tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76870432024-03-14T01:46:47.413+10:00MusingsThe Personal Blog of Neil EnnisNeil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.comBlogger878125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-15751982123419622752015-06-21T10:44:00.000+10:002015-06-21T11:11:42.586+10:00Mount Walker<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-walker/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-walker/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Great-Dividing-Range-800.jpg" alt="Great Dividing Range" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6007" /></a><br /><br />We were unsure about one or two sections on next week’s <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/social-ride-invitation-three-gaps-xc-adventure/" target="_blank">“Three Gaps” social ride</a>, so today my friends kindly agreed to help me double check them. Just to keep us on our toes, I added an extra loop through Mount Walker.<br /><br /><span id="more-6006"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18813566669" title="Mulgowie by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/292/18813566669_2862cc1da2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mulgowie"></a><br /><br />Despite the impossibly blue skies and stunning sunlight, the cold morning air cut through our gloves and jackets.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18999785995" title="Mulgowie Pub by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/491/18999785995_bef2f61c01_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mulgowie Pub"></a><br /><br />We needed a couple of kilometers of steady pedalling from the Mulgowie Pub to comfortably warm up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18812139758" title="Red Gap Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/475/18812139758_e3eb1fa9df_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Red Gap Road"></a><br /><br />Just over five minutes later we left the paved road and headed up Red Gap Road. Each September this dirt track becomes part of the “Epic” mountain bike race where hundreds of riders compete for glory as they struggle over some of the toughest terrain in the area.</p><br /><p>Today we were taking a more sedate pace, and riding it in the opposite direction that the racers would take.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18379143553" title="Red Gap Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3831/18379143553_07828b95f0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Red Gap Road"></a><br /><br />At the bottom of the climb I quickly stopped to remove my jacket, and made friends with one of the locals.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18813626029" title="Red Gap Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/366/18813626029_3af09e5bbf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Red Gap Road"></a><br /><br />Despite repeated calls to “Go home”, our canine friend couldn’t resist running behind a flock of mountain bikers trying to round them up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18812151040" title="Red Gap Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/352/18812151040_39a42de928_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Red Gap Road"></a><br /><br />“Red Gap” is a pass over the Little Liverpool Range which extends north from the Great Divide all the way to Plainland on the Warrego Highway. It’s hard work riding up the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18999868405" title="Coynes Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/267/18999868405_d84c7e3ca8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Coynes Rd"></a><br /><br />Simon suggested that it’s sometimes better to walk sections of a course before riding it <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18379188723" title="Coynes Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/18379188723_ea9cf18064_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Coynes Rd"></a><br /><br />One things for sure – it’s usually more fun plummeting down a hill than it is grinding up it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18994461792" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3810/18994461792_9c734a76eb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />At the bottom of the hill we kept heading east along Stokes Crossing Road. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/19002977811" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/427/19002977811_5bc5fb03f8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />Although the map says it’s a “Road” – it’s little more than a couple of tyre tracks in the grass. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18994525172" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/449/18994525172_2b6b0843ab_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />In some places, the tyre tracks disappeared and we had to follow cattle tracks.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/19002991691" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/387/19002991691_75a222cdf9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />I’m grateful for the wonderful network of road reserves around South East Queensland. They’ve taken us to some spectacular places.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18973771656" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/464/18973771656_4c492c70f3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />They’re full of surprises – which is fine if you’re careful and don’t mind walking through some tricky sections…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18973784066" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/272/18973784066_3ec1e8c478_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />… or just powering through them. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/19003073611" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/457/19003073611_f11582a5e9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18813859249" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/519/18813859249_f2558b0f5c_c.jpg" width="800" height="404" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />In one or two spots there were no tracks and we could only follow the fence posts through the tall grass.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18973836416" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/295/18973836416_71bdba5d1e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />At one point we had to back track because the wash-outs were too deep for us to scramble through.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18814162299" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Road by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/18814162299_7882d1b907_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Road"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>For most of its length, the road reserve was clearly marked with fences on either side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18377541214" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3805/18377541214_71f0337c47_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />As we pushed through the grass, the odd flat top of Mount Walker grew larger.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18813921039" title="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/485/18813921039_b22f2cab57_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stokes Crossing Mount Mort Rd"></a><br /><br />With a feeling of relief we finally emerged at Mount Walker, at the eastern end of the “road”. Russel, who grew up near here, pointed out the peaks that were familiar to him.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18994707852" title="Mt Walker West Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/293/18994707852_c1d12e4031_c.jpg" width="800" height="453" alt="Mt Walker West Road"></a></p><br /><p>At the top of each rolling hill we enjoyed views of the impressive turrets of the Great Dividing Range to the south.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18973936846" title="Mt Walker West Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/389/18973936846_e84c639155_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Walker West Road"></a><br /><br />I never tire of riding through these beautiful plains – it’s good for the soul.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18812500218" title="Renovators Delight by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/532/18812500218_609d00b05a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Renovators Delight"></a><br /><br />We wondered how a real estate agent would describe this gem. A renovator’s delight? A rustic weekend getaway? Perhaps a “Room with a view”></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/19003248571" title="Mt Beau Brummell by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/268/19003248571_1079bb21d7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Beau Brummell"></a><br /><br />Around the half-way point of the ride we headed west, following the <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/topics/cycling/bnt/" target="_blank">Bicentennial National Trail (BNT)</a> towards Mount Beau Brummell.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18379544703" title="Mt Mort Cemetery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/561/18379544703_383bd52ae0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Mort Cemetery"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18812529850" title="Hodges Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/489/18812529850_c90bca5c0b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hodges Rd"></a><br /><br />After a quick stop at the Mount Mort Cemetery, we started the second major climb of the day up Edwards Gap. This was a steeper route back over the Little Liverpool Range to the Laidley valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18973998576" title="Bicentennial National Trail Marker by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3865/18973998576_e21e15f83c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bicentennial National Trail Marker"></a><br /><br />Whenever I see the friendly yellow triangular BNT markers I think about travellers who have come this way en route between Healesville in Victoria to Cooktown in Far North Queensland. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/19000268835" title="Edwards Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/369/19000268835_57be9200ae_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Edwards Gap"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18379590293" title="Edwards Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/560/18379590293_98a8894b6f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Edwards Gap"></a><br /><br />We eventually made it to the top of Edwards Gap, rolling through the grassy hilltop at the summit.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18377734374" title="Edwards Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/4/3954/18377734374_d8415ca59e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Edwards Gap"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/#EdwardsGap" target="_blank">I’ve pushed a bike UP this hill before</a>, and think that plummeting down this section of Edwards Gap is much more fun than struggling up it. </p><br /><p>Paul described it as “sketchy”. I’d probably throw in the word “fun” as an appropriate adjective – provided you keep your weight back and treat it with respect.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18379645213" title="Mulgowie Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/356/18379645213_388c43be2f_c.jpg" width="800" height="517" alt="Mulgowie Road"></a></p><br /><p>Back in the Laidley Valley, it took us little more than ten minutes to ride back to Mulgowie along the paved road.</p><br /><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mulgowie-Tractor-800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mulgowie-Tractor-800.jpg" alt="Mulgowie Tractor" width="800" height="450" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-6009" /></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>We rode a total of 48km in just over 4 hours.</p><br /><p>During that time we climbed almost 850 metres in vertical ascent, and I burned about 2,100 kcal.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this ride 7 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Darb, Paul, Russel and Simon for another fun day out on the bikes.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/809088612'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8707865061_481ded5c37_z.jpg" alt="Bicentennial National Trail" title="Bicentennial National Trail" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" class="crp_title">Bicentennial National Trail</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-on-Old-Grandchester-Road-8001-107x80.jpg" alt="Laidley" title="Laidley" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" class="crp_title">Laidley</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/social-ride-invitation-three-gaps-xc-adventure/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Laidley-Gap-8707865061_481ded5c37_c-107x80.jpg" alt="Social Ride Invitation: “Three Gaps” XC Adventure" title="Social Ride Invitation: “Three Gaps” XC Adventure" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/social-ride-invitation-three-gaps-xc-adventure/" class="crp_title">Social Ride Invitation: “Three Gaps” XC…</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-Crossing-Creek-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Cunningham’s Campsite" title="Cunningham’s Campsite" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/" class="crp_title">Cunningham’s Campsite</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9280685126_3f75c973f4_c.jpg" alt="The Mulga Pub" title="The Mulga Pub" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" class="crp_title">The Mulga Pub</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-90122748749782981112015-06-14T12:34:00.000+10:002015-06-14T13:11:52.769+10:00Ingoldsby<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ingoldsby/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mountain-Top-View-800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mountain-Top-View-800.jpg" alt="Mountain Top View" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5994" /></a><br /><br />“I wonder what’s at the end of this valley?”<br /><br />“How far could I get if I follow that road?”<br /><br />Some weeks I gaze intently into a map and almost magically my friends and I are transported to that place several days later to answer my questions.<br /><br /><span id="more-5993"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18758822946" title="Ropeley School by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/321/18758822946_8ed7dd49ab_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ropeley School"></a><br /><br />We started our adventure at Ropely State School – a place I’d never heard of until recently. Dodging friendly sheep and chickens we set off down the road towards Ingoldsby.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18598970579" title="Becca by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/461/18598970579_deb8961fc7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Becca"></a><br /><br />Last week, Becca and I had ridden out here with a few other friends to test out a few different roads. Mountain bikers prefer dirt over paved roads most of the time, and we wanted to minimize the amount of black-top that we would have to ride on.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18162541224" title="Three Amigos by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/360/18162541224_c0904b923e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Three Amigos"></a><br /><br />This week we came back with Darb, Russel and Jason, enjoying the crunchy gravel back roads in the remote hills of the upper Lockyer Valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597372998" title="Steinmullers Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/549/18597372998_3f39f4774a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Steinmullers Road"></a><br /><br />Despite the overnight rain in Brisbane, the morning had served us up yet another gorgeous winters day. “Just turn up” I muttered to myself. The adventurers mantra never lets me down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18758895486" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/320/18758895486_fc267ccf95.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Darb"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18599042089" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/327/18599042089_a6414a97c0.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Jason"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597498150" title="Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/528/18597498150_58a38a82cc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ingoldsby Road"></a></p><br /><p>As we pedaled up the gentle gradient of Ingoldsby Road, the hills slowly rose on either side of us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18599105189" title=""Wanda Hills" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/427/18599105189_9840fe1bd1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt=""Wanda Hills""></a><br /><br />Fascinating signs adorned cheerful houses.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18599129989" title="Jim & Eileen's Place by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/391/18599129989_03654f124e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jim & Eileen's Place"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the end of the valley. I’d spoken to land owners Jim and Eileen a week earlier, and they kindly gave us permission to follow the road through their front gate and up the mountain. </p><br /><p>Eileen met us while she was working in her stunning garden, and told us how Jim’s grandparents moved to this spot over a century ago. They built the original farmhouse out of Silky Oak trees which grew thickly along the banks of Wonga Creek which flows down the mountain here.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597518538" title="Jim & Eileen's Place by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/480/18597518538_05941a0b5a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jim & Eileen's Place"></a><br /><br />After a brief chat with Eileen, we rode past the farmhouse and up the mountain. </p><br /><p>This is the start of the “Mistake Mountains” – a spur of mountains which runs south towards the Great Divide. Early explorers mistook these mountains for the Great Divide, climbed them only to discover they still hadn’t crossed the Great Dividing Range. Considering some parts of this range tower over 1,000 metres above sea level, that was quite a big mistake.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18759043356" title="Climbing Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/427/18759043356_9851c8367a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing Ingoldsby Road"></a><br /><br />And so we started climbing the Mistake Mountains. The well-made road ascended for over six kilometres with a consistent gradient of between tent o fifteen percent. It was hard work.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18164687593" title="Climbing Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/18164687593_b4f6e38b52_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing Ingoldsby Road"></a><br /><br />At one or two spots we got off to push, and enjoy the view.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18785424495" title="Climbing Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/274/18785424495_b631c7206a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing Ingoldsby Road"></a><br /><br />Other times we just hardened up, and mashed the pedals as we slowly climbed the range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18787982981" title="Car Wrecks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/542/18787982981_c40235a973_c.jpg" width="800" height="541" alt="Car Wrecks"></a><br /><br />Towards the top, we encountered dozens of abandoned cars, a bus or two, and a caravan.</p><br /><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Ropeley-Ingoldsby-089_Copy.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Ropeley-Ingoldsby-089_Copy.jpg" alt="Rover Emblem" width="800" height="449" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5997" /></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)<br /><br />The god Mercury looked out at us from the bonnet of an old Rover. These cars may have had stories to tell – but no one was telling them today.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18759184226" title="Bus Stop by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/520/18759184226_3abb26f24a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bus Stop"></a><br /><br />This one brought back childhood memories. </p><br /><p>“Have I ridden in this bus before?” I asked myself.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18164849953" title="Enjoying the View by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/300/18164849953_2c642b1e38_c.jpg" width="800" height="483" alt="Enjoying the View"></a><br /><br />As with most climbs we attempt, the view at the top was worth the effort.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597749218" title="Looking down on Left Hand Branch Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/531/18597749218_c4a9e7820f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Looking down on Left Hand Branch Road"></a><br /><br />Through the trees we could make out Left Hand Branch Road – part of the Bicentennial National Trail which runs from Laidley Gap to Mount Sylvia.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18788109011" title="Looking down on Left Hand Branch Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/407/18788109011_f7f3b98def_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Looking down on Left Hand Branch Road"></a><br /><br />To the northwest we could see forever. Some hills looked familiar, and I imagined they still bore tyre tracks from our previous rides.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18162988494" title="Descending Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/318/18162988494_b236de8b43_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Descending Ingoldsby Road"></a><br /><br />The ride back down the hill was intense.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597885270" title="Descending Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/257/18597885270_bb93026fd2.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Descending Ingoldsby Road"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18597904490" title="Descending Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/552/18597904490_a5e92ff948.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Descending Ingoldsby Road"></a></p><br /><p>What seemed like ages on the way up unwound in a frantic blur on the way back down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18780673112" title="Descending Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/396/18780673112_ffab608c6e_c.jpg" width="800" height="470" alt="Descending Ingoldsby Road"></a></p><br /><p>As if they had been holding off until we were safe, the clouds slowly closed in, spraying us with a light drizzle.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18785707925" title="Zischke Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/507/18785707925_b34a6545ac_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Zischke Road"></a></p><br /><p>Although we had climbed to over 850 metres and rolled back down again, we decided we weren’t done yet, and pointed our bikes up Zischke Road – another steep climb.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18599550179" title="Zischke Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/374/18599550179_03368595bc_c.jpg" width="800" height="580" alt="Zischke Road"></a></p><br /><p>It was only half as high as our trip up the Mistake Mountains, but the road was steeper.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18163138754" title="Zischke Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/361/18163138754_75f527d663_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Zischke Road"></a><br /><br />Becca left us in her wake as she powered up the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18599580919" title="Zischke Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/275/18599580919_44702ae891_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Zischke Road"></a></p><br /><p>The rest of us followed some distance behind.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18759475566" title="Rockside Road Reserve by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/467/18759475566_ea63b8273d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Rockside Road Reserve"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18788326401" title="Rockside Road Reserve by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/474/18788326401_2e28d4fefb_c.jpg" width="800" height="482" alt="Rockside Road Reserve"></a></p><br /><p>We had climbed this hill last week and got lost. This week I was determined not to leave the road reserve as we followed faint tyre tracks through the grass.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18598007368" title="Rockside Road Reserve by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/18598007368_2cae490421_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Rockside Road Reserve"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18598017148" title="Rockside Road Reserve by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/445/18598017148_4305f29f3f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Rockside Road Reserve"></a><br /><br />We didn’t get lost this time, but the tracks were just as steep and rough.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18759542956" title="Rockside Road Reserve by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/544/18759542956_c9ccf98b0d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Rockside Road Reserve"></a><br /><br />Old fence posts disappeared up the hill reassuring us we were still on the road reserve.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18598066078" title="Hayden by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/549/18598066078_592858eb2d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hayden"></a><br /><br />On Rockside Road, at the bottom of the hill, we met Hayden. He was surprised to see five crazy mountain bikers bouncing down the hill towards his house, and came over to say “G’day”.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18598149810" title="Ropeley Rockside Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/386/18598149810_9104c56c28_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropeley Rockside Road"></a></p><br /><p>The final section of our ride followed Rockside Road back to our starting point at Ropely.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18163283114" title="Ropeley Rockside Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/456/18163283114_f0c34382c4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropeley Rockside Road"></a><br /><br />This ride covered 47 kilometres in just under six hours including breaks.</p><br /><p>We climbed over 1,350 metres and I burned 2,800 kcal.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this ride 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. There are a few steep bits, and some challenging descents.</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Darb, Russel and Jason for another fun adventure on wheels.</p><br /><p>Thanks also to Jim and Eileen for letting us ride through your gorgeous property.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/802234415'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Rocky-Descent-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Rockside Mountain" title="Rockside Mountain" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/" class="crp_title">Rockside Mountain</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cannon-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-and-Mount-Barney.jpg" alt="Cannon Creek" title="Cannon Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cannon-creek/" class="crp_title">Cannon Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-on-Old-Grandchester-Road-8001-107x80.jpg" alt="Laidley" title="Laidley" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" class="crp_title">Laidley</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ocean-view-2/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9326520426_b92d04346e_c.jpg" alt="Ocean View" title="Ocean View" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/ocean-view-2/" class="crp_title">Ocean View</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-53798352390748889042015-06-10T15:59:00.000+10:002015-06-11T13:12:14.706+10:00Social Ride Invitation: “Three Gaps” XC Adventure<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/social-ride-invitation-three-gaps-xc-adventure/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Laidley-Gap-8707865061_481ded5c37_c.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Laidley-Gap-8707865061_481ded5c37_c.jpg" alt="Laidley Gap" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5980" /></a></p><br /><p>Would you like to join us for a moderately challenging Cross Country ride through three “Gaps” in mountain ranges in the Lockyer Valley, including the spectacular Laidley Gap?<br /><br /><span id="more-5979"></span></p><br /><p>We’ll start at Mulgowie and follow part of the Bicentennial National as we pass through Red Gap, Edwards Gap, a tough climb up to Laidley Gap, and then a eye-watering descent back down the hill through Thornton.</p><br /><p>There’s the option of lunch and drinks at the Mulgowie Pub afterwards as well.</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>WHEN</strong></span>: Saturday 27 June, 8:30AM</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>WHERE</strong></span>: Mulgowie Public Hall, Beckman Road, Mulgowie. Google street view: <a href="https://goo.gl/maps/0Zrd9" target="_blank">https://goo.gl/maps/0Zrd9</a></p><br /><p>This is a 75 minute drive from Brisbane. Allow 90 minutes from the Northen Suburbs. Slightly less from the Western Suburbs. The easiest way to get there is to drive to Laidley then head south on Mulgowie Road.</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>DISTANCE</strong></span>: 50km, with 1,100m ascent.</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>BRING: </strong></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><span style="color: #000000;">Bike in good condition, spares, sunscreen, water and snacks.</span><br /><br /></span></p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>FEATURES</strong></span></p><br /><p>Two moderate rocky climbs, one big climb.</p><br /><p>Two moderate descents, one big descent.</p><br /><p>Great views from the top of Laidley Gap.</p><br /><p>Lots of mountain views.</p><br /><p>There are some sections of paved road.</p><br /><p>We should be back by 1:30 pm</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>COURSE</strong> </span></p><br /><p><span >I’ll upload GPX plots closer to the day</span></p><br /><p>Here’s a proposed map of the course:<br /><br />Map: <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0_cdVp26EjQ.k8sA5SbJzojs&usp=sharing" target="_blank">https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0_cdVp26EjQ.k8sA5SbJzojs&usp=sharing</a></p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>RSVP</strong> </span><br /><br />I’ve posted details of this ride at MTBDirt.com, Facebook and on my website. Please reply / contact me via one of those media to let us know if you’re coming so we know how many people to expect. I’d also like to let the guy at the Mulga Pub know how many people to expect for lunch.</p><br /><p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong>DISCLAIMER</strong> </span><br /><br />Mountain Biking is a dangerous sport. You ride with us at your own risk.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/9277950911" title="Red Gap Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/4/3816/9277950911_8fe8d2555d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Red Gap Road"></a></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Zahel-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Laidley Creek" title="Laidley Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/" class="crp_title">Laidley Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9280685126_3f75c973f4_c.jpg" alt="The Mulga Pub" title="The Mulga Pub" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" class="crp_title">The Mulga Pub</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-on-Old-Grandchester-Road-8001-107x80.jpg" alt="Laidley" title="Laidley" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" class="crp_title">Laidley</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8707865061_481ded5c37_z.jpg" alt="Bicentennial National Trail" title="Bicentennial National Trail" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" class="crp_title">Bicentennial National Trail</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Rocky-Descent-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Rockside Mountain" title="Rockside Mountain" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/" class="crp_title">Rockside Mountain</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-17417000605728278742015-06-07T12:36:00.000+10:002015-06-11T15:12:16.551+10:00Rockside Mountain<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rockside-mountain/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Rocky-Descent-800.jpg" alt="Rocky Descent 800" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5967" /></a><br /><br />I have amazing friends. When I told them about some rugged hilltop tracks than I wanted to explore, they gladly joined me for another adventure on the bike.<br /><br /><span id="more-5966"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18542194845" title="Simon and Tom by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/286/18542194845_b5b16681b5_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Simon and Tom"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354466390" title="Becca by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8861/18354466390_48bc878ca1_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Becca"></a><br /><br />Mount Sylvia has been the starting point of many exciting rides for us.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18544152511" title="Zampechs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8860/18544152511_a577d46a1d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Zampechs Road"></a><br /><br />We rolled out of town on a crisp clear winter morning, past fields full of promising crops.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354422768" title="Zampechs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8874/18354422768_97e745204e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Zampechs Road"></a><br /><br />After a brisk warm-up along a flat road, our day of climbing began as we pushed up Zampechs Road and I quickly fell behind.