Riding the Munda Biddi.... The first weeks!!

It's been a tough 10 days since I set out from Perth on Thursday 22nd September!!
I'd collected my bike from About Bike hire on the Wednesday evening, rode back to Jacqui's house, and packed ready for the road!!
I had a lot to pack in, and just about managed to take everything I needed.... However time will tell whether I've brought enough!!

Thursday morning I was waiting as Christine arrived to transport me, my bike, and all the equipment up to Mundaring, the 'Northern terminus' of the trail,

and with some nervousness at the great adventure ahead I was waved off at 930 am by Christine... (thanks for the support!)
I was soon whizzing along the clearly marked trail, wondering what lay ahead... Soon I arrived at the Mundaring Weir hotel, and had what I thought would be my last proper cuppa for a while... Then continuing, leaving behind civilisation... Heading up into the hills, with the weather closing in, eventually turning into heavy rain!! And, even worse I realised I'd not been following the trail properly... I'd gone wrong somewhere, and although I tried to get back onto the track, I kept ending up further away... So rather than being 'lost in the bush' I decided to re-trace my tracks... Which is what I did, when the next incident occurred... 'Crunch' and clatter, as something went wrong with the bike, which after continuing to ride a little while I realised that a bolt on my pannier luggage rack had, I thought come apart (actually it had broken!), and so the rack was dragging on my tires...

So, here I was, lost in the bush, in heavy rain, and a broken bike... At least the rain was relatively warm!!

I looked for the lost bolt for some time, eventually finding two pieces, but not the rest, and unable to fix it I decided to walk back to the Mundaring Weir hotel and get it fixed!!

So that's what I did... After several hours walking, finding the correct route, losing another bolt from the rack.. I arrived back soaking wet... And checked in to a cabin/hut!

No food there, but I did have a big log fire!!

The bike firm came out, took the bike away, and got it all fixed for me, whilst I dried everything, and had a lazy first evening on the 'trail'!!

With just a couple of Kangaroos for company and had a good nights rest!!

Friday I was up early, and out to start again!! A little early rain, which I waited to blow over, and then started riding, paying particular attention to where I'd gone wrong the day before; I'd been heading up the wrong valley...!! Again I was riding deeper into the bush, scrub land really, alongside some water pipelines, and remote tracks linking everything together, occasionally coming across an isolated hamlet of just a couple of houses, before plunging back into the 'jungle' with lots of birds squawking overhead, and rustles from the undergrowth!!

By 230pm I arrived at my first bush hut - Carinyah,

and sorted myself out, only 1 other person there, 2 arriving later after dark... I had lots of food, and settled down after dark for my first night in the bush - it was a clear starry night, and consequently it was freezing!! The huts are open ended (I presume so not to attract animals) and as I had only brought lightweight gear with me... I was really, really cold... Ending the night fully dressed inside my sleeping bag, eventually it becoming tolerable!!

Saturday 24th I was awoken by some other bikers riding round the hut, so had obviously got some sleep!! After I'd cooked my porridge for breakfast, and packed up I was ready to set off around 10am into the warm morning sunshine.. Continuing lots of uphill riding in the hills along rocky tracks with occasional swift descents...

I was making good progress and enjoying it, although it was quite hard riding!! I had a nice lunch break at Gleneagles rest area I passed, catching up on emails etc, then continued into deep bush arriving at the Wungong hut at 230pm just before the rain arrived; I'd timed it almost to perfection, I was warm and dry... And later joined by 8 other riders, all with differing tales to tell, passing a pleasant evening. I settled down to a slightly warmer night, maybe because it was raining, or maybe I was just getting used to it?

Sunday 25th I woke along with everyone else at 8, and breakfasted and packed, ready for another tough day ahead.

It was nice in the sunshine riding along in 'deepest bush'!!, although the 'pea gravel' or sand on the tracks did make it heavy/hard riding.

Late morning I'd caught up with a couple from last night, and we all stopped for a snack and chat at an old POW camp location (can't imagine what it was like for those prisoners) then I rode on towards today's destination, up and down the trails!!

By 130pm I arrived in Jarrahdale, quickly finding a bed for the night at the Jarrahdale B&B - a nice couple, who gave me the run of the house... so I did a load of washing, switched the TV on to find Manchester United playing (and beating Leicester 4-1), and cleaned up after my first two nights in the bush!!

I met another biker, who was travelling lighter (and faster) than me, and we both had dinner at the pub together - meeting a local who had recognised my Manchester accent (cultured) and came across to chat!!

