Kim's Journey - Bushwalking/Geocaching/Biking

Last of the Summer Blats

29/2/2020

       Not enough blogging going on or so I've been told! After a hectic (by COMCAR standards) 6 day week which included a number of motorcades for the visiting Israeli President, I was in need of re-invigorating on my 1 day weekend. Haven't ridden the roads around Crookwell for a while so that was the plan.
      Quick fueling at COSTCO and we errrr, I was off. A number of bikes on the road as conditions were perfect. Low to mid 20's, not much wind. Had my traditional leak at the Gunning Showgrounds, wondered for a second whether to head toward Dalton but I wasn't sure whether the road was sealed...... hmmm, maybe I need a dual sports ??????? Stuck with the plan for Crookwell and I was glad. The roads around Crookwell are perfect for biking. Undulating, wide sweepers, good road surface and not much vegetation by the road side. Didn't notice much wind but the wind turbines were spinning with gusto. Even stopped for a Geocache.
      Good to see Goulburn's water supply dam, full to the brim at the end of a very hot dry summer. Actually, the whole country side was looking very green. Very surprising! Time to head for home on the Freeway, turned on the helmet music and the Highway Playlist and the second song to come on was Bob Seger's "Roll me Away" which had inspired me to ride last night! All up, just under 300km.

Greenwell Point, near Nowra NSW

21/11/2019

Heat wave conditions in Canberra, fires out of control in NSW and Queensland. Canberra was forecast to hit 38 C so I thought I would escape to the coast. I had went for a ride on Monday but almost soiled my undies due to the severe blustery winds. Thought I would head to Greenwell Point near Nowra, which according to Wednesday's forecast, was high 20's and light winds. Nope, forecast apparently changed.
         Left Deakin just after 8.00 am. Nice and calm and almost balmy. Fueled at COSTCO and headed to Bungendore via Mac's Reef Rd. I'm beginning to like the road between Bungendore and Tarago a bit more, they seem to be clearing the vegetation a bit more from the sides of the road. Stopped as per tradition at the Tarago railway station, tis very very photogenic (and it has a toilet). The road between Tarago and Nowra is certainly divided into 2 parts. From Nerriga to Nowra, it is brilliant with lovely wide sweeping bends. Between Tarago and Nerriga, it is not as good but it does have lovely views along the way. One more road side pee before hitting downtown Nowra.
         The short stint between Nowra and Greenwell Point was a bit disturbing. Very strong smoke haze and the wind became very strong and gusty. Pulled up at the recommended fish and chippery - and they did do a lovely Flathead and chips. Bike was almost blown off its side stand and a very intimidating pelican came over to give me the eye as I ate. I had intended to meander up the coast but with the strong winds, I thought I should cut my losses. Headed home, via Kangaroo Valley, Moss Vale and the Hume Freeway.
        The winds died down (until Lake George) but the temperature crept up, 39 at Kangaroo Valley, 40 at Goulburn and 41 at Fyshwick when almost home. I drank at least a litre of water when I got home but the first beer did not touch the sides. I will check the GoPro footage and may put together a small YouTube clip.

Jervis Bay come rail hail or shine !

