My Sunshine Coast Cycling Tour

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Cyclone Marcia and Hartley Hancock my English cycling guest arrived in Brisbane simultaneously.
Luckily the eye of the cyclone was far to the north so we weren't troubled by winds just 3 days of very heavy rain. We were housebound though !

Hartley had asked to do a loop from Brisbane.

I had pre-mapped a scenic route on small roads and cycle pathways, esplanades and coastal routes.
I was so inspired by my plan that I decided to go along for a week or so as well.

We set out from Birkdale loaded with camping gear.

Through the Lota Boardwalk.

.

 Along the Manly and Wynnum foreshore

Over the Gateway Bridge.

 

Through the Boondall Wetlands.

and the woodlands

                                                       

Over the Houghton Highway Bridge and around the Scarborough Peninsula and then on to Deception Bay to camp for the night.

85 kms of mostly flat roads.

"No Sweat " I would have said except that the tropical cyclone conditions of high humidity meant that I was awash!
Nothing a cool shower and washing out my lycra couldn't fix!
Drink, drink, drink.........Water!

Fine camping weather :-)

We now had to head inland a little through Caboolture and on to Beerburrum road. Some lovely forest covered rolling hills and I soon found my "cycling with panniers legs!"

Snake!!!

Zipping down hill I accidentally rode over a green snake as it was crossing the road.....Sorry Snake!!!
We saw many snakes on the road. The wet had them on the move.

The 11 Glasshouse Mountains were named by Captain Cook in 1770 as they reminded him of his Yorkshire Glass furnaces. They are the well known subjects of Aboriginal legend. The tallest is Mt Beerwah at 556m. They were formed over 26 million years ago as molten lava cooled in volcanic cores. Plenty of pineapples out there nowadays and a delicious cold pineapple crush drink can be had locally. So refreshing for a hot cyclist. Yum!

I have climbed Mt Tibrogargen. It is only 364 m but VERY steep with a sheer rock face in one section. Real rock climbers go up the front!

                                                                                                                                                                 

Some compulsory climbing up Ngun Ngun for Hartley.......I AM the tour guide!

He loved it.

A "shortcut" along Roy's rd did avoid some of the busy Steve Irwin Way and was very enjoyable but after the first brilliant section of forest lined sealed roads we came to the roadwork. I knew about it but didn't know they would cut off the side rd that we needed.
Oh well, a small backtrack, some advice from two enthusiastic young fellows in a truck and we were on to rolling gravel hills. A few convoluted turns  to avoid a collapsed bridge and cycling over soft, wet roads that felt like they sucked onto the tyres and we were on the Caloundra road and heading for  beautiful beaches.

Golden Beach overlooking the Tip of Bribie Island and the Pumicestone passage.

Kite surfing on the Caloundra bar.




















The next few days we cruised up beside the beaches cycling short distances, camping, relaxing in the ocean and climbing Mount Coolum for another birds eye view and some great heart stimulation. 
All very enjoyable!

On up to gorgeous Noosa where I said farewell to Hartley as he continued northwards.

I spent a few days with lovely friends Pete and Barb enjoying a resort holiday in absolute luxury and comfort in their beautiful home before cycling south. 

Mooloolaba.

                             

Noosa.

I loved doing a local tour in such magical surrounds. It was so self indulgent and far better than driving to one or other of the beaches for the day.

My ride home was into the wind but I just wore a peak and plastered myself in sunscreen and lip balm and stopped at little beach resorts such as Peregian, Coolum, Marcoola and then Maroochydore.

Plenty of coconut water, watermelon and just plain water kept me well hydrated and feeling fantastic. Superb scenery all of the way!

I spent a very enjoyable time visiting with Al and Meredith at Marcoola and then stayed the night for a good old catch up with Sarge and Heather high up in the Duporth building with a marvelous view over the mouth of the Maroochy river and the ocean. Birds and fish aplenty!

On my last morning I cycled 15 kms with a few hills to Nambour to catch the train home to Birkdale.

