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| Camp at Halls Gap |
Firstly, I'd like to thank the Victorian Government for making the many bike paths for us that we occasionally have needed to share with various vehicles. Fair dinkum, there are thousands of kilometres of bitumen roads that must only carry a dozen vehicles a day at best.
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| Leaving Halls Gap |
Prior to setting off from Halls Gap we were visited by cockatoos and kookaburras, as well as the mob of kangaroos that live in the campgrounds. I was holding out a crumb of bread when cockatoos decided to use me as their perch. I think there were 6 on me at one time, including on my head.
In high spirits we following the mountain range, enjoying the bush, the kangaroos and the birds. All day we biked along quiet roads, entering the wheat fields of the Wimmera until we reached Murtoa.
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| The Grampians in the distance |
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| Clouds over the Grampians. |
As we were setting up camp, Paula came by with her dog Scruffy and after a conversation she said she could organise a private viewing at the Stick Shed. Built in the 1930s to house excess grain, it is a mighty construction, the last of many, made from eucalyptus regnans poles and corrugated iron.
Next day I was on driving with Michael so it was an easy run into Donald. Next Day to Boort I was on driving again, this time with Karen. We camped on lush grass beside Little Boort Lake and had access to the wonderful ski club kitchen.
From Boort we rode to Barham, just across the NSW border. No country and music festival for us, instead a great night camped beside the river listening to a covers band at the Koondrook Hotel. Hotel California, Stairway to Heaven…all the favourites.
We then took to the long, flat, shade-less road leading to Echuca as the heat set in, as did the head winds, and the tail winds when we changed direction. We came across roadworks, cattle being droved along the side of the road and not a whole lot more. Few vehicles, no shops, no water. Sally and Karen came by with ice and water at the 40km mark, which was fabulous. A couple of rescues and we all arrived in Echuca safe and sound and enjoyed a lovely dinner with Lucy and Frank who brought along some of his red wines for tasting. Given the hilarity, I think they went down very well.
The Europcar van has been giving us trouble since we left and has now been deemed towable by the company. Let’s hope we get it back so we can proceed, otherwise our planned route may have to change.
Statistics
Wednesday 19 February: Halls Gap to Murtoa. 78kms on lovely roads.
Saturday 22 February: Boort to Barham. A quick run into Kerang with very few vehciles on a nicely paved road, then a further 30 into Barham along a not-so-quiet road. 77kms
Sunday 23 February: Barham to Echuca. Dry, dusty, shade-less roads in variable condition. 81km.
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| Michael takes a break. |
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| A lively talk accompanied by dog. |
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| Pelicans at Murtoa |
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| Camp at Murtoa |
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| The long rail that is now used for freight and grain. |
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| Paula and Paul examine bindis. |
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| The Stick Shed at Murtoa |
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| Inside the Stick Shed. |
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| A long view of the Stick Shed. |
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| Sunset at Murtoa. |
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| A grain train crossing as we drove to Donald. |
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| Grain train |
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| The wheat fields near Donald. |
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| Shopping in Donald. |
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| Sally relaxing at Boort. |
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| Yoga at Boort |
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| Sally's gone to ...L |
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