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18542237295" title="Zampechs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/386/18542237295_6475260108_c.jpg" width="800" height="413" alt="Zampechs Road"></a><br /><br />The Tenthill Valley spread out before us like a quilt, a patchwork rich in verdant shades.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354471158" title="Ingoldsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8869/18354471158_b2bfcbc20c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ingoldsby Road"></a><br /><br />After riding down the other side we briefly followed Wonga Creek along the Ingoldsby Valley up into the next set of hills.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17919564494" title="Ziscakes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/333/17919564494_e7df798a88_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ziscakes Road"></a><br /><br />And so began our second climb, up Ziscakes Road. Although it is designated a “No Through Road” it is on a road reserve which led over this hill and down the other side to Rockside. I wanted to know if it was possible to follow that road reserve.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18515932216" title="Ziscakes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/295/18515932216_0cf5ce55e2_c.jpg" width="800" height="514" alt="Ziscakes Road"></a><br /><br />It’s a steep climb with gradients exceeding 23%. We worked hard as we pushed upwards.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354539518" title="Ziscakes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/391/18354539518_f718e4ae35_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ziscakes Road"></a><br /><br />Becca has superhuman hill-climbing abilities. She cheerfully rode ahead and held open the gates while we huffed and puffed past her.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18356163369" title="Ziscakes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8835/18356163369_6c100496f1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ziscakes Road"></a><br /><br />She then quickly caught up to us again after closing the gate behind us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18515977936" title="Ziscakes Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8885/18515977936_58009982a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ziscakes Road"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Neil-Rocky-Descent_800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Neil-Rocky-Descent_800.jpg" alt="Neil's Rocky Descent" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5971" /></a><br /><br />(Photo: Simon Smith)</p><br /><p>We had difficulty following the road reserve at the top of the hill, so we did the best we could, following a steep rocky track down the other side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17921738423" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8841/17921738423_272604aca4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />We had answered my question – the track was passable, but in parts it was not rideable.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17919751554" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/556/17919751554_d15eee0976_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />We bumped towards the bottom of the hill – off course, but with a rough idea of where we wanted to end up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18542495305" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/372/18542495305_688ee1502f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />As we drew closer to the bottom, the terrain became steeper and rougher.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18356295059" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/255/18356295059_83f1df87c2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />We lost the track again, but Simon generously offered to bash through the grass and find it. Thanks Simon!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354807580" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8837/18354807580_71e2727d19_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />Down…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17921832873" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/297/17921832873_78e3cfd1d7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br />…down…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18516125906" title="Paddock by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/278/18516125906_10bdb1132e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock"></a><br /><br />… we eventually emerged in a horse paddock near someone’s back door.</p><br /><p>I sheepishly walked over to the farmhouse to confess our sin of trespassing. Mick, the land owner, was surprised to see us, and most amused when he found out where we had come from.</p><br /><p>He explained how we could escape his hidden valley, but I told him we were going in the opposite direction, over Rockside Mountain. </p><br /><p>“I’m telling you this in case anyone wants to know where to find the bodies”, I joked.</p><br /><p>He chuckled quietly.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354787008" title="Ropely Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/479/18354787008_e7f0bba0d3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropely Road"></a><br /><br />And so we started the third climb of the day up Rockside Mountain Road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18544540671" title="Rockside Mountain Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/365/18544540671_64610b80cb_c.jpg" width="800" height="475" alt="Rockside Mountain Road"></a><br /><br />This one was easier that I had anticipated and we reached the top quicker than expected for a short lunch break.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354807648" title="Rockside Mountain Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/470/18354807648_35022263a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="511" alt="Rockside Mountain Road"></a><br /><br />The 360 degree views at the top are spectacular.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18539860462" title="Tom on Rockside Mountain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/387/18539860462_b2bff03344_o.gif" width="800" height="600" alt="Tom on Rockside Mountain"></a><br /><br />The blistering descent was frantic.</p><br /><p>Rockside Mountain Road twists and drops steeply down the other side. We rocketed down the hill grabbing handfuls of brake levers before the tight turns, then tucking in as we accelerated out of the bend.</p><br /><p>I am glad there were no cars coming up the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354813518" title="Mount Berryman by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/279/18354813518_34a5ee861d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mount Berryman"></a><br /><br />“That was amazing!” I blurted out at the bottom.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17919905714" title="Blenheim Public Hall by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/511/17919905714_5a7f5aa316_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Blenheim Public Hall"></a></p><br /><p>For the next eight kilometres we followed a quiet bitumen road with a gentle downhill slope from Mount Berryman to Blenheim. The kind gradient and generous tailwind pushed us quickly along the road. We were in Blenheim in a matter of minutes. I am sure it would have taken ages if we rode this stretch in the opposite direction.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18516222456" title="Kowaltske Hill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/317/18516222456_e15cbc3402_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kowaltske Hill"></a><br /><br />My friends kindly granted me another indulgence as we took a detour to the northwest in order to “join up” this ride with the route from last weeks ride near Laidley.</p><br /><p>After satisfying my OCD map-demons, we turned our bikes homeward and slowly ground our way up Kawaltzke Hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18542670405" title="Ropely Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/325/18542670405_12b80dd7ab_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropely Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17919959484" title="Ropely Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/518/17919959484_b57dd74e83_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropely Road"></a><br /><br />“All these German names” I mused to myself as I fell further behind the stronger riders, and thought about the German settlers who came to the Lockyer Valley to carve our farms in the nineteenth century.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18356481329" title="Ropely Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8875/18356481329_169e6a3209_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropely Road"></a><br /><br />Becca rolled back down the hill to ride with me as I completed the climb.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18516281986" title="Ropely Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/478/18516281986_07a87ec9a8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ropely Road"></a><br /><br />Today we had more than our fair share of hilltop panoramic views. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354920828" title="Weiers Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/460/18354920828_b640b53813_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Weiers Road"></a><br /><br />The gruelling final fifteen kilometres led us down a series of quick gravel descents followed by short steep climbs.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18354962938" title="Kuss Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8897/18354962938_989e95ecd3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kuss Road"></a><br /><br />I grew weary as I lost count of the hills.</p><br /><p>I continually checked my GPS for some reassurance of how far we had left to ride.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18356569549" title="Kuss Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8830/18356569549_c669506f34_c.jpg" width="800" height="492" alt="Kuss Road"></a><br /><br />I sighed with relief as we crested the final hill…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18355100990" title="Zampechs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8860/18355100990_1136d80e78_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Zampechs Road"></a><br /><br />It was all downhill from here.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18355051228" title="Exhausted by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8874/18355051228_f9458ba85f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Exhausted"></a><br /><br />Ahhh Mount Sylvia. Why do I always associate you with exhaustion?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18355053728" title="Eagle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8840/18355053728_e1a7303553_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Eagle"></a><br /><br />All up we rode about 60km in about 6 hours.</p><br /><p>We climbed about 1,400m in vertical ascent, and I burned about 2,900 kcal.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this ride 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks, Becca, Tom and Simon for another exciting adventure.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/795357029'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/northbrook/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/11475375356_003235d62e_c.jpg" alt="Northbrook" title="Northbrook" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/northbrook/" class="crp_title">Northbrook</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/paradise/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Tony-at-Paradise-800x600.jpg" alt="Paradise" title="Paradise" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/paradise/" class="crp_title">Paradise</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-on-Old-Grandchester-Road-8001-107x80.jpg" alt="Laidley" title="Laidley" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/" class="crp_title">Laidley</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10915153016_dc330db6f8_c.jpg" alt="Becca’s Suicide Loop" title="Becca’s Suicide Loop" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" class="crp_title">Becca’s Suicide Loop</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-21283171967244967332015-05-31T09:36:00.000+10:002015-06-11T17:12:08.157+10:00Laidley<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-on-Old-Grandchester-Road-8001.jpg" alt="Jason on Old Grandchester Road" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5960" /></a><br /><br />We followed Allan Cunninghamn’s journey to the <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/" target="_blank">historic pass through the Great Dividing Range last week</a>, and continued the theme today: exploring more of his travels in in a scenic loop west of Ipswich, over the Little Liverpool Range to Laidley and back again.<br /><br /><span id="more-5946"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18093542559" title="Railway Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7782/18093542559_ec80fc2f2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Railway Crossing"></a><br /><br />We started at Grandchester, a small town on the main railway line between Ipswich and Toowoomba., and home to one of the oldest railway stations on Queensland.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18093555389" title="Grandchester by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7785/18093555389_1077fb02f5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Grandchester"></a><br /><br />For a couple of kilometres we followed the paved road westwards out of town towards the Little Liverpool Range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18253355456" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7737/18253355456_a045748229_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />After a few minutes we were glad to leave the traffic and point our bikes up the steep and bumpy slopes of Old Grandchester Road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17657188884" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8863/17657188884_e31fe4fdda_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />While the newer paved road is a much smoother (and busier) way over the range, this old dirt track is a much more enjoyable way to cross over the hills to Laidley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18253386146" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7758/18253386146_7b0c374858_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />We stopped at the top to look back towards Flinders Peak shrouded in cloud to the east.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092027998" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8859/18092027998_169753a32f_c.jpg" width="800" height="441" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />As we bumped down the other side, we could see the plains around Laidley stretching out to the west.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092137590" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7797/18092137590_6ff962ded3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092060418" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8859/18092060418_9b2150df1a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />There were one or two steep drop-offs along the way, so we needed to pick our way carefully down the other side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18276075652" title="Old Grandchester Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8813/18276075652_0610bb35b3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Grandchester Road"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the bottom of Old Grandchester Road and enjoyed a quiet roll into the town of Laidley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18093728299" title="Schultz Lookout Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8780/18093728299_48105b423d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Schultz Lookout Road"></a><br /><br />Instead of stopping in town so early on a Saturday morning, we decided to continue westwards towards Shultz Lookout. I’d never been there before, and was curious to check it out.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18279932415" title="Schultz Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7753/18279932415_44eec95c6a_c.jpg" width="800" height="455" alt="Schultz Lookout"></a><br /><br />After a short sharp climb to the top, we enjoyed a brief rest in the shade while we soaked up the 360 degree views.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18253530376" title="Luck Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7792/18253530376_eedb41e1d9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Luck Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18253564266" title="Sippel Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8788/18253564266_0159a026ed_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Sippel Road"></a><br /><br />After a brisk roll back down the hill we avoided paved roads, following a circuitous route along some of the wonderful dirt tracks and lanes which criss-cross the Lockyer Valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092284560" title="Salt Springs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8841/18092284560_c171c4bfc1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Salt Springs Road"></a><br /><br />“Salt Spring Road” is little more than a couple of tyre tracks which head off into the grassy hills from a friendly roadside gate – perfect for mountain biking.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092296660" title="Salt Springs Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8857/18092296660_c4f932ffcb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Salt Springs Road"></a><br /><br />I had seen the reserve for road on a map a few weeks ago, and was glad to be able to satisfy my curiosity as we followed it towards Glen Cairn.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18281441331" title="Brabed Wire Gate by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7773/18281441331_d5a182eebf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brabed Wire Gate"></a><br /><br />As with most farm tracks we had to deal with several barbed-wire gates along the way.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092328710" title="Whiteway Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7766/18092328710_5e524e7585_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Whiteway Road"></a><br /><br />Whiteway “Road” was barely visible through the long grass. While mountain bikers and horse riders love these sorts of tracks, it’s not the sort of place you’d try to drive a car.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092387670" title="Whiteway Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7735/18092387670_c0220343a8_c.jpg" width="800" height="500" alt="Whiteway Road"></a><br /><br />Eventually the tall grass gave way to wide open spaces between farm paddocks near Forest Hill. Wisps of cloud adorned the vaulted blue sky of late autumn.</p><br /><p>Perfect.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18280127615" title="Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7750/18280127615_43cac57d41_c.jpg" width="800" height="451" alt="Bridge"></a><br /><br />After a quick pedal along a busy road, we rolled back into Laidley for an early lunch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18280136785" title="Laidley Town Centre by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8790/18280136785_9be465c5b8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laidley Town Centre"></a><br /><br />On our more remote rides, it’s necessary to bring everything: including lunch and extra water. Today was not one of those days. We appreciated the luxury of the local cafe.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092340158" title="Laidley Level Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7751/18092340158_a80007c2f5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laidley Level Crossing"></a><br /><br />Feeling lethargic from our lunch, we lazily followed the railway track out of town.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18093978019" title="Railway Line by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7796/18093978019_dbb148548b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Railway Line"></a><br /><br />Trains lumber along this railway line for hundreds of kilometres to and from the coal fields of Western Queensland. It passes through a tunnel under the Little Liverpool Range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18281601801" title="Hike A Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7766/18281601801_b5566b294a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike A Bike"></a><br /><br />Although the train enjoys a nice easy gradient, the track beside it was steep in parts. We had to walk one or two sections.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18092410618" title="Pinch CLimb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8767/18092410618_2075db4217_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Pinch CLimb"></a><br /><br />Becca preferred to ride those sections rather than walk them.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17657673204" title="Railway Pin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7795/17657673204_1dc019231e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Railway Pin"></a><br /><br />Jason and I joked about this oddly shaped pin – seemingly designed for some railway-related purpose that we couldn’t work out.</p><br /><p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vgu0FLmGue4?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />As if on cue, a coal train rolled past. I raised my fist above my head and pulled it down a couple of times while yelling “blow your horn!” Drivers at Railway University must learn these hand signals because the driver obligingly gave us a “toot” as he passed us. I chuckled manically to myself.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18276501912" title="Brendan and David by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7757/18276501912_3609476829_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brendan and David"></a><br /><br />As we followed the road reserve up the hill the terrain grew rough and difficult to follow.</p><br /><p>We passed a couple of blokes in a field next to us, who had graded a perfect looking road through their property. It looked very inviting, so we sheepishly asked them if we could jump the fence and ride on their nice track instead. Brendan and David were amused to see us, and kindly let us ride on their side of the fence to the top of the hill. Thanks guys!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18276558912" title="Cunninghams Crest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7792/18276558912_d5c567f393_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Crest"></a><br /><br />At the top of the hill we stopped at “Cunninghams Crest” lookout.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18280328965" title="Cunninghams Crest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8796/18280328965_1ac72951f5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Crest"></a><br /><br />Allan Cunningham climbed this peak in 1829, a year after his journey to Cunningham’s Gap, and caught a glimpse of the wide plain to the west which he named “Laidley’s Plains”.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18094170049" title="Cunninghams Crest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8841/18094170049_a6dd4e9663_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Crest"></a><br /><br />I’m sure he looked to the south while he was there, recalling his expedition the year before.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17657852034" title="Becca on Summerholm Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7768/17657852034_ddbfc9bff3_o.gif" width="800" height="599" alt="Becca on Summerholm Rd"></a><br /><br />From the lookout we followed a steep dirt track down the hill back into Grandchester. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17659823693" title="The Overflow by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8899/17659823693_3a6f0be622_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="The Overflow"></a><br /><br />A calf eyed us curiously as we rode past.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17657816524" title="Father and Son by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8773/17657816524_7974b52d4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Father and Son"></a><br /><br />We finished our ride earlier than expected and enjoyed a cool drink at the local pub.</p><br /><p>We rode a total of 48km in five hours including several leisurely breaks.</p><br /><p>We climbed a total of 940 metres in ascent, and I burned 2,100 kcal.</p><br /><p>Physically, this is a reasonably easy ride, but it has one or two steep sections with some moderately challenging descents. </p><br /><p>I’ll rate it 6.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter – BUT take care on the downhill bits!</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Paul, Jason R and Jason G for a fun day out.</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/788612551' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8707865061_481ded5c37_z.jpg" alt="Bicentennial National Trail" title="Bicentennial National Trail" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" class="crp_title">Bicentennial National Trail</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/boonah/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8665475872_7dc633a848_z.jpg" alt="Boonah" title="Boonah" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/boonah/" class="crp_title">Boonah</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-Crossing-Creek-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Cunningham’s Campsite" title="Cunningham’s Campsite" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/" class="crp_title">Cunningham’s Campsite</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/toowoomba/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9168433263_86caf4dee1_z.jpg" alt="Toowoomba" title="Toowoomba" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/toowoomba/" class="crp_title">Toowoomba</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Zahel-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Laidley Creek" title="Laidley Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/" class="crp_title">Laidley Creek</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-47340059467694728672015-05-24T13:03:00.000+10:002015-05-24T13:11:38.794+10:00Cunningham’s Campsite<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cunninghams-campsite/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-Crossing-Creek-800.jpg" alt="Russel Crossing Creek" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5932" /></a><br /><br />In 1828, the explorer Allan Cunningham travelled south-west from Moreton Bay in an attempt to find a route through the Great Dividing Range to the Darling Downs. Today we thought we’d visit one of his campsites, at the foot of the range, where he camped the day before he passed through what we now call “Cunningham’s Gap”.<br /><br /><span id="more-5931"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17399636994" title="Rosevale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8784/17399636994_a34caa8ba8_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Rosevale"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17836000609" title="Rosevale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7794/17836000609_6bf53c0262_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Rosevale"></a><br /><br />We started from the Rosevale Pub on a clear, fresh Autumn morning and headed eastwards along the paved road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18022248495" title="Old Rosevale Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5337/18022248495_2ed045c215_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Old Rosevale Rd"></a><br /><br />After a few minutes we left the tar in favour of the friendly crunch of gravel.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17399696054" title="Zanhow Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5339/17399696054_e96e6b11be_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Zanhow Road"></a><br /><br />The dirt roads around Rosevale are almost maze-like in their complexity. It’s a perfect spot to explore new places on a mountain bike.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17995836586" title="Zanhow Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/17995836586_266e9f5a46_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Zanhow Road"></a><br /><br />As we rolled over the hills, we could just see our destination in the distance: the rugged peaks of the Great Dividing Range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17399740594" title="Repairs by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8827/17399740594_fc6e7e310e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Repairs"></a></p><br /><p>Unfortunately, Nigel got a flat tyre after he rode over a bumpy causeway. The bump caused his wheel rim to squash his inner-tube, punching a couple of “snake bite” holes in it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834547250" title="Flat Tyre by Russel Scholl, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7698/17834547250_f874312779_c.jpg" width="800" height="571" alt="Flat Tyre"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Russel Scholl)<br /><br />As with most mechanicals, there were a lot of spectators offering unsolicited advice about tubeless tyres, puncture kits and pumps. But Nigel was able to fix the puncture nevertheless.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18022352725" title="Bald Ridged Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7677/18022352725_ef811a6f81_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bald Ridged Road"></a><br /><br />As we continued south over rolling cattle pasture along Bald Ridged Road, the distant peaks slowly grew closer.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17399787384" title="Bald Ridged Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5350/17399787384_3361c95eb6_c.jpg" width="800" height="442" alt="Bald Ridged Road"></a><br /><br />We then turned into Parsons Gate Road – a delightful lane which twisted through numerous farms. The roads around here have fascinating names. Who was Parsons? Where was his gate? Was he a parson? Was the Ridge always Bald?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17995925436" title="Parsons Gate Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5335/17995925436_945561f8fa_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Parsons Gate Road"></a><br /><br />As the Dividing Range loomed at us from behind the trees, I thought of Allan Cunningham and how he must have felt in a land thick with Eucalyptus forest, looking up at the distant rugged peaks, and wondering how he was going to get across.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18019193942" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5447/18019193942_ebecd5681c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />And I chatted to Paul, asking how it was that we always seemed to find ourselves in beautiful locations each Saturday. Were we just lucky? Why did it always seem to work out so well? Secretly I hoped our luck wouldn’t ever run out.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18022446015" title="Jackson Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5336/18022446015_bce561db8c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jackson Rd"></a><br /><br />As we turned into Jackson Road, the track grew bumpier. The grass grew higher. This was a perfect spot to ride a mountain bike!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17836225509" title="Mt Edwards by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8771/17836225509_859de3ef46_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Edwards"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834574198" title="Mt French by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5442/17834574198_0b18017fca_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt French"></a></p><br /><p>Russel, our encyclopedic source of local place names, pointed out Mount Edwards and Mount French. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17996050896" title="Aratula by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/17996050896_1732103c5d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Aratula"></a><br /><br />We arrived in Aratula in time for an early lunch. This small town sits on the Cunningham Highway, named after the man whose footsteps we were following today. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18022539885" title="Repairs by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5324/18022539885_2e2c8bc20b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Repairs"></a><br /><br />We also took some time out for more minor repairs. This time roles were reversed as Nigel gave Paul some advice about drivetrains and gears.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17399991114" title="Tarome by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8874/17399991114_dc93986113_c.jpg" width="800" height="441" alt="Tarome"></a><br /><br />As we rode westwards on quiet back roads behind Aratula, the Range rose up ahead of us – a seemingly impenetrable wall over a kilometre high.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834675838" title="Cunninghams Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8758/17834675838_2c467f66db_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Gap"></a><br /><br />Cunningham’s “Gap” stood out – a chink in the armour of the range. Someone approaching from the east, and looking for a way across would obviously be drawn to such a landmark.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18019383582" title="Simmonds Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/18019383582_ca50bdff67_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Simmonds Road"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18022633485" title="Simmonds Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5446/18022633485_91495b3974_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Simmonds Road"></a></p><br /><p>Unfortunately, Nigel suffered a second puncture. We suggested he inflate the tube, and submerge it in a nearby dam so he could quickly spot the leak via the air bubbles.</p><br /><p>Sometimes the spectators give good advice <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18023474281" title="Simmonds Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7759/18023474281_1d87ceaeef_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Simmonds Road"></a><br /><br />We had left the paved road and were heading almost directly towards the Gap.