, no worries. Other times each pedal stroke is painful and I stop frequently. And I never know when to expect what. I just know I'll get to the top. Somehow. Because that's what I have to do.
April 3, 2013
Wallace Craigie Lookout
"Not an official camping spot", so said the ranger I'd been seeing on and off all day as I climbed that freakin' hill. But he said ok. Just one night.
I had to get 6 liters of water from the river at the bottom before this all day climb. Didn't know where I'd be camping the next 2 nights and what my water options were. That's 12 lbs of water I hauled up the dusty gravel road during "rush hour" Good Friday traffic. I should have counted the cars, trucks, 4 WD utes towing back country campers, trucks hauling trailers with horses that passed me today raising up dust so bad one guy said I needed a gas mask:). Most slowed as they passed to lower the dust. Only a few sped by thoughtlessly. Many took pictures, or waved, or gave thumbs up...and most smiled. To see me slowly grinding up this dusty gravel road with my umbrella up, grinning away, must have made their day...for a moment anyways. And I made it...most of the way...still have 5 kms tomorrow. The steepest part. But today these legs were done.
April 4th
Dam on Snowy River, Jindabyne
I think I wore out my legs on that gravel after so many days of pedaling on it. My knees are throbbing. But the beauty was so worth it.
I think of all this great stuff I want to write in my journal while I'm pedaling. Then my mind goes blank when I start. Often times I can't remember if I already said something or just thought about writing it.
Yesterday I was so slow I was passed by some joggers on the gravel. How insulting! Now will folks believe me when I say I'm slow? But I did see a brumby (wild mustang), I think. But it was near a farm so maybe it was just a loose horse. Someone did say they like to hang out near the ranches, going from place to place. I also saw kangaroos. He was right in the road looking at me as I fumbled to get my phone out. Before I could take the picture, he hopped away. I put the phone away. Then out hopped his mate across the road:/. It wouldn't have been a good shot too far away. I'm seriously thinking about a super zoom camera because of all the shots I can't get with what I have. Then there's the issue of how to post them off the camera. If I could pick and choose which ones to transfer with wifi I'd like that feature. But I don't want all of them to move that way. Too much power zapper. Power is a previous commodity. Never enough.
I got into Jindabyne and never felt so alone in a crowd. Think of a mountain resort town on a big holiday weekend. People everywhere. Buzzing around chaotically. Not locals. No connections. Rain. And I don't have a plan. And I'm tired. Culture shock, to say the least. Got my groceries and got out of town. Now where to go? Head out of town and see what I can find. Look at that wide "grassy" area overlooking the dam accessible only by bikes or walking. Yup. Camp there!
Sometimes I think: did I miss seeing important or interesting sights by passing through so quickly? Should I stay and play tourist? Not in those crowds. Not this weekend. I'm enjoying lying alone next to the lake. I'm a traveler, not a tourist.
But I did arrange a Warmshowers host for tomorrow night in Cooma. Shower will be nice:)
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Sunday, March 29, 2015
Pics
How lucky am I?
Don't see this sign anywhere else in the world.
10 ft guesstimate maybe was generous:)
Just like on MacLeod's Daughters station, Drovers Run.
A homeless man living on a bike. So much stuff he has to pull it and not ride it.
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
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
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
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Pics from Sandy Point
My first koala (not-a-bear)!
Sea life
Line kilns
Pelican
Samphire
Speaks for itself:)
Dinner with Ron and Deborah
School kids all must wear hats.
Little Oberon Bay at Wilson's Prom
Lunch with Ron and Deborah
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Friends at Sandy Point
March 25, 2015
Sale, Australia
Can ya tell I'm taking a zero day today? Getting caught up doing over my blog posts. First I'll write the journal. Pictures will come in another post. Hopefully reducing my frustrations. I've learned that the less stress I have, the less well I deal with stress. Hmm?
So I left the Coupers' Farm heading south to Sandy Point. I love it when I have local contacts and will go out of my way to meet up with them again. April and I met Ron and Deborah Gilchrist at a campground in Scotland and later stayed with them at house they were borrowing. I had to cycle down to Sandy Point to say Hi. Too close not too!
We had a good time: reminiscing about when we met, sharing stories about bike touring, site seeing the local retired lime kilns, hiking the coast at Wilson's Prom, and eating kangaroo! Saw my first koala (not-a-bear) in their backyard. They're as sweet in person. He just sat there munching his eucalyptus leaves while we walked around him taking pictures.
And besides eating kangaroo (which is available in grocery store, organic, and plentiful here...but tough, I thought), I had samphire, salty green twigs growing near the shoreline. My first samplings of "bush tucker"!
Well rested and ready to attack Australia, I cycled away. But since I'd planned on camping in the Foster town park that night (in order to shop at the farmers market in the morning), I didn't go that far. Gotta break myself in slowly.
Besides: I'm retired!!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Sale, Australia
Can ya tell I'm taking a zero day today? Getting caught up doing over my blog posts. First I'll write the journal. Pictures will come in another post. Hopefully reducing my frustrations. I've learned that the less stress I have, the less well I deal with stress. Hmm?
So I left the Coupers' Farm heading south to Sandy Point. I love it when I have local contacts and will go out of my way to meet up with them again. April and I met Ron and Deborah Gilchrist at a campground in Scotland and later stayed with them at house they were borrowing. I had to cycle down to Sandy Point to say Hi. Too close not too!
We had a good time: reminiscing about when we met, sharing stories about bike touring, site seeing the local retired lime kilns, hiking the coast at Wilson's Prom, and eating kangaroo! Saw my first koala (not-a-bear) in their backyard. They're as sweet in person. He just sat there munching his eucalyptus leaves while we walked around him taking pictures.