I am now eager to do more Australian cycling tours both near and far.

                               Will you join me???

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My Tom Tom is out of favour!

Of course it was mostly Tom Tom's fault!

I thought that I had a reasonable expectation when I programmed my journey from Brisbane in Queensland  to  Mudgee in NSW that my mate Tom Tom would navigate me there on main roads........ definitely sealed roads at the very least.

Tom Tom is programmed to alert  me if there are unpaved routes. Ha!  He didn't. That's it. I am reprogramming him. I will change his voice to more dulcet tones. He can turn into Tomasina. We'll see what happens then,

The New England Highway is a pretty route and for most of the day I enjoyed mostly fine weather. It did  rain  from Guyra to Tamworth though. I decided that although I wouldn't arrive until about 8pm, I would drive straight through from my overnight stop at Dalveen near Stanthorpe.

At Willow Tree Tom Tom insisted that I turn right onto a narrow sealed road. I balked at first. I looked at my  Free Camps Australia map. It is not detailed but the Willow Tree/Merriwa road did seem the appropriate and most direct route to travel along.

The countryside was so pretty with green farmland surrounded by hills but the sky was spectacular. A patch of sunlight filtering through amongst the storm cells. Looming thunderheads were hanging over the hills with blue black patches of sky. Distant lightning was flashing and forking above the hills and one short brilliant rainbow stood out amid the grey.

 After about 35 kms on this delightful road, I rounded a bend, crossed a cattle grid and then the road turned to dust......and up, up into the hills. Cattle were wandering across the road. Calves sprinting about too. Two quick brown foxes scampered across my path.

It was late afternoon. I wondered what lay ahead. Should I turn back? No. Not me! The blue black sky and twilight in the hills gave a wonderfully exciting eerie atmosphere. Onwards and upwards I would go. If there were any wash outs I could sleep in Free Spirit until morning and then back track.

Tom Tom had been playing up since Willow Tree, changing screens and generally behaving unhelpfully. My phone had now switched off and refused to recharge. Luckily I had already rung Angela and related my position.

There were more cattle grids to cross and the road became rougher and greasier from previous rain. There were masses of potholes and corrugations.
As I topped the crest of a big hill and bounced across yet another cattle grid my extension mirror fell off. I stopped and went back for it.

Aha! Bitumen again. Yes! Down hill over a narrow road through the trees. It was really beautiful in the stormy evening light.

Around another bend and oh no! Gravel, so rough that I could only travel at about 20 -30 kms. I hit one huge hole and my slide-on camper bounced on the ute tray. Oh oh it shouldn't do that!

I climbed out, produced my spanners and squatted down to check on the 4 chains. One was almost undone and all were loose. There was mud everywhere from the wet road. Some of it attached itself to me.

The light was slowly going from the day when I arrived at my first underwater causeway. Now I am no fool and I listen to all of the warnings from the swift water rescue people. I could never look my fireman friend, rescue training officer Shane in the eye again if I was irresponsible here.

I pulled up and walked to the waters edge. It was shallow, muddy and not fast flowing. No rumble from upstream of impending flood waters. Cautiously I walked across in ankle deep water looking out for holes or washouts. Across on one side and back on the other. All clear!
 I had to repeat this on 5 causeways. The last two by the light of my headlights and torch as it was now completely dark and starting to rain again.

I was so relieved to finally hit the sealed road again near Merriwa and then the Golden Highway.

Now I turned on my music, loudly and sung my heart out to relieve my tension as I kept an eye on the slippery roads, scanned for kangaroos and drove the last hour and a half to Mudgee and Angela's home.
Tom Tom decided to navigate again but tried to misdirect me once more. I politely ignored him. I am definitely plugging him in for reprogramming tomorrow.

I arrived after 10pm. I was tired and much relieved to be there at last.

Next morning I scrubbed and cleaned until my van was once again pristine and pretty.