28/8/2019

Had wanted to do a longer trip during the Winter Parliamentary Recess but the weather had not been particularly warm and friendly (old Fijian traditional weather forecast). Krysia was off visiting friends and family in Europe and I had really wanted to do Wilson’s Promontory and a bit of the Great Ocean Road. Earlier attempted camping coast trip which you read about here wasn’t particularly successful with the freezing overnight temperatures.
         So, I eyed off Jervis Bay, said to have some of the whitest sands in the world. I was looking at a 2 night stay, leaving Canberra on Monday and returning on Wednesday. The weather forecast said Tuesday might have a shower or 2 so I bit the bullet and booked a cabin at the Caravan Park on the Headland at Huskisson. No packing up wet tents for me.
        Well, it was the cunningest of plans. Set off mid-morning on an overcast looking day. After fueling up, headed for Macs Reef Road and the back way to Bungendore. Had the delightful experience of avoiding an Echidna as it waddled slowly across the road in front of me – pity I hadn’t primed the GoPro, a bit more on that later – Nah, lets get that over and done with. As I was about to commence Push-back out of the garage at Chateau Kent St, I normally connect GoPro which is attached to chest harness, to my phone so I can check the camera’s field of view. It said the GoPro needed a software upgrade so I began that laborious process. After it had finished, I had trouble connecting the phone to camera and I was getting a tad annoyed. Bugger it, I can fix on the road.
         I stopped at the scenic railway station at Tarago for a bladder break. Without looking at the GoPro (still on chest harness), I turned it on by feel. Shot some footage of the station and then continued on. Shortly after Tarago, using a remote control on handlebar, I shot a variety of footage before, during and after the rain hit. The rain hit did you say? Yes, the unforecast rain. I got drenched, completely and utterly – I had more rain weather gear in my bag but I didn’t want to stop as I thought it would clear up. When I finally hit the Princess Highway, it had stopped but I was cold and miserable. Was good to arrive at my temporary digs, WhiteSands Park.
        The Cabin had everything I needed, which at that moment was a heater, 4 walls and a roof. I quickly unpacked, got into street clothes and headed into town, a 5 minute walk. Stopped at a nearby café and a lovely club sandwich later, I was feeling a tad better. Walked around the town and the parks before heading back to camp (and a nearby Geocache on the Camp’s fence line). The Campground had a lockable gate that shaved 5 minutes off the walking time to town and the Manager told me it would be locked at 5:30. So probably not that much later, I headed back to town to sort out dinner. Not quite sure how they got their name but World Famous Fish and Chips sounded like a good option. A few minutes later, I was back in Cabin, heater on gorging on some lovely Flathead.
        I think by 9:30, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. Further good news was after turning the heater off, my bed had a really beautiful doona that led to a good nights sleep. Slept very well indeed.
Woke to the sound of rain drops. After a horrid shower, one that ambushes you when the water temperature decides to change on its own accord, I headed into town for breakfast. 5 Little pigs seemed to attract an early crowd so I joined in. Food was great, as was the coffee but the ambience was a tad noisy. The weather today was intermittent showers but I was armed with the world’s best umbrella (seriously), so I went for a walk towards Vincentia and some Geocaches. There is a lovely walking/bike track that goes from Huskisson to Sanctuary Point via Vincentia. It’s very scenic and has the sounds of waves to accompany the walkers. All up, I think I walked about 13 km.
       Headed back into Huskisson for lunch. The Jervis Bay Club did a fantastic seafood basket. I watched a whale watching boat return to the dock. Earlier, I had seen a sign that tallied the whales spotted each day. Yesterday had been 4. Maybe a bit too early in the season! Went for a further walk along the beach but the drizzle led me back to the cabin.
       I decided to review my GoPro footage of the ride yesterday. Smeg ! I had somehow managed, after my upgrade problems, mount the camera so it was facing me. All of it, every last second ! Bloody Hell !
Walked back into town for dinner options. Decided on Take Away wood-fired pizza – good choice. Got back to cabin, heater on and feasted like a king. The free WiFi at the caravan park was powered by a hampster with a sore foot whose treadmill had a flat tyre. I read my e-book instead and had another early night.
      Woke to semi blue skies. Showered and dressed and decided to check out early rather than walk into town for breakfast. Some how managed to miss packing my trousers despite my walk around the cabin inspection. Oh well, Caravan Park will mail them back to me. Stopped at bakery for an egg roll and coffee and then onto the highway. A bit of a traffic jam trying to actually turn onto the highway and it was quite clagged going through Nowra. A fuel stop before heading up the escarpment. As per usual for this trip, I then hit the fog, drizzle, cloud, all of the above as I made my way up. It wasn’t until I got to Fitzroy Falls that I hit the sunshine. Stopped for a quick view then back on the road. Moss Vale was looking very blossomy but I was really looking forward to getting home. Wind strengthened on the freeway but I am much more comfortable with it these days. Still hate passing semi-trailers. I did enjoy my little escape, regardless of the weather but it was good to get home. Now to see whether the GoPro footage is worthy of a Youtube !

