Wednesday 1 Jan 2019
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!
Other than a couple of guys that were pig hunting and checked out my camp site at dusk last night and at dawn this morning I have not been interrupted by anyone.
It was an easy ride again today, all paved roads as it turned out, and hardly any traffic on them until I got closer to Biggenden. There was the turnoff to the Chowey Bridge, but I already checked it out in 2003 and Gwen and I had a look at it also in 2009.
Of course everything is closed in town today except the two pubs are supposed to be open later in the day. I’ll check it out. I may get a visit today from the local trail coordinator, Ashley Campbell, but that isn’t yet confirmed.
I checked in at the Mountain View Caravan Park, the deal was 1 or 2 nights for $22, so I’m going for 2. It’ll be good to have a day off again because I think I’m developing a shin splint. I just read you should give that 2 WEEKS rest! Well, that isn’t going to happen. First see if one rest day and a regimen of ibuprofen and diclofenac will do the trick. Funny, the last few days have not been very demanding so hopefully it’s not what I think.
Biggenden claimed to be the friendliest little town in a wide area, but that claim dates from 2000. From the looks of it it doesn’t have a whole lot going for it, although there is a great National Park, Walsh NP with beautiful granite cliffs, but I won’t make the detour. The museum is said to be interesting so I’ll check that out tomorrow. And there are some very interesting metal sculptures in the main street park.
Also there are a gazillion flies, both in the caravan park camp kitchen and in the Commercial Hotel pub. Bizarre, since I haven’t noticed much cattle around here. Anyway, I can check out a few things tomorrow, including the local bakery! The Commercial does have Tooheys Old on tap, which is a first. It is a darker beer and has just a tad more flavour than all the other piss that is being sold as beer. Sorry Aussies, nothing personal. As if Molson Canadian or Labatt Blue are any better!
Spent afternoon reading and snoozing in a gazebo in the town park. Then a very tasty roast beef dinner at the Commercial. A bottle of wine $10 plus $4 corkage fee, try that in Canada!
Totals: 48k 3:30h 450m+ 390m-