Chris L
01-09-04, 06:13 PM
This was a day I was looking forward to. 56km riding through the Franklin Gordon Wild Rivers world heritage area. It did not disappoint. I awoke to a spectacular scene with patches of low cloud hovering around the mountains. I set off in freezing conditions, and pedalled the 7km or so to the first side trip - a short walk through the rainforest to Nelson Falls. There was actually slightly water than was expected here, given that there hasn't really been a huge amount of rain thus far.
A little further along, the road winds up the first pass of the day. Victoria Pass yielded reasonable views at the top - however it was what I could see on the descent that was more interesting. There would be more climbing this day. A few more ups and downs with for once a reasonable tail wind led to another short walk to Donaghy's Lookout. The views here were definitely worth the effort - even if I did find myself walking a little faster to avoid the family with the whining kid.
Descending these sections finally led to the major climb of the day. In about 8km, the road puts on around 500 metres in height as it climbs toward the central plateau. For the moment I've forgotten the name of the specific mountain - although I will remember it soon enough. On the way up some jerk with a Queensland number plate (a dead giveaway) decides to do the old "lean on the horn" trick. Once again my legendary arrogance came to the fore - and I ignored him completely.
The top of this pass offered some great views over the mountains just crossed, and a complete change in landscape on the other side, as I reached the high plains where grasses became more common. After this, the remaining ride to Lake St Clair was a breeze. There were a couple of camping options here. The commercial campsite close by wanted $12 to camp plus another 50 cents for a shower. I walked for a km or so to a free campsite right on the lake (considerably less crowded), and walked back when I wanted a shower.
The bistro here does quite good (if a little expensive) meals, and yes, pasta is on the menu. I spend a heap of money on food (what I saved on camping), took a quick walk, and went to bed.
A little further along, the road winds up the first pass of the day. Victoria Pass yielded reasonable views at the top - however it was what I could see on the descent that was more interesting. There would be more climbing this day. A few more ups and downs with for once a reasonable tail wind led to another short walk to Donaghy's Lookout. The views here were definitely worth the effort - even if I did find myself walking a little faster to avoid the family with the whining kid.
Descending these sections finally led to the major climb of the day. In about 8km, the road puts on around 500 metres in height as it climbs toward the central plateau. For the moment I've forgotten the name of the specific mountain - although I will remember it soon enough. On the way up some jerk with a Queensland number plate (a dead giveaway) decides to do the old "lean on the horn" trick. Once again my legendary arrogance came to the fore - and I ignored him completely.
The top of this pass offered some great views over the mountains just crossed, and a complete change in landscape on the other side, as I reached the high plains where grasses became more common. After this, the remaining ride to Lake St Clair was a breeze. There were a couple of camping options here. The commercial campsite close by wanted $12 to camp plus another 50 cents for a shower. I walked for a km or so to a free campsite right on the lake (considerably less crowded), and walked back when I wanted a shower.
The bistro here does quite good (if a little expensive) meals, and yes, pasta is on the menu. I spend a heap of money on food (what I saved on camping), took a quick walk, and went to bed.