Day 16 -Running Creek bush camp to Gregory Downs - 39kms
Last night was the first time on this trip I got a campfire going. What a magical evening it was sitting around the fire with my book and enjoying the sounds of the creatures. Sometimes when you are not having the best day on the bike a good campfire puts it all into perspective.
This morning the wind was still blowing. I left camp just before 8am. Straight away I was fighting the bloody headwinds. But I knew I had a short ride to my destination. So I put my head down and focused on the riding. I got to Gregory Downs just after 11am. Gregory Downs is near the picturesque Gregory River. I decided to stay at the hotel in one of their rooms. As last night, somehow, I twisted my ankle and it was pretty swollen today. Later in the afternoon I went down to the river and enjoyed soaking in the water. Tomorrow I'm riding up to Lawn Hill National Park. I will be heading west so hopefully no more headwinds. |
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Day 17 - Gregory Downs to Lawn Hill - 98kms
As I was staying in a room last night it meant I could get an early start this morning. Wind was blowing slightly from the east. So I started with a tailwind. I was surprised to find the road was sealed for the first 50kms to Century Mine. This certainly made the kilometres go by quick.
After the mine entrance the road became dirt. With various different grades. Most of the sections were reasonably smooth, there were a few sections which were heavly corrugated. Which made finding a smooth line a little harder. I had a quick stop at Adel's Grove and enjoyed an ice cream and drink before continuing on to Lawn Hill which is another 10kms away. Thanks to the favourable winds I got here at 1.30pm. I had booked a site before coming here and was able to get a nice shady spot. By chance it was across from a couple who passed me a couple of days ago and offered me water then. This time they invited me to join them for coffee. Lawn Hill is a small gorge which you can swim in, do walks around and hire a canoe. Later in the afternoon I had a great swim in the river. I am staying here for two nights, so will be able to enjoy some of the walks tomorrow morning. |
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Day 18 - Rest Day at Lawn Hill Gorge
This morning I did the walk to Upper Gorge. The walk in total is about 7.5kms. The first part of the walk went through open bush and I was able to see a number of wallabies. It took me about 50 minutes to get to the Upper Gorge. When I got there and I had the place all to myself. Views were great down the gorge. I spent a good 40 minutes enjoying the views and listening to the birds.
I returned along the path which followed the gorge. After about 30 minutes I ended at Indarri Falls. There are four small waterfalls which were very picturesque. Again I spent a bit of time enjoying the views here before heading to my next lookout. I climbed a little to get to Duwadarri lookout. Again I was spoilt with great views right across the gorge.
I got back to my campsite in time for lunch. The walk was really good and scenery stunning. There are also walks on Island Stack, but unfortunately the bridge is out. So I enjoyed my lunch before enjoying another swim in the gorge.
I returned along the path which followed the gorge. After about 30 minutes I ended at Indarri Falls. There are four small waterfalls which were very picturesque. Again I spent a bit of time enjoying the views here before heading to my next lookout. I climbed a little to get to Duwadarri lookout. Again I was spoilt with great views right across the gorge.
I got back to my campsite in time for lunch. The walk was really good and scenery stunning. There are also walks on Island Stack, but unfortunately the bridge is out. So I enjoyed my lunch before enjoying another swim in the gorge.