Day 21 - BC 50kms east of start of 90 Mile Straight to Cocklebiddy
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Last night, just before sunset, a small truck pulled in. She had hit a kangaroo and it had damaged one of her diesel tanks. The driver had nothing to stop the leak and I could only offer her my duct tape. As she couldn't call for help she drove to the Balladonia roadhouse to get assistance. Poor roo, the driver said she hit the mum and the Joey hopped away.
After that it was a very peaceful night. This morning I was again able to get away at 6.30am. It is so peaceful on the roads before 8.30am. As that seems to be when all the trucks and grey nomads start moving.
As I was cycling along the highway it was nice to see a few live kangaroos hopping around, as opposed to the numerous roadkill ones. Also there were some large eagles soaring up in the air and trying to catch their prey.
About 5km before the Caiguna roadhouse is a blowhole. This blowhole, dependent on air pressure either blows out or sucks in air. As under the Nullarbor there are numerous caves.
After the blowhole I stopped at the Caiguna roadhouse for lunch. Again I got the burger with the lot. This roadhouse was built in the early 1960's as an overnight stop for people to going to the Commonwealth Games in Perth.
I was then cycling again at about 12.30pm to my final destination for the day, Cocklebiddy, which is about 65kms away. First though I had to negotiate my first corner after 145kms!
About 30kms later I pulled into a rest area for a quick rest. There was this couple, Albert and Vera, already there having afternoon tea. They invited me over for coffee and biscuits. So of course I accepted their invite. My 5 minute break turned into a 30 minute chat. The couple are from Wagga Wagga and are heading to Albany to see their son and three granddaughters.
After my unexpected afternoon tea I continued my ride to Cocklebiddy and arrived at about 4pm (or 4.45pm as I had crossed an unofficial timezone).
Cocklebiddy is quite a friendly roadhouse. I'm camping here tonight as I need a good shower. As not had one for 3 days. Today the weather and wind have generally been great. Looks like it maybe a bit more sunny tomorrow.
After that it was a very peaceful night. This morning I was again able to get away at 6.30am. It is so peaceful on the roads before 8.30am. As that seems to be when all the trucks and grey nomads start moving.
One of the monster trucks being hauled by a road train |
As I was cycling along the highway it was nice to see a few live kangaroos hopping around, as opposed to the numerous roadkill ones. Also there were some large eagles soaring up in the air and trying to catch their prey.
About 5km before the Caiguna roadhouse is a blowhole. This blowhole, dependent on air pressure either blows out or sucks in air. As under the Nullarbor there are numerous caves.
Caiguna Blowhole |
After the blowhole I stopped at the Caiguna roadhouse for lunch. Again I got the burger with the lot. This roadhouse was built in the early 1960's as an overnight stop for people to going to the Commonwealth Games in Perth.
I was then cycling again at about 12.30pm to my final destination for the day, Cocklebiddy, which is about 65kms away. First though I had to negotiate my first corner after 145kms!
About 30kms later I pulled into a rest area for a quick rest. There was this couple, Albert and Vera, already there having afternoon tea. They invited me over for coffee and biscuits. So of course I accepted their invite. My 5 minute break turned into a 30 minute chat. The couple are from Wagga Wagga and are heading to Albany to see their son and three granddaughters.
After my unexpected afternoon tea I continued my ride to Cocklebiddy and arrived at about 4pm (or 4.45pm as I had crossed an unofficial timezone).
There are certainly a lot of Roos. Unfortunately a lot seem to be roadkill :( |
Cocklebiddy is quite a friendly roadhouse. I'm camping here tonight as I need a good shower. As not had one for 3 days. Today the weather and wind have generally been great. Looks like it maybe a bit more sunny tomorrow.