Day 61 - Happy tail

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Sawn Rocks (Mount Kaputar NP) - Bingara 71km

Our sneaky wild camping site at Sawn Rocks picnic area totally pays off this morning, when we are up with the sun to take the short walk out to the viewing point.  There is no one for miles, it's just us and the birds, enjoying the sight.

Sawn Rocks

When the road you are spending most of the day on is called Killarney Gap Road, you can be sure of one thing, and that is hills!  The climb starts immediately, but while long is never impossibly steep, so we slowly make our way to the top of the pass, and then get the pleasure of zooming down the other side.  At the bottom we stop, and stay very still as to not spook the mob of sheep being moved by a young farmer on a dirt bike with the help of his dogs.  Trusting the dogs to finish the job, one seems very old and experienced, he stops for a chat, and assures us we have done the worst of the climbing for the day.  And to make sure we stop at Glacier Rocks along the way for a dip.

The morning is perfect for riding, sunny with a cool breeze.  And the countryside so unexpected, surprisingly green and treed with lots of creeks and volcanic hills.  Somehow I imagined that central western NSW would red, dry, flat and scrubby.  We meet our first feral pigs, who seem pretty shy and dash off into the undergrowth when they hear us coming.  They obviously aren't that road sensitive as we also ride past a number of pig carcasses, bacon anyone?

The day and the hills stretch on, it's gets hot and we are glad to stop and Glacier Rocks and put our legs in the cool water.  We are looking forward to arriving in Bingara and meeting Bev and Chris, the Aunt and Uncle of our friend Sarah J.  Who have kindly offered to host some random cyclists they have never met.  Sarah assures us that we will all get on like a house on fire.  The lure of a proper shower and a real bed push us onwards.  

Glacier Rocks

In the final 20kms of the day Kerstin is cursing that farmer, as steep hills keep jumping in front of us, it feels as though Bingara must be over the next one, but really, it's just another hill.  We roll into town, dirty and tired.  Bev and Chris are busy volunteering at the local Op Shop (which they own and organise for the benefit of the community).  Bev, assures us the house is unlocked and to make ourselves at home.  There is a greeter waiting however, and we are stoked to hang out with Billy the very lazy, very sweet greyhound.



Bev and Chris, after a full on day at the Op Shop still find the time and energy to take us out for dinner, and to share stories of their adventures and lessons learned from lives rich in experience and daring.  We fall asleep in the most luxurious guest bed ever!

Location: Bingara NSW 2404, Australia

Comments

  1. FrancieApril 12, 2022 at 9:20 AM

    A medley of rides, roadside and on-road animals and experiences in the National Parks along the way. Great to have a Greeter and lovely hosts.

    ReplyDelete

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