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September 1st-10th, 2001September 1st; Cataby Roadhouse to Western Flora Caravan Park
Overcast skies meant it was still dark as I left, though quickly getting light. More hills today, particularly between Badgingarra and Eneabba. Many low scrub trees, but also occasional grazing lands and some wheat. The Brand Highway had been completed in 1975, so not much in the way of towns. From Cataby rode 30 km to Cervantes turnoff (52 km). Cervantes is next to Pinnacle Desert, large limestone pinnacles. Looked intriguing, though a bit far for a detour. Another 12 km brought me to Badgingarra. I was ready to dry off, rest up and eat brekky. Nice stop at the roadhouse here. After brekky, another 43 km on rolling hills to Halfway Mill Roadhouse and another stop. There was a long climb out of Halfway Mill, but then it became flatter. The drizzle also mostly stopped by then. Wind picked up, though was fortunate to have mostly tail wind. Many wildflowers in bloom, so was a pretty ride through this stretch. Another 30 km to Eneabba. Eneabba is where 80% of the world's rutile mineral sand is found.
Got a donga accommodation. At 4:30 pm I went on the "wildflower
walk" from the park. Met some caravaners I had first seen at Mary
Pool a month and a half ago! Wildflower walk was very well done and
finished with a show at the dissecting microscope. Afterwards enjoyed a
nice dinner with four others (caravan park had taken reservations before). September 2nd; Western Flora Caravan Park to Geraldton
Early departure again from the caravan park. Gentile rolling hills with pastures, sheep, wheat and trees. More farming from Dongara to Geraldton than the first part of the day. Bicycle continued to ride smoothly. Rode almost half the distance, 59 km, before stopping in Dongara for brekky. Brief rain showers both before and after the stop. Mostly cross winds. Another 49 km past Dongara was historic hamlet of Greenough. Eleven of the historic buildings have been restored and are open for viewing. The hamlet included an Anglican Church, Catholic Church, Police station & jail & courthouse, school and several houses.
Stayed in the same hostel, though this time my room was formerly the women's
ward of the hospital (last time it was the former pantry). September 3rd; Rest day in Geraldton
Rode about 5 km in adjustment rides, though doesn't count in the cumulative total. I did learn that left turn on red isn't allowed in Australia. Halfway around and time to ask these road rules...
September 4th; Geraldton to Three Springs
Packed everything early before the hostel office opened. Out to the traffic circle and heading towards the airport before turning onto Edwards Road at 6 km. Reasonable amounts of traffic as I passed industrial parts of Geraldton. However, fields and farm landscapes soon thereafter. Mostly sheep with a few cows. Mostly wheat but some canola and other crops. Passed a brick factory and the Bootenal Light Tavern (for sale!) before reaching Walkaway at 30 km. Three km past Walkaway turned onto Allanooka Springs Road and rural landscapes. A steep hill at 44 km and a long one at 59 km. Otherwise some rolling terrain and a nice downhill at 87 km. Peaceful and quiet riding out past the fields.
Still a nice day for riding so decided to continue on to the next farm town southwards, Three Springs, 53 km further. Road was considerably quieter than the Brand Highway I had taken northbound. Stands of trees along the way, but behind the fields also a railroad line. Less hills than before Mingenew. Reached Three Springs at end of a long day. This town was remarkably
quiet with a giant grain elevator, railroad, old hotel, supermarket, general
store, red cross store, post office, supermarket, general store and a few other
stores. Nice to be heading anti-clockwise again! September 5th; Three Springs to Moora
Several small towns today. Carnamah at 23 km, Coorow at 50 km, Watheroo at 103 km and Moora at 142 km. Moora is the largest town between Geraldton and Perth and has 1800 people. Most of these towns have large grain elevator, a row of store fronts, an old hotel, and a new petrol station. Wheat, canola, sheep pastures were predominant again. Frequently a small stretch of trees next to the road. Left Three Springs early and had brief stop in Carnamah and brekky in Coorow. An older gentleman was standing outside the roadhouse, hitchhiking, but not having much luck. He asked, "are you riding all the way to Perth?" I answered, "yes", without bothering to add that plans were a lot further than that...
Cross winds picked up in the afternoon and were particularly strong the last
15 km. I got within 5 km before the rain came. Gave me good
incentive to find a place at the old hotel. Carefully brought my bike
inside and upstairs. September 6th; Moora to Bindoon
Dry when I started, but light sprinkles about five km further. This started a pattern that repeated five or six times this mornings. It would rain, sometimes heavily, then, just as quickly, it would dry up again and the sun would come out. Saw three or four rainbows that way. First sixty km were mostly flat as the route followed the railroad tracks. At sixty km there was a turtle sitting on the stripe in the middle of the road. A truck passed and legs and head went back into the shell. I turned back and helped shepard him off the road. Surprising how fast his feet could carry him once he decided to leave. Nice farming country with a few more cows in proportion to sheep today. Weather forecast carried a "warning for sheep farmers". Not certain why, but it also included possibilities of hail and thunderstorms.
At 82 km, came a turnoff to Gin Gin and also a shift in weather. Heavy downpour. Winds had slowly been picking up and were now strong from the side. I slowly road through the wind and rain. Another 4 km and the road came to a junction with Great Northern Highway. It was a welcome sight to see a country inn right past the intersection. Although only 11:20am and the inn didn't open until noon, I went under the eaves to drip off and wait for it to open. The owner saw me outside and let me and bicycle in to dry off. I decided this was enough for the day and would let the storm blow through. There was a nice fire to warm up. About 1:30pm, in squished two more
cyclists. It was Rod and Gwen, the couple from New South Wales that I had
first met on July 15th and gotten this
photo. We had fun drying by the fire and catching up on things.