And besides eating kangaroo (which is available in grocery store, organic, and plentiful here...but tough, I thought), I had samphire, salty green twigs growing near the shoreline. My first samplings of "bush tucker"!
Well rested and ready to attack Australia, I cycled away. But since I'd planned on camping in the Foster town park that night (in order to shop at the farmers market in the morning), I didn't go that far. Gotta break myself in slowly.
Besides: I'm retired!!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
The Coupers
March 25, 2015
Sale, Australia
Okay, that worked. Must be something in that blog post that won't let me open it. I sure hope folks read these posts in order or they won't make sense. That's your problem:)
Five years ago, 3 young women were riding their bikes across the US and just happened to be on the Main St of Fairport (my hometown) when I was driving home. And ya know what I did? Dragged them home for the night! Narelle, Carmen, and Kathryn. An Aussie and 2 Americans. And the next day I loaded my bike and pedaled away with them, not knowing if I was going for a day, a week, a month, or all the way to California! I only lasted one night cycling with them, but the friendship formed has lasted these 5 years. And Narelle, the Aussie, and her family live near Melbourne so I changed my route and stopped in to meet everyone. Drover's Run (McLeod's Daughters reference...a great Australian TV show available on Netflix...be careful, it's addictive!) had nothing on the Couper's Farm. Keith and Glenda welcomed me with open arms even though I didn't bike in. And it turns out, Harry's sons (the bloke who changed my derailleur) work on the Coupers' computers. Small world.
I got a tiki tour the next day to the outlook over Corner Inlet and Wilson's Prom, a National Park; to Angels Falls; and down to a small harbor on the coast. Riding in a car is quite challenging for me due to the speed. My eyes can't focus on anything. Too fast. Makes me nauseous. But I like being able to see things I otherwise couldn't do I'm always grateful when shown about. (I'd like to post pictures but am afraid of crashing so I'll post them separately for now.)
That afternoon Natalie, Narelle's older sister, arrived laden with veggies for a Thai Curry. Yum! Thai is my favorite food! And she's as sweet as her sister, though they've led very different lives. Strong, capable, young women! YES!
The next day I got to ride one if the horses. It's been a long time but he didn't buck me off. He wanted to though. And Australian stock saddles are sorta like our English saddles but with wings that grab the legs. Glad to have the extra support. Rusty was a bit rusty not having been ridden in a year but it was a treat just the same!
Let's get this posted and I'll follow with some pics. That way I won't lose the text. Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Sale, Australia
Okay, that worked. Must be something in that blog post that won't let me open it. I sure hope folks read these posts in order or they won't make sense. That's your problem:)
Five years ago, 3 young women were riding their bikes across the US and just happened to be on the Main St of Fairport (my hometown) when I was driving home. And ya know what I did? Dragged them home for the night! Narelle, Carmen, and Kathryn. An Aussie and 2 Americans. And the next day I loaded my bike and pedaled away with them, not knowing if I was going for a day, a week, a month, or all the way to California! I only lasted one night cycling with them, but the friendship formed has lasted these 5 years. And Narelle, the Aussie, and her family live near Melbourne so I changed my route and stopped in to meet everyone. Drover's Run (McLeod's Daughters reference...a great Australian TV show available on Netflix...be careful, it's addictive!) had nothing on the Couper's Farm. Keith and Glenda welcomed me with open arms even though I didn't bike in. And it turns out, Harry's sons (the bloke who changed my derailleur) work on the Coupers' computers. Small world.
I got a tiki tour the next day to the outlook over Corner Inlet and Wilson's Prom, a National Park; to Angels Falls; and down to a small harbor on the coast. Riding in a car is quite challenging for me due to the speed. My eyes can't focus on anything. Too fast. Makes me nauseous. But I like being able to see things I otherwise couldn't do I'm always grateful when shown about. (I'd like to post pictures but am afraid of crashing so I'll post them separately for now.)
That afternoon Natalie, Narelle's older sister, arrived laden with veggies for a Thai Curry. Yum! Thai is my favorite food! And she's as sweet as her sister, though they've led very different lives. Strong, capable, young women! YES!
The next day I got to ride one if the horses. It's been a long time but he didn't buck me off. He wanted to though. And Australian stock saddles are sorta like our English saddles but with wings that grab the legs. Glad to have the extra support. Rusty was a bit rusty not having been ridden in a year but it was a treat just the same!
Let's get this posted and I'll follow with some pics. That way I won't lose the text. Hey, it's my blog. I can do what I want!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
BlogPress App Crashing
March 24, 2015
Sale, Australia
Arghhhh! I wrote a lovely blog update a couple of days ago. Ya know. Pictures and stories of these two families I stayed with last week and every time I open it to publish it, it crashes:(. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? Do you?!?!? Really frustrating!!!!!! It's hard enough to write something once, but Do Overs are the PITS!! Always shorter. Less detail. Just a get it done attitude. And the Coupers and the Gilchrists deserve better.
So with this blog update I'm going to test and see if the app will post text. Maybe it's the pictures crashing it. Here goes!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
Sale, Australia
Arghhhh! I wrote a lovely blog update a couple of days ago. Ya know. Pictures and stories of these two families I stayed with last week and every time I open it to publish it, it crashes:(. Do you have any idea how frustrating that is? Do you?!?!? Really frustrating!!!!!! It's hard enough to write something once, but Do Overs are the PITS!! Always shorter. Less detail. Just a get it done attitude. And the Coupers and the Gilchrists deserve better.
So with this blog update I'm going to test and see if the app will post text. Maybe it's the pictures crashing it. Here goes!
Livin' the life,
BagLady
Facebook: Kathryn Mossbrook Zimmerman
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