Some Greek yoghurt had burst open in the fridge. Everything had tumbled around and yoghurt was in every crevice including inside the door seal! Yuk. All sparkling now and I am enjoying beautiful weather and great company here. Angela is pampering me too :-)

Canoeing Fun

Warm and dry again!

Canoeing the upper reaches of the Brisbane river.

An exciting day out. 


The bus dropped 22 RBWC eager members as close to Twin Bridges near Fernvale as access allowed.. 

Mike is ready to go.

Willing hands transported all of our canoes/kayaks to the waters edge and we launched without mishap.

Launching

Our first leg to Savages crossing went very well. We all settled into the paddling rythm and negotiated our first gravel races, dodging the many trees and stumps. We were travelling well.

Bus driver Dave met us for our tea break. Hot drinks and cakes were devoured with relish. Yum!


Paddling along, cruising the smooth stretches then adrenalin pumping as we rushed through the gravel races twisting and turning, narrowly missing trees and stumps.

So far so good! Laughter and chat rippling across the river.

Then Oh dear!  Carmel and Sue D were first to attempt the fast zig zag through narrow openings in the leftover flood debris. A sharp left turn around a long low branch did us in. Not enough power or skill. We cannoned into the branch. Our canoe was sucked under and overturned.

Cold water!

Sudden shock!

Baling out.

Carmel went right under as I clung desperately like a limpet to the branch. Fast flowing water almost sucking me away. I looked over my shoulder and saw Carmel standing in thigh deep water.... Oh!.... I straightened my legs and found I could easily stand. What a laugh.

As we were pulling the canoe to shore Pedro and Theresa hurtled past downstream to retrieve our lost gear floating away.

Chaos followed as one and then another and more canoes overturned. Helping hands everywhere and then hilarity over the panicked expressions on those unfortunates who received a severe dousing in the river.

Some even went over twice! I guess they liked the experience.

We walked through one difficult section but Leisa thought she could paddle it.

No! She couldn't!

Kevin and Richard were quickly waist deep retrieving her jammed canoe.

Moving downstream again, glad of warm clothing.

Carmel's Canoe style.

A little tension now as we approached more fast water. No need to worry. We were becoming quite accomplished by now.

For lunch we sat on a log watched by curious cows.

Onwards downstream, loving it all.

Cruising downstream

Earlier than expected we reached our destination at Burton's Bridge.
Swimming with a pig! Actually a disgusting foul smelling dead pig which inconveniently died right where we had to haul out. Yuk!

Undeterred we were all eager to change into dry clothes.

A major wardrobe malfunction occurred in the girls changing room. Sheltering in front of the bus and shedding wet clothing the bus door suddenly slammed shut exposing me in a state of semi undress to the mens changing room at the back of the bus. Also a rural fire truck drove past our change area 3 times in minutes. I wonder why.

Thanks to Don and Mike for all of their efforts in organizing a wonderful day out.

Well Done.

Mt Warning

Where:   Mt Warning
When:    4-5 February, 2012

Nine RBWC members enjoyed a lovely Saturday evening camping in the peaceful, beautiful  Mt Warning
Holiday Park. The mountain towered above us. It was a beautiful clear night and small campfires glowed
warmly here and there, contributing to the congenial atmosphere.

We gathered for our usual chatter, laughter and dinner before retiring to be lulled to sleep by the gentle roar of the creek running the length of the camping grounds.

Up with the birds (there were plenty of them) next morning and ready for the climb.We drove out to the base of the mountain to be joined by Pedro and Theresa but where was Christine?  There was no sign of her so we set out hoping that she might catch us up.

The forest was lovely, moist and shady as we wound our way up the mountain track.We took two hours to climb to the top but for the most part it was an easy gradient although we were all very damp with perspiration in  the steamy atmosphere. A little heavy breathing as well!

The last section was rather fun as we scrambled up the very steep rocks, using the chain some of the time. The chain makes for a good security blanket, knowing it is there to hold onto on the smoother slippery sections.
Almost at the top we met Christine coming down! She had been on NSW time whilst we were still using
Queensland time so she was an hour early poor girl. Perhaps in future, we need to clarify which time we are
meeting by when we cross the border.