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834762538" title="Campsite Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8888/17834762538_95d9353a72_c.jpg" width="800" height="516" alt="Campsite Road"></a><br /><br />Eventually we turned into Campsite Road, named after the famous campsite. “Road” was a slight exaggeration. The fence posts leading up the hill suggested that this corridor was in fact a road reserve. We followed faint tyre tracks up the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18019458232" title="Campsite Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8767/18019458232_fdcf1bd00e_c.jpg" width="800" height="439" alt="Campsite Road"></a><br /><br />I felt like we were riding through the hills from “The Sound of Music”.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18019463782" title="Campsite Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8845/18019463782_577c3594ca_c.jpg" width="800" height="254" alt="Campsite Road"></a><br /><br />The panorama was impressive.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18023006631" title="Nigel Crossing Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/18023006631_cc99a54fbd_o.gif" rel="nofollow" width="800" height="600" alt="Nigel Crossing Creek"></a><br /><br />We tried our luck riding over several rocky creeks at the bottom of the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17402241153" title="Gap Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5453/17402241153_a50c369657_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Gap Creek"></a><br /><br />Crystal clear water bubbled over rocks. This would have been a perfect area to set up a camp.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17401681323" title="Cunningham Monument by Russel Scholl, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5324/17401681323_2880aecbd1_c.jpg" width="600" height="800" alt="Cunningham Monument"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Russel Scholl)</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834906418" title="Cunningham Monument by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8854/17834906418_9bf5385ed6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cunningham Monument"></a><br /><br />And there it was. Cunningham’s Campsite.</p><br /><p>In his journal, Cunningham wrote:</p><br /><blockquote><p>“About one o’clock we passed a mile to the southward of our last position, and, entering a valley, we pitched the tents within three miles of the entrance of the Gap now suspected to be the pass of last year’s journey. It being early in the afternoon, I sent one of the people (who, having been of my party on that long tour, knew the features of the country lying to the westward of the Dividing Range) to trace a series of forest ridges which appeared to lead directly up to the hollow back in the range.</p><br /><p>“To my utmost gratification he returned at dusk, having traced the ridge about 2½ miles to the foot of the Dividing Range, whence he ascended into the pass, and, from a grassy head immediately above it, beheld the extensive country lying west of the Main Range. He recognized both Darling and Canning Downs, patches of Peel’s Plains, and several remarkable points of the forest hills on that side, fully identifying this hollow back with the Pass discovered last year at the head of Millar’s Valley.</p></blockquote><br /><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Allan-Cunningham.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Allan-Cunningham.jpg" alt="Allan Cunningham" width="274" height="428" /></a><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/0301141h-33.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/0301141h-33.jpg" alt="Cunningham's Sketches" width="344" height="547" /></a><br /><br />(Source: <a href="http://www.gutenberg.net.au/ebooks03/0301141h.html" target="_blank">Project Gutenberg</a> )</p><br /><p>The year before, in 1827, Cunningham had explored the western side of the range, having travelled north from the Hunter Valley. He found what he thought would be a suitable pass through the mountains.</p><br /><p>In 1828 he had a vague idea of the location and shape of the pass he was looking for, and returned to the area, this time travelling from Moreton Bay in the east, with Patrick Logan and Charles Fraser.</p><br /><p>Ironically, the pass that Cunningham found the year before was Spicers Gap – about 3km to the south of Cunninghams Gap. Spicers Gap is a much easier route through the mountains, having been used by the Ugarapul aboriginal people long before European settlement. But when he returned in 1828 the lower elevation of Cunninghams Gap must have proved too alluring, and he chose that route instead. In those days it was steep and treacherous. There are stories of carts being hauled up steep tracks with ropes.</p><br /><p>It wasn’t until 20 years later that Henry Alphen rediscovered Spicers Gap, which was then used as a stagecoach route.</p><br /><p>If only Allan Cunningham had asked directions from the Ugarapul people <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17835195300" title="Campsite Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8768/17835195300_7b3e4bbb6f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Campsite Road"></a><br /><br />Delighted in finding the campsite, we began the homeward leg of our journey, riding north under the shadow of the range to our left.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18023689581" title="Campsite Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8844/18023689581_208d183333_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Campsite Road"></a><br /><br />This part of our route followed the Bicentennial National Trail northwards towards Rosevale. Perhaps that’s why owner of the pub has placed huge “Free Camping” signs out the front of his pub.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17835346930" title="Scenic Rim Panorama by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7786/17835346930_e2b414f245_b.jpg" width="1024" height="499" alt="Scenic Rim Panorama"></a><br /><br />As we climbed the hill out of the Warrill Creek valley, we had a look back at the imposing range. We could see Mount Barney and Maroon in the southeast, the Border Ranges in front of us, and the Great Divide on our left.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17836990349" title="Nigel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7745/17836990349_023c362af4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Nigel"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17835579820" title="Bremer River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5468/17835579820_72f82fe8cb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bremer River"></a></p><br /><p>The slight downhill gradient and tailwind made the homeward trip much easier as we followed the Bremer River back to Rosevale.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17400663664" title="Cunninghams Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8860/17400663664_ea4e7572e7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Lookout"></a><br /><br />On the drive home from Rosevale, Paul and I stopped at Cunningham’s Lookout, Warrill View. It’s from this point that Cunningham was able to see the terrain and work out the best route for his trip to the Gap.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/18024073561" title="Cunninghams Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7771/18024073561_828c4b087d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Cunninghams Lookout"></a><br /><br />I looked north towards Laidley, and “Cunningham’s Rise” – another lookout that he had used several days earlier to plan his route.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17834999168" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7723/17834999168_d77b4d814f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />All up we travelled 67km in about 6 hours including breaks and time stopped for repairs.</p><br /><p>I burned about 2,900 kcal and we climbed about 950m in elevation.</p><br /><p>This is a relatively easy ride, perfect for the cooler months with a couple of sections on paved roads.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate it 6.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Paul, Russel and Nigel for a great day out!</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/782014236' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8707865061_481ded5c37_z.jpg" alt="Bicentennial National Trail" title="Bicentennial National Trail" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" class="crp_title">Bicentennial National Trail</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/spicers-gap-2/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8500870763_c038e12d3e_z.jpg" alt="Spicers Gap" title="Spicers Gap" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/spicers-gap-2/" class="crp_title">Spicers Gap</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" alt="Goomburra" title="Goomburra" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" class="crp_title">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/boonah/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8665475872_7dc633a848_z.jpg" alt="Boonah" title="Boonah" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/boonah/" class="crp_title">Boonah</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-glorious/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7696342856_bc89aab590_z.jpg" alt="Mount Glorious" title="Mount Glorious" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-glorious/" class="crp_title">Mount Glorious</a></td></tr></table><div class="crp_clear"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-41736801894757205962015-05-17T12:34:00.000+10:002015-05-17T18:18:20.958+10:00Gambubal<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/gambubal/"><b>Read More</b></a><br />
<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/gambubal/"><img alt="Russel and the Steamers 800" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5923" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-and-the-Steamers-800.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a><br /><br />When my friend Richard told me about the fun he had exploring the mountainous terrain around Mount Colliery, near Killarney, I couldn’t resist checking it out for myself.<br /><br /><span id="more-5922"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130293664" title="Killarney by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Killarney" height="480" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8884/17130293664_3f25902eda_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />We started on a cold morning in Killarney, near the headwaters of the Condamine River in Cambanoora Gorge. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17566503029" title="Condamine River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine River" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5442/17566503029_7b9113fe1b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The Condamine is part of the largest river system on our continent, which stretches from here all the way to Adelaide.<br />
<br />
The Aboriginal people who lived on the plains between what is now Killarney and Warwick called the Condamine River “Corra Corra Beh” which means “Long Stream”.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17566571049" title="Omara's Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Omara's Road" height="480" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5330/17566571049_7348081aa8_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Omara’s Road is a wonderful dirt track which leads from Killarney to Mount Colliery. It’s very steep in places, so we didn’t have much time to warm up before starting our grind up the hill.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17752884185" title="Omara's Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Omara's Road" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7671/17752884185_cda2e4f61c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
For our efforts we were rewarded with some great views of Killarney and the Southern Downs stretching out to the west. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17132534923" title="Omara's Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Omara's Road" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5460/17132534923_e546a2e014_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a by="" ennis="" flickr="" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17726700826" kilgarvan="" neil="" on="" title=""><img alt="" height="600" kilgarvan="" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8857/17726700826_1d28d8e832_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />After rain the rolling hills turn bright green, which explains why early European settlers would think of the Emerald Isle when chosing an Irish name for their town.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753281611" title="Omara's Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Omara's Road" height="454" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5338/17753281611_ecfb90f82c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17750289052" title="Omara's Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Omara's Road" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7658/17750289052_dcbacc6c5e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Once we crested the hill we enjoyed a brisk roll down into the small village of Mount Colliery.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753336071" title="Gambubal Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Gambubal Road" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5442/17753336071_a6a70234ed_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />“Gambubal” State Forest is a bit of a misnomer. It’s named after the Kambuwal Aboriginal People – the traditional owers of Girraween and the Stanthorpe Area. But historically, the people who inhabited this area were the Githabul. In his paper “<a href="http://press.anu.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/ch062.pdf" target="_blank">Being on Country: Githabul approaches to mapping culture</a>“, Nick Mclean from the ANU describes Githabul country as including the mountains that stretch from Kyogle to Killarney and Warwick.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17565421240" title="Gambubal Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Gambubal Road" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5455/17565421240_10fa71c368_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Gambubal Road marked the start of the “big climb” which would take us up over 1,100 metres above sea level. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130550244" title="Motorbike Riders by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Motorbike Riders" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5444/17130550244_5289c7389f_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130639094" title="Rest Stop by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Rest Stop" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5338/17130639094_cb30a73284_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We stopped several times on the way up to rest, enjoy the view and allow eager moto-cross riders to safely pass us.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17750446702" title="Cold and Hiugh by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Cold and Hiugh" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7688/17750446702_38b43f55a0_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />A blustery southerly wind buffeted us as we strained up the hill. I was glad I’d brought my jacket. Up on this plateau the temperature dropped, and it was much easier to ride if we didn’t get too cold.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753094655" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Eric" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5444/17753094655_53a9da0c2a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />On our right we were able to look down into Condamine Gorge. Eric, Darb and I had <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/condamine-gorge/" target="_blank">followed the river through this spectacular gorge a couple of years ago</a>. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17566988789" title="Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5331/17566988789_41456d6809_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />It was fascinating to see if from up high. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17566894479" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike" height="408" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8767/17566894479_16c3817254_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />The Githabul people called it “Cambanoora” which means “Big Cliff”.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130722824" title="Mts Superbus & Roberts from Mt Colliery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Mts Superbus & Roberts from Mt Colliery" height="508" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8876/17130722824_4239bfe4f3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Ahead of us we could see Mount Superbus – at 1375 metres, the highest peak in South East Queensland, its summit shrouded in cloud.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17726877956" title="Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine Gorge from Mount Colliery" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8847/17726877956_55a797450e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />On our left we were able to make out Hoffman Falls where Farm Creek cascades over the range.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130775974" title="Gambubal State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Gambubal State Forest" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7756/17130775974_348bfcefef_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17726925596" title="Gambubal State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Gambubal State Forest" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7799/17726925596_e55239ba40_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
We undulated over the mountaintop plateau until we eventually reached the State Forest. The pine plantation provided welcome shelter from the strong cold wind.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17130849254" title="The Steamers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="The Steamers" height="486" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7723/17130849254_1823fe956e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />On the northern edge of the loop we had a wonderful view of “The Steamers” – a series of mountains whose peaks resemble a line of ships.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17567129439" title="The Steamers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="The Steamers" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8766/17567129439_9539e76a5c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Russel has climbed most of these mountains. He has an almost encyclopedic knowledge of the local geography, having grown up not far from here. He pointed out the “Prow”, “Funnel”, “Mast” and “Stern” peaks.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17133069123" title="Gate by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Gate" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7710/17133069123_da7492d03a_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We eventually encountered a locked gate. Since we were following my friend Richard’s plot, we didn’t give it a second thought. It wasn’t until we caught up with the land-owner a little later that we realized we were on private property. He was really gracious with us and explained that he didn’t mind us passing through – he just would have preferred to know about our visit beforehand. If you’re reading this, and are planning on following our footsteps on this ride, <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/contact/" target="_blank">please contact me</a>, and I’ll put you in touch the landowner so you can clear it with him before your visit.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753443305" title="Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Downhill" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5454/17753443305_4a0be2e7f3_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />And then began the exciting descent!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753455605" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5336/17753455605_4ba1410807_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We dropped almost 600 metres in 6 kilometres along a rutted rocky road.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753845821" title="Boulders by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Boulders" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8741/17753845821_d5e780ae72_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />I was grateful for my plush suspension – but even the best shock absorbers couldn’t smooth out some of the boulders that blocked our way.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17565973570" title="Downhill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Downhill" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5463/17565973570_6d012faf9e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Eventually the descent became smoother, and we were able to let go of the brakes and pick up a bit of speed.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17567261979" title="Emu Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Emu Creek" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8689/17567261979_a71e01e8ea_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17753522885" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Mike" height="452" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8802/17753522885_d63c4f934b_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br />
<br />
At the bottom of the descent we enjoyed a leisurely roll along Emu Creek as we followed it out of the valley.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17565767928" title="Emu Vale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Emu Vale" height="420" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5469/17565767928_5609395c76_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />The last section of the ride, although it was on a paved road with gentle hills, was the most difficult.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17567312719" title="Headwind by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Headwind" height="548" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8866/17567312719_3847918886_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />We rode into a stiff headwind. Our progress was slow.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17567335889" title="Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Russel" height="600" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8899/17567335889_2e7c972029_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Russel and I alternated in slipstreaming each other as we rode, to get some respite from the breeze.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17727281636" title="Killarney by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Killarney" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5458/17727281636_633cf0c69d_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />The slow progress strung our group out over several kilometres. I was grateful that Russel stayed with me. Riding into the teeth of a blustering headwind is much easier when you do it with someone else!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17727297226" title="Condamine Gorge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine Gorge" height="468" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8729/17727297226_c5a13e0484_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Back in Killarney, I had unfinished business.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17727318106" title="Condamine River, Killarney by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine River, Killarney" height="600" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5454/17727318106_08d168f50e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />While the others unpacked, I rode a few more kilometres up the road to join up my track with a previous ride, and have a look at the Condamine River while it was still a small stream.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17751043452" title="Condamine Gorge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Condamine Gorge" height="563" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8724/17751043452_683a1fbb5c_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />My map-obsession fulfilled, and tracks joined up, I happily rode back to the others with the breeze at my back.<br />
<br />
Whoever wrote the Irish blessing must have been a cyclist:<br />
<br />
<blockquote>
May the road rise up to meet you.<br /><br />May the wind be always at your back.<br /><br />May the sun shine warm upon your face…</blockquote>
<br />
To be sure, to be sure, to be sure <img alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /><br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17565674780" title="Moss by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img alt="Moss" height="600" src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7764/17565674780_41b8a1388e_c.jpg" width="800" /></a><br /><br />Another memorable day out in spectacular country with friends.<br />
<br />
I am so fortunate, and truly hope for many more days like this.<br />
<br />
Thanks Richard, for telling us about this place.<br />
<br />
And thanks Becca, Tom, Eric, Russel and Mike for sharing this day with me.<br />
<br />
Let’s do it again!<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="500" src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/775651802" width="465"></iframe><br />
<br />
<div class="crp_related">
<h3>
Related Posts:</h3>
<table><tbody>
<tr style="vertical-align: top;"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/condamine-gorge/"><img alt="Condamine Gorge" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8129016574_745553f5a3_z.jpg" height="80" title="Condamine Gorge" width="107" /></a><a class="crp_title" href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/condamine-gorge/">Condamine Gorge</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/egypt/"><img alt="Egypt" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9054469138_ef48ed6eb0_z.jpg" height="80" title="Egypt" width="107" /></a><a class="crp_title" href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/egypt/">Egypt</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/summer-creek/"><img alt="Summer Creek" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8624668190_ac3c9e37f1_z.jpg" height="80" title="Summer Creek" width="107" /></a><a class="crp_title" href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/summer-creek/">Summer Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/"><img alt="Goomburra" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" height="80" title="Goomburra" width="107" /></a><a class="crp_title" href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-head/"><img alt="The Head" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8522958882_0374353303_z.jpg" height="80" title="The Head" width="107" /></a><a class="crp_title" href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-head/">The Head</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="crp_clear">
</div>
</div>
Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-52517538398538173712015-05-10T08:01:00.000+10:002015-05-10T09:11:53.957+10:00The Hidden Valley<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/hidden-valley/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/hidden-valley/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Misty-Creek-Crossing-800.jpg" alt="Misty Creek Crossing" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5904" /></a><br /><br />Last week, <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glen-rock-national-park/" target="_blank">floodwaters prevented us from reaching the waterfall</a> at the end of the East Haldon valley. This week we thought we’d return to Glen Rock and try our luck again.<br /><br /><span id="more-5903"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17453297101" title="Casuarina Camp Ground by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7713/17453297101_c4b84494db_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Casuarina Camp Ground"></a><br /><br />To give ourselves the best chance of achieving our goal, we decided to camp out the night before, so that we could get an early start the next morning.<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16831188834" title="Eric by the Fire by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8690/16831188834_1f19c602a2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eric by the Fire"></a><br /><br />This time of year the nights are cold and the sun sets early. After cooking our dinner we cracked open a few beers and sat around the fire to keep warm.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17455181491" title="Frosty Grass by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5331/17455181491_1f9ef72c95_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Frosty Grass"></a><br /><br />The night was freezing. Literally. The temperature reached zero degrees. There was frost on the ground in the morning. I was grateful for a loan of Eric’s spare balaclava and sleeping bag liner overnight.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16835440263" title="Spider Webs by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7720/16835440263_a591bd0cd1_b.jpg" width="768" height="1024" alt="Spider Webs"></a><br /><br />In the brisk morning air, dew-drops hung from spider webs like strings of tiny diamonds. In the middle, a spider patiently waited for his quarry, legs and body also speckled with dewy gems.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17265682750" title="Misty Creek (Animated) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5334/17265682750_46cbf237c1_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Misty Creek (Animated)"></a><br /><br />Steamy mist swirled mysteriously from the creek water.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17269128839" title="Misty Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7781/17269128839_631ca0e510_c.jpg" width="800" height="480" alt="Misty Creek"></a><br /><br />We usually don’t arrive at our destinations so early in the morning, so the sunrise wonderland was a visual treat for us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17265483658" title="Misty Creek (Animated) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5441/17265483658_88ef1a5a58_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Misty Creek (Animated)"></a><br /><br />I braced for the shock of coldness as we waded through the first creek crossing of the day, but was surprised. Yes, the water was cold, but not as cold as the morning air, so it felt warm on my skin. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17429741736" title=""Top Yards" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8726/17429741736_544916d1f5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt=""Top Yards""></a><br /><br />It took us just over an hour to reach “Top Yards”. Last week, it took us almost three times as long to cover the same distance due to the flooded creeks. What a difference a week makes.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16833210734" title="East Haldon Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7743/16833210734_3376ab74b9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="East Haldon Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16833234064" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7679/16833234064_ac0034059f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eric"></a></p><br /><p>This was as far up the East Haldon valley as we had ever been. The track devolved into a couple of faint tyre tracks in the grass. It was getting harder to pedal.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268028198" title="Hike No Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5450/17268028198_2087608f66_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike No Bike"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually the undergrowth grew too thick. So we ditched the bikes and continued on foot.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17457292845" title="Hike No Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8722/17457292845_55fb3dc4cd_c.jpg" width="800" height="455" alt="Hike No Bike"></a></p><br /><p>Our plan was to follow the creek as far as we could. If we were lucky we’d get to the end of the valley and see the waterfall.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17455492821" title="Hike No Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5350/17455492821_eb21203750_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike No Bike"></a></p><br /><p>This was gorgeous country. Pristine creek waters bubbled over ancient rocks through a rugged forest.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17456979061" title="Walking up the Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8854/17456979061_bf2bd4631b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Walking up the Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Unfortunately it was tough going. Rock-hopping over slippery boulders is slow and hazardous work.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837060683" title="Walking up the Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8765/16837060683_c193ca59ac_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Walking up the Creek"></a></p><br /><p>The banks grew steep, and the creek was full of deep waterholes. It was beautiful, but it was too difficult to proceed any further.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17431335236" title="Walking up the Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5334/17431335236_7d396315a9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Walking up the Creek"></a></p><br /><p>As we turned around and headed back downstream, neither of us were too disappointed. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17432899806" title="Brett and Danni by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7756/17432899806_2a75a26188_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brett and Danni"></a></p><br /><p>On the way back down the valley we met Danni and Brett who were also exploring Glen Rock National Park on bikes. We were delighted when they agreed to ride with us for the rest of our adventure.