It’s weird when you get a song stuck in your head. Well actually in your brain to be more specific, but you know what I mean. How does that actually happen ? Maybe Mr Google can give me some answers although I’m not sure I can wade through all the advertising to find the answer.
Anyway, moving on I’ve been plagued by this one song recently. “I’m living in the Seventies” by Skyhooks and it was released , funnily enough, in the seventies, 1974 to be exact. Then I started thinking about the reasons it’s embedded in my brain. Well, I was definitely living in the 70’s and apparently survived unscathed despite the Magic Mushrooms, Flared Pants, Body Shirts and Platform Shoes, and it was the era when I moved water sports from Scuba Diving and Freediving to Kayaking. Maybe it’s because I’m now Living in the Seventies in another way. Yes, you guessed it, in birthdays.
Just in case you’re not fully informed in the category of 70’s music here’s a link to Skyhooks Live on Countdown TV show.
Ok, back to reality of some sort, here’s a short video of what Living in the Seventies paddlers get up to.
It’s “Park and Play” which suits more when you only have a hour or two available as the Coffee and Bun is calling. Sea kayaking will be missed this week as the wind is forecast to increase and we also need to fit in a couple of Mountain Bike sessions.
It was a cooler morning for this time in Summer. No blazing sun to bake you in a 40 degree C oven or searing bitumen in the carpark. I scanned along the line of cars to find the rest of todays’ crew. Easy to spot the Old Bulls, amongst the gaggle of young board riders, as they readied for a little ocean playboat fun.
The youngster parked next to me peers out to sea and sighs. No great waves for him today but not so for us. He downs a can of Red Bull sports drink, grabs his board and jogs down the cliff path, hoping the Red Bull will kick into the waves as well. I look at the Red Bull can still sitting on the bonnet of his car, thinking “maybe it does give you wings”. It’s a bit of a climb down the cliff path carrying your kayak and wings would be handy.
The closest I can see of an energy drink is Steve sipping a lukewarm breakfast coffee. I don’t know how he manages to consume it that way. We are here for the fun of surfing a few small waves, no energy drink, no sponsors stickers, no Go Pro. Just a small group of Old Bulls having FUN.
We aren’t sponsored by anyone. Actually, that’s wrong; some of us are sponsored by our Superannuation Funds and others by various side line acts and supported by our wives and partners although maybe they are just happy to see us out from under their feet. I think we actually sponsor the nearby Becks Bakery as we often seem to end up there.
We are definitely Old Bulls not Red Bulls, but we are out there running like Bulls, or should I say Paddling. The surf is “below average” today but the fun levels will be sky high, especially in retelling of exploits at the bakery. Funny how the waves are always bigger and maneuvers more spectacular when accompanied by a coffee and bun.
Here’s a few photos of FUN.
I just realise that I didn’t fit my nose plug
Seaweed Steve always seems to be nearby.
Seaweed Steve on the charge
Just cleaning out my sinus cavity
Berny looking serious but still having fun
You’re still with us !! Well here’s a short video to waste another 90 seconds. I have to go now as I need to check my letterbox for the expected bundle of Valentines Day cards.
The Barbie movie is about to hit the screen and we took our own “Barbie kayak” out for a splash around.
Well actually it’s a Jackson Rockstar V but with all the pink colour it’s certainly worthy of the Barbie name.
I’m not sure Barbie approved of the weather with a cold 8 degrees C and light rain but what the heck, we were out there celebrating the cold.
Another amazing fact. Barbie and I have the same birthday. When I was younger some people compared me to Ken, but now I think I’m more “Ken Oath” than Ken. (work out the Aussie slang you foreigners. Yes, it’s rude).
Winter is with us again. Those sunny days of Autumn are gone. No more lazing around in shorts and T shirts, it’s back to fleece jackets and beanies.
We have been travelling for a couple of months, paddling sea kayaks, bush walking and riding mountain bikes as well as some photography sessions. If you missed the sea kayak article it’s here and bike riding in the northern Flinders Ranges is here.
Our latest attempts in photography try to capture the landscape in a more abstract way . What do you think ?
Back home for a while I drag out the playboat and head out for a short session.