Outside the rain stopped later in the afternoon, though a strong south wind was
still blowing. September 7th; Bindoon to Rottnest Island
A cool morning as I left Bindoon. More road trains today as I was on the Great Northern Highway again. A few hills until Muchea and then flatter. Some mandarin oranges, some vineyards and some pastures along the way. Made a brief stop in Muchea and then I was in territory that I'd ridden eight days before. Rode back past Bullsbrook and Midland, stopping briefly at Guildford Bike Shop. In total, came past five bike shops today, a big contrast with the outback. Guildford bike shop suggested Guildford Road (#51) and then Stirling Highway (#5) as routes through town. The Guildford Road had some bicycle sidewalks designated, but they were incomplete, bumpy and out of view of cross traffic. Hence I ended back on the road again. Traffic was mostly polite though one car had a "do you want to get killed?" when I delayed him slightly. At next light he stopped and then dropped his cigarette butt out the window. Was strongly tempted to toss the butt back in the open window, but kept my cool... Several small hills to climb over. The last hill was the railroad tracks and I was in downtown Perth. Several skyscrapers but still a compact downtown. Perth is known as the "City of Light". Story goes that in 1962 when John Glenn was orbiting over Australia, folks in Perth all turned on their lights. Given Perth's isolation as a city, the contrast between a lighted city and the dark areas allowed Glenn to see Perth from orbit.
Decided I'd continue to Freemantle and the port. Back on the main road and over a few hills. Route was roughly following the railroad tracks. Finally crossed over the Swan River and was in Freemantle. Followed signs to Victoria Quay and then further to the Rottnest Express ferry. I had to take off all my gear from the bike and have them load it separately. Rottnest Island is an 11 km by 4.5 km island just of the coast. Bicycle
travel is a primary mode of transport. The high speed ferry took 30
minutes to travel to the island (ferrys from Perth take 90 minutes). Went
to the accommodation office and got a small cabin for two nights. Tomorrow
a day to explore the island and otherwise relax. September 8th; Rest day on Rottnest Island
The island was discovered by Dutch explorer Willem de Vlamingh. He named it "rats' nest" after mistaking quokkas for rats. Robert Thompson started farming here in 1831. The island was used as a jail for aboriginals starting in 1838. Over 3000 were imprisoned here and over 300 died, mainly due to pneumonia or diseases. Many of the aboriginal prisoners were from further north and thus warmer climates. Prison labor built many of the original buildings and set a distinct style.
Before brekky, I got up and bicycled around the island. The western tip, Cape Vlamingh, had nice views of waves crashing on rocky shores. Along the way, several small bays, frequently with crayfish pots. There was a nice lighthouse on the highest point (82m) that afforded views of the small sandy island. Off in the distance, one could see Perth skyscrapers. I took a history tour. We walked past many of the original buildings designed by Henry Vincent and built with prison labor. We also saw the quod (old prison), an old chapel, a boat house, and other buildings. For a while, Rottnest was site of a pilot service that ships could use to help guide them past the reefs and into Freemantle harbor. Use of this service dramatically increased in 1895 after gold was discovered in WA.
Otherwise walked around and saw a bit of the island. In addition to
quokkas, also pheasants, peacocks and gulls. I can see why this would be a
popular getaway island. A lack of cars and many bicycles out also give a
flavor of a vacation island. Weather cooperated today with overcast skies
and almost no rain. September 9th; Rottnest Island to Rockingham
Large swells on the ocean. Water splashing up to upper deck windows on the boat and also salt water soaking my bicycle out front. Fortunately, all looked well as I repacked gear. In Freemantle met with Andrew and Joanne. They are planning an extended ride on recumbent trikes through Australia, starting November 1st. Andrew appears in photo 310 and had contacted me before. They were in Freemantle at a brunch with the recumbent cyclist group. I had tea with the crew before setting off.
Slow against the wind, but I soon came to the Rockingham sign (population
78000) and then to Andrew and Joanne's place. Nice talking about cycle
tours and respective plans from here. Had a good pasta dinner and stayed
overnight with Andrew and Joanne. September 10th; Rockingham to Bunbury
Most of the route today was on a double lane highway. Moderate amount of traffic until Mandurah and quieter thereafter. Still quite a few petrol stations and cafes along the way. Feels like a more populated area than further north. Around Mandurah and somewhat south, many signs for land and homes for sale. Looks like a cross between weekender homes for the Perth area and permanent residences. Reached Mandurah at 30 km, a nuclear free zone, whatever that means. Highway went around the city, but still somewhat busy. South of there are several inland lakes and also canal homes. At Dawesville is a huge canal that has been cut to connect the inland lakes with the sea. Crossed over the pedestrian lanes here before getting back on traffic lanes.
At 113 km, a turnoff to Australind. I took this since it also promised to be the scenic back route to Bunbury, though it returned back to route 1 in about 15 km. Crossed through large roundabout and then last few kms into city center for Bunbury. Bunbury is a fair sized town of 22000 people. Nice downtown area with
many restaurants to choose from. Also large cinema and entertainment
hall. I've started to see log trucks, sawdust and other signs of the
timber industry. Bunbury port also has a grain elevator and signs of being
an agricultural center. |
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