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16840212893" title="Mountain Biking at Glen Rock by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7698/16840212893_37d063cfc4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Biking at Glen Rock"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17460695215" title="Mountain Biking at Glen Rock by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c4.staticflickr.com/8/7706/17460695215_fcd1a13cef_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Biking at Glen Rock"></a><br /><br />The unusual shape of Glen Rock loomed over us as we retraced our steps.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17452862221" title="Brett Jumps for a Mandarin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7769/17452862221_5376679cc1_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Brett Jumps for a Mandarin"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17267358409" title="Brett Jumps for a Mandarin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7665/17267358409_1ce098173c_o.gif"" width="800" height="601" alt="Brett Jumps for a Mandarin"></a></p><br /><p>We stopped at Abbotts yards to see if there were any mandarins on the tree. One ripe fruit was perched a little to high for us to reach, but it was fun trying.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17272989070" title="Brett Crossing a Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7688/17272989070_7160a3d73f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brett Crossing a Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17460711145" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7667/17460711145_2df4a701de_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a></p><br /><p>Brett showed us how to nail the creek crossings without getting our feet wet…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17452842881" title="Riding Across a Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8863/17452842881_430b8ae131_b.jpg" width="1024" height="262" alt="Riding Across a Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17274483139" title="Brett by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5349/17274483139_70df3f56b4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brett"></a><br /><br />…although he didn’t do too well on the wider crossings <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/simple-smile.png" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" style="height: 1em; max-height: 1em;" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17273104798" title="Brett Crossing a Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7673/17273104798_91bd30f793_c.jpg" width="800" height="505" alt="Brett Crossing a Creek"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the final crossing of the day. Last week it had taken us over an hour to cross here. Today it was over with a splash in a matter of seconds.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16840713013" title="Overgrowth by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8725/16840713013_c17ea52dcb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Overgrowth"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17273330908" title="Danni and Horse by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5464/17273330908_4b0f9e41a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Danni and Horse"></a></p><br /><p>We bashed our way through high weeds around the back of a paddock and said “G’day” to a friendly horse on the way through.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17427684616" title="Sunset on the Range by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8808/17427684616_0ec45caaab_c.jpg" width="800" height="381" alt="Sunset on the Range"></a><br /><br />Glen Rock National Park is a stunning place to visit. </p><br /><p>It takes over two hours to drive there from Brisbane, so if you plan on a big adventure it might be helpful to camp there the night before.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17453230915" title="Eric by the Fire (Animated) by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8873/17453230915_622f301475_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Eric by the Fire (Animated)"></a><br /><br />But it’s very cold – so make sure you bring warm clothes or light a warm fire!</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/769000139' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />We travelled just under 30km in around 5 hours. I burned about 2,500 kcal and we climbed about 500 meters.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this ride 7.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks Eric, Danni and Brett for another memorable adventure!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17269471999" title="Spider Webs by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8771/17269471999_e8206b7846_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Spider Webs"></a></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glen-rock-national-park/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mike-at-Glen-Rock-NP-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Glen Rock National Park" title="Glen Rock National Park" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glen-rock-national-park/" class="crp_title">Glen Rock National Park</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" alt="Goomburra" title="Goomburra" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" class="crp_title">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glenrock/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9109876285_1df3fcbf9f_z.jpg" alt="Glenrock" title="Glenrock" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glenrock/" class="crp_title">Glenrock</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek-adventure/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-at-Lookout-800-107x80.jpg" alt="Black Duck Creek Adventure" title="Black Duck Creek Adventure" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek-adventure/" class="crp_title">Black Duck Creek Adventure</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-23188921570211277022015-05-03T13:05:00.000+10:002015-05-03T13:12:13.082+10:00Glen Rock National Park<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glen-rock-national-park/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glen-rock-national-park/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mike-at-Glen-Rock-NP-800.jpg" alt="Mike at Glen Rock National Park" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5894" /></a><br /><br />Heavy rain had lashed Sout-East Queensland for several days, flooding roads and filling creeks. Would it be too wet to ride? There was only one way to be sure… we turned up!<br /><br /><span id="more-5893"></span></p><br /><p>Glen Rock National Park is south of Gatton, in the East Haldon Valley, a picturesque pocket nestled under the towering ridges of the Great Dividing Range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17348543941" title="Flooded Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7708/17348543941_680eb685af_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Flooded Causeway"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17348533411" title="Flooded Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7795/17348533411_bda0812cec_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Flooded Causeway"></a><br /><br />While driving in, we got out of the cars and carefully checked the causeways before driving through. Although water was over the road, it wasn’t too deep, and wasn’t flowing too fast.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17162706919" title="Quad Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7750/17162706919_087be469ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Quad Bike"></a><br /><br />We sought some advice from a local land owner who assured us we’d be able to get through the crossings.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17322960626" title="East Haldon Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8862/17322960626_6b55523bae_c.jpg" width="800" height="459" alt="East Haldon Road"></a><br /><br />Our plan was to ride as far up the East Haldon Valley as we could, checkout Horseshoe Falls, and then return via the Lower Machar Track – a rugged track in the foothills above the creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17348574691" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7678/17348574691_c8e66ef1d3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />But the first challenge was to get safely across the flooded creek with our bikes. We agreed not to take unneccessary risks, so we sent Eric across the creek to see if we’d be able to get over while carrying a bike. I’ve learned numerous times to trust Eric’s instincts. When he said he didn’t want to risk crossing the creek while carrying the bikes, we agreed and sought an alternative route.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17161196058" title="Glen Rock NP Visitors Centre by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7708/17161196058_563c64dc78.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Glen Rock NP Visitors Centre"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17348617631" title="Glen Rock NP Visitors Centre by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8854/17348617631_6506aec368.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Glen Rock NP Visitors Centre"></a></p><br /><p>We made our way back to the visitors centre to check out a topographical map that Eric had brought with him. The map suggested there were a few other creek crossings we could try – so decided to have a look around to see what we could find.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17349018585" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8791/17349018585_ea057b85a6_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Eric"></a><br /><br />Several times we were thwarted by swift water…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17347113252" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7662/17347113252_f15f2bc9df_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />…or deep crossings.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17161241298" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8791/17161241298_4cb41d4b38_c.jpg" width="800" height="507" alt="Mike"></a><br /><br />Mike wandered off looking for a place to cross…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17162818059" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7660/17162818059_d040203c83_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />…while Eric decided to cool his heels in the fresh mountain water. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17323082066" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7707/17323082066_d7469beb1a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a></p><br /><p>He eventually found a safe creek crossing, and after an hour of poking around we began our ride in earnest.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16728646683" title="Spider on Barbed Wire by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/16728646683_819050d04e_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Spider on Barbed Wire"></a><br /><br />Todays ride reminded me that “Turning up” despite the weather usually results in an enjoyable adventure – provided we’re flexible about our plans. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17349072445" title="Glen Rock Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8874/17349072445_09b12057cc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Glen Rock Trails"></a><br /><br />The skies had cleared, the sun was drying up the mud, and the baeautiful East Haldon Valley lay before us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17141674827" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7785/17141674827_315edb1dc2_c.jpg" width="800" height="508" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />The creeks were still high, and so we re-evaluated our plans at each crossing. Was it safe to cross? Could we carry the bikes over? Would we be able to return this way?</p><br /><p>If we were unsure, we’d first send someone through without a bike, so they could test the depths.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16726636494" title="Abbotts Yards by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8748/16726636494_d667e628a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Abbotts Yards"></a><br /><br />Eventually we arrived at “Abbotts Yards” – an old stock yard halfway up the valley. In the nineteenth century this area was attractive to cattle men. The mountains provided a natural fence for the cattle, which meant they could graze on the abundant pasutre and water, without straying too far.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17347242182" title="Wedgetailed Eagle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7689/17347242182_bd4c58e3ef_c.jpg" width="800" height="573" alt="Wedgetailed Eagle"></a><br /><br />A wedgetailed eagle soared silently overhead in search of prey.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17162921919" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7679/17162921919_40ed8b9c8a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />It seemed like we spent about half our time helping each other over creeks, and the other half slowly riding up the valley. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17161357528" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7774/17161357528_ac842be2a5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />My shoes were soaked – which wasn’t really a problem. The gravel inside them was a problem, however, and I took a couple of opportunities to empty out the annoying stones and save my toes.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17161558318" title="Point Pure by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7744/17161558318_bbcd0bfd5d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Point Pure"></a><br /><br />After an hour we reached “Top Yards”: another historic mustering yard futher up the valley, under the strange square-top of Point Pure.</p><br /><p>We were making progress, but it was becoming clear we wouldn’t make it to the top of the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17141919407" title="Shady Creek Falls by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7668/17141919407_d077f4b21c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Shady Creek Falls"></a><br /><br />In the distance we could make out Shady Creek Falls cascading over the edge of the mountain. This was about as close as we’d be getting to a waterfall today.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17141923847" title="Glen Rock Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/17141923847_f5102b5e46_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Glen Rock Trails"></a><br /><br />After pushing on for a few more minutes we decided to call “half-way”, turned our bikes around, and started rolling back down the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17348893295" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8801/17348893295_629fd6f7d7_o.gif" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />Thankfully the trip back was much quicker. The creek levels were slowly falling, and the gentle downhill gradient helped us as we rode.</p><br /><p><iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DeANUng8D2c?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br /><br />I marvelled at this place as we made our way home. It was beautiful. Tucked away in a hidden valley at the end of a quiet rural road, it’s not the sort of place you’d find accidentally. But the rugged hills and bubbling creek were gorgeous. I was happy to be here, and would love to return.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17163204499" title="Glen Rock Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7764/17163204499_93e5b4db64_c.jpg" width="800" height="395" alt="Glen Rock Trails"></a><br /><br />Although this had been a spectacular clear-skied day, we had travelled less than 25km in just over four and a half hours including breaks. Even in dry weather, this is rough country, so if you’re planning to ride here, it would be prudent to under-estimate your expected progress.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17142011687" title="Creek Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7734/17142011687_7f36370d1b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />And if you need to cover a lot of ground, it would be smarter to do it when the creeks weren’t so high.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17323478826" title="Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7777/17323478826_d1c4a4a1ba.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Russel"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17163236069" title="Eric and Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7711/17163236069_0c509f1d4d.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Eric and Mike"></a></p><br /><p>Considering the conditions, I’ll rate this ride 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. </p><br /><p>We passed through 28 creek crossings. At most of them we had to carry our bikes over our heads. That was hard work. Riding was the was the easy part.</p><br /><p>Thanks Eric, Russel and Mike for another memorable day in a beautiful place!</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/762489533' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glenrock/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9109876285_1df3fcbf9f_z.jpg" alt="Glenrock" title="Glenrock" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glenrock/" class="crp_title">Glenrock</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges-and-horseshoe-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7323999018_a36d071de3_z.jpg" alt="Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek" title="Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges-and-horseshoe-creek/" class="crp_title">Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/christmas-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8542443513_8919bf6758_z.jpg" alt="Christmas Creek" title="Christmas Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/christmas-creek/" class="crp_title">Christmas Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/summer-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8624668190_ac3c9e37f1_z.jpg" alt="Summer Creek" title="Summer Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/summer-creek/" class="crp_title">Summer Creek</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-42779914084773042562015-04-26T11:18:00.000+10:002015-04-26T13:11:59.340+10:00Black Duck Creek Adventure<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek-adventure/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek-adventure/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-at-Lookout-800.jpg" alt="Paul at Lookout" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5881" /></a><br /><br />We’ve explored the spectacular <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek/" target="_blank">Black Duck Creek</a> valley <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" target="_blank">several times</a>. On this ANZAC Day holiday, we thought we’d invite a few more friends to explore it with us. So I was delighted when 46 eager Mountain Bikers turned up.<br /><br /><span id="more-5877"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17062782337" title=""Muster" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/17062782337_a0665d424b_z.jpg" width="640" height="360" alt=""Muster""></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>We met at a picnic ground at Junction View, south of Gatton.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244220656" title="Riding Off by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/17244220656_a48ba6b274_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Riding Off"></a><br /><br />It’s called “Junction View” because the area is at the junction of two long, narrow valleys: East Haldon Valley and Black Duck Creek Valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244224646" title="Black Duck Creek Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8788/17244224646_4c20af995e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Black Duck Creek Causeway"></a><br /><br />Today we took the “road less travelled” and followed Black Duck Creek as far as we could in a day.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270212355" title="Chalk Mine Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/17270212355_fa35ae2d4a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Chalk Mine Road"></a><br /><br />But first we took a short detour up Chalk Mine Road to a special place…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244231226" title="Chullawong by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7636/17244231226_7b1da151ec_c.jpg" width="800" height="598" alt="Chullawong"></a><br /><br />Towards the top of the hill, near the Chalk Mine, there’s a rocky ledge by the side of the road…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17084002299" title="Chullawong by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/17084002299_c5c6daa4a9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Chullawong"></a><br /><br />It contains some rare Aboriginal Rock Art carved into the soft chalky walls. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/13499103844" title="Chalawong by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3681/13499103844_2f7518ff8a_c.jpg" width="800" height="440" alt="Chalawong"></a><br /><br />There were carvings of animal footprints, trees, hills, rivers… this seemed to be a very old “map” which showed travellers where to find water and food.</p><br /><p>There are numerous paths through these mountains. Aborigines used these pathways to cover large distances.</p><br /><p>I was happy that today’s tyre-prints up the valley were probably following anicent footprints made thousands of years ago.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16650002293" title="Blackhawks at Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7711/16650002293_ff85bf733e_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Blackhawks at Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>As we rolled back down this ancient hill, our minds were pulled back to the present by the deep throb of helicopters as they glided overhead.</p><br /><p>It looked like these Blackhawks over Black Duck Creek were returning to Amberley Airbase after an early morning service at Warwick. We were just lucky enough to be in the middle.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082688750" title="Slippery Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7661/17082688750_98c79d71fb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Slippery Causeway"></a><br /><br />The causeways were covered with a thin film of water. This made them dangerously slippery. A couple of riders fell and skidded across the road. Everyone else took it very slowly as they tried to make it over the slimy surface without falling over.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082467158" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7637/17082467158_c8d42dab02_c.jpg" width="800" height="524" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082922700" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/17082922700_4fb15ca770_c.jpg" width="800" height="499" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>Cheerful signs and odd looking metal ducks on letterboxes reminded us of where we were headed, as we made our way up the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16647789964" title="Mountain Bikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8775/16647789964_f5029df4da_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Bikers"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082480058" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8736/17082480058_a1cc2e7bfd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a></p><br /><p>There was no rush today. We enjoyed an easy climb for about 20 kilometres up the valley, soaking up the landscape.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244280096" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8723/17244280096_1f5bf320a2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244284286" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7716/17244284286_0469940a9c_c.jpg" width="800" height="552" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a></p><br /><p>We had to open several gates as the road passed through a number of different properties. I think one or two farmers were surprised to see so many people on bikes riding through their properties. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268475922" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7698/17268475922_0479ff734c_c.jpg" width="800" height="447" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a></p><br /><p>As we rode further up the valley the hills grew steeper and closed in on either side of the road…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082506128" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/17082506128_75770fa613_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br />… and the road devolved into a dusty farm track – perfect for mountain bike tyres.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082749340" title="Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8726/17082749340_4965e2451b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br />We neared the top of the valley as we splashed over the last couple of rocky creek crossings.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268516542" title="Slab Hut, Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7665/17268516542_b993e9085e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Slab Hut, Black Duck Creek"></a><br /><br />An old Slab Hut marked the start of Glen Rock National Park. While some of us stopped here for a break, the rest of us pressed on a little further so that we could catch some views from a lookout on the top of the range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17062907937" title="Climbing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/17062907937_3a11934e99_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing"></a><br /><br />The track grew steep.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16650099413" title="Climbing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8793/16650099413_11c128f562_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing"></a><br /><br />It grew even steeper, and most of us started walking.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268543602" title="Climbing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8802/17268543602_d4ed5c455b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing"></a><br /><br />Surely it wouldn’t get steeper than this?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082572568" title="Climbing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/17082572568_beccaeafb4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Climbing"></a><br /><br />It did.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270350775" title="Mountain Top by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7672/17270350775_a82fb57e0a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Top"></a><br /><br />But, as with most climbs, the summit was worth it. We were rewarded with great views back down the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268573372" title="Achievement by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/17268573372_af5db18a2a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Achievement"></a><br /><br />A few of us did the obligatory “Bike over the head” pose.</p><br /><p>“Come on! Take the photo! I can’t hold this bike over my head for much longer!”</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082598778" title="Mountain Top by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8734/17082598778_3cec1c514d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Top"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17268584252" title="Mountain Top by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8692/17268584252_2a3418e0a4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Top"></a></p><br /><p>Everyone made sure they had photographic proof they’d made it to the top <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270459415" title="Fat Bikes by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8802/17270459415_85206a64dd_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Fat Bikes"></a><br /><br />The leisurely ride down the valley was more spread out as we rolled back down the gentle descent.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17062968737" title="Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7642/17062968737_0dd9d25a80_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Causeway"></a><br /><br />We all rode back at our own pace, chatting as we enjoyed the long coast down the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16647940264" title="Jason and Tony by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7596/16647940264_18b85f87eb_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason and Tony"></a><br /><br />As usually happens, fortune had favoured us with a glorious clear day. We soaked it up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082618398" title="Tony by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7681/17082618398_6d0788a3be_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Tony"></a><br /><br />Tony showed off a new-fangled paper GPS that didn’t require batteries <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> What will they think of next?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16649961193" title="Jason on Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7701/16649961193_b9be3b0b5b_o.gif" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason on Causeway"></a><br /><br />Our return leg was much quicker than the original climb up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16647965864" title="BBQ by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7726/16647965864_f2b4b44d45_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="BBQ"></a><br /><br />Because of the remote location, we decided to have a barbecue afterwards rather than trying to find a cafe.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270446675" title="Howard by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8754/17270446675_b2869b736a_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Howard"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17084239829" title="Chilling Out by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8811/17084239829_b6d9cd56df_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling Out"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270438465" title="Mum and Daughter by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/17270438465_c0fec559db_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mum and Daughter"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17063024977" title="Ben & Julie by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7664/17063024977_a6cbef9351_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Ben & Julie"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270428425" title="Chilling Out by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7601/17270428425_6bcd33cea5_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling Out"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17084222819" title="Chilling Out by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7618/17084222819_7cf630a191_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Chilling Out"></a></p><br /><p>Some of us just sat on the grass and enjoyed relaxing together.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16647976754" title="Eric and Justin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8685/16647976754_47d8669c61_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Eric and Justin"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16650198543" title="Mike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7705/16650198543_95507c0772_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Mike"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17082912100" title="Paul & Troy by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7671/17082912100_a707cc1149_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Paul & Troy"></a></p><br /><p>Some contemplated future adventures. (Some riders were camping that night, and riding further).</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17084200489" title="Fat Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7710/17084200489_f69f8279d7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Fat Bike"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17244447306" title="Admiring the Fat Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8761/17244447306_ff70675ec7_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Admiring the Fat Bike"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17062887727" title="Valve Caps by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7724/17062887727_463ed12fa6_m.jpg" width="240" height="180" alt="Valve Caps"></a></p><br /><p>Others admired the great looking “Fat Bikes” that seem to be able to go anywhere.</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/755979816' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />We rode about 48 km in about 5 hours including breaks.</p><br /><p>We climbed about 760 metres in ascent. I burned about 2,500 kcal.</p><br /><p>Excluding the climb to the lookout I’d rate this ride 6.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>8 out of 10 if you’re keen enough to push your bike to the top of the range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17270309955" title="Slab Hut, Black Duck Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7712/17270309955_6a4986a398_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Slab Hut, Black Duck Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Thanks everyone for making this a wonderful day out on the bikes.</p><br /><p>Thanks especially to Suzanne for being our support driver and making this a much easier day for everyone.</p><br /><p>Let’s do another ride like this soon!</p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Old-Cabin-Glenrock-State-Forest.jpg" alt="Black Duck Creek" title="Black Duck Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/black-duck-creek/" class="crp_title">Black Duck Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" alt="Goomburra" title="Goomburra" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" class="crp_title">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/kenilworth/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7378425054_c039f22efe_z.jpg" alt="Kenilworth" title="Kenilworth" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/kenilworth/" class="crp_title">Kenilworth</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/head-of-the-river/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Western-Branch-Road-800-100x63.jpg" alt="Head of the River" title="Head of the River" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/head-of-the-river/" class="crp_title">Head of the River</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-62582175777577783462015-04-19T09:29:00.000+10:002015-04-19T11:11:30.780+10:00Paddling in Paradise<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/paddling-in-paradise/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/paddling-in-paradise/"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5863" src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Harrison-in-canoe-at-sunset-800.jpg" alt="Harrison in Canoe at Sunset 800" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Although we’ve often ridden our bikes through the stunning country that surrounds the Upper Noosa River, I’ve never had the chance to paddle on the river until now. For the last three days Harrison and I have been exploring this unspoilt paradise by canoe.