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Riding Down Under again in Australia
Hello!
I am back in Australia for a second trip this year, in a different season. Spring is just gorgeous so far! I arrived in Melbourne on Nov 7 and the first month has been so busy that I am just starting my blog now. This time, I am on my own. My dear companion has stayed home for the winter as it seems he prefers shoveling snow! Ha! Ha! Riding solo means everything relies on your shoulders, many good things happen as you get to meet a lot more people, you gain more confidence day after day and you really enjoy being free as a bird!! But there are also times when I feel a few butterflies in my stomach, especially when I am in remote places, going on small gravel roads for example, not knowing if I will be able to turn around at some point or what if I drop the bike?? But, I certainly try to stay out of trouble!! ;-) Claire https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4645/...282f2fa9_k.jpgDSC_0177_mod |
Day 1 - Melbourne to Walhalla
I started my trip my exploring the area around Dandenong Ranges as I had a few days to get familiar again on my GS650 before heading to the Snowy Mtns Travellers Meeting in Jindabyne.
This is a great place to ride, lots of curves in a beautiful surrounding! I ended up in Walhalla, in a steep valley where 3500 people lived during the gold rush. A very interesting and unique place! It is now almost a ghost town but very pretty as many buildings were restored. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4570/...84c0e429_k.jpgCarte J1A 12 nov - Yarra Jct https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/...94307c12_b.jpgCarte J1B - Warburton à Walhalla Along Mountain Hwy https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4519/...7aaca4b9_k.jpgDSC_0002 Lunch break in Warburton https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/...506c3535_k.jpgVid 2384 Near Three Bridges, on my way to Moe https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4555/...fedebbab_k.jpgVid 2386 Near Mount Baw Baw, C426 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4521/...3c59cfa1_k.jpgVid 2390 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4524/...021d960b_k.jpgVid 2389B Over the Dam https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/...b954c1b4_z.jpgVid 2391 Walhalla https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4575/...c005e15b_k.jpgDSC_0018 Fire Station hanging over the river https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4555/...d5075028_k.jpgDSC_0019 Walhalla built in a very narrow valley https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4529/...0007b2cd_k.jpgDSC_0020 Walhalla Cemetery where everyone is buried on a very steep slope https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/...152b6825_k.jpgDSC_0028 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4552/...03e7301f_k.jpgDSC_0029 Free campsite in Walhalla in a beautiful and quiet surrounding https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4572/...0f794d3e_k.jpgIMG_20171112_190343837 |
Day 2 and 3 – Walhalla to Bombala
The following day, I left Walhalla heading south on the C481 and then east towards Orbost where starts the Bonang Hwy going north. I stopped in Goongerah for the night in another free campsite along Elliry Creek. That’s where I saw my first live wombat! :D
Day 3 is a short day to get to Bombala although there was a 12-km long section on gravel between Googerah and Delegate that I took easily as it was well packed and hard except for a short section under construction that was rather slippery and yucky. :thumbdown: In Bombala, I had time to relax, get some groceries, charge my equipment and enjoy a great shower!. :clap: https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4531/...b3fbed3c_h.jpgCarte J2 et J3 - Walhalla à Bombala Elliry Creek Campsite, Goongerah https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/...3a849b05_k.jpgVid 2405 Well Packed Gravel Section on Bonang Hwy https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4540/...50963864_k.jpgVid 2407 Huge Logging Trucks along the Way https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/...b3e86d59_z.jpgVid 2410 |
Day 4 – Bombala to Cann River, Pambula Beach and Cooma
Day 4, I leave Bombala heading south on Monaro Hwy to Cann River and then northeast on Princes Hwy to see Eden and Pambula Beach. From there, I take Mount Darragh Rd back to Bombala and then head towards Cooma to spend the night camping 20 km up north, not far from Monaro Hwy.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4563/...898e6f2b_b.jpgCarte J4 15 nov - Bombala à Cooma On my way to Cann River, Monaro Hwy https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4538/...d3a07268_k.jpgVid 2412 Crossing in NSW, on Princes Hwy https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4564/...521668fc_k.jpgDSC_0038 Pambula River https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4576/...31291a51_k.jpgVid 2428 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4583/...83b50044_k.jpgVid 2429 On my way back to Bombala, Mount Darragh Road https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4528/...d7a3216a_k.jpgVid 2434 Stock on the road, on my way to Cooma. And Black Clouds coming my way... https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4582/...a72782cd_k.jpgVid 2439 Free campsite, north of Cooma https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4534/...38f7fb25_k.jpgIMG_20171115_175230570_HDR |
Snowy Mountains Travellers Meeting in Jindabyne - Nov 16 to 19
I spent a marvelous weekend at the HU Meeting in Jindabyne. It was a great opportunity to meet many other riders and travellers, as well as hear interesting stories from various presenters.