The Associated YouTube clip

13/8/2019

MotoCamping Broulee

13/8/2019

Krysia is off gallivanting around the other side of the world - Canberra is having one of it's coldest snaps ever - snowed during the Footy on Friday night. I have been eyeing off a bike camping trip to Wilson's Promontory in Victoria then ferrying across Port Phillip Bay and riding the Great Ocean Road - in winter- mid week, so no crowds and Parliament is not sitting so I don't miss out on work. Been trying to get away last week but the weather was really cold. It made sense to do a trial run down to the South Coast.

So Monday morning, packed the bike with all the camping gear, some food essentials. It is quite an art-form to strap everything safely to the bike and I got Michael to run a last safety check. All good, first stop COSTCO for refueling. Everyone was having problems with the new card readers they have installed on the pumps. I helped one person then everyone else came to "bloke on the bike" to get their bit of assistance - Jeepers, the new card readers are just like ATMs so not sure why everyone was struggling.

The best thing about riding to the coast on Mondays is very little traffic - I think I overtook one car and was overtaken by one car on overtaking lanes. I really enjoy the ride when one doesn't need the stresses of bad drivers on the road. The Clyde Mountain is always enjoyable - if you watch the YouTube, there may have been a little cursing when some cars were reluctant to overtake the trucks that had pulled to the side to make room.

So around 2 and half hours after departing, I arrive at Broulee Big 4 campground. $20 a night for a tent site - the park is actually very pretty with good beach access but the actual Van Sites and Tent Sites are very ordinary. Toilets and showers were clean A few Vanners were there, not overly friendly. A bit of a struggle to get the tent up but all good in the end - I need to be more disciplined in where I put things. Went for a walk to the beach and then to see if there were any cafes open - Nope, the little local supermarket was a depressing little place but I had earned a Lemon,Lime and Bitters.

Had an early dinner....or was that a late lunch - knew I had forgot something. One last stroll to the beach and then back to my annex where I read a book on the iPad and marveled at how cold it was getting. By 7:30, I was shivering, didn't want to put all my riding gear on so I retreated into the tent proper. At about 8:30, one last trip to the Loos then bed-time. Absolutely lovely listening to the waves crash on the beach, it almost drowned out the chattering of my teeth. My sleeping bag is rated to Minus 4, Minus 27 in extreme circumstances whatever that means. I also had a liner and an insulated sleeping pad underneath me but I froze. I could hardly sleep and the middle of the night walk to the Loo was horrible. My Sister tells me that Moruya got to minus 1 that night

Morning was very welcome. Boiled the kettle and used my new portable espresso machine that makes a really nice shot of coffee. A Muesli bar was breakfast and then I made my way to the bike trail that runs between Broulee and Moruya Heads. There are a number of Geocaches along the trail which I had started from the other end some months ago. The walk is truly lovely, far better than on a bike and I was happy with my world - the backdrop of waves on the beach added to the effect. Caching almost completed - will need to return one last time to get the finale of the series.

Made by way back to camp and had some Nasi Goreng. As I watched a new neighbour struggle to put up his tent, I made the executive decision to cut my losses and not have another night like the previous one. Not sure which is easier, making camp or breaking camp - I did have difficulty in strapping everything to the bike but I did stop a few times to make sure nothing was moving - the late afternoon sun is not easy on the bike especially in and out of shadows - the wind had sprung up as well. I was glad to reach the peak hour traffic of Canberra but a few last hairy moments on roundabouts where the sun blinded me. Great to get home, great nights sleep in own bed and the YouTube will be published shortly.

