On the Road Again

Since I didn't start the climb until 4pm, I didn't think I'd make it to the summit before dark. But I did, in time to see the sunset completely obscured by Victoria's forest fire smoke. It was as if the sun was just swallowed, suddenly and unexpectedly, by the smog which had already taken the surrounding mountain ranges captive in its veil.

It was kind of cool to think that I had climbed Australia's Highest Mainland Mountain (ha ha, yet only 2228 meters). Such a great feeling, to hike and hike until you're surrounded by nothing but mountain ranges!

The past few days have been some great riding:

After a few days of rest and an attempt at recovering (still sick from a week of no sleep and constant dancing) consisting of much reading, crib with Jamie and researching the next leg of my trip on the net, I'm off on the second half of my journey.

I accompanied Simone and Jamie to his cousin Scott's place at Jervis Bay, a beautiful home with dolphins and sting rays swimming 500 m in front of the house, where I also got to meet Scott's wife Shelli and their children Oscar and Charlie.

On the way to Jervis Bay I rode through the fun curves and hills of Kangaroo Valley, stopping to explore the trails around Fitzroy Falls and lookouts surrounding the gourge. A Canbewerra lookout gave me a view of the land out to the coast, including my destination of Jervis Bay!

The next day was some more great rides (especially from Bateman's Bay to Braidwood) out to Canberra and an exploration of the parks and museums of Australian's Capital City. Canberra, although not party central, really is a beautiful and interesting city.

My third day in a row of beautiful roads took me south from Canberra into the mountains of Kosciuszko National Park. I feel at home in the mountains!!!!!