<br /><br /><span id="more-5862"></span><br /><br /><a title="Elanda Pint by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16997161018"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5344/16997161018_c7e15fb7cc_z.jpg" alt="Elanda Pint" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Day 1. Elanda Point to Harrys Hut. </strong><br /><br />11km. 3 hours 35 minutes.</p><br /><p>Both of us are relative newcomers when it comes to any form of paddling. We hired a two man canoe from the kind folks at Elanda Point camp ground, who assured us that while they’re a bit more challenging to steer than a kayak, they hold much more gear, and are easier to load and unload than their sleeker cousins.</p><br /><p><a title="Lake Cootharaba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159005186"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8800/17159005186_70d80559d1_z.jpg" alt="Lake Cootharaba" width="640" height="480" /></a><br /><br />As we set off across the waves of Lake Cootharaba, I wondered whether or not we had made the right choice. The wind pushed us from side to side as we bounced over the choppy water. Several times I feared that we would capsize. Harrison and I found it difficult to synchronize our strokes, so the canoe snaked off in all directions as though it had a mind of its own, first heading back towards shore, then in towards the middle of the lake. I wondered if we’d ever make it to the other side.</p><br /><p><a title="Lake Cootharaba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16562504884"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/16562504884_1eb2f134fd_c.jpg" alt="Lake Cootharaba" width="800" height="398" /></a><br /><br />After about an hour of frantic paddling against the breeze and waves, we reached the other side and slid past a bunch of bemused pelicans into the calmness of the Kinaba Information Centre.</p><br /><p><a title="Kinaba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564762303"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/16564762303_ff29002dea_c.jpg" alt="Kinaba" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />This waterside information centre includes displays, walkways and a steps down to the water. It was the perfect place for a couple of bedraggled novices to have a quick break out of the wind.</p><br /><p><a title="Kinaba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184342661"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7693/17184342661_a3155b69f6_c.jpg" alt="Kinaba" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We lashed the canoe to the lower stairs and had a bite to eat on the wide wooden decks, relieved that we’d got through the most challening part of todays journey.</p><br /><p><a title="Noosa Everglades by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977537457"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7673/16977537457_e25b92c56f.jpg" alt="Noosa Everglades" width="400" height="300" /></a><a title="Noosa Everglades by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564767853"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7717/16564767853_264498c703.jpg" alt="Noosa Everglades" width="400" height="300" /></a><br /><br />After Kinaba, we followed the river upstream. Thick forest either side protected us from the breeze, and the water was glassy smooth. Even though I had my trusty GPS with a course set, large friendly signs on the riverbanks made it easy for us to find our way.</p><br /><p><a title="Water Lillies by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977544707"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8823/16977544707_a1e90f19d3_c.jpg" alt="Water Lillies" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We glided through vast fields of water lillies as we made our way upstream.</p><br /><p><a title="Paddling by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977566777"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7693/16977566777_25458c5248.jpg" alt="Paddling" width="400" height="300" /></a><a title="Paddling by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184373501"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7698/17184373501_6e8722d814.jpg" alt="Paddling" width="400" height="300" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Discovery Tours by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16562543804"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7681/16562543804_764b8b9031.jpg" alt="Discovery Tours" width="400" height="300" /></a><a title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564782453"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8718/16564782453_47b93b2046.jpg" alt="Neil" width="400" height="300" /></a><br /><br />Everyone we passed on the river seemed happy to be here.</p><br /><p>I called out a friendly “G’day” to people as they floated by. Unfortunately I stopped paddling while I took photos of them. This inevitably meant our canoe would veer off course while Harrison continued to paddle on one side while I did not. We’d often end up ploughing into the river bank to the amusement of our new friends in the other boats.</p><br /><p><a title="Paddling by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16562552374"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7672/16562552374_c9de868476_c.jpg" alt="Paddling" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />“Are we there yet?”</p><br /><p>As the river closed in either side of us, my tiring teammate was starting to feel sore in muscles he didn’t often use.</p><br /><p><a title="Harrys Hut by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564800103"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5337/16564800103_34e59de8f5_c.jpg" alt="Harrys Hut" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We push onwards and were relieved to finally reach Harry’s Hut, the destination for our first day.</p><br /><p><a title="Unloading by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17183332982"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8728/17183332982_781d51c6cc_c.jpg" alt="Unloading" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />The people who hired the canoe to us also supplied a couple of large barrels in which we could safely stow all our gear. This kept everything dry, even in the event of a capsize, and made it very easy to load and unload the canoe.</p><br /><p><a title="JetBoil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16997464710"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8816/16997464710_9c9b11fb4a.jpg" alt="JetBoil" width="500" height="375" /></a><a title="Wine in Plastic by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17183343382"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17183343382_95d6e8cf60.jpg" alt="Wine in Plastic" width="281" height="375" /></a></p><br /><p>In a short time I had the water boiling for afternoon tea. I also cracked out a small flask of red wine that I had packed away beforehand in a plastic drink bottle.</p><br /><p><a title="Neil Swimming by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159075486"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7726/17159075486_db4d617caa_c.jpg" alt="Neil Swimming" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Although the signs said there might be bullsharks in the water, we couldn’t resist a quick swim. I was rather surprised by the coolness of the water as I sank beneath the surface.</p><br /><p><a title="Camp site by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184992745"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8688/17184992745_7b0bbeddfe_c.jpg" alt="Camp site" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Harrys Hut is a great camping spot. Although there are spots for numerous drive-in or paddle-in campers, it was still serene, the quietness being broken by bird-song, crickets, and the unavoidable whine of mosquitoes.</p><br /><p><a title="Launching from Harrys Hut by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16998831499"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/16998831499_b6de40a527_c.jpg" alt="Launching from Harrys Hut" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br /><strong>Day 2. Harrys Hut to Fig Tree Point via Campsite 2.</strong><br /><br />(Including 4km hike)<br /><br />13.5km. 4 hours 47 minutes.</p><br /><p>Without the comforts of home, we went to sleep when it got dark, and woke up when it got light.</p><br /><p><a title="Launching from Harrys Hut by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564834393"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7702/16564834393_f73573372a_c.jpg" alt="Launching from Harrys Hut" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We then re-loaded our trusty canoe and headed further up the river.</p><br /><p><a title="Possible Landing Site by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564837523"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/16564837523_e3e844967a_c.jpg" alt="Possible Landing Site" width="800" height="577" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Mooring by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564843143"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16564843143_902477fbd5.jpg" alt="Mooring" width="400" height="300" /></a><a title="Hiking Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184435561"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/17184435561_6a2ea92c3c.jpg" alt="Hiking Track" width="auto" height="300" /></a></p><br /><p>I was interested in the tracks on the other (eastern) side of the river. Since you need some sort of watercraft to get to the other side, they’re less used. I wanted to know if in future it would be possible to ferry mountain bikes across the river, get them up on the bank, and ride the tracks.</p><br /><p>There were one or two spots we could have come ashore, but the banks were too steep to safely lift bikes up.</p><br /><p><a title="Noosa River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977625897"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/16977625897_aac6802634_c.jpg" alt="Noosa River" width="800" height="512" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Dripping Paddle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16998861419"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7598/16998861419_3aeec08328_c.jpg" alt="Dripping Paddle" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />So we just paddled a while on the mirror-like river, enjoying the unbroken reflections in the tea-colored water.</p><br /><p><a title="Harrison at Campsite 1 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184452761"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7665/17184452761_dd1915729a_c.jpg" alt="Harrison at Campsite 1" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Campsite 1 wasn’t far upstream from Harrys Hut. I made a mental note that this would be an easy place to bring mountain bikes ashore.</p><br /><p>We decided to moor the canoe here and follow the walking track.</p><br /><p><a title="Dewdrop by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159128906"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/17159128906_7827307524_c.jpg" alt="Dewdrop" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />This place is unspoilt.</p><br /><p><a title="Moss by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17184460231"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/17184460231_04ae7d424a_c.jpg" alt="Moss" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Within a few steps the environment would change abruptly as we moved from one eco-system to the next.</p><br /><p><a title="Blue Mushroom by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564875603"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16564875603_8c03c184c5_c.jpg" alt="Blue Mushroom" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Blue mushrooms? I didn’t even know such things existed!</p><br /><p><a title="Flower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159146166"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7698/17159146166_be904f0461_c.jpg" alt="Flower" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />This is the sort of place to be enjoyed slowly. There are surprises around every corner.</p><br /><p><a title="Moss by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977662077"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16977662077_154296f557_c.jpg" alt="Moss" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Moss…</p><br /><p><a title="Flower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977664117"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7700/16977664117_ed2dd37bfe_c.jpg" alt="Flower" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Flowers…</p><br /><p><a title="Cabbage Tree Palm by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159154176"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7609/17159154176_02c0b7809a_c.jpg" alt="Cabbage Tree Palm" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Palms…</p><br /><p><a title="Scribbly Gum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16997504720"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7725/16997504720_a723166219_c.jpg" alt="Scribbly Gum" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Even the tree bark is decorated festively.</p><br /><p><a title="Moss by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977670187"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16977670187_de99cc5010_c.jpg" alt="Moss" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />I’m grateful such beautiful places exist so close to home.</p><br /><p><a title="Neil at Campsite 2 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16564884933"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16564884933_b6c4026f80_c.jpg" alt="Neil at Campsite 2" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />After a couple of kilometres walking, we stopped for a bite to eat at Campsite 2, then retraced our steps back to our canoe.</p><br /><p><a title="Resting on the River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16997321888"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16997321888_53545748d7_c.jpg" alt="Resting on the River" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />As we started downstream, Harrison was feeling both relaxed and tired. I agreed to paddle solo for a time while he took it easy.</p><br /><p><a title="Noosa Everglades by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17185079715"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8812/17185079715_42c4ceacc7_c.jpg" alt="Noosa Everglades" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />There was no rush. It was not far to our second campsite so we glided downstream at a leisurely pace.</p><br /><p><a title="Riverine Paperbark by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159179706"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8686/17159179706_f79645d7d6_c.jpg" alt="Riverine Paperbark" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Occasionally we edged up to some of the paperbarks overhanging the water to get a closer look.</p><br /><p><a title="Fig Tree Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977695787"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7640/16977695787_42bd25848c_c.jpg" alt="Fig Tree Point" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />Eventually we came ashore at Fig Tree Point, and unloaded our canoe for our second night.</p><br /><p><a title="Fig Tree Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16562682094"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7620/16562682094_1e0c6bb634_c.jpg" alt="Fig Tree Point" width="800" height="507" /></a><br /><br />This spot is on the edge of a large lagoon festooned with water lillies. Kayakers, pelicans and ducks floated through what looked like a Claud Monet painting.</p><br /><p><a title="Camp Fig Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16997586120"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8819/16997586120_f94a477423_c.jpg" alt="Camp Fig Tree" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />The QNPWS has recently made some improvements to the campgrounds, including laying some thick soft grass. It was a perfect spot to pitch our tent.</p><br /><p>In case you’re wondering, that’s a two-man tent. Both Harrison and I are over six feet tall, so we think it would be more accurately described as a one-and-a-half man tent. And in this case, I felt like I was the “half-a-man”.</p><br /><p><a title="Canoe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16562692104"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7656/16562692104_70f037f67e.jpg" alt="Canoe" width="400" height="300" /></a><a title="Water Lilly by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159198406"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7610/17159198406_2e89b9c2b1.jpg" alt="Water Lilly" width="400" height="300" /></a><br /><br /><a title="Fig Tree Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977726247"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7706/16977726247_3c907c2626_c.jpg" alt="Fig Tree Point" width="800" height="600" /></a></p><br /><p>I enjoyed another swim while Harrison glided around on the late afternoon water.</p><br /><p><strong>Day 3. Fig Tree Point to Elanda Point.</strong><br /><br />5km. 1 hours.<br /><br /><iframe src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/201364347&color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" frameborder="no" scrolling="no"></iframe></p><br /><p>It rained overnight. I had to get up several times to ether close the tent against the rain, or open it up to let in fresh air.</p><br /><p>I half-wrestled with Harrison to claim my “half” of the tent.</p><br /><p>Despite our broken sleep on hard ground, we awoke next morning to a melodic chorus of bird song. It seemed much more pleasant than an alarm clock.</p><br /><p><a title="Fig Tree Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16977733647"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7726/16977733647_e90d77d377_c.jpg" alt="Fig Tree Point" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We were getting to be old hands at packing our canoe, and were back on the water in record time.</p><br /><p><a title="Lake Cootharaba by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16998971579"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8746/16998971579_f21da86ed2_c.jpg" alt="Lake Cootharaba" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />We hit the lake early in the day, and didn’t have to contend with opposing breezes or waves. We also felt more competent at steering. Unlike our first amateurish foray across the lake, we were able to keep a straight line as we returned to our starting point. The trip back was much more comfortable.</p><br /><p><a title="Elanda Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17159226516"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7625/17159226516_0b20d60d84_c.jpg" alt="Elanda Point" width="800" height="600" /></a><br /><br />In a suprisingly short time we arrived back at Elanda Point.</p><br /><p><iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/embed?mid=z0_cdVp26EjQ.kt5OMZ7QOyCA" width="640" height="480"></iframe></p><br /><p>In total we paddled about 26km and hiked about 4km.</p><br /><p>Neither of us had canoed before, and both of us only had average upper body fitness.</p><br /><p>This was a relatively easy adventure which covered some spectacular sites. It was well worth the effort.</p><br /><p><strong>Things We Did Right</strong></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Canoe instead of a kayak. We would never have been able to carry all our gear in a kayak.</li><br /><li>Cycling gloves. Gloves protected our hands from blisters.</li><br /><li>Long-sleeved shirt. The Queensland sun is strong – long sleeves are good from sunburn.</li><br /><li>Insect Repellant. The mosquitoes on the Noosa River are ferocious at night.</li><br /><li>JetBoil. This compact gas powered stove provided boiling water in lightning fast time.</li><br /><li>AquaTabs. Water purifying tablets allowed us to drink water from the rain tanks at the camp grounds.</li><br /><li>Waterproof Barrels. When it rained at night, our gear was stowed dry in the barrels. They simplified loading and unloading the canoe.</li><br /><li>Plastic bags. Perfect for stowing wet clothes.</li><br /><li>Wine. (Thanks Wayne for the suggestion). A bike bottle with a bit of red wine was a nice touch at the end of the day.</li><br /></ul><br /><p> </p><br /><p><strong>Things We Did Wrong.</strong></p><br /><ul><br /><li>Mosquito Coils. We should have brought these to light around our Campsite.</li><br /><li>Started Earlier. On day one. we would not have had so much rough water if we had started a couple of hours earlier.</li><br /><li>Salty Snacks. Nuts and Crisps are perfect to have with wine at the end of the day. We didn’t bring enough.</li><br /><li>Communicate. On the water each paddler needs to know what the other is doing in order to keep the canoe moving straight. It took us a while to work this out.</li><br /></ul><br /><p>Thanks Harrison for a fun adventure!</p><br /><p><iframe src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/749259527" width="465" height="500" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/749259541" width="465" height="500" frameborder="0"></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src="https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/749259558" width="465" height="500" frameborder="0"></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/tales-from-a-bikepacking-newbie/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Harrison-by-Tent-800.jpg" alt="Tales from a Bikepacking Newbie" title="Tales from a Bikepacking Newbie" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/tales-from-a-bikepacking-newbie/" class="crp_title">Tales from a Bikepacking Newbie</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooloola/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/GreatSandyNationalPark.jpg" alt="Cooloola" title="Cooloola" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooloola/" class="crp_title">Cooloola</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/pedal-and-paddle/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/12248864153_fff58c410b_c.jpg" alt="Pedal and Paddle" title="Pedal and Paddle" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/pedal-and-paddle/" class="crp_title">Pedal and Paddle</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/harrys-hut/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Eric-on-Harrys-Hut-Road-800-x-600.jpg" alt="Harrys Hut" title="Harrys Hut" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/harrys-hut/" class="crp_title">Harrys Hut</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/gold-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8233353067_209e602809_z.jpg" alt="Gold Creek" title="Gold Creek" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/gold-creek/" class="crp_title">Gold Creek</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-15736733598692520492015-04-12T11:29:00.000+10:002015-04-12T13:11:50.284+10:00Big Sky Country<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/big-sky-country/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/big-sky-country/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Big-Sky-Country-800.jpg" alt="Big Sky Country" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5845" /></a><br /><br />Have you ever been under a sky so huge that you felt like you were going to fall into it?</p><br /><p>The vaulted skies above Anduramnba often seem like that when we visit.<br /><br /><span id="more-5844"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17088780856" title="McGreevy Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8778/17088780856_8192936433_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="McGreevy Road"></a><br /><br />Anduramba Hall is remote, so we were very surprised when we were greeted with a bustling road crew flood-proofing some of the surrounding plains. After waiting for a few minutes at a traffic light (how strange) we rode off down McGreevy Road towards an old stock route.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16928553759" title="McGreevy Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8821/16928553759_d913e611df_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="McGreevy Road"></a><br /><br />For a long time Eric has been wondering whether there would be q quicker way to ride from the Bunya Mountains to Brisbane. Last time he did it in four days via Nanango and Jimna. Using the route we rode today we think we could reduce this time to two or three days.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17088796336" title="Vonhoff Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8716/17088796336_30291bc73d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Vonhoff Road"></a><br /><br />The straight gravel road quickly devolved into a delightful bumpy old track – the sort that cross-country mountain bikers love.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16926976228" title="Stock Route Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7718/16926976228_8a2367a188_c.jpg" width="800" height="490" alt="Stock Route Road"></a></p><br /><p>Aptly named “Stock Route Road” this track follows hilltop ridges north-west towards the mountains.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16492339014" title="Stock Route Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7680/16492339014_d5f39041ab_c.jpg" width="800" height="493" alt="Stock Route Road"></a><br /><br />It was easy to imagine generations of drovers on horseback with their trusty dogs leading cattle down this track. Judging by the hoof prints and cowpats that we dodged, I’m sure it still happens today.</p><br /><p>Jason and I wondered if this track was originally an Aboriginal pathway: it was relatively straight, following the ridgeline of hills, and crossed plenty of water. It also led towards the sacred Bunya Mountains. It’s quite probable that intrepid indigenous feet had used this track for thousands of years before us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16492357794" title="Stock Route Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16492357794_a7b6459834_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stock Route Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16928631989" title="Stock Route Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16928631989_8f4a19415d_c.jpg" width="800" height="487" alt="Stock Route Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16927087518" title="Stock Route Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8739/16927087518_d509780f6d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Stock Route Road"></a><br /><br />Our track took us past wizened dead trees, and old ironbarks as we made slowly our way upwards towards Mount Binga.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16928689339" title="Stock Route Road by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7667/16928689339_e2c08ac9f9_c.jpg" width="800" height="449" alt="Stock Route Road"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)<br /><br />I was the slowest of the riders today, so my buddies kindly waited for me to catch up several times. I’m grateful to be able ride reasonable distances comfortably after my knee surgery, but it’ll take a while before I can ride as quickly as I used to.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16492371094" title="Emu Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8788/16492371094_ff54fcae1d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Emu Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17113332782" title="Emu Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8708/17113332782_634909e5ca_b.jpg" width="880" height="auto" alt="Emu Creek"></a></p><br /><p>We crossed Emu Creek several times on the way through. Although the creek was flowing, I am often amazed how much rain this thirsty country can soak up and still seem dry. We’ve had some large falls of rain over the last few months, but you’d never know from the quiet trickle in the creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17114886065" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8716/17114886065_7570f8e960_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17113363922" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8821/17113363922_ef516a081f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br />After a quick climb along a paved road to the top of the Blackbutt Range we rode through the Mount Binga Environmental Education Centre. We had visited here a couple of months ago and were glad to return.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16494761083" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8817/16494761083_9c5cee127d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br />The centre is on the top of the range, adjacent to vast plantations of Hoop Pines in the State Forest.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16927116768" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8739/16927116768_f3941e6f9f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br />It was a fun steep descent after this point. As we rocketed down the hill, Darb and Jason skidded to a crawl just before a couple of wild pigs crossed their path. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17114260911" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8746/17114260911_763a07d5f3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br />We successfully dodged the pigs, and made it safely to the bottom of the hill. (Sadly it’s impossible to take photos of wild pigs with one-hand while trying to control a bike plummeting downhill with the other hand – all while trying to avoid the pig <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /> )</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17114269011" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7691/17114269011_4d1c65c7b8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17114924375" title="Mrs Rowlings by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7680/17114924375_e9b4a4f13c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mrs Rowlings"></a></p><br /><p>The Rowlings Family live adjacent to the state forest. We had contacted them the day before, and they had kindly given us permission to ride across their land.</p><br /><p>Mrs Rowlings came out to say G’day.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16927147688" title="Middleton Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/16927147688_295bd54330_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Middleton Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16907547817" title="Middleton Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8766/16907547817_5e686f8f7e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Middleton Road"></a></p><br /><p>We followed the Rowlings “driveway” for almost five kilometres as it undulated over rolling hills under big blue skies. What a stunning place to live!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16494807553" title="Camara Hills by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7632/16494807553_1cd8f74930_c.jpg" width="800" height="313" alt="Camara Hills"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17088999286" title="Pierces Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/17088999286_3b7844a28f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Pierces Creek Road"></a></p><br /><p>At the end of the driveway we re-joined the “main road”, a clay track, and started the homeward leg of our adventure.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16927408510" title="McRae Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8722/16927408510_0cda6f5ec0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="McRae Road"></a><br /><br />Our plan was to follow McRae Road to the end, where (on the map) it appeared to rejoin the stock route. Unfortunately, at the end of the road, we were greeted with an unfriendly sign on a locked gate and had to detour for a couple of kilometres.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16494839823" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8690/16494839823_a1762fef81_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16928800249" title="Paddock Bashing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7677/16928800249_cd050c7ea0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paddock Bashing"></a></p><br /><p>The detour forced us to “paddock bash” through some long grass to try and find the trail. We’ve grown so used to having to do this that we almost welcome it, although my friends often remind me of our overnight adventure in the Lantana: “I hope you brought your sleeping bag, Neil”.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16494855133" title="Vonhoff Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7721/16494855133_76b41e4ff8_c.jpg" width="800" height="486" alt="Vonhoff Road"></a><br /><br />Travelling a trail in the opposite direction is just like riding a completely different trail. You see different things.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17113468042" title="Letter Box by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8713/17113468042_fafa7d0696_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Letter Box"></a><br /><br />I caught up with Eric admiring the handiwork of this fine looking letter box…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17113472712" title=""Lanby Station" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/17113472712_3a7187c33a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt=""Lanby Station""></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16928828199" title=""Goondooloo" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7684/16928828199_bb7da1f4c5_c.jpg" width="800" height="490" alt=""Goondooloo""></a></p><br /><p>Some of the properties around here have unusual names…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17113477322" title="Car Wreck by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8705/17113477322_eeb5ccac0b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Car Wreck"></a></p><br /><p>… and some of the cars are parked in unusual places.