I really enjoyed it! It was only my second experience attending a HU Meeting and was way worth it! Activities and organization overall was just GREAT! I made a lot of new friends too, some of them who I expect to visit us in Quebec soon! :mchappy: https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4523/...a556a43d_h.jpgCarte J5 16 nov - Cooma à Jindabyne Main Dining Hall, Sport & Recreation Centre in Jindabyne https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4582/...8bea90e0_k.jpgIMG_20171119_112827143_HDR |
Day 7 – Kosciuszko to Alpine Nat’l Park
Another great sunny day to ride in the mountains. Went to Thredbo, Khancoban, Corryong, Walwa and along Murray River to Tallangatta and then south on Omeo Hwy to Alpine NP.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/...cf506330_h.jpgCarte J7 20 nov - Ngarigo to Jokers Flat Yes, it's quite a ride going down on Alpine Way! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4569/...16ffa3dd_z.jpgVid 2471A Yes, lots of curves!!! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4558/...437d4fba_k.jpgVid 2471B Lazy Kangaroos in Tom Groggin Campground https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/...01ff9cc7_k.jpgDSC_0070 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4584/...1c5f3940_k.jpgDSC_0075 Lunch break along Murray River https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4540/...b4b0224d_k.jpgDSC_0078 Very nice curves along this stretch, on the C546 before getting to Murray Valley Hwy (B400) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4567/...e263d6f3_k.jpgVid 2487 On Omeo Hwy along the river https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4583/...dbf8e3d0_k.jpgVid 2599 Another gorgeous free campsite along the river at Jokers Flat https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4569/...907cb439_k.jpgVid 2581 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4573/...f0a46538_k.jpgDSC_0087 |
Day 8 – Mount Beauty to Mansfield
Alpine Nat'l Park was just splendid with all its lovely purple flowers!
Now I know why they named 'Mount Beauty'!! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4573/...678c9692_h.jpgCarte J8 21 nov - Jokers Flat à Mansfield https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4519/...1ddaef31_k.jpgDSC_0088 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4575/...4897f84d_k.jpgDSC_0089 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4569/...745f74a2_k.jpgIMG_20171121_102605977 What a nice place for a coffee break! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4577/...dcfa0b41_k.jpgIMG_20171121_110735014 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4730/...08b5653b_k.jpgVid 2837 Lots of curves going down to Mt Beauty https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4601/...f354a05a_z.jpgVid 2839 |
Day 9 and 10 – Mansfield to Mount Buller, and then around Lake Eildon Nat’l Park.
Left Mansfield on another beautiful day and went have a look at the ski resort at Mount Buller. Then headed south towards Jamieson.
There are 66 km between Jamieson and Eildon and they are all curves!!! :mchappy: Ended my journey in a nice campsite not far from Eildon as I was exhausted.:( Headed back to Melbourne on the following day. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4517/...73105806_h.jpgCarte J9 22 nov - Mansfield to Kendalls Camp https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4578/...1f3c383f_h.jpgCarte J10 23 nov - Kendalls Camp to Melbourne Mt Buller Ski Resort https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/...a41ede6f_k.jpgVid 2929 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4737/...d42cac4f_k.jpgVid 2928 Nice place for a coffee break in front of Mount Buller https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4561/...edd53bfe_k.jpgDSC_0104 Steep Hairpins going down https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4530/...039c5c77_k.jpgVid 2933 View on Lake Eildon from the Eildon-Jamieson Road https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4569/...d0d19031_k.jpgDSC_0107 Lovely path along Rubicon River at Kendalls Campground https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4541/...ae960a5e_k.jpgIMG_20171122_201042344 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4516/...70516f34_k.jpgIMG_20171122_200743261 |
Hiking along Cape to Cape Track, WA
Hello,
This is not about motorcycle riding but I thought I should share this as well. I took a break from riding and flew to Perth in order to start a long 8-day hike along Meelup Trail and along the coast, from Cape Naturaliste to Cape Leeuwin. Hiking the Cape to Cape Track was a tremendous adventure, a bit challenging but well worth it! There are two videos, the first one covers the northern sector down to Margaret River Mouth and the second one the southern sector. The second video shows a lot more amazing natural features. Where I have commented, subtitles have been added in English for the benefit of people who do not understand French. To see it full screen, just click on 'YouTube' at the bottom of each image. You will be redirected to YouTube and have access to the Full Screen mode. Enjoy! Claire |
Tasmania, here I come!
