Eucla to Kalgoorlie

Since I was awake from those frigging chooks I left early.

From about Madura all the way east to Eucla there’s an escarpment that dominates the landscape. It only seems to be about 50m high, but bloody hell is it long. 182km by my calculations:

Overlooking Madura:

As I was leaving the lookout I passed Gavo (also of OzSToc). We chatted for a bit and then decided to ride together until I broke off for Kalgoorlie while he went on to Coogardie.

Having missed the opportunity with Glen on the way east, I couldn’t pass up this one coming back. The 90-Mile Straight…

On my way home

Well, I’m coming home. Departed Middleton at about 9:45 this morning with an adjusted route for my first night. I was planning to stay at Noorioopta but I would have arrived by lunchtime. I was planning to look around but that would have been ridiculous.

So StinkyPete gave me some good way points for the GPS and of I went.

Departing Adelaide, I headed north-east and into the Barossa, then the Clare Valley.

So beautiful I didn’t stop for wine, cheese, or chocolate…I just enjoyed the ride. The landscape was a bit brown and dry so I’d love to see it in spring but wonderful nonetheless.

I passed through Strathalbyn,…

… Mt Barker, Birdwood, Williamstown, Noorioopta, Truro, Clare and the on to Melrose.

Next was Wilmington which represents the start of the Horrocks Pass. This is a really twistie and relatively high speed road through the Flinders Ranges. A must do is you’re on a bike – just make sure you have plenty of space infront with no caravans otherwise it won’t have the impact it deserves.

Since I was managing my bum well I thought I’d just keep going. If there was a chance of arriving in Perth early I’d rather that if possible.

So, a quick check of the map, some phone calls and of I went. I managed to make Widunna -260km west of Port Augusta. The last hour was a bitch staring into the sun, but I think it was worth it.

Passing through Kimba…

I’m just having dinner now at the Caravan Park / motel. Not bad, I’m not worrying about trying to bash tent pegs into gravel, but it even had an indoor pool (although I don’t think I’ll have a chance to use it). The food is good, but pricey as usual… That’s what happens with a captive audience.

$19 for a lamb hot pot with veges, $6 fire the beer.