Saturday 28 November 2015

First Day on the Run

26/11/15 To Cape Willoughby

By the time we woke up, Liz and Scott were long gone, so we sorted ourselves some breakfast, before heading down to the chooks and veggie garden.  The girls were at the door, knowing things were out of order, and having a discussion about the newbies. Will figured out the valves and got some water flowing, so we could water the seedlings, and I got some yummy greens for the hens. It didn't take long to do our daily chores, and let the girls out for a wander.


Betty's unloaded, and helping me with the chickens.


Water the chives, and other seedlings.


They don't have TV reception, the dish is for satellite internet connection. All they can get.


This is all they have, and it is enough for the essentials. 


We made a bit of a tour plan, so today we were checking out this little lagoon area, Penneshaw for supplies, and then head out to the Eastern side and Cape Willoughby Lighthouse. With some food packed, and our utensils, we took Forester and headed to Island Beach, just north of us. It is a very nice beach, well protected from the southerly winds, and plenty of holiday accommodation. 



Island Beach, just down the road from home base. 


Will and Forester, enjoying the Suns warmth.


Next, back into Penneshaw for food, to get through our stay, and then we headed to Antichamber Bay, Chapman River, and Cape Willoughby. The views heading up the hills were very nice, and the sealed road stopped right on the outskirts of town. There was a long stretch of beach at Antichamber Bay, where a couple of blokes were fishing, and you could camp for a fee. A little further along, was the Chapman river, which joins the sea, also with camping. There were toilets and picnic tables too, so we stopped and had lunch. 



Back to Penneshaw for some supplies, then we'll head to Cape Willoughby.



The Chapman River.


Lunch. Good old ham, cheese and tomato rolls.


It was a bit cool, and blowing a gail, by the time we had reached the lighthouse on the south east coastal cliffs. The roads were rough dirt, with lots of hills, and I am even more in awe of Bruce and Marg, who cycled all the way out here. They are truly amazing. After a quick look around the old cottages, and the outside of the lighthouse (you can have a guided tour inside, but we'd missed it), the wind had got to us, so we headed back.  We stopped by the chickens, and saw they were all home, so closed their door, and said good night. We spent the evening watching the wallabies and birds, reading, and relaxing.



Many, many ships have been wrecked on this coast, the last one in 1996.


Historic Lighthouse, that is now automated. 


Impressive sight, and the whale bones too.


Blowing a South Westerly gale, and it looks scary down there.










Friday 27 November 2015

Plans Are For Changing, Opportunities Are For Taking

25/11/15 The Wallaby Run


Wednesday saw us relaxing with Scott and Liz, with plenty of discussions, and chats about their adventures, and this different lifestyle they live. Over many cups of tea, coffee, and of cause food, we shared stories, and some history about each other. It was amazing. They also took us for tours of the different aspects of the property, solar array, water collection, chooks and veggies. It is all very simple, and workable.


Just looking out the kitchen window, she is having a huge drink.


Liz is making a cake for afternoon tea, in her bread maker....hey? Cool!


As the day wore on, they put it to us that we might like to stay longer, and house sit while they went off to a family wedding for ten days. We could feed their chickens, weed and water the veggies, and just relax around the island. We could also have the use of the little Forester. Wow. Gee, this is a change in thinking. But not a bad opportunity. We have often talked about house sitting, and travel combinations, and here was our first chance. I was still feeling short of breath, and like I have some allergy thing going on, and we can still see the island, including some camping at the other end of the island. We said, sure, why not.


This little guy would like a treat. They don't feed the natives, but the magpies occasionally get a treat.


Such a beautiful setting. Calm and full of wildlife.


So we asked lots of questions about the water, the power, the chickens, and the best sights to see. We watched as animals and birds busied themselves around the house, and ignored us. It was a wonderful day, and then while Liz cooked us dinner, Scott played us some cool tunes on the piano. He is also a talented musician. Another amazing day. We all had a pretty early night, as they had to be on the Ferry by 5:30 in the morning. So a change in how we see this island, and an opportunity to learn and experience a different aspect of life. This is what it is all about.


We are checking out the veggie garden and chook yard.


