It was a cold night; a freezing cold night. I peered out but it was so dark that you couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. The clouds cleared and the Milky Way made an appearance in the night sky. With no lights and the moon not rising until 2am it was a stunning display in the desert night sky. I thought of getting up and trying a night sky photo but quickly dismissed that idea.
The morning light woke us and illuminated the houses of Beltana, a small town in northern South Australia. The town is Heritage listed and the buildings have been restored by the residents and we had been camping near the Community Hall.
Another beautiful morning in Beltana. There are many houses now restored and occupied.
This is a land of contrasts with red earth plains and rugged ranges. When it does rain here it has a huge impact not only greening the landscape but also scouring the water courses with flash floods. Old railway bridges still survive as they were built high above the river bed.
Red dirt roads leading to the Ranges
Disused railway bridges high above the creek
We had come to paddle the Aroona Dam, a body of water that was originally built to supply the mining town of Leigh Creek. A rocky vehicle track leads to the dam wall and spillway which has seen overflows in recent weeks.
You need to portage to get to the launch spot down an interesting track, rocky, narrow and washed away in parts from recent flood inflows but we managed, picking our way down to the water.
Once on the water we enjoyed the company of various water birds including a variety of ducks and a lone pelican.
This one was far from home. Probably following the creeks towards Lake Eyre which is also filling with water.
We had been trying to photograph the native Tortoises that are abundant in the dam. They would pop up their head next to us then disappear at lightning speed. These slippery little suckers were going to be a challenge to add to our photographic collection. (Later we walked along a nearby ridge and saw tortoises sunning on the surface but the camera was in the car)
A number of Wallabies watched us from vantage points along the shoreline seemingly unperturbed by the kayak and camera. This is an area inhabited by Yellow Footed Rock Wallabies and we saw some on our drive in, but none around the dam.
The rock formations are stunning, even more so at water level. Here’s a few photos that hopefully give you an idea of the rugged beauty of this desert waterway.
Robyn always manages to get in the photo
Looking towards the dam wall
Steep rock faces are a feature of the area
We spent a morning paddling, drifting, watching the wildlife and enjoying the sun. We hope you get out and enjoy the beautiful Spring weather and maybe the freezing desert nights.
I stretched forward and flipped the spraydeck over the coaming and checked the fit all-round. How many times have I done that I wonder. Thousands of times, tens of thousands of times or more; I try a quick calculation in my head and I’m immediately hit with a searing “ice cream headache”, not from the mental gymnastics but from a wave that snuck up and pounded my head.
That’s better. Making it out during a lull in waves
It’s been with me a while now, this kayaking thing. From the 1970’s when I started in river touring kayaks and graduated into just about every discipline of the sport. I have been a competitor of sorts, mainly thinking of myself as someone that “made up the numbers ” due to my lack of training time, or more likely ability.
One thing remains the same; Surf Kayaking. I loved it from the first time I took a river touring kayak out through the break and ran down a small wave. Lots changed in that time both in kayak shapes and equipment. Does anyone remember the Johnson Surf Shoe (kayak) or Valley Moccasin ? I owned both as well as an Australian designed Rosco Phase 3 Kayak and locally made Olymp 75 kayak.
Let’s take a small wave to get the feel of the kayak
Back from meandering through the past I paddled out into a freezing morning to test out my latest kayak, a Jackson Rockstar V. I jumped a dumping wave and stayed upright whilst pulling a couple of 360 spins followed by a long backsurf. The next couple of waves were not so glorious, ending in a sound dumping as I tried a forward loop. The kayak felt great and will be better with a few minor seat adjustments.
Here’s a flat spin sequence. I promise to try it on bigger waves next time !
I found another kayaker (Steve) grabbing a few icy waves as well.
I only captured the last part of his wave
Here comes another 360 spin on a small wave and then back surf.
We bounced around in the waves until my body was near frozen then grabbed that last wave to shore.
Steve heads inshore. Frozen but happy.
Heading for a strong coffee and lemon cake.
Back on shore and suitably warmed with coffee and cake I checked out a couple of archive boxes I had seen in my shed. Sure enough amongst the certificates and other stuff was an article written about our early Surf Kayaking in a magazine SA Canoeing 83.
