Munda Biddi - Fernhook falls to Northcliffe

We awoke early with the noises of bush life and the sunrise. A cup of tea then we were off to look at the pool and rocks that form the Fernhook falls. The reflections off the water were mirror perfect. I was the only one brave enough to immerse myself. Needless to say it was quite chilly, but it's good to start the day all refreshed.

Breakfast for me is normally rolled oats with a bit of hot water, the others have a similar breakfast either as porridge with fine cut oats or rolled. I mix in some nuts and dried apricots or cranberries. This is a good form of slow release energy food to start the day.

Distance travelled = 78km
Temperature 17 to 23. Humidity not too bad. No rain and fairly calm.

During the day we would stop every hour or thereabouts to replenish with a snack of fruit, nuts or the occasional sweet or 'Carmens' energy bar. A real winner for sweets was the 'No Frills' liquorice all sorts, though consumed in small amounts - normally I would never eat this rubbish, but somehow it is OK on these energy burning days. Over the day I'd drink 3 x 1.25 litre bottles of water plus a bidon, plus tea in the morning and another bottle on the evening. On the earlier hotter days an extra two bottles was consumed. A cup of wine, and the odd pint of beer if you can count them added to the liquid intake.

By keeping to this snack food/water/rest pattern we were all able to travel the distance without bonking or cramping.

We left at 7:30 am as there was a lot of km to cover and we were feeling vulnerable with the mishaps of yesterday. Our unease was soon founded - Jon was troubled first with another puncture, then he bent his dérailleur. It looked pretty twisted, but being an older style we were able to straighten it and fortunately the hanger/frame stayed true.

We saw another snake. These a western tiger snakes are beautiful, and highly deadly creatures. Fortunately their desire is to slither away as quickly as possible. I suggest to Ed that he should hold the next one by its tail so I can get a shot. That suggestion was declined, I guess in retrospect I would not like to be held by my tail. Oh well no photos taken personally of snakes.

Today we were treated with a lot more single track. Quite a few had fallen or left branches to entrap our wheels. On quite a few occasions I had to play superman and lift small fallen trees to let the others through. The hut we were supposed to get to, we arrived at 10:30 am, some 3 hours; so our decision to stay at Fernhook Falls was a sensible one.

Like yesterday, we pass by all the big trees of the forest, and I never grew tired of them. Karri, Jarrah, Marri standing pround and tall. Nature's air conditionaers, their shade is sought after in the heat of the day.

We visited the Boorarah tree; a fire lookout tree. The tree still has some of its steel studs spiralling up the trunk, but is not climbable. The cabin was lopped off and placed on the ground so visitors could see what it was like inside. A photo wheel illustrate the aerial views that the fire lookout person would see.

Lunch consisted of flat bread with sardines, capers, tomatoes, cheese and cucumber - yum. Being tired from the days climbing, the day's warmth, forest noises and a good lunch all became quite soporific, so I enjoyed a bit of a snooze. It wasn't for long though, as Nev and Mark wandered in, having ridden down from Northcliffe.

March flies, I suppose it is still March. You stop by the side of the road and yeow ! They seem to like dark woollen socks and areas near the shins for some reason.

The yellow tailed Carnaby cockatoos were out and quite raucous, I reckon rain is on the horizon. In Victoria and NSW, the black cockatoo usually indicate impending rain.

Fatigue is catching up with me today. I am glad of the ensuing rest day.

There is not a lot of choice in Northcliffe there is a hotel, motel and caravan park so you cannot be too choosy, nor procrastinate. Ed and I stayed at the Northcliffe hotel, which was almost booked out with road workers. The room rate was reasonable at $70 for a double. We happened to jump in just before a couple who were turned away. I was worried that the workers would be raucous, especially seeing one of them carrying a beer can to the showers (incidentally spotless), I think we were fortunate with the drinking laws and the fact that they had to work the next day.

Nev and Mark stayed at the motel, which they were happy with. Jon found a discrete place to camp - many signs saying no camping, but he is an artful seasoned camper and had no issues with a bit of stealth.

The food at the hotel was very good, but on the pricey side sitting at around $25 to $29. I regret ordering the seafood platter, meaning to get grilled fish - I hate battered meals ! Fortunately the meal included an open salad bar, so I could at least balance with some greens.