I arrived in Tasmania on an early morning about three weeks ago and have enjoyed every moment of it! It's a fantastic place to ride and has lots of unique natural features as well!
This first episode is about my journey from Melbourne to Devonport and then exploring the Northeast section of Tasmania as shown on the map below. https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4633/...530c59f1_k.jpg The video is 15 minutes long. Leaving Melbourne on the Spirit of Tasmania https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/...633eb893_k.jpgDSC_0118 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4643/...10212be1_k.jpgDSC_0111 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/...307d6a95_k.jpgDSC_0122 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4725/...1e7d6331_k.jpgDSC_0127 Camping at Narawntapu Nat'l Park, Springlawn Beach https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4683/...c72f07d3_k.jpgDSC_0135 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/...4191a30d_k.jpgDSC_0146 West Head of Tamar River, view on Badger Beach https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4594/...0e9d4b28_k.jpgDSC_0151 West Head Lookout (near Greens Beach) https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4735/...81d758ee_k.jpgDSC_0150 Lilydale Falls https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4637/...b2626ac7_k.jpgDSC_0155 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4728/...abfb3af8_k.jpgDSC_0157 Launceston Post Office https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4691/...a6987cbf_k.jpgDSC_0165 Northeast Park, Scottsdale https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4643/...1f6c2c43_k.jpgDSC_0166 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4726/...68fb1850_k.jpgDSC_0169 |
Episode 2 - Visiting Mount William Nat'l Park
I left Scottsdale on a beautiful sunny day to explore Mount William Nat'l Park. A lot of dirt road during that day, only a short section was slippery, but SO SLIPPERY!!!! No way I could stop on that section.... I made it through all right!!:D
The Tasman Hwy between St Helens and Scottsdale is full of curves, lots of fun! https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4642/...1c726c22_h.jpg The video is 15 minutes long. Musselroe Bay https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4726/...aacd9d1e_k.jpgDSC_0171 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4647/...3661d96d_k.jpgDSC_0172 |
Episode 3 - Riding to St Helens
Riding from Scottsdale on Tasman Hwy West to St Leonards, then towards Ben Lomond Nat'l Park and to Nile on a small country gravel road. Then I took Hwy A4 through St Marys Pass :D , continued to St Helens and found a very special campsite at Cosy Corner South.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/...909d686f_b.jpg The video is 15 minutes long. View towards Scottsdale from Tasman Highway https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4737/...c20fe9a5_k.jpgDSC_0185 |
Episode 4 - Bay of Fires
Bay of Fires is an amazing place! Beautiful white sandy beaches and orange lichen-covered granite boulders. I did take a lot of pictures!!
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4685/...ec4c39a4_b.jpg This video is 13 minutes long. Amazing Blue Wren https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4679/...5eeb412d_k.jpgDSC_0186 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/...d4538882_k.jpgDSC_0190 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4738/...cdf6689c_k.jpgDSC_0191 Cosy Corner Beach https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4598/...8c6a175a_k.jpgIMG_20171215_152028052 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4593/...1b551354_k.jpgIMG_20171215_153907809 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4727/...ac0e8538_k.jpgIMG_20171215_154025530 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4680/...bc5c0c5e_k.jpgDSC_0230 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/...3c8ca6c7_k.jpgDSC_0234 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4734/...5e29eaa4_k.jpgDSC_0244 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4639/...f30fe587_k.jpgDSC_0249 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/...55b3116b_k.jpgDSC_0252 The Gardens https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4637/...5e7ada42_k.jpgDSC_0202 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4587/...aa88c92c_k.jpgDSC_0217 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4595/...cc5fde59_k.jpgDSC_0218 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4646/...d6bc352d_k.jpgDSC_0222 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4731/...2467f2c4_k.jpgDSC_0223 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4645/...5e1b673d_k.jpgDSC_0227 |
Episode 5 - Freycinet Nat'l Park
I left Bay of Fires and headed to Freycinet Nat'l Park, another amazing place! I had the chance to hike in the Wineglass Bay area on a very beautiful day and then went to cool down on Richardson Beach, near Coles Bay.
The map is shown on the previous post. The video is 15 minutes long. The view from Cape Tourville https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4739/...fb8c7952_z.jpgDSC_0267 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4692/...d3349e0b_k.jpgDSC_0273 Cape Tourville Lighthouse https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4689/...c06a5afb_z.jpgDSC_0270 Sleepy Bay https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4687/...90776342_k.jpgDSC_0275 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4641/...d10f4d88_k.jpgDSC_0281 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4686/...c343d801_k.jpgDSC_0282 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4596/...af4d9d4e_k.jpgDSC_0283 https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4732/...b3d4cc36_k.jpgDSC_0286 |
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