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16492581694" title="Scarred Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8777/16492581694_1107ed5696_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Scarred Tree"></a><br /><br />Just before rolling back to our starting point, we came across this stump of an old scarred tree. Someone had thoughtfully capped the stump to preserve it.</p><br /><p>Judging by the shape of the scar, my first thoughts were that it was an old survey marker.</p><br /><p>Eric thought that it could have been of indigenous origin because there was no number in the middle of the scar.</p><br /><p>Either way, it speaks powerfully to me: a reminder that people lived here long before I did, and that this land holds special significance.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16927181048" title="McRae Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7653/16927181048_01d7e2ec50_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="McRae Road"></a><br /><br />I’m grateful we were able to experience its rugged beauty.</p><br /><p>We rode 50km in four and a half hours including breaks. I burned 2,500 kcal as we climbed about 1,100m in vertical ascent.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this one 7.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The stock route is about 16km long and is rough in parts. It would be really sticky in wet weather, and the whole loop would also be thirsty work in dry weather – so you need to pick your time of year for the most enjoyable experience. Drier cooler months are best.</p><br /><p>Thanks Eric, Darb, Jason and Mike for another memorable ride!</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/742885132' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-binga/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Binga-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Mount Binga" title="Mount Binga" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-binga/" class="crp_title">Mount Binga</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/anduramba/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9738503847_850c7c2c60_c.jpg" alt="Anduramba" title="Anduramba" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/anduramba/" class="crp_title">Anduramba</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/western-branch/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-at-Mount-Stanley-Road-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Western Branch" title="Western Branch" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/western-branch/" class="crp_title">Western Branch</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/nukinenda/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Riding-Buddies.jpg" alt="Nukinenda" title="Nukinenda" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/nukinenda/" class="crp_title">Nukinenda</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooyar/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Cooyar-Swing-Bridge.jpg" alt="Cooyar" title="Cooyar" width="107" height="80" class="crp_thumb crp_featured" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooyar/" class="crp_title">Cooyar</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-67909692551311920262015-04-04T12:55:00.000+10:002015-04-04T14:12:27.403+10:00Laidley Creek<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href=" http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/laidley-creek/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Zahel-800.jpg" alt="Mount Zahel" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5807" /></a></p><br /><p>Have you ever looked at a road and wondered where you’d end up if you followed it to the very end? Today’s ride south of Mulgowie tried to answer that question.<br /><br /><span id="more-5806"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837052528" title="The Mulga Pub by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/16837052528_c45bc95430_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="The Mulga Pub"></a><br /><br />We started the day at the Mulga Pub, south of Laidley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16817428207" title="Simon & Warren by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16817428207_7d4c4ef7ed_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Simon & Warren"></a><br /><br />We planned to ride south along Mulgowie Road as far as we could, following Laidley Creek, until the road hit the Mistake Mountains – a spur of mountains which juts out from the Great Dividing Range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17023989021" title="Under a Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/17023989021_b378e5c456_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Under a Tree"></a><br /><br />The wet weather restricted where we could go – most trails were too muddy to ride. But in the true mountain biking spirit, we decided a bit of rain on a paved road was far better than sitting snugly at home in front of the TV.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17023419462" title="Friendly Terrier by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8737/17023419462_cbe077d954_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Friendly Terrier"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16402419174" title="Warren by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8709/16402419174_1862c7bbda_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Warren"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837335250" title="Simon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/16837335250_5d86acb0cf_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Simon"></a></p><br /><p>We pedalled down Mulgowie Road past green soggy fields, and friendly dogs; our tyres splashing through the puddles on the road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17023472142" title="Townson by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7603/17023472142_e4fc463604_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Townson"></a><br /><br />Mountains grew taller on either side of the road as we reached Townson, at the end of the valley. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16404788973" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/16404788973_bf65128679_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />“The Winder is at the top of that mountain”, I enthusiastically blurted out, pointing to a peak that was looming closer.</p><br /><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Castle-Lookout-500.jpg" alt="Mount Castle Lookout " width="400" height="300" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/The-Winder-500.jpg" alt="The Winder " width="400" height="300" /></a></p><br /><p>I told Simon and Warrent that “The Winder” was an old tractor engine, that was converted into winch to haul logs. It sits rusting on top of the Mistake Range. <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" target="_blank">We visited it a couple of years ago on one of our adventures in Goomburra National Park</a>.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17024102301" title="Mulgowie Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/17024102301_c6762d7802_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mulgowie Road"></a></p><br /><p>Mulgowie Road soon turned into a gravel track. We followed it through a gate until it devolved into someone’s driveway. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16817571167" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16817571167_be3cb1d9b0_c.jpg" width="800" height="538" alt="Laidley Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Not wanting to arrive unexpected on someones front doorstep, we ended the southward leg of our journey on the rocky banks of Laidley Creek. Despite all the rain the creek was strangely dry.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16402559334" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8693/16402559334_76e06e0554_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laidley Creek"></a><br /><br />As we followed the creek north we found a few rocky pools wtih rope swings. Warren impresed us on his cyclocross bike, taking it places we didn’t think he was able to ride.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837225058" title="Muddy Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16837225058_b351ca3ba8_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Muddy Track"></a><br /><br />Despite its narrower tyres, it handled well on mud…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16402590484" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/16402590484_b98aabc85e.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Laidley Creek"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17023564852" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7600/17023564852_ed430a660e.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Laidley Creek"></a></p><br /><p>… and through the creeks, while we followed behind, impressed.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16838863769" title="Mount Zahel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7636/16838863769_45e4ca2af3_b.jpg" width="890" height=auto alt="Mount Zahel"></a></p><br /><p>On our way back we took a detour towards Mount Zahel. Enshrouded in clouds, this peak overlooks Laidley Gap – a rugged mountain pass on the Bicentennial National Trail. I thought it might be worth checking it out before returning to Mulgowie.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837306448" title="Dippel Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8716/16837306448_10da06bfa3.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Dippel Road"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837309578" title="Friendly Labrador by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16837309578_b00d367443.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Friendly Labrador"></a></p><br /><p>We seemed to be attracting more than our fair share of friendly canines today, as this gentle Labrador decided to follow us for a while.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16999114946" title="Muddy Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8719/16999114946_c6f68585b5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Muddy Trail"></a></p><br /><p>The road up to Laidley Gap was very muddy. Our tyres slipped and clogged in the mud as we struggled up the road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16817706797" title="Muddy Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/16817706797_414aba44bc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Muddy Trail"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually we had to push.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16404976673" title="Unfriendly Gate by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16404976673_afd54e5fcb_z.jpg" width="512" height="384" alt="Unfriendly Gate"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17023694002" title="Muddy Trail by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/17023694002_93934350d9.jpg" width="288" height="384" alt="Muddy Trail"></a></p><br /><p>We decided to stop at the gate. The bikes were too clogged with mud.</p><br /><p>Although the unfriendly signs deceptively suggest you can’t go any further, the Bicentennial National Trail continues past the gate. There’s another small unlocked gate to the side which lets you pass through and continue further up the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Laidley-Gap-8001.jpg" alt="Laidley Gap" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5819" /></a><br /><br />The views at the top are spectacular. It’s well worth the trip in drier weather. Here’s what it looked like <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" target="_blank">on one of our previous rides a couple of years ago</a>.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17025152055" title="Track to Laidley Gap by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8689/17025152055_09b5981a1d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Track to Laidley Gap"></a><br /><br />The roll back down the muddy hill was tricky. Mud flew off our tyres into our faces as we slipped back down the track.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837629460" title="Main Camp Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7637/16837629460_db15691a1e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Main Camp Creek Road"></a><br /><br />At the end of the descent we rolled into the small town of Thornton near the local school.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16837661220" title=""Mountain View" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8754/16837661220_5bf737074c_c.jpg" width="800" height="478" alt=""Mountain View""></a><br /><br />We followed some quiet rural lanes northwards. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17025204645" title="Kawaltzke Rd Thornton by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7649/17025204645_3540030909_c.jpg" width="800" height="410" alt="Kawaltzke Rd Thornton"></a></p><br /><p>The bikes were covered in mud from our foray up the hill, and we were looking for a creek in which we could wash them off.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17025212455" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8738/17025212455_c8c62dc524_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laidley Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually we crossed a bridge over Laidley Creek and ventured down to the waters edge to wash the bikes.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16402805784" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7597/16402805784_5d99b5d160_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laidley Creek"></a></p><br /><p>The bikes shed what felt like a couple of kilograms of mud as we splashed them in the creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17024388041" title="Laidley Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/17024388041_7bfacedc2a_c.jpg" width="800" height="364" alt="Laidley Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Debris on the banks suggested the water had been much higher recently.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/17025855215" title="The Mulga Pub by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/17025855215_7de89259e1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="The Mulga Pub"></a></p><br /><p>Slightly wet, but on nice clean bikes, we rolled back into Mulgowie around lunch time.</p><br /><p>Unfortunately the pub was closed due to the Easter holiday, so we drove back into Laidley for a bite to eat.</p><br /><p>We rode almost 57km in just under 4 hours including breaks. I burned about 2,200 kcal as we climbed about 600 metres in vertical ascent.</p><br /><p>Apart from the mud, and the discomfort of heavy rain at times, this was an easy, pleasant ride. I’ll rate it 5.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks Warren and Simon for a fun wet-weather ride!</p><br /><p><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/735734084' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9280685126_3f75c973f4_c.jpg" alt="The Mulga Pub" title="The Mulga Pub" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/the-mulga-pub/" class="crp_title">The Mulga Pub</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glasshouse-mountains/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/11883204754_a1b9929244_c.jpg" alt="Glasshouse Mountains" title="Glasshouse Mountains" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/glasshouse-mountains/" class="crp_title">Glasshouse Mountains</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8707865061_481ded5c37_z.jpg" alt="Bicentennial National Trail" title="Bicentennial National Trail" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bicentennial-national-trail/" class="crp_title">Bicentennial National Trail</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" alt="Goomburra" title="Goomburra" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" class="crp_title">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/lockyer/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/6952350496_1a313913e5_z.jpg" alt="Lockyer" title="Lockyer" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/lockyer/" class="crp_title">Lockyer</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-83400619313524551832015-03-29T10:18:00.000+10:002015-03-29T12:12:02.423+10:00Poverty Creek<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/poverty-creek/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/poverty-creek/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Bluebottle-800.jpg" alt="Bluebottle" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5794" /></a><br /><br />For my first time back on the bike since knee surgery last month, I decided to ride somewhere flat and relatively easy. Yes it was flat, but it was anything but easy<br /><br /><span id="more-5793"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16339694303" title="Jason, Rick & Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8722/16339694303_7ddbecc12d_z.jpg" width="640" height="359" alt="Jason, Rick & Neil"></a><br /><br />We started our Bribie Island adventure at the sports fields near the southern tip of the island, and headed towards the beach.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16959803755" title="Rick, Darb and Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8687/16959803755_40bba1f2dc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rick, Darb and Jason"></a><br /><br />After a few hundred metres we found a sandy track and followed it. The sand was tricky to ride on – our wheels slid everywhere. Darb found it much easier due to the huge tyres on his fat-bike which hugged the sand and gave him traction.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16752435417" title="Neil at Red Beach by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16752435417_0d12a06706_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Neil at Red Beach"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>Eventually we reached Red Beach on the southern coast of Bribie. The receding tide had left the sand quite firm, providing an easy surface on which to ride. Everyone was smiling…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16773606429" title="Dog in the Waves by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16773606429_53acf36f19_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Dog in the Waves"></a><br /><br />…even the dogs.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16772354580" title="Rick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/16772354580_788d5d1e7a.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Rick"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16933892226" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/16933892226_9db48e5d03.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Darb"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16958878691" title="Neil at Red Beach by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/16958878691_35f7a8b16e_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Neil at Red Beach"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>Looking south towards Brisbane across Deception Bay, I was amazed at how such a remote stretch of coast was located so close to a major city. We were less than an hours drive from Brisbane, but it felt like it was a million miles away.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16959849825" title="Jason at Skirmish Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8751/16959849825_ed6ec795be_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason at Skirmish Point"></a><br /><br />The beach is no place to hurry: We took our time, often stopping to take photos, talk to locals and enjoy the view.</p><br /><p>Near here in 1799 Matthew Flinders made first contact with the indigenous inhabitants of the area. After Flinders came ashore, one of the local Joondoobarrie people tried to steal his hat. Flinders retreated to his ship and one of the aborigines angrily threw his spear towards him. Flinders retaliated by firing his musket at the man and injuring him. Skirmish Point is named after this incident.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16773633239" title="Darb at Skirmish Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8703/16773633239_05ac7233c4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb at Skirmish Point"></a><br /><br />Ahead of us, the distant hill tops of Moreton Island reached up over the eastern horizon.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16337486064" title="Woorim Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8703/16337486064_fc1b7671a7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Woorim Beach"></a><br /><br />Eventually we reached the patrolled surf beach at Woorim on the eastern side of the island. Swimmers were out early enjoying the waves.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16337490434" title="Bribie Bunker by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8688/16337490434_8507186d65_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bribie Bunker"></a><br /><br />We stopped outside a disused bunker from the Second World War. Although the windows and doors were wired shut, it was a reminder of more troubled times when worried eyes surveyed dangerous waters from behind gun turrets.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16772173068" title="Riding Buddies by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8733/16772173068_5ee4c4b0b7_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Riding Buddies"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>Today was anything but troubled or worried.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16933930206" title="Nick, Rients and Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16933930206_2ce386b3a0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Nick, Rients and Darb"></a></p><br /><p>A couple of friends, Nick and Rients, zoomed past us on their fat bikes. Unlike us, they were on their way to the tip of the island. We rode together until our paths diverged.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16339784863" title="Sandy Trails by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7286/16339784863_30376e2ae4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Sandy Trails"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually we left the beach and headed west across the island. The trail became softer and harder to ride on.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16752501257" title="Sandy Trails in the Pine Forest by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8700/16752501257_62c5a4c627_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Sandy Trails in the Pine Forest"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>We persevered in the sand for as long as we could.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16958941041" title="Sandy Trails in the Pine Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8754/16958941041_a722df3486_c.jpg" width="800" height="369" alt="Sandy Trails in the Pine Forest"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually we decided to forget about trying to ride on the sand, and bashed through the undergrowth beside the track. It was rough, but at least the surface was solid, and we were able to make slow progress.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16958945661" title="Bribie Swamp by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7627/16958945661_1a1240fc28_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bribie Swamp"></a></p><br /><p>In some places, a narrow strip of grass grew beside the tyre tracks, and we were able to ride on that.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16337546484" title="Riding in Sand by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8739/16337546484_57bf59f1c7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Riding in Sand"></a><br /><br />In other places the sand was so thick you could stand your bike in it. At those points we had no choice but to get off and push.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16958595002" title="Riding in the Rain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7645/16958595002_32cd00463d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Riding in the Rain"></a><br /><br />Thankfully, it rained. </p><br /><p>Heavily.</p><br /><p>Normally it’s unpleasant riding in heavy rain, but the downpour made the sand firmer and easier to ride on.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16337555354" title="Riding in the Rain by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/16337555354_764caa7c6b_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Riding in the Rain"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>I discovered that a wide-brimmed hat is perfect in heavy rain. The rest of me was soaked to the skin, but my face and glasses were dry, so I was able to see where I was going.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16339846373" title="Poverty Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16339846373_f65a8d647e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Poverty Creek"></a><br /><br />As if on cue, the rain eased back when we arrived at Poverty Creek camp ground for lunch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16339860033" title="Poverty Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8707/16339860033_83a36fa34f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Poverty Creek"></a></p><br /><p>I was able to wring out my soaking socks and enjoy a bite to eat.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16773740279" title="Glasshouse Mountains from Poverty Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8704/16773740279_b9ba2140a4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Glasshouse Mountains from Poverty Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Across the Pumicestone Passage, the peaks of the Glasshouse Mountains reached up to the brooding clouds.</p><br /><p>This was a gorgeous spot to have a rest and enjoy the view.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16959983635" title="Poverty Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7622/16959983635_9f375f6670_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Poverty Creek Road"></a><br /><br />After lunch we retraced our tracks southwards. The rain had hardened up the trail, and we found it much easier to ride on.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16752578757" title="Darb and the Kangaroo by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8725/16752578757_47beeb696a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb and the Kangaroo"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16772442520" title="Bearded Dragon by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/16772442520_bdf0559b3e_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Bearded Dragon"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)<br /><br />We stopped when the local wildlife told us to <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16934040226" title="Gallagher Point Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16934040226_e1fd2a1f56_c.jpg" width="800" height="391" alt="Gallagher Point Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16959992585" title="White Patch by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8713/16959992585_b28eb05cd7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="White Patch"></a></p><br /><p>After laboring through several kilometres of soft sand we eventually reached the Gallagher Point turn-off at White Patch. We were all secretly relieved to be riding on a paved road. Sand is hard work.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16752607197" title="Hornsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8694/16752607197_1d78c2f716_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hornsby Road"></a><br /><br />Hornsby Road is unusual. It’s long and straight. You could easily land an aircraft on it. The best thing about Hornsby Road is that it’s closed to all traffic except bikes, so we enjoyed an easy few kilometres rolling down the tarmac towards our starting point.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16958661422" title="Hornsby Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8732/16958661422_01ecf8b1b5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hornsby Road"></a></p><br /><p>After riding for just over 6 hours including breaks, we finally arrived back at our starting point.</p><br /><p>The total distance was just under 50km. Although there was little change in altitude on this ride, I burned about 3,000 kcal.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this ride 8 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The first half (on the beach) was really easy, the second half (on the soft sand) we quite challenging.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16959874215" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7620/16959874215_c4173a7b0d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb"></a></p><br /><p>Thanks Darb, Jason and Rick for a really fun ride.</p><br /><p>It was a bit tougher than I had hoped for, but I’m very glad to be back on the bike again!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/730664560'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10503132983_b8af61c661_c.jpg" alt="Bribie by Fat Bike" title="Bribie by Fat Bike" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" class="crp_title">Bribie by Fat Bike</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rainbow-beach/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Double-Island-Point-Lighthouse-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Rainbow Beach" title="Rainbow Beach" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rainbow-beach/" class="crp_title">Rainbow Beach</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-rainbow/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-on-Rainbow-Beach-800-100x73.jpg" alt="Over The Rainbow" title="Over The Rainbow" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-rainbow/" class="crp_title">Over The Rainbow</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-bike/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8304688437_3152eaf6a4_z.jpg" alt="Fat Bike!" title="Fat Bike!" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-bike/" class="crp_title">Fat Bike!</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/woorim/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10754735695_852e983c7b_c.jpg" alt="Woorim" title="Woorim" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/woorim/" class="crp_title">Woorim</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70486609750062966192015-03-22T11:01:00.000+10:002015-03-22T12:12:37.146+10:00Mount Archer<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-archer/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-archer/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Eric-at-Mount-Archer-800.jpg" alt="Eric at Mount Archer" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5784" /></a><br /><br />A couple of years ago on the long climb into D’Aguilar National Park via Lovedays Road, my friend Nick looked up a steep side-track and thought out aloud “I wonder what’s up there?” </p><br /><p>Today we answered that question.<br /><br /><span id="more-5783"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699659980" title="Lovedays Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8745/16699659980_b1fedc6491_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lovedays Road"></a><br /><br />There are two mountains named “Mount Archer” in Queensland, both of them named after the Archer Brothers – the seven pastoralist sons of scottish timber merchant William Archer. The taller of the two mountains of the same name towers over <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/4246070441/in/photostream/" target="_blank">600 metres above Rockhampton</a>.</p><br /><p>Today we wanted to ride up the smaller Mount Archer, which stands on the northen edge of D’Aguilar National Park, about 540m above the Stanley River, Somerset Dam and Neurum Creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699695740" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16699695740_dcc799556b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br />I was driving Darb’s 4WD drive to provide support, while everyone else rode.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699452198" title="Neurum Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/16699452198_7d97c2cfd4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neurum Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16885895522" title="Neurum Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8698/16885895522_ce61e10cbf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neurum Creek"></a><br /><br />We’ve done the first part of this ride several times before as it crosses Neurum Creek and slowly climbs the range.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699473358" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16699473358_e0cc328b0f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br />It’s a reasonably challenging 7km climb up Loveday’s Road. It’s not as steep as some of the roads we’ve been up, but it takes a while to ascend.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16700961859" title="Moss on Ironbark by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8743/16700961859_24bede8475_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Moss on Ironbark"></a><br /><br />I stopped a couple of times in the car on the way up to encourage the riders and enjoy the silence.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16680337517" title="Hike-A-Bike by Eric Dousi, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16680337517_3eb4e60213_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike-A-Bike"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Eric Dousi)</p><br /><p>Towards the top, we took the track west to Mount Archer. This was really steep. When you’re riding a bike and the track gets steep, you just get off and push. But I was driving. The car got halfway up one steep pinch before the wheels started spinning. A novice at four-wheel driving, I decided it was too treacherous to reverse all the way back down. Instead I eased the car back a few metres, then tried to drive it up again. I kept the momentum up, and although the wheels spun slightly, I made it to the top and heaved a sigh of releif.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16267112253" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8721/16267112253_5c88313a2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16264730564" title="Mountaintop Pasture by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16264730564_a1f888b24c_z.jpg" width="640" height="377" alt="Mountaintop Pasture"></a><br /><br />I arrived at the top before the riders. After reaching the locked gate I decided to walk ahead and let them catch up. We wanted to visit several vantage points with potentially good views, and I didn’t want to hold them up. Bikes are much faster than hikers, so I thought the best approach would be to get a head-start on them while I had the chance.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886128061" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8731/16886128061_fbe6bbe03f.