|
Day: |
002 |
|
Date: |
Tuesday, 9 November 2004 |
|
Start: |
Kurrajong Heights |
|
Finish: |
Jenolan Caves |
|
Daily
Kilometres: |
120 |
|
Total
Kilometres: |
290 |
|
Weather: |
|
|
Accommodation: |
Jenolan Caves House |
|
Nutrition: |
Breakfast: Chocolate and gorp
Lunch: Pies
Dinner: 3-course meal |
|
Aches: |
|
|
Animals Seen: |
|
|
Pictures: |
Here |
|
GPS Track: |
|
|
Journal: |
I had a disturbed night, firstly because it
began to rain and secondly because it sounded like every car and
truck on the road was coming straight through my tent. At
least the tent kept me dry. It was still raining in the
morning and I packed up by 7:00am in the lea of a tourist
information sign. I continued west along the Bell's Line of
Road in the rain and fog although I enjoyed the rainforest-like
scenery. The road gradually became more undulating and I
crossed Mt Tomah at about 1100m. I stopped in a picnic area
with shelter shortly after for a snack and when I checked the map
and guide-books realised it would be easier and shorter to connect
with the Bicentennial National Trail (BNT) at Jenolan Caves. I
also though I might be able to get accommodation there and dry out.
The road got hiller as I neared the descent into Lithgow and
then I decided to take the road to Mt Victoria following the signs
to Jenolan Caves. In Mt Victoria I did some shopping and then
went to a deli for an early lunch. It was run by a middle-aged
gay couple who thought Jenolan Caves was too far and that I should
go home. During lunch I called Barb and asked her to find
Jenolan Caves on the internet so I could call about accommodation.
It was a fruaght series of calls but I eventually got the number and
called Jenolan Caves and booked a room. It was still 64km to
go, but only 1:00pm, so I should make it easy.
It was still
raining and foggy as I set off down the big hill from Mt Victoria.
I was hoping the ride would be easy, but after Cox's River it seemed
to be going slow and I was tired. I stopped at Hampton Hotel
for a snack and then continued on into an alpine-like environment
with moors, conifers and fog and rain. At the top of one hill
I discovered I was crossing the Great Divide at 1250m so I had
climbed even higher than I had been in the Blue Mountains. No
wonder I was tired.
The final 8km was downhill to Jenolan
Caves in steady rain. The road closed at 4:00pm for roadworks
but I just went around the barrier and got down OK. I checked
in to Caves House and unpacked everything to dry out by the heater.
The three-course dinner took forever to be served, which was
annoying. The rain stopped after dinner and I hoped for a
drier day tomorrow. Went to bed at 10:30pm. |
|
ADVENTURE LIST
Round Ireland
(2016)
Hume & Hovell Walking Track
(2013)
Via Alpina
(2012)
Australian Alps Walking
Track
(2011)
Land's End to John O'Groats
(2010)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2009)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2008)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2007)
Australia Tip to Top MTB
(2006)
Adelaide to Darwin MTB
(2005)
Sydney to Melbourne MTB
(2004)
Three Peaks Race
(2004)
Appalachian Trail
(1986)
Alpine Track
(1983)
|