The views from the top were spectacular with very little
cloud and we chatted with other interesting climbers as
we relaxed and ate our morning tea. Once we had eaten
we wandered around at the summit and viewed north
south east and west from the lookout enclosures.
Wonderful!
The climb down was quite slippery, took us an hour and
a half and was a real test on knees and leg muscles
generally but at least no puffing and perspiring!
Another great outing, enjoyed by all who attended.

Australia Day Muster

I love my new slide-on “Naked RV”.

The camper is still nude until Kylie and I can decide what graphics to use to personalize it. Wait for that!

Jim and Jeanette’s wonderful annual Australia Day Muster of family and friends was a great opportunity to put it through its paces.

I drove up into the hills through Fernvale and Esk and across the Perseverance Dam wall all through lovely scenic countryside up near to Crows Nest on the Darling Downs. Wow my Mazda BT-50 handles so much better than my old Matilda Crystal. I fairly zipped up and down the hills.

It was marvelous to share a few days of fun in the bush with friends old and new. There were hugs and greetings all around as I arrived and “Tiger” and Michael soon beckoned me into a lovely clearing to camp. They guided me up on to a wedge and plank to level up although I could have undone my chains and put my legs down and leveled up that way. (it sounds kinky but I mean on the camper not my own legs).

The property is a delight. A peaceful haven (until we all arrived!). There is the solar powered house and numerous little farm sheds and numbers of grassy clearings amongst the gum trees. One highlight was the alpine style deluxe outdoor dunny! It was complete with solar powered light and was rather glamorous considering its purpose. One should close the door though as I came close to sitting on Peters lap at 4am. What a surprise we both received!

First night was The Big Toad Race. Jim and Michael had been busy catching some likely culprits the previous night. They weren’t at all squeamish about man handling them, unlike the rest of us. There was much screaming and cheering and trying to motivate some of the toads who just climbed on top of each other. Some made a dash for it though and some escaped into the crowd causing much hilarity.

On Friday a few went for an excursion into Crows Nest, 10 minutes drive away. It is a lovely little old Australian style town.

 Most of the children and many of the adults walked through the damp bush and rock hopped through the creek crossing into the National Park to view the waterfall and gorge. Beautiful!

We all had to be back at camp to prepare our secret ingredients for the big Damper Bake Off!

The fire pits and camp ovens were well stoked by Andrew and Jim and others. Curls of smoke wafted up through the trees. Eager cooks settled their raw dough into the pots and hot coals were heaped onto the lids. The drizzly rain added to the olden day Australian bush atmosphere with the “real bushies” wearing Drizabone oilskin coats and Akubra hats, jeans and boots. It was comfortably cool up there.

The judging was a serious matter and Glenda walked proudly away with the trophy.

 We all ate up the dampers and washed them down with a few drinks and the atmosphere warmed still further. Names were drawn out for teams for the next days Big Match....the Redcoats versus the Convicts cricket game. Later that night Tiger produced his guitar and we sat beside a roaring fire and sang along to old favourite tunes.

Next morning our luck was in and the rain held off as we gathered on the green to ready for the match. Our captains geed us up to do our best. If we were over 9 yrs and under 90yrs we had to play or else produce a medical certificate to be excused. The lame could bat and have one of the children as designated runner.

What fun we all had. The Redcoats won on the day, the trophy was presented, photographs done and then the convicts lined up for the “big dummy spit”. Hilarious!

Some took a big run up followed by spitting the dummy, Chris approached like a shot put thrower. Aussie flags were placed to mark the landing spots and a winner was declared.

That night after delicious roast dinners were baked in camp ovens and eaten, we all gathered for a night of music singing and dancing to Tiger on guitar and banjo and Corey on guitar. They were fantastic.

What a friendly, fun, family time in the bush.

Thanks Jim and Jeannette and all.