The beach is deserted except for a couple of dogs chasing a ball. No one else in the water today, probably because it’s chilly and only us retirees get “Fridays free time”. The swell has also deserted the beach but I still manage a few rides and get my head wet.
I find Steve (King of England) had the same idea and was already on the waves.
Robyn managed to get some video of the small wave session. We enjoyed our first winter session and hope to fit in many more between sea kayaking, mountain biking and coffee and croissants.
I woke before dawn to a special silence. No distant crashing of waves, no wind swaying the trees, no flapping of canvas; the silence of a calm sea.
The dawn came with a burning red horizon viewed through the trees and then as a red streak as I made it to the beach.
A sign of Calm Seas
On the beach
Today we would be paddling on a calm sea. The last few days had been choppy, wind swept and wet but still a lot of fun as we launched in sloppy conditions and paddled into sheltered bays to investigate the rocky, boulder strewn coastline.
Yes, it’s windy on this coastline as you can see from the trees. The sandy spot around the tree is used as a resting place for the local kangaroos. You can see the tail drag marks in the sand.
Windswept
Launching in a fairly protected cove
Not only did we have to content with the less than ideal conditions, but this is also a major shipping channel for Port Lincoln where grain carriers carefully navigate the passage of islands that lead them to the Southern Ocean. A Bulk Carrier puts out a hell of a wake which adds to the wave chop and rebound from the islands.
Keep your distance
Not only where the launches interesting, but even the landings in a protected cove, at the end of the paddle, were a mad dash to surf to shore, jump out and drag the kayak up without getting too wet.
Charlie coming into protected waters
Greg showing his style to land without wet feet
We knew today would be different as we prepared the kayaks on the beach at Taylors Landing. Taylors is protected and generally the last mainland point before heading across Thorny Passage to Thistle Island. Unfortunately, we didn’t have a good enough weather window to be taking that route, but we would be exploring some stunning coastline.
Thistle Island is far in the distance and the closer island is Taylor Island.
Perfect conditions
Charlie had decided to make attach a Shark shield to his kayak this morning as we had just received the very sad news that a surfer had been taken by a Great White shark not far along the coast.
Loading up and checking the Shark Shield
We slid into the water and were away.
Clear calm water
How’s that for style
With Charlie keen to explore every small rock pool and Greg diligently following it was an excellent day of fun paddling.
We passed rugged granite cliffs and explored around lichen coloured boulders.
Greg was often around rocks
Charlie likes to poke his nose in
The Gulls
The next two photos show the clarity of the water and the reflection of the kayak. Charlie has “borrowed” my Greenland style paddle and is now an affectionado of the “carbon toothpick”.
Along the way we chatted to the local Sea Lions, caught a whiff of the local cormorant flock, watched small fish dart under the kayak as well as enjoying the stunning coastline.
Cormorant Rock
Drifting in close
When we got a little too close the Cormorants would waddle close to the rock edge, jump off and madly flap and run to get height. If you were in the wrong spot they would come straight at you, emptying their bowels, to lighten the load, as they struggled for altitude. Just don’t be in that wrong spot.
…and they’re off
The calm conditions gave us the chance to explore around the rock pools.
Charlie rocks
Ochre cliffs
Clear water
Relaxing
A White Bellied Sea Eagle kept a close eye on us for several kilometres, however, I think we were a little too big to be considered likely prey.
I’m watching you guys
It’s hard to do the scenery justice when taking photos from the kayak with a small Canon camera but here’s a few of the seascape. I have managed to drown another Nikon camera so it’s back to the “point and shoot” Canon until I decide on a new camera.
Our paddle ended on a sloping rock shelf in beautiful warming sunshine.
All that was left to do was take the 4wd track back to camp, take a walk on the beach, indulge in a cold beer, followed by a few glasses of red wine by the fire, which was diligently tended by Greg.
…and then the rain came.
A few days of great paddling. Ian and Robyn, Greg and Charlie.
The sky had been clear blue all day and the forecast was for that to continue. We camped at the town of Beltana, a heritage town, in the northern Flinders Ranges of South Australia and settled back to watch the sunset light up the sky as a few clouds streaked across.