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Darb"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886135151" title="Nick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8750/16886135151_6aea51cb05.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Nick"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699794228" title="Where's the Lookout? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8691/16699794228_c1ec0f630e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Where's the Lookout?"></a><br /><br />Reaching the first look-out before them, I realized I had under-estimated my walking speed and over-estimated the riders speed. After a five or ten minutes the riders arrived, and we decided our first lookout was a bit of a disappointment. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16700030220" title="Where's the Lookout? by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7651/16700030220_3a35acb89a_c.jpg" width="800" height="414" alt="Where's the Lookout?"></a><br /><br />Although it was on the edge of a steep precipice, the edge was thick with trees and we didn’t have much of a view, apart from a few snippets of Lake Somerset through the trees.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886451231" title="Mountain Bikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7614/16886451231_2475cebb7a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mountain Bikers"></a><br /><br />Our plan at this point was for the riders to check out a few other vantage points that were too far for me to reach on foot, while I walked a shorter loop.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16701311409" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8706/16701311409_4573e18ac0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16701315529" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16701315529_7a33a106bf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />Paul kindly offered to ride alongside me while the others went ahead. I was grateful for the company.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886637742" title="Mount Archer by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7619/16886637742_d3b9acac3a_c.jpg" width="800" height="348" alt="Mount Archer"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>The riders were similarly disappointed with the second look-out, but the third one was spectacular.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16265111694" title="Darb at Mt Archer Lookout by Eric Dousi, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16265111694_7226665655_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb at Mt Archer Lookout"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Eric Dousi)</p><br /><p>Near the summit of Mount Archer, this cliff-top looked northwards over the Stanley River with wide views towards the Conondale Range in the distance. It was even possible to make out the narrow causeway over the river.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16701361219" title="Bush hut by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/16701361219_c3618bbaaf_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bush hut"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>This “bush-camp” was a surprising discovery on the way back. With all the comforts of home, it looked like the perfect place to escape the cares of the world. It’s amazing what you discover while exploring remote places.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16887469355" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7623/16887469355_b228b87661_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16700070320" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/16700070320_a01bdf9cd8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile Paul and I scrambled along an overgrown track in search of the fourth look-out of the day. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886494451" title="Neil by Paul Smith, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7615/16886494451_2af101601b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Paul Smith)</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16701351919" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7624/16701351919_40c67f616b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />We eventually reached another cliff-edge. Sadly, like the first look-out, the edge was thick with trees and we were unable to see very far. It was still a pleasant walk.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16267508393" title="Tree Obstacle by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8740/16267508393_855ab703ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Tree Obstacle"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)</p><br /><p>The trails on the northern edge of the plateau are steep and rough, which slowed the riders down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886527731" title="Eric and Nick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8701/16886527731_f155f1f2c8_c.jpg" width="800" height="530" alt="Eric and Nick"></a><br /><br />We made our way back to the main track and enjoyed a bit of a break while we waited for the riders to catch up with us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699916158" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8749/16699916158_aee8707b91_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason"></a><br /><br />Our final destination of the day was the edge of a large cattle pasture on the edge of the range. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16700150910" title="Mountain Bikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7594/16700150910_3e9353315c_c.jpg" width="800" height="417" alt="Mountain Bikers"></a><br /><br />We followed the fenceline down to the edge of the paddock and enjoyed some great views to the south-west. In the distance we were able to make out the course we’d taken on a <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/westvale/" target="_blank">previous ride down to Westvale</a> on the shore of Lake Somerset.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16265181904" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7589/16265181904_2e1e0a4349.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Darb"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886392512" title="Nick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/16886392512_749a649e53.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Nick"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16887565875" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7593/16887565875_2ea9576c79.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Jason"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886592311" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/16886592311_ebd5e5c80f.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />This was a perfect spot to rest a while and soak up the view.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16699958298" title="Mountain Bikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8717/16699958298_35304f6c24_c.jpg" width="800" height="363" alt="Mountain Bikers"></a><br /><br />As we began our way back to the start, I left the mountain-bikers and took a short-cut across the paddock so that I didn’t fall too far behind them.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16265221374" title="Kabul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7590/16265221374_48d3b6a273_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kabul"></a><br /><br />The riders soon skidded to a halt as this majestic two-metre long carpet python blocked the way. I got a little too close for comfort to take its portrait, and it slowly coiled backwards into an “S” shape to more effectively lunge forward at me. I took the hint and quickly got out of the way. I didn’t know snakes had blue eyes. How beautiful!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16701470049" title="Mount Archer by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7591/16701470049_a9be42ff06_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mount Archer"></a><br /><br />We finally reached the car. I had hiked over 11 kilometres and felt very pleased with myself, considering my knee surgery was only 40 days ago. I think this new knee and I are going to get on very well <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16886424222" title="Lovedays Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8731/16886424222_16e9061ec5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Lovedays Road"></a><br /><br />The roll back down the hill is very fast on a mountain bike. In fact it’s probably faster on a bike than in a car. Most of the riders had already reached the bottom while I was still driving, but I did manage to catch a quick glimpse of Darb has he shot past me on his fat bike. You could hear those huge tyres crunching the gravel from a long way away.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16700934229" title="Lovedays Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16700934229_f7ee04c047_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Lovedays Road"></a><br /><br />The riders cycled about 37km in 5 hours including breaks. This included about 1,100 metres in vertical ascent. The track had a few hike-a-bike sections. I’d rate this about 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16680192187" title="Jason and Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8753/16680192187_0f2664d7e1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason and Neil"></a><br /><br />I hiked 11.3km in just under 4 hours including breaks. This included about 530 metres in vertical ascent. My track was steep in sections. I’d rate the hike about 7.5 out of 10.</p><br /><p>Here’s Darb’s track-log of the ride:<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/724899864'></iframe></p><br /><p>Here’s my track-log of the hike:<br /><br /><iframe height='405' width='590' frameborder='0' allowtransparency='true' scrolling='no' src='https://www.strava.com/activities/271479499/embed/7ce3fd6b6fd5ae77f82bed269f10d2febb156240'></iframe></p><br /><p>Thanks Darb, Eric, Paul, Jason and Nick for letting me share in your adventure today.</p><br /><p>And thanks, Darb, for entrusting your car to me in some really rough country!</p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/somerset-lookout/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9978470863_5e6c3e645a_c.jpg" alt="Somerset Lookout" title="Somerset Lookout" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/somerset-lookout/" class="crp_title">Somerset Lookout</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/back-to-byron/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Hike-a-Bike-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Back to Byron" title="Back to Byron" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/back-to-byron/" class="crp_title">Back to Byron</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-at-Eastern-Branch-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Let the River Run" title="Let the River Run" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/" class="crp_title">Let the River Run</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-byron/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Darb-at-Mt-Byron-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Mount Byron" title="Mount Byron" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-byron/" class="crp_title">Mount Byron</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/KingOfTheHill1.jpg" alt="Mount Hennessy" title="Mount Hennessy" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-hennessy/" class="crp_title">Mount Hennessy</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-82337154608857598472015-03-15T11:30:00.000+10:002015-03-15T12:12:23.890+10:00Louisavale<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/louisavale/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/louisavale/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Darb-Crossing-Creek-800.jpg" alt="Crossing Monsildale Creek" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5772" /></a><br /><br />Today’s adventure took us through Louisavale Station – a large picturesque cattle station on the banks of Monsildale Creek between Linville and Kilcoy.<br /><br /><span id="more-5771"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16630501479" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8727/16630501479_0baac53638_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />We started at Sheepstation Creek north of Kilcoy on the road to Jimna. This was a point-to-point ride, so I drove Eric’s 4WD while everyone else cycled. This way we’d have a car at the end of the day so that we could ferry everyone else back to their vehicles.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16790757386" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/16790757386_c377c0e3d9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />The day started on a dusty dirt road which twisted through rolling green hills.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629273820" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8603/16629273820_1fd5ab943f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />I’d drive ahead leaving the riders in a cloud of dust and then stop to catch a few photos of them as they rode by.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629278000" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16629278000_a4ba68a4fa_c.jpg" width="800" height="505" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />We were in no rush, so it didn’t bother me whether I drove behind them or in front.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194308594" title="Conondale National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/16194308594_6c5eeaa0ec_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Conondale National Park"></a><br /><br />After a few kilometres we started a brief climb up the Jimna Range – a small spur which branches from the Conondale Range. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815577451" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/16815577451_da979829fe_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16790797696" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8669/16790797696_bdd794eee0_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />It was the only major climb of the day, rising about 160 metres over 2km.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16816689715" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8611/16816689715_75feb3f6b8_c.jpg" width="800" height="408" alt="Jason"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16196769923" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7630/16196769923_2531db9f33_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629326600" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7615/16629326600_61bb39cb0b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />Once over the summit, we enjoyed a quick roll down the other side of the range towards Monsildale Creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629156508" title="Paul and Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16629156508_bfdbe82bb1_c.jpg" width="800" height="498" alt="Paul and Eric"></a><br /><br />It was a perfect day to be out in the bush. The terrain wasn’t too challenging, the temperature wassn’t too warm, and everyone seemed to enjoy the relaxed pace – especially in the car <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815622151" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8603/16815622151_2d126a04e7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />Louisavale Road follows the Creek westwards towards the Brisbane River. It’s officially a “No Through Road”…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815617062" title="Monsildale Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7633/16815617062_9289e60645_c.jpg" width="800" height="377" alt="Monsildale Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815630062" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7610/16815630062_de84eed5ec_c.jpg" width="800" height="424" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />…but the road reserve is a well-formed horse trail which follows this pretty creek for its entire length.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16816740075" title="Tony Gilliland by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7621/16816740075_6b95749567_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Tony Gilliland"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629372520" title="Bailey by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8705/16629372520_1d40fff58c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bailey"></a><br /><br />For some of its way, the track is the driveway to “Louisavale Station”, home to the Gilliland family. We’d got the “OK” to ride through from them the day before, but popped into say “G’day” to Tony and his family.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815647202" title=""Louisavale" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16815647202_d2268b13a2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt=""Louisavale""></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16630633939" title="Louisavale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8710/16630633939_ddf783484d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Louisavale"></a><br /><br />He told us that at the beginning of the 20th century, Louisavale started off a timber town. After that it was used for Deer farming, before Tony’s family moved to the area to farm cattle.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16609461787" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7643/16609461787_b236064a77_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />The creek can often flood after rain, so I confirmed with Tony that it was safe for me to follow the bikes as I drove the 4WD.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629227318" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7654/16629227318_87b2784424_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16790944126" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7627/16790944126_d7ab0d4f25_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />We crossed the creek many times. The riders got their feet wet, but I stayed nice and dry in the car.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16816766485" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8697/16816766485_467ebeb760_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br />We also passed through many gates.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16196861003" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/16196861003_849a5cfe7f_c.jpg" width="800" height="342" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629421070" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7588/16629421070_8227d05c4f_c.jpg" width="800" height="400" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />At a leisurely pace we slowly rode through some of the prettiest land in the area.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629256378" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8730/16629256378_660be2ed63_c.jpg" width="800" height="402" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br />While everyone else had to labour through the water carrying their bikes above their heads, Darb discovered that the huge tyres on his fat bike were so buoyant that his heavy bike almost floated on the creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16815709542" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/16815709542_39fc6bc349.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16790949626" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8691/16790949626_42586e767e.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16196898193" title="Louisavale Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16196898193_285a7eddc0.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Louisavale Road"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629296728" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/16629296728_9d52beb45b.jpg" width="400" height="300" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16816847755" title="Horses by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8719/16816847755_32f9398e9c_c.jpg" width="800" height="446" alt="Horses"></a></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629305768" title="Monsildale Creek Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7655/16629305768_d952db840e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Monsildale Creek Road"></a><br /><br />This is beautiful country.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16609582467" title="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7652/16609582467_f5757222d9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16609563427" title="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16609563427_798d57893d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway"></a><br /><br />We eventually reached the Marsh Causeway – where Monsildale Creek meets the Brisbane River.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194519144" title="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7592/16194519144_38679480c4_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brisbane River - Marsh Causeway"></a><br /><br />Darb stopped and reminisced about how the sound of running water reminded him of creek-side camp-outs during his childhood in Tasmania.</p><br /><p>We shared stories of exploding baked bean tins, and rollled up cigars of newspaper and grass stems. It seemed like no matter where you lived in Australia in the 1970’s, boys were getting up to the same sort of mischief.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629502140" title="Old Freezer by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/16629502140_64d57d9b21_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Old Freezer"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16791013796" title="Fence Post by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16791013796_0a240ec675_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Fence Post"></a><br /><br />We stopped here for a brief snack before I drove Tom to pick up his car and then meet the others for lunch at the pub.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194535274" title="Linville Puc by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7596/16194535274_503f497945_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Linville Pub"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194549304" title="Linville Puc by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7282/16194549304_86bfc9bf5b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Linville Pub"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194544074" title="Linville Puc by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7644/16194544074_377bd1a2e3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Linville Pub"></a><br /><br />We’re starting to get to know the colorful characters at the Linville pub. It’s a perfect spot to stop after an enjoyable day exploring the upper reaches of the Brisbane River and the creeks which flow into it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16194260044" title="4WD Creek Crossing by Jason Reed, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7638/16194260044_fb9749533c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="4WD Creek Crossing"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Jason Reed)</p><br /><p>This ride covered about 46km in almost 4 hours includuding lots of breaks. We climbed about 650m in elevation, and Darb burned about 2,000 kcal.</p><br /><p>We rate this ride about 6 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16816608315" title="Crossing Monsildale Creek by Jason Reed on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/16816608315_72112e5ee6_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Crossing Monsildale Creek"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16629059468" title="Floating Fat Bike by Jason Reed, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7636/16629059468_1f656dace5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Floating Fat Bike"></a><br /><br />(Photos: Jason Reed)</p><br /><p>If you plan to ride through Loisavale station, please make sure you first contact the owners to make sure it’s ok and safe to do so.</p><br /><p>A big “thank you” to Tony Gilliland and his family for letting us ride through your spectacular property.</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Tom, Eric, Darb, Paul and Jason for another fun day out on the bike.</p><br /><p>Thanks Jason for sharing some of your photos.</p><br /><p>Thanks Eric, for letting me take your car paddock bashing. I really enjoyed it <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16196757863" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7596/16196757863_73a0847a88_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br />Here’s Darb’s Track Log:<br /><br /><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/718952169' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/nanango-to-jimna/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8603695751_9e328aefeb_z.jpg" alt="Nanango to Jimna" title="Nanango to Jimna" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/nanango-to-jimna/" class="crp_title">Nanango to Jimna</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-at-Eastern-Branch-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Let the River Run" title="Let the River Run" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/" class="crp_title">Let the River Run</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/anduramba/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9738503847_850c7c2c60_c.jpg" alt="Anduramba" title="Anduramba" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/anduramba/" class="crp_title">Anduramba</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8088400286_21d47671a1_z.jpg" alt="Mount Kilcoy" title="Mount Kilcoy" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/" class="crp_title">Mount Kilcoy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/monsildale/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8728698564_14dac45b07_z.jpg" alt="Monsildale" title="Monsildale" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/monsildale/" class="crp_title">Monsildale</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-81026879877609123222015-03-08T11:58:00.000+10:002015-03-08T12:11:51.800+10:00Back to Byron<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/back-to-byron/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/back-to-byron/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Hike-a-Bike-800.jpg" alt="Hike a Bike" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5758" /></a><br /><br />The last time we visited <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-byron/" target="_blank">Mount Byron</a> it was wet, cloudy and muddy. Today’s clear skies provided a perfect opportunity for us to return with a few friends.<br /><br /><span id="more-5757"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16125245444" title="Follow the Bikes by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8651/16125245444_6ccf996f93_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Follow the Bikes"></a><br /><br />Our plan was to ride out to Mount Byron and follow some rough trails along the Western Escarpment of the D’Aguilar Range while I followed in the 4WD on smoother tracks carrying supplies.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16747486655" title=""A" Breaj by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8564/16747486655_cd710cd2b4_z.jpg" width="640" height="426" alt=""A" Breaj"></a><br /><br />We left together and followed “K” Break for a while.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16540235317" title="Clare by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8612/16540235317_8955f041af_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Clare"></a><br /><br />(Photo Tony Ryan)<br /><br />Some of the tracks were too rough for me to drive on. I left the riders to enjoy the bumpy ride down “A” Break, while I took a short cut to meet them at the other side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746438012" title="Dew on Leaves by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8599/16746438012_3dd56dd0b1_c.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="Dew on Leaves"></a><br /><br />This let me enjoy the solitude and notice things I wouldn’t normally see on a bike, like crystal drops of dew on gum leaves.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16127564643" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/16127564643_f4a11c85a1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561408379" title="Clare by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8647/16561408379_bca0396979_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Clare"></a><br /><br />I was surprised, however, at how quickly they emerged at the other end – mountain bikes are a surprisingly fast way of getting through rough terrain.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16540264257" title="Trail Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8642/16540264257_aa3397d6e4_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Trail Bike"></a><br /><br />… not as quick as the trail bikes with whom we shared the trails.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561455689" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8678/16561455689_424d06d99d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16721671936" title="Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16721671936_c806d34640_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Russel"></a><br /><br />The riders zipped off down another exciting tight track through the forest…</p><br /><p><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="800" height="450" data="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-US&photo_secret=ff17695357&photo_id=16561376819"></param><param name="movie" value="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-US&photo_secret=ff17695357&photo_id=16561376819" width="800" height="450"></embed></object><br /><br />(Video by Clare Burns)<br /><br />…who knows what they got up to?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746504412" title="D'Aguilar National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16746504412_0ebe7e48a4_c.jpg" width="800" height="256" alt="D'Aguilar National Park"></a><br /><br />… I waited in the bushes for them at the other end.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16125277034" title="Rick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7603/16125277034_790fbc03b9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rick"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16560201790" title="Resting on the Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8678/16560201790_707f006d68_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Resting on the Bridge"></a><br /><br />Our planned course was just over 30km, so we had plenty of time to stop and enjoy the forest.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561488739" title="Russel and Rick at Mount Byron Summit by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7585/16561488739_2ec747361a_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Russel and Rick at Mount Byron Summit"></a><br /><br />(Photo Tony Ryan)<br /><br />The riders reached the summit of Mount Byron quicker than I anticipated. It’s a short 1.5km detour from the main trail and only took them a few minutes.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746554482" title="Neil Walking by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7597/16746554482_126a3b75dd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Neil Walking"></a><br /><br />I had to hike up the mountain – cars aren’t allowed on that track. I found it slow going because I’m still recovering from surgery and had to be careful not to aggravate my knee.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561492389" title="Neil by Tony Ryan, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7586/16561492389_50055305d4_c.jpg" width="800" height="450" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />(Photo Tony Ryan)<br /><br />Thankfully, I have patient friends, and they waited for me to join them at the top.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16127672183" title="Clare by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16127672183_2a8fcaa1a8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Clare"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16747617415" title="Rick by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8561/16747617415_0136ec4376_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rick"></a><br /><br />The ride back down was even quicker than the ride up. Although keeping up with mountain bikes while driving a 4WD was challening, keeping up while walking was impossible <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16560237480" title="Clare at Somerset Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7608/16560237480_137d3f67e2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Clare at Somerset Lookout"></a><br /><br />We stopped at Somerset Lookout to enjoy yet another stunning view.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16125321664" title="Darb and Rick at Somerset Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8568/16125321664_009c137f0f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Darb and Rick at Somerset Lookout"></a><br /><br />It was a hot day, and I think the riders welcomed the opportunity to cool off in the breeze…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16560256940" title="Darb & Russel at Somerset Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/16560256940_697848e3d6_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Darb & Russel at Somerset Lookout"></a><br /><br />…and to soak up the view.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16125350674" title="Riding Buddies by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7613/16125350674_27771fa209_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Riding Buddies"></a><br /><br />At this point I left the drivers behind, and drove ahead a few km to the bottom of a steep descent where I waited for them to come down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746482971" title="Clare by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16746482971_628a9ac18c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Clare"></a><br /><br />Ten minutes later I had barely emerged from the car when they came plummeting down the track towards me. I couldn’t believe how fast they were.