I scanned some pages below and I remember the two people who produced it. Phil Read who wrote the surf article Noel McPharlin who took the surf photos using a Nikanos waterproof film camera
Yep I was there on another page as the first Secretary of Canoe Polo Committee that started a pool competition in June 1982. It seems a lifetime ago, probably because it was, and it meant that kayaks would become my recreation and occupation. Anyway, have a look at pages from that era.
Another blast of wind hit, almost stopping me in my tracks. This wasn’t fair, I’m going down hill on a graded dirt road and I’m struggling to keep a constant speed. I picked up speed again and was whacked again by a side blast that pushed me across the road and into the shrubbery. Robyn was slightly ahead of me and fared worse, being smaller, and was off the bike.
The day’s ride had started with a warning of gale force winds about the coast but being inland we figured it would just get a little windy and we would be able to get protection in the valleys, even if the hilltops were gusty.
Even the Corellas had found the trees too windy and opted for safe ground
We approached the Old Rockleigh School House and sought shelter for a food break. I knew that the wind would only get worse and hoped we could make our way to Mt Pleasant without any more incidents.
The Old Rockleigh School House now a campsite on the trail
On the road again, I lost count of the number of times we were pushed sideways across the road or had to brake to save us from another visit to the trees that lined the route. Tree debris was all around, just waiting to catch a derailleur and I also took timber on the helmet. Just to make things harder, rain drops started to splatter on my glasses. Nice day for a ride.
We had been in Western Australia for 6 weeks, where it rained almost continually on the Muda Biddi Bike Trail, making it impossible to make any good riding days. The areas that weren’t a foot deep in mud were a foot deep in running water. So we opted for a glamping trip to the Lavender Cycling Trail in South Australia, a trail that runs 300km from Murray Bridge to Clare. Glamping meant using our caravan as a base and riding out and back day loops to cover the 600km needed .
The riding was challenging due to the weather but certainly rewarding. There were so many interesting and unusual sights as we looped from South to North.
So what’s this tiny house doing set on the hill ?
Yes it’s a model house but why, what for ?
Look at the next photo to get it in perspective.
Yep it’s a jumping course for ponies.
I was impressed by the number of churches we passed, most being still in use and well cared for. This was an area settled by followers of the Lutheran Church as well as many other Christian religions. Sadly many of the towns they lived in have disappeared.
Sitting on the crossroads
No ones been through that gate for a while
Freshly mown grass and look at the size of that bench seat. Maybe that was the old “Smokers Corner”
Another well cared for exhibit
Not only were there places of worship for the living but also places to house the dead. The Shannon Family Mausoleum on a hill above the town of Moculta has 24 residents with room for up to 80. Oddly enough this place of the dead was the only place we saw another rider on the trail. They were heading over the next hill as we approached and we never saw them again.
The Shannon Family Mausoleum. Resting place where the last person took up residence in 1962
Apart from the old buildings, quaint villages and churches there was some great landscapes to admire. We travelled on typical Australian dirt roads and saw some iconic spots.
I think every cyclist on the trail has this photoI was captivated by the tree and granite bouldersDirt roads and gum trees. Some of my favourite things.
We had made it to the town of Eudunda where the loop to Inspiration Point starts. Yep, it was still raining and predicted to get heavier. We rugged up with every bit of warm clothes we had and charged on.
Lunch amongst the Cactus
We had to make a few route changes due to the mud. Cyclists know it as the Mawson Mud as it famous on the 800km Mawson Bike Trail. It comes in two colours. Black oozing mud that squelches under your tyres, splattering everywhere and red that simply clags up your wheels, chains, derailleurs and you, making movement impossible.
We tried this road but eventually had to back trackWe knew we were heading into red mud country
Re-routes were interesting. This one being because the normally dry creek crossing was anything but dry. It was also going to be the course for a car rally in a few days. Good luck with that !
It always pays to carry your reading glasses. Yep, remember that in future.
Then the rains really hit us. We had passed the highest point of the ride and had only to coast into Clare but with pouring rain we decided to cut the ride short. We had ridden the last section before and knew the red dirt roads would be impassable with the only re-route being onto busier roads, so we called it a day and headed home.
