20th October 2023

Another long distance connecting day. But with a whole mix of terrain, trees, countryside and conditions.

First out of the hut was a continuation of yesterday, gravel roads and fairly nondescript country. But then it was off on some trails through open bush land (swamp!) which we haven’t seen before. Definitely not the kind of country where you should venture off the trail. Who knows what would be lurking in there…!

After that it was back to the forest and some rather fun windy stuff with sensible ups and downs. But some quite difficult because it was so overgrown it was like riding down a tunnel!

The last third – why is it always at the end of the day – was where the hard work started with some fast descents to rivers and, inevitably, climbs back up the other side. But we were back amongst some huge trees once again.

The last bit of fun was when I turned onto a downhill bit which led to the turning to the hut. Big kangaroo standing in the middle of the trail! So I took his picture and then turned on my GoPro and set off after him. He hopped off down the road and despite my best efforts I couldn’t catch up with him.

So, another hut for the night. No view but surrounded by trees, wildflowers and bugs…

I’m told that by my travelling companion of the day (a dentist who is slightly older but just as slow as me) that I may get a phone signal if I trudge up the path a way. You’ll know if this turns up on time…

I did remember to download The Telegraph when I had a signal earlier, I have to wait until after about 8 a.m. or they won’t have published it which always seems strange.

Cool enough for cycling today, just. May try for an early start tomorrow as it’s forecast to hit 29. It would be good if we could get to Walpole before it reaches that…