Saturday 26 Jan 2019
First of all, Happy 🇦🇺 Day to all you Aussies! I’m sorry to miss out on the partying, but it would require a detour to Tenterfield and I’m not ready to do that. It’s only 33 kms along the Bruxner, but that means 66 kms of highway riding, which is never my idea of fun.
And this day is also the anniversary of my dear dad passing away, 4 years ago. I still think of him often, but today especially.
After following the Bruxner Hwy for 1k the trail turns onto Macleods Creek Road, and after about 5k it turns right onto Tableland Road, which is a delightfull road to ride EXCEPT for the horrendous climb up Darcy’s Hill. Holy Moses, that was a steep 400m elevation gain! But I made it and Tableland Road continued just as beautifully as before. Then Sandy Creek Road down to the creek, which was a great waterhole right at the crossing and perfect for a little splash and cool down.
The first wood grid I’ve ever seen
Then a steep short climb out of the creek and I joined Timbarra Road. Almost 5k further the trail descends steeply into the Demon Creek valley, 17% slope, fantastic views. Just as I started to go down I realized I should check for a mobile signal, so I walked back up to the top of the track and lo, enough signal to get email, WhatsApp and even make a call to Sherrie Jones to make sure there is water in the Timbarra River! I did not want a repeat of my Boonoo Boonoo experience. But she assured me the Timbarra has water, so I the proceeded down the steep road. Halfway down a truck came up hauling some cattle and the driver told me that Demon Creek is dry! But he said there are a couple of huts with water tanks. Well, I did not see the huts and Demon is indeed dry, except for this great little dugout that is obviously used to fill some cattle troughs. So I decided to stay. Getting water out was a bit of a procedure: repeatedly dunking my cooking pot from a couple of straps to fill all my water bottles and 6L bladder. With the bladder I can have, really it’s true, two full rinse off showers. And it’s a hot one, so I’ll need them. After a shower, 1.5 litres of lemonade and cold coffee, and a bite to eat I felt great again.
And the water hole or dugout is a great attraction to all kinds of birds. Even sitting right beside it (drying up in my altogether, so I guess I’m no threat?) There are numerous birds coming for a drink. Crimson and Eastern Rosellas, Lewin’s Honeyeaters, tons of Bellbirds, Splendid Fairywrens, Grey Fantail, Red-browed Finches, an Eastern Whipbird (which is usually quite shy) and several I haven’t identified yet, plus no doubt more to come. What great entertainment!
Well, it’s time for another shower!
Total 24k 3:05h 625m+ 700m- (but it took me 5½ hours with all the little catch-up breaks)