A great ride in interesting country. In winter it’s a sea of green and in summer a scorched earth under a blazing sun. Ride it whenever you can and experience the landscape.
WE LIKED Green pastures Cloudy brooding skies Kangaroos bounding along side us Large flocks of birds Wombats in their burrows Stone buildings of all shapes and sizes
WE HATED The wind
The Lavender Cycling Trail has it’s own website with lots of articles and planned routes as well as a Ride With GPS download of the trail.
BTW. Mud Sweat and Gears is a group of distinguished riders that raise money for the WestCare homeless shelter in Adelaide.
Another blast of wind hit, almost stopping me in my tracks. This wasn’t fair, I’m going down hill on a graded dirt road and I’m struggling to keep a constant speed. I picked up speed again and was whacked again by a side blast that pushed me across the road and into the shrubbery. Robyn was slightly ahead of me and fared worse, being smaller, and was off the bike.
The day’s ride had started with a warning of gale force winds about the coast but being inland we figured it would just get a little windy and we would be able to get protection in the valleys, even if the hilltops were gusty.
Even the Corellas had found the trees too windy and opted for safe ground
We approached the Old Rockleigh School House and sought shelter for a food break. I knew that the wind would only get worse and hoped we could make our way to Mt Pleasant without any more incidents.
The Old Rockleigh School House now a campsite on the trail
On the road again, I lost count of the number of times we were pushed sideways across the road or had to brake to save us from another visit to the trees that lined the route. Tree debris was all around, just waiting to catch a derailleur and I also took timber on the helmet. Just to make things harder, rain drops started to splatter on my glasses. Nice day for a ride.
We had been in Western Australia for 6 weeks, where it rained almost continually on the Muda Biddi Bike Trail, making it impossible to make any good riding days. The areas that weren’t a foot deep in mud were a foot deep in running water. So we opted for a glamping trip to the Lavender Cycling Trail in South Australia, a trail that runs 300km from Murray Bridge to Clare. Glamping meant using our caravan as a base and riding out and back day loops to cover the 600km needed .
The riding was challenging due to the weather but certainly rewarding. There were so many interesting and unusual sights as we looped from South to North.
So what’s this tiny house doing set on the hill ?
Yes it’s a model house but why, what for ?
Look at the next photo to get it in perspective.
Yep it’s a jumping course for ponies.
I was impressed by the number of churches we passed, most being still in use and well cared for. This was an area settled by followers of the Lutheran Church as well as many other Christian religions. Sadly many of the towns they lived in have disappeared.
Sitting on the crossroadsNo ones been through that gate for a whileFreshly mown grass and look at the size of that bench seat. Maybe that was the old “Smokers Corner”Another well cared for exhibit
Not only were there places of worship for the living but also places to house the dead. The Shannon Family Mausoleum on a hill above the town of Moculta has 24 residents with room for up to 80. Oddly enough this place of the dead was the only place we saw another rider on the trail. They were heading over the next hill as we approached and we never saw them again.
The Shannon Family Mausoleum. Resting place where the last person took up residence in 1962
Apart from the old buildings, quaint villages and churches there was some great landscapes to admire. We travelled on typical Australian dirt roads and saw some iconic spots.
I think every cyclist on the trail has this photoI was captivated by the tree and granite bouldersDirt roads and gum trees. Some of my favourite things.
We had made it to the town of Eudunda where the loop to Inspiration Point starts. Yep, it was still raining and predicted to get heavier. We rugged up with every bit of warm clothes we had and charged on.
Lunch amongst the Cactus
We had to make a few route changes due to the mud. Cyclists know it as the Mawson Mud as it famous on the 800km Mawson Bike Trail. It comes in two colours. Black oozing mud that squelches under your tyres, splattering everywhere and red that simply clags up your wheels, chains, derailleurs and you, making movement impossible.
We tried this road but eventually had to back trackWe knew we were heading into red mud country
Re-routes were interesting. This one being because the normally dry creek crossing was anything but dry. It was also going to be the course for a car rally in a few days. Good luck with that !
It always pays to carry your reading glasses. Yep, remember that in future.
