12/03 - 23/03/16 Jenny's Happenings
After dropping the boys (Will and Bill) off at the Airport, I head to Fremantle to meet our daughter, Olivia, and her boyfriend Jake, at the Chilli Festival. We wondered around tasting and looking and smelling, all that chilli. Like it wasn't hot enough without eating hot chilli food? So Olivia and Jake tell me there is some delicious ice cream, in one of the stalls, so we head there. Hmm, it's all got chilli in it! Ice cream and chilli? I'll give it a crack. Chocolate Ghost Chilli, for me! Looks like chocolate, smells like chocolate, tastes like choc.....cccc......whhhhooah! The afterburn. At first cool yummy ice cream, then, BAM!!! Burning, deep in your throat, like a million tiny ant bites. It was torturously yummy, until my tongue went numb. Olivia had to finish it off for me.
From there, we had Olivia's birthday dinner at Ria Malay, in Leederville. It was a very nice restaurant, and we all had a fun night. The train ride home was a rather long trip, with a dose of adventure thrown in. Needless to say, I doubt my Mum and Dad will be using public transport again, if they can help it....too long a story for the blog.
This is Olivia, turning 20. Jake made her the cake, she decorated it......very yummy.
Some of the family helping to celebrate the last of our "Teens". Cheers Liv.
So I'm reading Will's blog, wondering why I didn't go. Because, I've been to the gym, checked on the clearing of the yard at the renovation house, called up to make sure our carpet is coming, oversaw the instillation, and hosted a number of "Warmshowers" guests. I had Michael, in his mid 50's, from Gibraltar, who was just doing a short ride down south, then back to Perth, before his two kids flew in and they were all off over east. Then I had a group of four young people, on a tour south, and east, across the Nullarbor to Melbourne and Sydney. It was great having strange people in my house, even though my mum always told me not to talk to strangers.
Only one more small, shed like structure to demolish.......Ar, Progress.
Underlay down.............
Then the new carpet, and everything looks nice again....
This is Michael, from Gibraltar. Happy riding Mike.
"The Crew" after their first day riding in over 3mths, and smashing out 105 kays.
Here we go, here we go, here we go............
Only to next doors......one deflating tyre, and one loose drink bottle holder.....
Repairs complete, and they're off........To Australind and Couch Surfing Hosts.
I'm exhausted, but I want to do something fun too. A couple we met on our first cycle adventure, on the Mundabiddi, Alan and Julie, are going to ride another section . This time, from Logue Brook dam, to Manjimup. I thought very hard, and came up with a plan to catch them up and ride with them for a day. So plan A, was to get Mumsie to drop me and old Black Betty, at Jarrahwood, I'd camp the night with Alan and Julie, ride the awesome rail trail to Nannup, stay somewhere there, then ride to Donnelly Mill, where Mumsie could pick me up and transport me home. Sounded good, but wasn't going to fit in with Mumsies plans and driving times. Bummer! So to plan B. Chuck Betty into the cruiser, drive myself to Jarrahwood, stay over, ride to Nannup on the awesome rail trail, stay somewhere, ride back to Jarrahwood the next day, chuck Betty back into the car and drive home! Simples......yes?
It looks very nice and is a little hard to leave sometimes......our back yard view.
No! Betty wouldn't fit into the car, without modification. Oh, poop! Willsie? Will? Where are you when I have a good idea that won't work? Thank goodness for messenger, we were able to get instructions on how to take the front wheel off. By undoing the Dynamo, unscrewing the hub, deflating the tyre a bit, and releasing the breaks....bloody piece of piss! Huh! Then I had to wrestle that ornery Betty, into the back seat space, she was not happy. I chucked in my gear (of which I took too much, again where was Will? He usually takes tools and things I don't need to think about), some cold drinks, food and water, then I headed for Jarrahwood. Where the hell is it? I know I've been there, but only on a bicycle......no idea how to get there on the roads. Google maps, to the rescue.
This is the tree we camped under on our first stay. This time I'm in the hut.
The drive was pleasant, with the tunes blaring, and the weather perfect. Huh, so Jarrahwood is a tiny settlement just off the Vasse Highway, half way between Busselton and Nannup. I arrived about 2.30pm, and busied myself with getting Betty out and back together. It was actually pretty easy, now I know what to do. Best not forget to pump up the tyre again. I sorted my gear, and relaxed under a tree to wait for Alan and Julie to arrive. They rolled in about 3.30pm, and about half an hour after that, another group of four turned up. So we all had a chat and set up beds, sorted out food, and shared some nice cold home made Gingerbeer, I'd bought from home. A nice little luxury, having the car fridge.
Alan checking on the bikes in their own little shelter.
The Pommies doing the full 1000km Munda Biddi trail. Awesome work.