Alpine Odyssey

13/4/2019

Bike is getting close to a year old and before Winter sets in, I've always wanted to do the Snowy Mountains Highway - so today was the day. Set off around 8:30 am and it was a tad chill-some. During the week, I had re-inserted the pants and jacket linings though I packed the thermal liner under the seat just in case. Still rode with the summer gloves but the heated hand-grips had a bit of a workout around Bredbo. Stopped a few times to take photos and I was gladdened to see some people stopped to make sure I was ok.

Stopped at Cooma for a coffee and use of the facilities but the worst of the chill had gone. The road west from Cooma to Adaminaby and Tumut is divine. I really like the Tundra bits though the forests were also good. Not too much traffic on the roads - a few cyclists doing it tough. A few of the Alpine lakes have really low water levels - maybe that is normal for this time of year. The road between Tumut and Gundagai is being fixed up and it was a beauty. Filled up at Gundagai, cranked up the "Highway" playlist and freewayed back home. All up, a 500km ride.

The meanest baddest bikers hit Thredbo

25/2/2019

After a rather hectic 2 week Parliament sitting period, which included 2 , six day working weeks, it was truly nice to have a few days off. The COMCAR bikers club was planning a 2-day get away across the Australian High Country, overnighting in Bright before returning to Canberra. An overnight trip didn't really suit me but a few lads were planning on joining them for just one day before returning to Canberra. That sounded right up my alley.
          Morning rendezvous at 8:00 am at the Servo in Hume. An interesting array of machinery, a couple of GoldWings, couple of Harleys, some another nice touring machines and one BMW Maxi Battle Scooter. The group quickly got separated trying to join the south-bound Monaro Highway to Cooma but we all knew the second rendezvous point. It was actually quite chilly on the first leg to Cooma with Air temp hovering around 10 degrees C.
          The group met up at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre on the northern outskirts of Cooma. Facilities were used, coffees were had (and some sneaked in cakes) before heading off to the next stop at Jindabyne with most of us putting on extra layers of clothing. At Jindabyne, after another chin-wag the group separated. We were all heading past Thredbo but the overnighters would push on to Corryong for lunch. The more gentlemenly of the gang were going to stop at Thedbo for lunch.
           Now, apparently if one is going to just ride through the National Park without stopping, one doesn't need to pay Park Entry. By the time we got to the Park Entry Booth after all the other riders, the smiling lass said "Riding through, have a nice day !" So who was I to argue.
            The Alpine Way between Jindabyne and Thredbo is just a superb biking road. Great surface, good visibility, undulating and the vegetation is well back from the road. I have always loved Thredbo in Summer. After a bit of a search for a parking spot, we made our way to the Alpine Hotel for a well deserved lunch and a light beer or two. Was good to get to know Bob and Steve a bit better. After lunch, the weather was declared glorious so those extra layers were put away and we headed back to Jindabyne to fuel up.
               Another coffee stop in down town Cooma on the way back where one of the subjects of conversation was some of the very ordinary drivers we had encountered between Cooma and Jindabyne. Said our farewells at Cooma as we did ride together to the Canberra outskirts but then went our different ways. All up, some 405 km for me, the bike performed flawlessly and I suspect I will sleep well tonight.

Australia Day 2019

29/1/2019

Looks like the usual Easter escape to Wombarra won't be on - Damned owners want to stay in their own place. So an earlier escape and our first to Wombarra in Summer was planned for the Long Weekend. As I am bit prone to cabin fever, it was decided for me to take the bike down so I could go for blasts up and down the coast.

Good plan but South East Australia has been having one of its hottest summers and sometimes, that can mean being on the back of a bike isn't the most pleasant place to be. But on the other hand, The Illawarra region down the coast has much more pleasant temperatures than inland. I thought I would make it a bit of an aviation themed weekend so I pushed off earlier on Friday morning, via Macquarie Pass to visit the Historical Aircraft Restoration Society (HARS) Museum at Albion Park.

