Pemberton EOCY Overnighter

[Bozo]

Wes, Jeff and Bozo have just returned from a two day journey through the South West.

As Wes and Jeff had both been to Kirup and the Ferguson Valley the day before there was a request that this itinerary involve no gnomes or Kirup Syrup.

The group left on Monday morning from the Bull Creek Shopping Centre (note to Swampy and Sprocket...Bozo does not live up Bull Creek) and had a quick trip to the Pines' Rest Stop down the Forrest Highway. The need for some corners to keep the group alert meant a deviation down Dorsett Road through to Bancell Brook Road. A short section of the South West Highway was followed by the back way to Harvey via Yarloop on Eckersley Road and Government Road. At Marriot Road the group twisted their way through to Kemerton. Refuelling at Bunbury the next interesting road was Goodwood Road between Donnybrook and Capel. Busselton was reached via the Tuart Forest, Layman Road and Wonnerup for a coffee at the Goose.

Traffic in Busselton and on to Dunsborough was a nightmare but a pie at the Dunsborough soon erased the memory. A short cut down Commonage Road and Wildwood Road avoided the Yallingup traffic. Caves Road was OK through to Margaret River. South down to the Brockman Highway led to Stewart Road and the Vasse Highway between Nannup and Pemberton. Soon the Karri Forrest of the Beedelup National Park came into view and then on to Pemberton.

Accommodation was in very short supply and fortunately a triple room had been booked at the Pemberton Hotel. A walk up and down the main street was followed by a pint of beer for each of the group with a hearty meal. The evening was made more interesting by an octogenarian telling a joke about Kevin the nun and an engaging Swiss couple touring Australia from Thailand.

The group left at sparrows for Manjimup, stopping at the Diamond Tree, to observe a tourist with a fear of heights deliberating on climbing the 54 metre tree. Breakfast at the Manjimup Bakery was followed by "dancing with the SUVs". Bridgetown to Boyup Brook was enjoyable with only a few cars. Boyup Brook to Collie was fantastic with the road pretty well all to ourselves to enjoy the twisties between Macalinden and Cardiff.

A run down Mornington Mills Road was magic with a coffee stop at Captain Stirling's Cottage in Harvey being entertained by the Khaki Campbells (ducks).

The brilliant Nanga Road was slightly hampered by traffic as the group diverted through Dwellingup before heading home.

A brilliant trip through some of WA's iconic scenery and tourism attractions. Karri, Tuart and Jarrah forests in all their splendour. Some really interesting conversations with fellow travellers and great weather.

Wes is probably doing an imitation of Gangnam style after almost 2,000 kms in three days but when you have an opportunity to get on a bike and see the South West you have to take it.

Thanks to Wes for getting the ride scoped out and to both him and Jeff for excellent company.

Bozos Road Ratings
Dorsett Road to Bancell Brook Road via Coronation Road ...silver
Eckersley Road - Government Road...bronze
Marriott Road from South West Highway to Perth Bunbury Highway...silver
Donnybrook to Capel (Goodwood Road)...silver
Tuart Forrest Scenic Drive and Wonnerup via Layman Road to Busselton...silver
Commanage Road and Wildwood Road ...gold
Caves Road...platinum (if no traffic) otherwise gold
Brockman Highway...silver
Stewart Road...silver
Vasse Highway (Nannup to Pemberton)....gold
Vasse Highway (Pemberton to Middlesex)...gold
South West Highway (Middlesex to Manjimup) ...silver
South West Highway (Manjimup to Greenbushes)...silver
Bridgetown - Boyup Brook Road...silver
Boyup Brook - Macalinden...silver
Macalinden - Cardiff...gold
Mornington Mills Road...gold
Nanaga Road...platinum
Del Park Road ....silver

[WESR1150GSA]

Thanks Bozo, great write up. Not withstanding Jeff had also completed previous days run before the overnighter.