6th October 2023

12 degrees in my bijoux hut this morning – could have had the a/c on heat but after yesterday it felt warm!

…..and continued to heat up.

But first, nice breakfast of two eggs, bacon and toast to set me up. And the best cup of coffee I have had in a long time.

Really nice morning, winding through the forest, just me and the birds. Gentle climbs and descents so I was actually enjoying myself properly rather than facing another workout, took quite a few photos and then got to the stream at the bottom.

By this time the temperature had climbed to the high 20s so I really didn’t need the cliff face I hit next. So steep I very nearly unloaded the bike and did it in stages. But I’m made of stern stuff and bettered it.

I crossed a couple more streams – could hear frogs but not see them. Probably too hot. And then fairly nice trail but a fair bit of pushing.

And then I hit the diversion. By this time it was over 30. And they made me cycle uphill in gravel in the open. But as they were going to do a burn where the trail usually runs I suppose it’s ok. Then the diversion went off into pine forest. After the tobacco box smells of the morning the smell of pine was a surprise. The downside was that the diversion had lots of gravel roads over hilltops. Exposed to the sun again.

Well, the hut is spectacular, perched on the side of a small valley with a stream in it. Lots of mozzies so I have rigged up my net – I have a cunning plan which will stop it undoing itself during the night.

Critter of the day? I did see an eagle but it flew off before I could photograph it.

However, a large lizard (Goanna?) obligingly filled in for it.

And now it’s cooling down so I’m off to my sleeping bag.