For Aviation enthusiasts, HARS is brilliant - In this day and age, $20 admission is extremely reasonable and that includes a guided tour by a keen volunteer. Many aircraft can be explored including the insides. The tour takes over 90 minutes , I did lose track of time. I had managed a park under the shaded tail section of the B747-400 and was parked next to the first other BMW C650GT I have spotted in the wild. 38 km ride to our usual accommodation and it was good to get out the biking gear. Fish and Chips for dinner after the rest of the family arrived and it was great to go to sleep to the sound of crashing waves, not before thrashing the extended family at a variety of board games.

The local forecast for Saturday was high 20's and a bit warmer for nearby Sydney. 55 km to Sydney Airport so I thought I would continue my aviation themed weekend. By the time I got to Engadine, the 6 lane highway was clagged with traffic and was at a standstill. The Temperature according to bike was 38 C and I could feel my socks getting soggy with sweat. Regretfully, I turned around and headed back to base.

Similar forecast for Sunday, so I took my chances and headed south to one of my favourite spots - Kiama. Again, I was dismayed by the highway temperatures of mid 30's but Kiama itself was an oasis with a lovely refreshing sea breeze. However, every man and his dog had similar plans and the place was jam-packed with people. By the time I got back to Wombarra, I was over-heating again. Fish and chips from a new place tonight (delightful) and a huge storm hit whilst we played a number of different games.

Forecast for Monday included heat and rain - I decided on an early departure 7:00 and I had a misty and foggy ride along the Picton Road. Once on the Freeway, I had a bit of misty rain and drizzle and when I fueled up at Marulan, I put on the Gortex liner underneath my Summer jacket which was a surprisingly smart move as I was hit by heavier rain around Goulburn. Have to say the bike is brilliant at keeping most of the weather off. I adjust the fairing so as to keep my visor clear of water and ok, there was a bit where I turned the heated hand-grips on. Trip back via Mittagong, fueling and a wee stop was 3 hours 15 minutes - a great long weekend.

Heat Wave and bikes !

30/12/2018

Canberra is having one of its hottest Christmases I can remember. Having a week of mid 30 degrees C makes for less options of going out and entertaining one's self. Though the forecast this morning was for another 35 C, the day dawned a bit overcast so I leapt at the chance for a blat in the country-side.
The plan was fuel up, and do what is becoming a quite common ride, heading up the back roads to Sutton, Gundaroo and Gunning. From Gunning to Crookwell then I thought I would head toward Taralga before heading to Goulburn and home. Good plan. I love the road between Gunning and Crookwell but I now understand why Crookwell is home to such a large wind farm. Around Crookwell, the temperature began to soar and the wind became very strong and gusty. That put paid to exploring the district so I headed straight for Goulburn, again, on a glorious motorcycle suited road. Due to the deteriorating conditions, I free-wayed it back to Canberra though by the side of lake George, the temperature dropped to 28 degrees. Lake George was looking surprisingly green but I didn't stop for a photo due to other considerations (oh, okay, my bladder). 277 quality kilometres.

Making the most of a pearler of a day

4/12/2018

Slightly later work start today and it was a magnificent day. So rather than stare at a computer monitor, I started with a really nice walk around the lake including going up and down ANZAC Parade. There were lots of cute puppies being walked as well. Home for lunch, tried on my new motorcycle gang T-Shirt (we are sooooooo tough) and thought I won't get a chance to ride next week - so lets go for a mini blat. Off to refuel at COSTCO, then up the country roads to Sutton, Gundaroo and Gunning. Then a slightly less enjoyable freeway blast to Yass Valley Way then home via the Barton highway. Lovely ride though it gets a bit hot under the jacket. Now, time for a shower, dinner and then off to put the Pollies to bed.