All sorts of veggies, a few fruit trees, and they also have bees.


While they packed, we took a walk to Pelican Lagoon.


This is Shell Beach, where they have a canoe and kayak. Very nice.




The Head Cold Attacks

24/11/15 Penneshaw to The Wallaby Run 22km


What a lovely morning. Birds chirping, lots of nice chats to fellow campers, and the ranger, who came to take our money. We took our time, enjoying breakfast (well as much as you can with cereal) and coffees. Finally packed, we headed to IGA and the Chemist for some quick supplies, then Will decided he needed a "Pub" photo, so instead of heading left, out of town, we waited to turn right. A couple of locals coming from our right, not indicating, caused us to slow as much as we could, but it b came apparent, they didn't know what they where doing, so I just stopped (Due to previous mishaps, I was prepared). I looked to Will as he just toppled over! What happened there Willsie? Poor Will, he wasn't prepared, he doesn't have mishaps, so wasn't unclipped, and it was too late once his weight was over to the right. Luckily, he wasn't damaged, little graze on his elbow, but Yellow Dog suffered a broken mirror strap.


"The Penny" and we're heading towards American River.


Never mind, we still had to get the pub shot, so did that and fixed the mirror with a cable tie, then headed up to the Info centre. There wasn't much to see there, so we decided to tackle the huge Penneshaw Hill. The first section is very steep, but only 100mtrs long or so, so that got the heart rate up, and the breathing heavy. I was struggling a bit with the breathing, so I stopped to catch my breath, and begin again for the next bit, which was just long, with a couple of more steep sections. It was just going to be first gear all the way. But before we hit the next steep bit, I was finding it very difficult to get a breath in at all, and luckily Will had stopped to check out the cemetery. I pulled over, and proceeded to have, what seemed like, an asthma attack. It was pretty bad, and at one stage we almost called an ambulance, as I wasn't able to get calm and slow my breathing down. I have never had asthma, or an attack anything like this before. Gradually we managed to get under control, then I just sat and tried to recover. It took about an hour. Not really the start to our day we anticipated.


We've made it up the first tough section, but I really need a stop. Can't breath, coughing...


Finally able to get myself calm and under control, I feel exhausted. What a shocker.



With everything seemingly ok, we took on the rest of the hill, and I stopped briefly to breath, and make sure I didn't have another episode. Then carried on up the hill. It wasn't that bad, and we came to the top and as it flattened out, we were surrounded by gum trees. It was really pretty. We rode across the top of this hill, then down the other side. There were really only two more small hills to negotiate, and on the down from the first one, we spotted two other cyclists with trailers, pushing up the other way. We all waved and yelled greetings and carried on. The ride was pretty good after the shitty start, and we managed good time. We found our turn off, and the Pelican Lagoon, and it turned to dirt. It was a bit rough, with a couple of short hills, but when we found Liz and Scotts driveway, it was a Wow, moment. Real bush, thick with trees, birds and animals. We followed the track and came to their house, they have built themselves. 


Feeling a bit shattered still. I am glad we are on the approach to our Warm Showers hosts.


Up this and a couple more, and we'll be there.


Pelican Lagoon, which is fed through American River and the ocean.


Going good Jen, let's go see what's in store.


This is it, let's go in.



Liz welcomed us in, made us a cuppa's, and we started to chat and discover this awesome preppers home. They are not on mains water or power, collect water, and solar power, which they store in batteries. They buy bulk grains and other foods, preserve food, grow food, and have four lovely chickens. They have been keen cycle tourers for 20years, travelling all over the world, and love taking in WWoofers (Willing workers on organic farms - check it out on the net, great thing to try all over the world). They obviously love taking in weird older cyclists, like ourselves.


View from the house, it is beautiful.


The house that Scott and Liz built. It is really great. Wow.



We had a great look around the property, and Scott and Liz went out and left us to sort ourselves out. After our very iffy start, this day ended with a fantastic finish, meeting these two great adventurers. We will stay a couple of nights and learn more.



Both Liz and Scott have Thorn Nomads, like us. They had custom paint jobs, that is why it isn't yellow or black.



