Saturday, August 10.

Day 14.                Eucla        to          Bush Camp (4)

Distance: 114 km in 5 hrs 28 min at 21 km/ hr.

Distance so far: 1514 km

'Climbed':   472 ft

Elevation tonight:   254 ft. ASL.

AHR:   108 bpm.

Punctures so far:   0

Out at 7.15 am             In at 4 pm.

Today congratulates the Belvedere Cup team of Tipperary Golf Club on the recent victory in defence of their title. Will I ever be able to get my place back?  And I think of my cycling comrades in Tipperary Wheelers. And the members of Kilfeacle Commumity Tennis Club, one of the most active and progressive in the business.

It had rained during the night and the day didn't look promising as we loaded up. A heavy fog/ mist hung over Eucla. After my usual breakfast, I packed extra rain gear into my trunk bag for quick deployment if required. As it turned out I didn't have to use it, so we are still travelling dry. As soon as light made it safe on the road, we pulled out but with all our flashers on.

 But, before we left the car park, Paul had his first flat. It wasn't the usual puncture but the metal of the wheel had nipped the nozzle. Within 10 mins, we had the wheel off, new tube in, pumped and back on the road.

Today was a relatively short day (114 km) so we had time for a few side trips. As a group we stopped at Border Village ( WA to SA) and had a must- do photo at the large sign. Paul and I lingered on and took a few more with Rooey 2.  Our route appeared on the roadside sign and the frightening number of kilometres that we still have to cover. And that only brings us to Adelaide! 

Shortly after the border, we turned off right to a viewing point over the ocean. We were on the cliffs over the beach and it looked impressive. But, the second and third viewing points were so much more spectacular. The very edges were railed off due to the fragile edges. There are regular collapses along these cliffs. These Bunda Cliffs are 80 m high and stretch unbroken for 200 km. We just started them today.

Morning tea and lunch were merged for today at a spot where we would turn off to a viewpoint.
For long periods in the morning we cycled along by the coast. It reminded me of my own ongoing project of cycling around by the coast of Ireland. Was lovely to view the blue ocean beyond.

At the third viewing , we were just a few minutes late to see some whales breaching and blowing. Ben had been there just before us and saw them. When we arrived, the whales had moved in closer to the cliffs below and were out of our view. But we could hear them and although we hung around for a good while we failed to see them. Tomorrow we will pass by other viewing points and we may be in luck.

On places along by the cliff edge, it was distinctly like the Burren around Fenore and Black Head. Indeed, it is of similar structure, limestone with a honeycomb of caves beneath and slogadhs. It hasn't got he grikes of the Burren. Neither has the Nullarbor any permanent watercourses but has a thriving flora.

There were some interesting plants along by the cliffs edge. All their leaves were very stiff and succulent in order to deal with the extreme conditions and temperatures of their summer. One plant was the Livingstone, Daisy with pretty purple flowers. On either side of the road there was a distinct absence of trees....living up to its name. It was just a sea of malle, saltbush and bluebush shrubs. These are drought resistant and salt tolerant and thrive in arid conditions drawing moisture from the air through their leaves.

 The road since the border is relatively new. Until the 70's the road from Nundroo (SA) to the border was just a dirt road....not sealed. It was like the side roads we took out to the viewing points. Collis worked on the earthworks section of this road at that time. Little did he think that he would be leading a group of cyclists along these same roads 40 years later. Is ait an mac an saol. We complimented him on the excellent job he must have done, since the bitumen top contains no potholes....and we have seen no roadworks since we left Perth. Every km there is an indicator of how many km you have travelled from the border.

In the afternoon we faced into a gentle headwind contrary to the forecast. It wasn't punishing but made progress a little more difficult. In the morning Paul and I cycled along at 27 to 29 km/ hr but in the afternoon it was just 19 or 20 km/ hr. At its hottest the day was 21 deg but dropped to 18 when the wind switched about.

Again plenty of signs warning of wandering animals onto the road. Don't believe any of it. I have cycled over 1500 km so far and not seen any of these animals yet.....alive. Are there really kangaroos in Australia?

We are in Bush Camp again tonight for the last time. I really don't mind the Bush Camps. I've got into a routine. The dinners prepared by Cathy are so nourishing and always followed by by dessert. Tonight  it was 'damper'. After dinner as we sat around and I related a few yarns concerning 'Tadhg the Kerryman' as he cycled across Australia and his madcap escapades. Went down well as we sat there around the still blazing fire.

We are set up just off the road in the bush and no trees about, just bushes and scrub. So far some road trains have been passing up and down. Hope they give us a break for the night. All quiet since 9 pm. I intend going outside the tent at  a later hour to view the stars provided we have no cloud cover.

Plenty of road trains again today but they give us good space. The photo above was not taken when the train was in motion......just in case people think that I was being careless and taking unnecessary risks just to get a good shot.

Tomorrow will be an even shorter day and I hope I catch a glimpse of some whales.

Thank God for the health and thank God for the energy.