It was a nice cool night, and I had a reasonable sleep on my mat, in the hut. Everyone was up and just taking our time today, as the ride is a relatively easy one, only 27km, and with the last 8kms, down hill (a pretty light gradient). The group of four cyclists, were a family, from the UK. Mum, Jackie, two sons, Will and Alex, and Will's girlfriend Kat. They were riding the full trail, all the way to Albany, and had bought some books and souvenirs along the way. I offered to take them in the car and deliver them to them, when they get back to Perth, so they didn't have to lug them another few hundred kilometres. So I look forward to catching up with them in a couple of weeks time and hearing about the rest of their adventure.
Packing up for our gorgeous days ride to Nannup. Too easy!
So we eventually headed off around 9.30am, and just took our time along the rail trail. It is a one bike at a time path, and quite gravelly, with steep berms. Lots of amazing banksias and sheoaks, and rustling bushes. Alan lead, and Julie toddled behind, taking her time and being cautious on the track. We took many little drinks breaks, and really enjoyed getting to the down hill roll, to arrive in Nannup, just over 3hrs later.
Alan leading the way, and making sure we take lots of drinks breaks. It is getting hot.
Julie and Alan, at The Siding for another drink and snack break. Maybe a toilet one too.
Lovely shaded lunch spot, only about 5kms from Nannup. Should have bought my chair.
On arrival, we were met by a range of flash Jaguars, and a bazillion motorbikes. Oh poop, something is going on in town, I hope we can find somewhere to stay, I didn't bring the tent.....bugger! As we made our way to the main street of town, there were more bikes. Then we spotted the four other cyclists, so we stopped for a quick chat. They were staying at the caravan park, so while we stood talking, I checked booking.com for accommodation options. Phew, still some vacancies. The motorbikes were not staying. So Alan, Julie and I, cycled off to Black Cockatoo and found us some digs. I would totally recommend this unusual accommodation, with five different options. A short walk from the shops and pub, with gorgeous gardens and quiet setting. Very relaxing.
Make lots of deep rumbling sounds Alan, then they might not notice we are different.
Discovered the Motorbikes were on a "Black Dog" ride for Depression Awareness.
Hey, isn't that the Pommies?
Our cool digs at Black Cockatoo. Eco tent with a double and 2 single beds.
The gardens and grounds are quite secluded, you wouldn't know other people are there.
After a walk through town, a coffee and a nice walk back, we decided a short nap was in order, before heading to the pub for a delicious dinner. There were the annoying mosquitos, but with some 80% Deet, good old Bushmans, I was confident they would annoy someone else. We had a very nice night, and the four Pommies, caught us up at the pub for a beer, and more chatting, before we all retired back to our temporary homes.
Don't struggle Alan, or it will wrap you up and suck out your fluids......
Think they got sick of people hitting the tree when entering their driveway?
Awaking quite early, didn't make us rush our departure. It was all very civilised, with a quick stop at the Seven Eleven for lunch, snack supplies. More chatting and well wishing, before I pedalled off first. Someone had to make the first move. I really enjoyed joining Alan and Julie on this small part of their journey, and the challenge of my first "solo" ride ever. I wondered if I had the self motivation to make myself ride if I got tired. I did have about half the weight, we would normally carry, as I had clothes, food, tools, water and a few other bits and pieces, and I found it easy. It was a great ride.
The beginning of my very first "Solo" ride......see you again Nannup.
Don't be deceived, these Banksias are actually quite spiky. Long sleeves may have been a good idea.
I stopped heaps to take photos, as I really hadn't taken many the day before. With only one bike, I was quieter, and saw more wildlife. It was fun, exhilarating, and only took me 2hrs and 10mins to get back to Jarrahwood. When I made it back, the Landcruiser was waiting patiently, so I took out a chair, and sat and relaxed under the tree, enjoying my achievement, before packing up, and getting Betty back in the car for the run home. She was much more compliant this time.
Hello Mate, what you doing? I got about a foot away before he got jittery and took off.
More of those spiky buggers! I did get a few minor scratches on my arms.
Thought I'd stop at The Siding again. Same spot as yesterday, had a drink, munched on a few beans, and heard some rustling in the under growth. Out came this scary bastard. About 3 meters from me! Yikes!....I let it get right over the other side of the clearing, then got on Betty and continued on the ride with Stick/Snake paranoia.
Pay attention folks, those Banksias try to get you in many ways.
There are still some remaining parts of the original train line.
One of the rail bridges still going, a bit rickety, but safe.
A pity it is in the sun, because it is really starting to warm up, it is almost 12pm.
We did it Betty, back to Jarrahwood. It is a nice place, and thank goodness the car is still here.
So after my little adventure, I am formulating a plan to do it again, with support, and see if any of my extended family can be convinced to do a three day, two night, mini tour. Then who knows after that. There are other rides around the South West, that we could do, that I would like to do, so look out fam, I am going to try to convert you......ha ha ha ha.
So whose in, hey? Come on, take a chance and come enjoy our beautiful bush the fun way.