It was nice to get into a warm bed that night, although I was disturbed by 'tummy upsets'!!

Monday I was ready for breakfast at 730, deciding that my 'upsets' had now cleared, and off I went at 830 having re-stocked my bags with food and choccy!!

Straightaway I was into bush, and pea gravel

which soon caused a small spill, me ending up with a stone cutting into and lodging itself in my knee!! First aid over (I pulled it out!!) I continued riding through the wild area, with evidence of bush fires around

and again lots of birds, not much else... Lots of uphills, and when I came to a 'steep descent' sign...

I knew it meant one thing... Followed by steep ascent... Tortuous with a heavy load on the bike, and me!!

I traversed along the North Dandalup dam dodging lots of showers as I went along, arriving at the Dandalup hut/shelter around 130pm, another good days riding of 34kms... the hut was well hidden in the bush,

with supposedly great views across the landscape... Which I didn't see due to the cloud and rain, although it cleared slightly for a pleasant sunset. I had the hut to myself, and accompanied by heavy night time rain was quite comfy, and had a good nights sleep!

Tuesday 27th was a lot clearer (at first!!) so I had great views to wake up to,

including this view from the toilet!!

I was riding by 9 am in initial sunshine, however as the morning wore on it started raining, then pouring!! There were still a lot of uphill tracks, quite steep and hard at times, although eventually I came to the top of the hills, and was able to swiftly ride down a fire road/gravel track all the way into Dwellingup... Soaked to the skin, I managed to get a tiny bush cabin (the last one!!) at the campsite, and washed and dried off, and getting supplies in the shop in the village and a hearty meal in the pub. It was like lots round here wood and trees which made this place

with various mementos lying around!! I even won a cap at the pub... Very welcoming!!

Wednesday morning I was up before 6 as I knew I had to ride 60 kms today, and hoped I could make it!!

It was dry, overcast, ideal biking weather as I set off on the long road, firstly through Lane Poole reserve, and Nanga mill (burnt down in a bush fire), again up and down but a little more undulating, so I made good progress. From Nanga I had to follow a big diversion around a bush fire area (from last December), which meant riding a 30 kms loop on gravel roads, easier than the trail I think, and so I was helped along my way, passing the destroyed bush all around me,

although even in all this the flowers were starting to come back, and flowering amongst the burnt bush land.

I also passed through a large Alcoa Bauxite mining area, with great tracts of land being ripped up for its minerals...

Eventually after 7 hours of hard riding I made it to Lake Brockman touring park, to pay an extortionate amount for a simple cabin, and collapse!! I was sustained by a large Lasagne, chips and salad from the cafe there, again stocking up on food for breakfast and the next days trail, before going down to the Lakeside for a stunning sunset - see the canoeist?

It was a freezing night, I was glad I was in a cabin, and kept the heating on all night (getting me money's worth!!)

Thursday morning I was up by 645, ready for another longer day - 45 kms, just hoping for more downs than ups!! By 815 I was packed and ready to leave the campsite, and headed off into the early morning sunshine, with again great views over the lake.

I was more into forests than bush today, and it was slightly easier riding (or was I getting fitter?) although with the sunshine... Came the heat!! And I needed a neckerchief on to protect my neck from the burning sun!! 

I needed more rest/food stops, but pleasant riding, I even disturbed a kangaroo bounding off into the distance.

I got to Yarri hut at 1-50 pm, a good days ride, and plenty of time to relax at this small hut, which had a great patio overlooking the forest/bush which stretched down below.

I was initially alone, but later joined by a rider from Perth, younger, fitter and faster!! We had a pleasant evening chatting as the sun went down, the Stars came out... and the temperature dropped!! Another cold frosty night, but I managed a reasonable nights sleep.

Friday 30th September I was awakened at 645 am by the sun shining into the hut, lovely and I got up for a hot breakfast, and wanting to get going early as I knew rain was coming in later... for 2 days of bad weather - I wasn't sure where I would head for today, deciding to decide when the bad weather arrived... So at 815 I was off riding.

Further into the forest, and along great gravel tracks and roads making good progress, however after less than 30 minutes the rain started, gentle at first, but then as time ran on, heavier and heavier, cold rain too!!