Then the rains really hit us. We had passed the highest point of the ride and had only to coast into Clare but with pouring rain we decided to cut the ride short. We had ridden the last section before and knew the red dirt roads would be impassable with the only re-route being onto busier roads, so we called it a day and headed home.
A great ride in interesting country. In winter it’s a sea of green and in summer a scorched earth under a blazing sun. Ride it whenever you can and experience the landscape.
WE LIKED Green pastures Cloudy brooding skies Kangaroos bounding along side us Large flocks of birds Wombats in their burrows Stone buildings of all shapes and sizes
WE HATED The wind
The Lavender Cycling Trail has it’s own website with lots of articles and planned routes as well as a Ride With GPS download of the trail.
BTW. Mud Sweat and Gears is a group of distinguished riders that raise money for the WestCare homeless shelter in Adelaide.
It’s not a kayaking day today, nor was there anyone crazy enough to brave the ocean with a windsurfer or kite. Last night a deep low front from the south collided with a low from the west right over the Great Australian Bight, which just happens to be where we are. The winds were ferocious, battering the coast and making for a wild night camped on the foreshore.
As the rain abated we decided on a bike ride along the Great Ocean Trail which follows the coastline around the port of Esperance. Rainwear and warm clothes donned we set off along the coastal paved path which weaves along the town area towards the harbour.
The path climbs out of the harbor and onto the protective cliffs and that’s about the time that the first rain squall hit. Well, we were prepared for rain but hopefully not for the whole 30km loop. Thankfully we saw some blue sky breaks coming which would allow the camera to come out.
We did the tourist thing and stopped at all the beaches to take a few snaps.
Most beaches were just a swirling mess of white water
The area has stunning seascapes and we often stopped to admire the power of the ocean and to take shelter from another rain squall.
According to the tourist sign this is a nice swimming beach. Well maybe on another day.An interesting rock formation that would be worth investigating by kayakLOOKOUT. Well yes we did. Looking out onto the surrounding islandsA great view from the LOOKOUT
The path follows along the cliff face, dropping down to various beaches allowing easy access on a better day. We reached Twilight Beach where we headed inland on the trail. The track is paved all the way following the contours of the coastline so it’s up and down , left and right and very seldom flat. This would make a great training loop for the gravel racers of the area.
Heading inland
The track heads inland through dense bushland again following the contours of the landscape.
Last view of the coast
We had a last view of the coast before descending into the inland gullies that weaved their way across the peninsula. The track suddenly pops out onto a main road where you have a dedicated road shoulder to follow back to town. As you might have guessed we found a nice coffee spot on the foreshore (Coffee Cat) where we ordered hot strong latte and that’s exactly what we got, along with a clearing blue sky. 30km of winding path with lots of short sharp climbs and very few flat parts until near the end makes this a great morning ride.
The forecast is not good for any water activities but I’m sure the bikes will get a workout and we will do enough exercise to counter the coffee, cakes, beer and other calories consumed.
Bumper Boats, Dodgem Cars and the Ghost Train were my favourite rides as a kid. Whenever there was a show or fair in town I was there looking for excitement and spending my money on rides, hot dogs and fairy floss. As I got a little older I still rode the Bumper Boats but often got kicked off for “rough play” and my fascination with the Ghost Train drifted towards the scantily clad girls on the high trapeze.
Times change but somethings stay the same. Hot Dogs were out and Falafel Rolls are in, and the Ghost Train is no longer scary, but I still get that Bumper Boat feeling every time I hit the surf.
The wind had dropped and the offshore wave recorder showed some activity, although the glassy waves were not as large as we hoped, but still provided some Monday Bumper Boat action.
Steve (R) gives Ian a little BUMP
Waiting for the next wave set
Charles looks like he’s lining up for a BUMP
Steve (R) chases for another BUMP
Turtle takes a clean wave to stay out of trouble
Steve showing his style on a small wave
Charles looking for a victim perhaps
You can see Steve but can you spot someone else
Here comes Steve again
Ok. Who is giving way first ?
Steve capsizes and it looks like everyone heads in for a BUMP
Turtle staying out of trouble again
…and enjoying another clean wave
So we all headed shoreward to finish off a great morning paddle.
It was a beautiful morning with a nice mob of paddlers and bound to be repeated soon.
PADDLING SOUTH 