Six riders took advantage of the clear skies to see what was blooming. A run past the airport gave us the first encounter with high wide loads before dodging ducks and gum nuts through the Chittering Valley. We slowed down to pass a mob of emus. Ted, Drew, Vic, Ross, Swampy and Bozo managed to surgically cut the myriad of corners before dropping Ted at the Bakehaus for his speaking engagement. Heading up Crest Hill we turned back on Moolabeenie Road to take the Wells Glover Road to the Great Northern Highway only to encounter two huge dump trucks that took up the full road. Turning down Hay Flat Road we arrived at the wildflower site of interest at Wannamal.
The prime species sought was an orchid, Pyrorchis Nigricans. It has a myriad of names including fire orchid, red beak orchid, undertaker orchid, elephant ear orchid and potato orchid. Great Northern Highway only had a small showing of Leschenaultia.
All that we could spot at Wannamal were the elephant ear shaped leaves that will flower in a few weeks.
An enjoyable run back to Bindoon on Mogumber Road to return to the Bindoon Bakehaus and catch up with Ted. Earlier we had spotted Braam and then BillB and Tom turned up from a slippery gravel run up Keating Road.
Back home through the Chittering Valley and the ride ended at Bullsbrook.
Great day for a ride but too early for the orchids and Leschenaultia.
Thanks to Swampy for running as tail end Charlie.
Bozo
