Day 2 - Traffic, tourists and tunnels

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The Gums Campground (King Lake NP) - Molesworth  57km

This might sound strange but I was hit by a sense of familiarty once we joined the Melba Highway leading us to Yea. We were warned that it would be a busy road and soon enough the universe of motorised vehicles swooshed past us. But we have been here so many times before. We settled into a comfortable rhythm, each to our own, and tuned into our on-road bicycle entertainment channels. Amusement comes in the shape of curious cows, strange objects that people throw out of car windows, an endless string of blue baling twine and friendly tooting from truck drivers. The 37km into Yea were seamless, almost in bicycle cruise control. 

At the historic railway station in Yea, which also marks the trail head for the Great Victorian Rail Trail, our attempts  to take a selfie were interrupted by a curious vintage car traveller who for a moment was convinced that we could pack more gear on our bikes than he could fit into his 1931 Austin Seven... We nod in awe, not really knowing what he is talking about. After a lunch break in a shady spot behind the Yea Visitors Centre, we hit the gravel on the Great Victorian Rail Trail and head for the tiny town of Molesworth. The sightseeing highlight of the day is the Cheviot railway tunnel built in 1887, 210m long and a handmade brick masterpiece (675,000 bricks) that would have any Lego master applauding. The tunnel presents a welcome opportunity  for a break and some goofy photo opportunities.  From there it's easy rolling into the campsite for the night.

Cheviot railway tunnel 

Before we sign off for the day, just a quick mention on the topic of food choices and cooking adventures while on tour, since some of you have asked. Well, we think that this is a topic of utmost importance and deserves its own page within this blog, so build an appetite for more insight on that matter. But in the meantime we can report, and this will amuse our German readers, the endeavour to produce 23 Kartoffel Puffer from the Dr Willi Knoll Mix on a gas BBQ was a bit of a culinary  disaster! But what was left of it was enjoyed this morning for breakfast.



Location: Molesworth VIC 3718, Australia

Comments

  1. AnonymousFebruary 10, 2022 at 1:06 AM

    Hmm, not sure if my last comment was eaten by the internets...
    Anyway, I've been thinking about you two the last few months (bad follow through, eh?). I'm thrilled to see you're out on an adventure on your ECRs! I look forward to following this journey in all from physical challenges to culinary delights. Take care out there.

    ReplyDelete
  2. FrancieFebruary 10, 2022 at 9:26 AM

    Reading on the computer girls. Third try to 'post' a comment.
    A Positive start - but NO - not in today's meaning!! Aunty Fran

    Had to create a new account but worth it to follow your adventures.

    ReplyDelete

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