Thursday 26 November 2015

Average Speed 10.5, Max Speed 70

23/11/15 Normanville to Penneshaw (Kangaroo Island) 37km


After a very rough nights sleep, we both were sluggish and a bit under the weather. The head cold seems to have got us both, which is a bit of a bummer. So we just ate our cereal and had a coffee, then packed up. We didn't leave until about 10, and took a slow leisurely ride out of town. There was no hurry to get to the 20 kilometres of uphill we had in store today, so we enjoyed the 6kms of slight incline as much as we could.


Nice flat back street to the road out of town.


We can see the bloody mongrels over there, we'll get to you soon enough. Hills.


Enjoying the last of our short flattish section. 



Then the gear cranking started, as we both clicked down one, then another, and sometimes two at a time to cope with the gradient. I think I spent the next couple of hours below forth gear, and a hell of a lot of time in granny gear. What ever downhill bits we got, were short, and only a little restful. We had a few rest, come photo stops, and were pretty happy to reach Delamere, which is just a shop, post office, and turn off to Victor Harbour. We bought a couple of Powerades and a pie each, which turned out to be fantastic. Made in Normanville, they are by far the nicest ones we've had this trip.


If you don't know, that is pain on our faces....


Got over another one, looks like a little rest round that bend.


Haaa, a bit of a break with a yummy pie and energy giving drink.



It was only 11kms to Cape Jervis, and I knew the last 5 would be an awesome downhill into town, so we just had to go up for six more kilometres. We can do this, so we jumped (well creaked and groaned our way) back onto the steeds, and ground ourselves up to the peak of our day, at 340mtrs. A quick stop at the lookout, to check on what was in store for us, and it was awesome. Scary, but awesome. 


This is just the lookout, off the main road. Where is the town?


Whoah, way down there! This is going to be awesome.


Come on Will, let's roll! Fast!



We returned to the road, adjusted Gary GoPro, and Will let go of his brakes, and started to pick up speed. I waited a bit, as Betty is a great roller, and I didn't want to hold her back too much. After a couple of fast bends, where we had to brake a bit for control, we burst onto a very long, straight run. A quick check of the mirror showed no cars behind, and nothing coming in front, so I let Betty go. Oh my goodness, did she go! I flattened out, and she just took off, flying past Will, at which point I did a check on my speedo and saw 70. Hoo hoo hoo hoo, frickin hell! I did not pedal once! Not once. The road flattened out, and Will eventually caught up, and we rolled into town at over 40kms/hr. So much reward for that tough day.


Woo hoo hoo, on the flat and slowing up to a much safer speed. So fun!


After a bit of a ride through the streets, we found our way to the ferry terminal, and sorted out tickets. We had about an hours wait, so wasted time by chatting to some Canadians about our cycling, and Canada. Got a cold drink, then onto the boat. It was all pretty easy, and then we relaxed onboard for the forty five minute journey. It was pleasant, quick and we saw dolphins playing in the wake. 


We can board now, how exciting. Finally going to get to KI.


The staff left Will to tie up the kids, they must of seen them running into town.


There it is, Kangaroo Island.


We had great weather for the crossing, it can be very different, apparently!



Once at Penneshaw, we went straight to the campground, set up and then headed to the store. On the way, we got waved down in the middle of the road by Liz and Scott. A couple of Kangaroo Islanders, who have lived here for 25yrs, have cycle toured for over 20yrs, and are warm showers hosts. They invited us to stay with them 25kms down the road, and we thought we'd be stupid not to. So tomorrow, we will take the short, but steep, ride out of Penneshaw and pay them a visit.


Will is very excited, he has waited a very long time to get here.


The beautiful bay at Penneshaw.


Council park, with an honour system. Pick a sight, write on the sheet, pay tomorrow.


Scott and Liz, locals who invited us to come stay with them tomorrow. Ok. 


Getting "supplies ".



After some food shopping, and beer shopping, we headed back to cook a hearty stew, and enjoy watching the various birds and campers. It was a lovely end to another tough hilly day. What will tomorrow bring? More hills! But hey, they always go down eventually.


Some nice wine to complete our delicious meal.


Max speed, EVER, that probably won't happen again. Life is precious, and I don't bounce anymore. But it was cool to do it just once.