Our plan was to ride two roads that join Beltana to the Outback Highway, both of which are recommended for 4WD vehicles only. This would be out and back style rides unless we decided on using the highway and sealed road into Beltana to turn it into a loop ride.
Beltana is a Heritage town with a small permanent population which increases slightly in the cooler winter months. New houses can be built in the town but they must comply with heritage style. The local hall displays an amazing art collection of Flinders Ranges landscapes with around 100 on display. It welcomes self sufficient campers such as us and it is well worth a walk or ride around the town.
One of the newer cottage style residencesAn original residence but what a view from the front verandah
Our first ride was on the Old Beltana Road which is a rocky, red dirt road that heads north for 20km, emerging through the Puttapa Gap, before joining the highway. Recently, Cyclone Ilsa pushed a rain band south from the tropics giving the area a good drink. We saw only a small amount of surface water in the creeks and the red clay roads were dry and hard.
The railway line is on the mound in the foreground
This is not an area to be taken lightly. Carry plenty of water and safety gear as few vehicles pass this way. It’s rocky, corrugated, washed out, sandy, bone shaking and stunning. Admiring the rock formations and the distant views as well as keeping the bike upright would be a challenge for anything other than a suspension mountain bike.
Yes it’s rugged and a little harsh on the equipment
Following the Old Ghan Railway line and we came across ruins of the bridges and culverts as well as sidings that would have been flourishing 100 years ago.
Great views from the old sidingThese culverts were built to last
I’m not sure what the name of this siding was but now it’s just a ruin with only partial walls still standing.
Built from the local stoneLike a totem pole
At the 20km mark we joined the Outback Highway and headed north for around 6km towards the town of Leigh Creek. Looking to your left you can see a communication tower high on a bluff and that was our destination. Again, don’t try riding this area when there has been rain. You won’t get far in the red clay. The turnoff is near a cattle grid on an unmarked track. Stop here and strap on a new set of climbing legs, or in our case shift the Ebike power up a notch. This is a long, rocky, rutted climb but with spectacular views from the top.
Beware of the gates, especially on the way down. It seems someone had a sudden stop.
Sudden stop
It seems that mangled gates are a feature on this ascent.
2 sudden stops !
Sorry I didn’t get any photos until towards the top and they don’t do justice to the view. Still, I tried with these shots!
Now for the descent. Take it slow and easy going back down. You may be only a few kilometers out of Leigh Creek but few people pass this way and bike spares are impossible to find in this region. A blown tyre could mean a very long walk. Of course, I would disregard that advice and have a great time bombing down the track.
You can follow the red track in the photo to the lowest point in the valley, which is where you started the climb. The photo was taken about 1/3rd of the way down from the tower.
The Highway is far in the distance
Now it’s only a matter of retracing your route to return to Beltana.
There are other “wildlife obstacles” to avoid along the track. Charging around a corner we surprised a herd of feral goats who dived in all directions. Luckily, they high tailed it up a steep embankment.
A mob of ferals
Emus are also numerous in this area. It’s not unusual to have a gaggle of Emus spear out from the bush and cross the road just in front of you. Nothing like seeing 200kg of flightless bird with long clawed legs, a sharp beak and beady eyes charging through the bush towards you.
This guy ran for a while then turned and stared; daring me to pass
The other wildlife encounter I had was with a female kangaroo with Joey in the pouch. She has bounding flat out along the track near me, with the Joey hanging out of the pouch screaming “faster Mum faster, we can beat this sucker”. No time for photos of that one; full power as I hate being beaten by kids.
We had previously tried to follow the Highway to Trebilcock Creek where maps showed a short cut to Beltana, but when we reached the turnoff the track was actually following a creek bed and strangely enough it had water in it. This gave us a less than enjoyable 20km on the Outback Highway and then 12km of sealed road to Beltana.
Back at camp the clear blue skies disappeared, and clouds gathered above us; and then it rained. The second 34km (return) ride on the southern 4WD track would have to wait.
The rains are coming and we will be going
Beltana, a town with history. Robyn and I stood at the front of the hall, me knowing my father was here as he travelled north with the troop trains of WW2, and Robyn knowing her family lived and worked here on the overland telegraph over 100 years ago.
Beltana, a great place to visit in the cooler months and when it’s not raining!
PADDLING SOUTH 