Sizzling Days

Mally and I got off to a late start from Sale and the temperatures were hot and rising. Could it really be fall? we set off on the Princes highway and soon turned onto a smaller, less travelled road. We then had to make a choice... take the shorter, easier but less scenic route or travel along the longer, slightly hillier but more beautiful route? We knew that we had a long day ahead since we were hoping to make our way to Lakes Entrance... not a nearby town... so we headed off on the shorter route. After about 10 seconds we decided that this route was already boring and we WERE biking to see the beautiful scenery of Australia afterall. So we turned around and set off on our long, but scenic journey.

The ride took us up a gradual slope into hills landscaped by eucalypt forests which provided a bit of shade from the sizzling sun. When we reached the highest point of our day in Stockdale (a tiny town marked by a sign), the two-lane road turned into a one-lane (but two way) tree-lined super wide bikepath for Mally and me. We zoomed down the gradual slope and made our way to our turnoff... where we were confronted with a road closed sign (OH NO!!). It appeared that the bridge down the way may be out of commission. Now there are not many roads in these parts of Australia... and the sign indicated that we could take a 20km detour and get back on our path or take a road back to the Princes highway that would put us back not far from where we started. Neither of these options were very appealing... and it was hot... and we had a long way to go... nope... the road would just have to be open for us. Mally and I decided to press our luck and ride 7km to the bridge to see if perhaps a bike could squeeze through the closed road... I mean... we aren't that big.. perhaps we could ford the river if nothing else.

So we pedalled our way down the road... realizing that it would be a long way back if we couldn't make it across the bridge. Finally we approached construction... and saw enormous cranes on the road ahead... it didn't look good. We got to the bridge... only there was no bridge... and the river below was more like a swamp (surely full of crockadiles and snakes). There was however a temporary cement crossing to the side of the "absent bridge". But, it was not smooth, had no railings, and it was probably meant for the workers across the river (Doah!). I was about ready to turn around when one of the workers raced across this temporary bridge (woah.. does he know it's a long way down) and offered to help us across. He carried our bikes down the steep slope onto the bridge and we set off across this temporary structure (did I mention it was bumpy and had no railings and that if we survived the fall to the river we'd probably be eaten by crocks and snakes... eeek!) Mally soon made it to the other side where the nice construction worker helped her and her bike up the steep step to firm ground. Meanwhile I was carefully taking one baby step after another being very careful not to look down. Mr. Nice Construction Worker soon came to my rescue and took my bike so I could focus on walking and I made it to safe ground at last - Phew! Mally and I were slightly concerned that we may deserve a scolding for ignoring several "road closed" signs, but all the workers simply gave us smiles and G'days... they couldn't have been more helpful!

After a stop for lunch in the shade of trees, we continued along on our super wide bike path chatting away and drinking lots of water. We were about out of water when we arrived to Lindenow South, which luckily had a general store. We went in to fill up our water bottles and the kind lady in the store sent us away with orange freeze pops (MMMmmm - that hits the spot on a hot day). The stop rejuvinated us for our journey through farm fields and into Bairnsdale where we re-energized further with nice big ice cream cones.

We then headed off for our final destination, Lakes Entrance. We followed a rail trail for the first bit of this leg, but then decided the road was much smoother than the so-called "sealed" rail trail. The hilly route sapped the last of our energy and we pulled into town as the sun began to show of its brilliant colors over the lakes mingling with the ocean - a beautiful sight indeed. Since the light was fading, we then took a walking path through town and out the other side to a more remote caraven park. We arrived exhausted... we had ridden 132 km. and found out that we had ridden it in temperatures of high 30's (i.e. over 100!)... this little tidbit made us even more exhausted.

We started to set up camp in the dark when some friendly campers nearby offered us a light. They came over with super bright lights to help us set up and then said "what are you doing for dinner?". Mally and I had contemplated ordering pizza so we didn't have to go back to town, but then decided we would make the trek... so we reply "oh - we're just going to go to town and get something"... to which they reply "you should eat with us - we have plenty of food". These words were music to our ears. I couldn't have dreamed of a better treat. So as Mally and I settled into our campsite and took nice warm showers (thanks for helping us find the bathrooms Kaitlin!), our wonderful neighbors cooked us a feast! We had fresh fish for an appetizer followed by steak, burgers, salad, potatos, corn... mmmm... it was our best dinner yet. (Thanks!) And it was great to meet some local Australians. We sat around, feasted, and chatted until mally and I could no longer keep our eyes open.

The next morning, we woke up tired and sore and ready for a day off in the town of Lakes Entrance. We were greeted by our favorite neighbors who were packing up to leave for home (how sad). We said our goodbyes to Maree, Steve, Kaitlin, Matt and Daniel and hung around a bit longer to chat with Vicki and Andrew... They not only offered us some crumpets for breakfast (MMmmm!) but they also had all sort of suggestions for our travels ahead. Mally and I parted to go to town and missed saying final goodbyes, but were left with a nice note of travel tips and a couple scrumptious apples (how did you know that hungry cyclists love fruit? Thanks!)

It was another hot day in town. We worked up a sweat just strolling in to the town center (and this was our day off!). We made our usual bakery stop where we chatted with a worker about to head off for a bike trip in China... then found our way to the ice cream parlor... and finally made our way to the ocean where we cooled off in enormous waves... ahhhh! The cool water was a refreshing treat on such a hot day and we avoided any encounters with sharks and jelly fish (phew!).

The rest of the afternoon we spent reading and napping in the cool shade... and as it started to cool down we headed back into town for some dinner. At this point, the winds picked up, sand was blowing in our face, and the temperatures dropped dramatically. By the time we had eaten and were about to head home, it was pouring and cold! Despite our full tummies, we had no choice but to run back to our campsite (so much for a day off) where we dried off and snuggled into our sleeping bags... ready to get back to riding the next day!