New Year's Resolution

[Digger]

Exhausting day today, biggest day so far. 74km. Underestimated the size of a water crossing and ended up with wet feet for most of the day. I won’t make that mistake again. The last 25 km today was along an old railway form from a forgotten era. It helped my average speed and was the easiest 25km I’ve done on this journey. Nannup tonight (Wednesday) and a Hut tomorrow night. Chance of rain tomorrow...bummer.



Last night I stayed at Brook Lodge Hostel in Donnybrook. I think it may have been an old school house or similar at one time. I suffer separation anxiety when I can’t see the bike. They agreed to have it in the room.




I travelled along an old railway form from Jarrahwood to Nannup. Lots of evidence of the rail which was ripped up in the 1960’s once road transport became viable.

[Digger]

Even some railway track remains in some parts. Thankfully, most of the track and sleepers were ripped up so smooth riding for the most part.



Today’s warm and fuzzy photo. It is amazing that the smallest wildflower can stop you in your tracks. This is a striking example of Mother Nature at her finest.

[Digger]

I was happy for this day (Thursday) to end (again). Strong, cold headwind as I left Nannup with a forecast of rain. I was hoping I would find shelter for the night before the rain started. No such luck. It just got worse from there. A track maintenance diversion added an extra 4 km to my overall journey and I had to climb out of a very, very steep valley which included many switchbacks. The trailer was never meant for tight, steep, hillside trail conditions like that.



Strong headwind...and cold!



The old Mill at Donnelly River. If only those walls could speak (although I’m not sure what they would say).

[Digger]

It’s alright fellas...it’s only a Drill (refer sign in background).




Friendly emus at Donnelly River.

[Digger]

Today’s feel good flower. Spectacular.



Another feel good moment. Bet you the Joey was warmer then me in that pouch.

[Digger]

One Tree Bridge. Felled by a couple of locals to cross the Donnelly River to allow Bullocks to cross from a nearby Graphite Mine. In use till 1948.




Say hello to my little friend.


I’m currently in Manjimup waiting for Jacki to join me for the weekend before getting back in the saddle again and continuing toward Pemberton, Northcliffe, Walpole, Denmark before finishing in Albany.

See you on the other side.

[Bozo]

Digger

Clematis pubescens?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clematis_pubescens


Bozo

[KoosWA]

Keep it coming Steve, enjoying the couch travelling with you doing the pedalling.

Why did you not switch to panniers for this one?

[Digger]

Why did you not switch to panniers for this one?

A few riders doing the Trail are doing ‘bike packing’. That is, a lot of small bundles hanging off different parts of the bike. My preference is using the trailer for a number of reasons. Low centre of gravity, one big bag (easier then remembering where did I put those socks???), and probably not much heavier then a bike with 4 loaded panniers. Easy to disconnect the trailer and drag over logs (which will happen later in the journey) then strip the bike of panniers.



Downloaded from Google...example of ‘bike packing’.

[Digger]

Willie Nelson’s been killed...he was caught playing ‘On the road again’. Nah, only jokin’.
Me, on the other hand, are back on the road again. Had a great relaxing weekend in Manjimup with Jacki just being tourists and resting before continuing my journey. Left Manjimup after a late breakfast and made my way to Quinninup. It is not the most direct route to my destination (Albany) but it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Not much anymore in Quinninup...the Tavern burnt down last year (Jewish stocktake???? you decide). I’m staying in a cabin at the eco park. Will be in Pemberton tomorrow night (Monday) and Northcliffe the day after.




Currently at Quinninup...still a long way to go.



Old man emu looking after his chicks. I wonder why evolution saw fit for the male to do all the parenting? Maybe the chicks have a better chance at survival this way. Maybe they have a lot of predators wanting to eat them. Not sure...curious.

[Digger]

The floral emblem of WA. The Kangaroo Paw. Outstanding.




Game of Gnomes...Quinninup.

Enjoy your working week Slackers...

SPOT Link is here;
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... UCtYLNPufa

[Bozo]

Digger

The reason the male emu looks after the chicks is a species survival thing. In good seasons female emus will have up to three clutches of eggs with at least three different males with up to 20 eggs per clutch. This allows populations to recover rapidly after poor seasons. The male not only looks after the chicks but also incubates the eggs.

Emu numbers average 500,000 in Australia but can rise to 1 million or drop to 200,000 depending on seasons. The male doing the rearing allows the female to have multiple males look after as many eggs as she can lay. She can lay an egg every two to three days. The little stripeys take a lot of care and impact the health of the male emu. Nature has given priority to the female in this case who seems to have the better deal.

Bozo

[Digger]

Arrived safely at Northcliffe and will be staying in a Pub room tonight. From here to Walpole will take three days to ride and will include both nights in Huts. Enjoying the tall timber country that is so abundant around these parts.



See this sign outside many farms...thankfully I’m not looking for work. If anything, I’m trying to avoid it.



Stayed at the Pemberton YHA Hostel last night (Monday)...a converted original timber workers cottage.



Crossing River Road Bridge. Originally used by trains hauling timber across the 150 wide gap over the Warren River.

[Digger]

The view over the handlebars today (Tuesday)




Today’s feel good foto.


I don’t mind admitting that I have found the going pretty tough over the last few days. I really look forward to the end of the day. Maybe I should’ve factored in more rest days. Still, a shitty day cycling in the South West has gotta be better then a good day at the office.

[Goldie1]

Digger you’re doing well on your trusty pushy! Top photos and comentry, your office each day is better than inside a workshop.