As I cleared the forest I went along a main road for a while, rather than on the forest trails, which by now were flooded with great puddles having to be negotiated... I decided then I would take the road in to the nearest town - Collie, where I could dry off and re-stock... I'd been riding along for some time, when a white van passed and stopped - a Malaysian delivery man - Dino, and his brother from Perth who offered me a lift to Collie (or several other places!!)- I had to accept the offer (didn't I?), so late morning saw me in Collie, (thanks Dino, very grateful!) soaking wet, and checking into the Colliefields Hotel, a rather run down place, but warm'ish and dry (and I had an electric blanket on my bed)!! I'd still ridden 35 kms today, so didn't feel too bad...

I spent the day shopping, getting my bike serviced... And watching the rain and winds batter the town... I did manage an evening curry whilst on walkabout dodging the showers.

Saturday was more of the same, probably got too much shopping, as I've been a bit hungry on a few days last week... I did a walk around the small town, viewing the museum and good art gallery, again dodging showers and looking at old coal mining equipment and steam engines used to transport massive loads of coal from surrounding coalfields around Australia - Collie being the biggest producer of Aussie coal

the weather was still wild, a good day to lounge around!!

I managed to get to mass as St Bridgid's at 6 pm, for a lovely vigil mass, in a beautiful, simple church with a service to match!!

A lovely end to my relaxation...

I hope the weather improves, as Sunday I'm off on the trail again.... I've done 333kms so far, quite good I think? Hope it gets easier, warmer... And dryer!!

A Week in the Country

Another great week in Australia!!

Sunday 11th I was taken out to celebrate my Birthday, by Jacqui, Christine, Peter and Geoff -  I know... I don't look any older, in fact I'm sure I'm getting younger!!, then on the Monday Jacqui drove me to the luggage shop, where my broken case was replaced with a brand new one... With only a little extra needing to be paid by me!! Then I spent the afternoon catching up on a few things, whilst sat outside in the warm sunshine...
Tuesday morning Jacqui dropped me off in downtown Perth, and I had a good day walking around, sorting out my bike hire (I'll tell you why later...), and generally 'weighing things up'!!


Wednesday I was up early again, and packed ready for another 'mystery journey'!! - Christine and her husband Geoff were to take me on a journey down South into the country and coast, where?- I wasn't sure!!
So I sat in the early morning sunshine awaiting their call!!




I was collected just after 10 and we drove out of Perth, leaving the big City behind, driving South along the quiet highway... Around midday we called into the huge 'Bunbury farmers market' with a great collection of meats and veg... With lots of samples to try!!

Then onwards to Busselton with its 2 kms wooden jetty stretching out into the warm blue sea (well, it looked warm!!)

We then drove to Dunsborough, further along the coast, to a great beach-side chalet/house, where we were to stay for a couple of nights...
We went walking along the coast, very pleasant warm day:

and up to Castle Rock 

We called for drinks at their daughters house - in the 'bush' nearby, a great location for her and the family, then back to the cabin for a relaxed dinner.

Thursday we were out along the coast again, although a bit wet, wild and windy we managed a few differing walks between showers in an area around Canal rocks 

and then we went to the Aravina estate for some wine and cheese tastings - luvverly!!, then, even better, off to their daughters again for a nice lunch - I'm being really well looked after!!

Friday morning we were out again in the Cape Leeuwin National Park, coastal walking along the rocky shore:

then after returning to the cabin to vacate and lunch, I had another walk along the coast, up to a surf area, Smiths beach, although no one was surfing (a little cold)

Then we were all off again further along the coast, and more Inland to a farm outside of Northcliffe, where we were to spend the weekend... driving through unending forests to get there, whilst I just sat there taking in the views!!

We arrived just as it was going dark, disturbing the large herd of Kangaroos peacefully grazing in the grassy fields!!, and settled in to the rustic accommodation!!

Saturday up bright and early again for a drive through to Windy Harbour, which despite its name and reputation wasn't very windy, indeed it was a pleasant walk along the cliff top looking at the various Rock formations

Then we went to a great Rock mound, where after climbing we had great views of the coastal plain, and marshy land

From there we drove across to the Gloucester tree, a famous 'fire lookout tree '72 metres high, which yours truly was expected to climb!!

I couldn't resist and was soon climbing up the metal spikes driven in a spiral up and around the huge tree, ever upwards, until, finally I reached the summit platform and was able to look down and around me!!

A great view all around, even though it had started raining as I climbed!!

So I returned triumphant and we all headed to the pub for a celebratory beer!!

We returned to the farm for some dusk kangaroo spotting, and more 'education' for me in Aussie rules football!!

Sunday we were up and out early to get to Pemberton for the 830 am mass at the Sacred Heart church, and a lovely drink and cake with the delightful congregation afterwards..

From there on to the Big Brook dam, for a pleasant walk, just beating the rain... 

and returning to Pemberton for coffee before continuing out into Warren national park and another fire lookout tree - the Bicentennial tree...

which I declined to climb, it was swaying rather a lot in the windy conditions!! We drove on along the Heartbreak trail 

 

by now the rain settling in, then off to another winery for wine tastings and a great lunch!! - the Australian food culture is really good, with lots of unique settings and good food!!

Back to the farm for our final night...

Monday morning having packed up, we called into Northcliffe, to go around the sculpture trail there... Lots of interesting a unusual sculptures hidden within the trees and bush!!

Leaving Northcliffe behind we headed North towards Perth, stopping along the way in Manjimup at the 'King Jarrah tree' and driving into the busy City and the setting sun!!

I've had a great week being well looked after by Christine, and Geoff - who's driven '000's of kilometres without complaint, all to ensure I was given views of the SW corner of Australia - how can I thank them enough?? - I can't, but I can say a huge 'Thank you' for your time and efforts!!, including great accommodation and meals supplied...

So, another week and more has gone by, now I'm just getting ready for a little adventure on a bike - the Munda Biddi bike trail, 1000 kms of off road riding, reputedly the longest... in the World..... where I'll be camping in the forests in special huts as I go, and will take around a month!!

I'll let you know how it's going when I can!!

In the meantime... Keep smiling!!

Monday 12th Sept - In the Land Down Under

It's been a bit a hectic 12 days since I left home to be driven in my VIP transport in the middle of the night down to London Heathrow airport, where I got my mid day flight firstly to Dubai, and a few hours later on to Perth, Australia arriving at sunset the following day!!

 













Good, comfortable flights, well looked after by the airlines, and fed well.... But not much sleep... And a slight hiccup when I collected my (rather large) suitcase, to find it had been broken open in handling, however I reported it easily, and wasn't delayed much as I staggered out of the arrivals hall of the nice new airport to be greeted by my Camino friend Jacqui, who had been patiently waiting over an hour for me - thanks!!

I was soon whisked off to her home in Central Perth, given my own room in the family home, and made to feel very welcome by her husband Peter and the rest of the family, and joined later by my other Camino friend Christine, whilst we all toasted my safe arrival.... And I then collapsed into bed!! 

Friday I was firstly driven to the luggage repair centre, then on a walking tour down to central Perth in nice warm sunshine, and a relaxing afternoon, before we went out to watch the girls basketball team that Jacqui coaches play at a large Basketball arena, amazing to see so many youngsters playing, then an early night for me!! 

Saturday I was driven out to Freemantle by Peter and Jacqui for a wander around this quite interesting old settlement town, ending up at the roundhouse old gaol:

and watching the canon being fired:

then after lunch in a trendy busy bar, we were off to Cottisloe beach to see the Ocean...

And another early night!! 

Sunday morning we were out early for 0800 mass at St Joseph's church, Subiaco, where we met the other 22 pilgrims walking the Camino Salvado with us...


I'll only pick out some bits of the walk for you, and accompanying photos, details of the walk and route are on my last blog page... 

Sunday we walked through Perth itself, and then Monday we were out into the 'Bush' and along the River Avon

Tuesday again saw us walking through deeper bush:

with distant sightings of my first Kangaroos,and later in the day a herd? Of Kangaroos crossing the road in front of us, and hopping alongside:

Wednesday we were deeper in the bush away from civilisation and I had sightings of Emus running through the trees!! 

Thursday saw us gathering on a gloomy morning to start the day with a special prayer song

before setting off through the forest, and a good picnic spot in the trees for lunch.

We stayed at a farm that night, which had a wild, but tame Kangaroo 'Tess' visiting, along with a 'joey' (baby) in its pouch, and last years youngster with it before a nice sunset from the hills.

Friday we were nearing our journey's end, skirting some military training grounds, and walking on rough boundary tracks... 

We stopped for lunch at a farm, which had some Emus in a paddock.

Saturday saw us on our final walk, along a long gravel/ dirt road 

and finally early afternoon walking into New Norcia 

with the church bells ringing out in greeting..and then a monk washing the feet of a couple of the walkers in a welcoming ritual... 

Then we went to the pub and celebrated!! 

Sunday we were welcomed again at the 0900 mass in the settlement church 

and had time for a look around before returning to Perth mid afternoon where Peter collected us and took us home!! 

So, a quick view of my pilgrimage, with an organised group of people, and welcome views of the countryside in Australia!!