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16747663105" title="Rough Tracks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7635/16747663105_ec98e98d17_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Rough Tracks"></a><br /><br />On the rougher tracks I even had trouble keeping up in the car when they were riding uphill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561577609" title="Rick and Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8634/16561577609_17abe1a757_c.jpg" width="800" height="457" alt="Rick and Darb"></a><br /><br />I left the riders yet again as they completed a rough loop through the forest while I waited for them at the other side…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746625102" title="Clare by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8580/16746625102_78deee7b2b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Clare"></a><br /><br />Clare made it up some cruelly steep pinch climbs…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16127764893" title="Hike A Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7634/16127764893_4902916d7f_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Hike A Bike"></a><br /><br />…while the mere mortals walked.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16747703595" title="Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7595/16747703595_0a23c2f7f5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Russel"></a><br /><br />It was a relief to reach the top.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16127774573" title="Waiting by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7626/16127774573_c00ddf084d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Waiting"></a><br /><br />At the top of the final climb I sat down and waited a few minutes for the riders to catch up. Sitting in the quietness I strained my ears for the telltale crunch of gravel and heavy breathing…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16561615509" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16561615509_d14f23b61b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746546771" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16746546771_285d295c0f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746658262" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7602/16746658262_86d2ebf0e6_c.jpg" width="800" height="405" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br />I didn’t have to wait long.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16746559801" title="Lovedays Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16746559801_f6d07251c7_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Lovedays Road"></a><br /><br />The ride took about four and a half hours including breaks. </p><br /><p>On the bike, this covered about 30km with about 1,000m of ascent.</p><br /><p>I drove about 26km with slightly more elevation.</p><br /><p>Despite its short distance, this is a tough ride with lots of challenging ascents through some rugged and remote terrain.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate it 8.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Thanks Clare, Darb, Russel and Rick for letting me tag along with you on todays ride.</p><br /><p>Thanks for waiting for me, and for generously sharing your photos with me – it was nice to get a peek of what went on while I wasn’t around <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p>Here’s my Tracklog (driving the 4WD)<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/712859385'></iframe></p><br /><p>Here’s Darb’s Tracklog (riding the bike)<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/712879849'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-byron/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Darb-at-Mt-Byron-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Mount Byron" title="Mount Byron" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-byron/" class="crp_title">Mount Byron</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jacky-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/11597970705_f937ac876a_c.jpg" alt="Jacky Creek" title="Jacky Creek" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jacky-creek/" class="crp_title">Jacky Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beat-the-heat/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dusty-Mike-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Beat the Heat" title="Beat the Heat" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beat-the-heat/" class="crp_title">Beat the Heat</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/somerset-lookout/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/9978470863_5e6c3e645a_c.jpg" alt="Somerset Lookout" title="Somerset Lookout" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/somerset-lookout/" class="crp_title">Somerset Lookout</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bikes-butchers-and-baths/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Dianas-Bath-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Bikes, Butchers and Baths" title="Bikes, Butchers and Baths" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bikes-butchers-and-baths/" class="crp_title">Bikes, Butchers and Baths</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-46860197414094498672015-03-01T13:52:00.000+10:002015-03-01T14:12:00.827+10:00Let the River Run<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/let-the-river-run/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Russel-at-Eastern-Branch-800.jpg" alt="Russel at Eastern Branch" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5731" /></a><br /><br />Recent rain has caused the Eastern and Western Branches of the Brisbane to start flowing again. This doesn’t happen very often, so we thought we’d have a look.<br /><br /><span id="more-5730"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676597612" title="Support Vehicle by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16676597612_c200051fe0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Support Vehicle"></a><br /><br />Today’s adventure was a point-to-point ride starting at East Nanango in the South Burnett. Tom and I would drive the support vehicles while the riders rode down the range to meet up with more friends. We’d then follow some trails around the back of Mount Stanley before following the eastern branch of the Brisbane River to its end – the point where the Brisbane River officially starts.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16055337444" title="Mount Stanley Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8653/16055337444_ff68098288_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Stanley Road"></a><br /><br />It was a strange experience for me to follow a bunch of Mountain Bikers in a four-wheel-drive. I’m used to cycling through the bush, not driving through it. At times I sat behind them as they rode, as some part of my brain mistakenly thought I was in a big bike myself, following the rest of the pack. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490052958" title="Hill Climb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8643/16490052958_832d78a41a_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Hill Climb"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676626032" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16676626032_44d37568ab_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Eric"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16055298124" title="Eric, Paul and Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/16055298124_a3b5657c8e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eric, Paul and Darb"></a><br /><br />At other times I carefully passed them, drove ahead and waited for them to catch up.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16491519219" title="East Nanango Fire Tower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8563/16491519219_a35a90969d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="East Nanango Fire Tower"></a><br /><br />Our first stop of the day was the East Nanango Fire Tower. We let the riders take the easy way up (which included climbing a locked gate) while Tom and I drove up a very steep un-locked track from the other side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490239230" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/16490239230_cb3077e45a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />Even though most of them are at the top of long climbs, it’s always fun to add yet another fire tower to our collection – we’ve seen quite a few over the last few years.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16470375047" title=""Podium" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/16470375047_b8a333807d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt=""Podium""></a><br /><br />Becca made it to the top first – she even beat the cars up, so we stood her on an old tree stump “podium” with second and third placegetters on either side. Wow that woman can climb hills fast!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16057726933" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8665/16057726933_8283827a1b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Eric"></a><br /><br />Not long after that we put the fat bikes to the test. Eric on his skinny tyres made quick work of a wide muddy puddle. Darb went round it even though he had a fat bike…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16491050610" title="Paul In Mud by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8678/16491050610_baa911c9aa_c.jpg" width="800" height="468" alt="Paul In Mud"></a><br /><br />Paul almost gave us a spectacular mud-in-the-face photo – but (sadly) he recovered and was able to ride out unscathed. I think that proves age and cunning will beat youth and technology most of the time <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677602325" title="Paul on Mt Stanely Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16677602325_a251319827_o.gif" width="800" height="600" alt="Paul on Mt Stanely Rd"></a><br /><br />From there we rocketed down the range towards the valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16491566669" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8642/16491566669_18df51a725_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Eric"></a><br /><br />I drove on ahead to let the riders enjoy the long steep descent without having to worry about motor vehicles.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677695075" title="Relaxing in the Shade by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8584/16677695075_17e78a90f1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Relaxing in the Shade"></a><br /><br />At the bottom, Jason, Russel and Simon were patiently waiting for us in the shade of a gum tree. It was turning into a hot day, and they’d already ridden up the Wester Branch Valley to meet us.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490314260" title="Forestry Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8647/16490314260_8db39b4ed8_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forestry Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16651797156" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8671/16651797156_9a1b3f99c3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br />After a quick “hello” the riders set off up the steep hill behind Mount Stanely while I took the easy way south to the junction of the rivers. I’d then meet them at the top of the Eastern Branch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16652102686" title="Hill Climb by Jason Reed, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8650/16652102686_e1d42a196f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Jason Reed)<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16678041225" title="Hill Climb by Jason Reed, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16678041225_84c5432905_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hill Climb"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Jason Reed)<br /><br />It’s a long 7km climb to the top. The riders stopped once or twice before the summit to cool down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677772425" title="Crossing 1 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8568/16677772425_414e256524_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Crossing 1"></a><br /><br />Meanwhile, I arrived in the car a the junction of the three rivers. The Brisbane River starts here where the Eastern and Western Branches meet. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490196408" title="Crossing 1 by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/16490196408_5e37f5d3ac_c.jpg" width="800" height="317" alt="Crossing 1"></a><br /><br />Over the 344km between here and where it enters the ocean in Moreton Bay it’s crossed many times by a variety of impressive bridges. This humble concrete causeway is the first one. It’s my favourite <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16651919756" title="Tom by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8621/16651919756_c7308d16d0_z.jpg" width="640" height="427" alt="Tom"></a><br /><br />I drove to the end of Eastern Branch Road to Wombi Creek where I could proceed no further because of a large fallen tree. As I waited for the riders to come down the other side, Tom arrived in the second car. He was feeling ill – and we were fortunate to have the second car that he could retreat to instead of having to push over the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16057882093" title="Simon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/16057882093_4809935e6d_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Simon"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676810772" title="Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/16676810772_8cbc245893_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Russel"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676461111" title="Paul and Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8656/16676461111_58680a4b83_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Paul and Russel"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16470527797" title="Becca by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8674/16470527797_0fbf5aa3b8_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Becca"></a><br /><br />After a short wait, the riders emerged from the bottom of the hill on the other side of the creek.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676475881" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8563/16676475881_0b5239528a_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Paul"></a><br /><br />They had no problems getting past the fallen tree. Proof that you can go more places with pedals than with petrol.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677842525" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/16677842525_8cab373397_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neil"></a><br /><br />I’d packed an icebox in the car which let people pack some cold drinks and food – a rare treat on our rides. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16470569547" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8624/16470569547_86816bd0e3_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Eric"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16057910253" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16057910253_8430c9f333_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16651924176" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8677/16651924176_036decc501_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Jason"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490256328" title="Simon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16490256328_ced5db57a3_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Simon"></a><br /><br />Wombi Creek was the perfect place to cool off and rest after the hard work and steep roads through the forest.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677868545" title="Muru Lizard by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8572/16677868545_7c2268d24c_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Muru Lizard"></a><br /><br />Darb was very pleased with his new fat bike. Although it looks cumbersome, he was impressed with how easy it was to handle, how it gripped the tracks, and with the smooth ride it gave him.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490457700" title=""It's a Fat Bike Thing" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/16490457700_ec60dbc6e6_c.jpg" width="800" height="430" alt=""It's a Fat Bike Thing""></a><br /><br />We were both impressed with the artwork on the frame.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490180330" title="Eric & Becca at Eastern Branch by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/16490180330_646e3745aa_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Eric & Becca at Eastern Branch"></a><br /><br />We then followed twenty crossings down the Eastern Branch of the Brisbane River to its junction with the Western Branch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676885532" title="Darb by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16676885532_cbb2c728eb_c.jpg" width="800" height="456" alt="Darb"></a><br /><br />The riders enjoyed several flooded causeways on the way down.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16055630524" title="Jason by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8588/16055630524_9d1020df21_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Jason"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16651986446" title="Eric and Simon by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8635/16651986446_3529c7130b_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Eric and Simon"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490526170" title="Eric by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8621/16490526170_4f0ecf77cf.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Eric"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16677964165" title="Becca by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8668/16677964165_607670bf90.jpg" width="250" height="333" alt="Becca"></a></p><br /><p>We stopped at Crossing 4 for a break and to soak in the cold water.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490365058" title="Mount Stanley Jacuzzi by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8567/16490365058_ddff9fe491_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mount Stanley Jacuzzi"></a><br /><br />It was like sitting in a spa bath.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490605750" title=""Barrow Annie" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16490605750_deab2628fe_c.jpg" width="800" height="613" alt=""Barrow Annie""></a><br /><br />This crossing is well-known for “Barrow Annie” – a huge boulder which sits in the middle of the river bed. We didn’t climb it today – the cool water was much more inviting.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490459778" title="Brisbane River, Mount Stanley by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8633/16490459778_0c14d2a814_c.jpg" width="800" height="447" alt="Brisbane River, Mount Stanley"></a><br /><br />Our final stop was back at Crossing 1, where the Brisbane River starts. We strolled through a paddock to the junction of the three rivers.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16218661256" title="Confluence by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8592/16218661256_e93e2052b2_c.jpg" width="800" height="255" alt="Confluence"></a><br /><br />(Photo: Tony Ryan)<br /><br />I stood in the middle of this riverbed a few weeks ago on dry gravel.</p><br /><p>Today it was full of water.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676224391" title="Eastern Branch Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/16676224391_f3cb049bda_o.gif" width="632" height="474" alt="Eastern Branch Causeway"></a><br /><br />The riders covered about 52km in 5 hours including breaks. During this time they climbed a total of 1,200 metres, losing almost 1,400 metres at the same time.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16490125398" title="Jason and Russel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8670/16490125398_09f812465d_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" alt="Jason and Russel"></a><br /><br />The second group rode about 42km in about four and a half hours including breaks, and climbed about 1,000 metres.</p><br /><p>If you’re doing this as a point to point ride, we’d rate it about 7.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>It was much less effort in the drivers seat <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p>Thank you Becca, Tom, Eric, Darb, Paul, Jason, Russel and Simon for a great day out.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16676586862" title="Darb on Mt Stanely Rd by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8620/16676586862_5fcec3716b_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Darb on Mt Stanely Rd"></a></p><br /><p>Thanks Darb and Eric for letting us use your cars.</p><br /><p>Thanks, Tom and Jason, for helping me with the photos.</p><br /><p>Here’s Darb’s track log of the ride:<br /><br /><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/707497478' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><p>Here’s my track log of the driving route:<br /><br /><iframe src='https://connect.garmin.com/activity/embed/707463920' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/head-of-the-river/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Western-Branch-Road-800-100x63.jpg" alt="Head of the River" title="Head of the River" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/head-of-the-river/" class="crp_title">Head of the River</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/east-meets-west/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Eastern-Branch-Road.jpg" alt="East Meets West" title="East Meets West" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/east-meets-west/" class="crp_title">East Meets West</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mapleton-national-park/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8436681075_5e8303b500_z.jpg" alt="Mapleton National Park" title="Mapleton National Park" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mapleton-national-park/" class="crp_title">Mapleton National Park</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/monsildale/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8728698564_14dac45b07_z.jpg" alt="Monsildale" title="Monsildale" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/monsildale/" class="crp_title">Monsildale</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10915153016_dc330db6f8_c.jpg" alt="Becca’s Suicide Loop" title="Becca’s Suicide Loop" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" class="crp_title">Becca’s Suicide Loop</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-36450565731399173842015-02-21T18:55:00.000+10:002015-02-21T20:14:40.851+10:00Big Wet<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/big-wet/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Kids-in-the-Rain-800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Kids-in-the-Rain-800.jpg" alt="Kids in the Rain" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5572" /></a><br /><br />After recent heavy rain, creek beds which were bone dry for a couple of years are now flowing.</p><br /><p>I thought this would be a good opportunity to revist some those creeks and enjoy the rare sight.<br /><br /><span id="more-5571"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411174608" title="Recovery by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8599/16411174608_1cbf8af856_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Recovery"></a><br /><br />I’ve spent the last ten days recovering from knee surgery which means I can’t drive or ride a bike.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16597771892" title="Driving by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7283/16597771892_cc8edfc2ef_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Driving"></a><br /><br />The heavy rain means that my riding buddies can’t ride their bikes either – so Jason kindly agreed to drive me around the hills behind Dayboro to have a look at the difference made by the torrential downpour.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411181158" title="Laceys Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7293/16411181158_bc888d9965_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laceys Creek"></a><br /><br />Jason asked me if I had a spare umbrella as we left my house. I handed him an old purple one, but didn’t realize he’d be sporting it in most of the photos I took of him. He graciously didn’t complain about it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16412555359" title="Laceys Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/16412555359_1ff6c891d4_c.jpg" width="800" height="370" alt="Laceys Creek"></a><br /><br />We stopped at a couple of the creek crossings on Lacey’s Creek Road. We’ve <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/labor-day-2012/" target="_blank">often</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jacky-creek/" target="_blank">ridden</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bikes-butchers-and-baths/" target="_blank">along</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/northbrook/" target="_blank">here</a> on fun rides up into the Mt Mee Section of D’Aguilar National Park.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15007279993" title="Wirth Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3939/15007279993_409ca39a38_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Wirth Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411375430" title="Laceys Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/16411375430_274107838b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laceys Creek"></a></p><br /><p>The crossing at Wirth Road has usually been dry on past rides…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/9671370902" title="Wirth Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/9671370902_0a263e3ecd_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Wirth Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15978621733" title="Laceys Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8613/15978621733_edeb24325c_c.jpg" width="800" height="528" alt="Laceys Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Today the causeway was barely coping with the impressive flow.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/7154273412" title="Wirth Road Causeway by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8148/7154273412_9577fd1281_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Wirth Road Causeway"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16412548969" title="Jason at Wirth Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/16412548969_732258c3b2_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Jason at Wirth Road"></a></p><br /><p>A usually sleepy creek was a raging torrent today.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16598411465" title="Taking Risks by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/16598411465_8413b963bc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Taking Risks"></a></p><br /><p>We had agreed beforehand that we wouldn’t cross any flooded causeways – it’s not worth the risk. </p><br /><p>The final causeway at the end of Laceys Creek Road was flooded, so we stopped and turned around. The driver of this 4WD,however, was a little too adventurous and ploughed through despite water going up over the hood. I’m glad he made it through.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411395880" title="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7384/16411395880_4e4b551827_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant"></a></p><br /><p>Our next stop was Mount Brisbane Road near the head of the North Pine River at Mount Pleasant.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15232043364" title="Mt Brisbane Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7555/15232043364_ac373b88e6_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Mt Brisbane Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572451506" title="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8649/16572451506_6949956eb9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant"></a></p><br /><p>This is the spot at which we’ve <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/missed-it-by-this-much/" target="_blank">previously</a> started <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/dianas-bath-almost/" target="_blank">rides</a> up to <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beat-the-heat/" target="_blank">Dianas Bath</a>.</p><br /><p>There was no crossing the river today though.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16598437405" title="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/16598437405_de88124ebc_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="North Pine River, Mt Pleasant"></a><br /><br />(Photo by Jason Reed)</p><br /><p>I had a chat to some local residents while Jason took a few photos. </p><br /><p>Despite the conditions, I still think they were very fortunate to be able to live on the edge of such a beautiful national park.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16597824172" title="Jason and his Purple Umbrella by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8675/16597824172_a7befb6bae_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Jason and his Purple Umbrella"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572467736" title="Terrah's Restaurant, Dayboro by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/16572467736_8655e332c5_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Terrah's Restaurant, Dayboro"></a></p><br /><p>One of the advantages of driving over cycling is that we were able to stop in town for morning tea. We stopped at one of our favourite cafe’s and had a bit more than what we should have, considering we weren’t riding or working very hard.</p><br /><p>I commented to the waitress that anyone paying them a visit today must really like the restaurant considering the amount of floodwater we had to wade through to get there.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16412613879" title="Dayboro by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/16412613879_40b2790ff2_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Dayboro"></a></p><br /><p>Sugar Mill Creek in the middle of Dayboro had broken its banks and flooded local streets.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411241638" title="Boots by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/16411241638_08d1614bfd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Boots"></a></p><br /><p>My trusty boots kept the water out very well.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411424320" title="Armstrong Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/16411424320_8eb712f622_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Armstrong Creek"></a></p><br /><p>We intended to visit Leis Crossing next, but were prevented by floods on Armstrong Creek Road. Jason checked the water out on foot first, but decided it was flowing too quickly to safely drive a car through, so we did a u-turn and headed for Kobble Creek instead…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411427830" title="Kobble Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7288/16411427830_0aab00f469_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kobble Creek"></a></p><br /><p>Kobble Creek Road was closed too – so we parked the car at the Rural Fire Brigade and walked instead.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16597847712" title="Kobble Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7390/16597847712_7e517f1c9f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kobble Creek"></a></p><br /><p>We said “G’day” to a few drenched cows on the way…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572490346" title="Fig Tree by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7408/16572490346_4433fd2a92_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Fig Tree"></a></p><br /><p>… and took shelter from the rain for a while under an old fig tree.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16597288371" title="Belinda by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/16597288371_6d9c22717a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Belinda"></a></p><br /><p>It seems like a few locals had the same idea as us and were walking around checking out the creek…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15978706483" title="If it's Flooded by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8673/15978706483_c86c4c4434_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="If it's Flooded"></a></p><br /><p>Kobble Creek was up quite high. No one was getting through today.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411262628" title="Texting in the Rain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7346/16411262628_ffdf24775d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Texting in the Rain"></a></p><br /><p>Ever the thoughtful man, Jason let a lady shelter under his umbrella while she tried to send an SMS.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572500116" title="Kobble Creek in Flood by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8667/16572500116_1826d53470_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kobble Creek in Flood"></a></p><br /><p>Jason didn’t think it was a good idea to wade through the creek…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411461610" title="Calalier Pale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7413/16411461610_9fbe31acf2_z.jpg" width="400" height="533" alt="Calalier Pale"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572516246" title="Kooinda American Pale Ale by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16572516246_2ca6f2496e_z.jpg" width="400" height="533" alt="Kooinda American Pale Ale"></a><br /><br />So we met Darb and his wife, Bernadette down at the Samford pub instead.</p><br /><p>Since I wasn’t driving or riding, I didn’t mind having an extra beer <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16572435346" title="Laceys Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7329/16572435346_a194a0df9b_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Laceys Creek"></a></p><br /><p>I’ve often watched the weather reports each night hoping that the rain would stay away so we could ride.</p><br /><p>But I actually enjoyed the rain today.</p><br /><p>There’s something refreshing about watching dry watercourses come to life after a heavy downpour. It’s good for the health of our waterways, good for the flora and fauna that live there, and (despite the frustrations of not being able to ride) it’s good for us too.</p><br /><p>Thanks Jason for driving me around today. I had a great time!<br /><br /><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/702117639'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/walloon-revisited/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/6822753580_b71037888d_z.jpg" alt="Walloon Revisited" title="Walloon Revisited" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/walloon-revisited/" class="crp_title">Walloon Revisited</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/labor-day-2012/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7154274752_ca81bbcc57_z.jpg" alt="Labor Day 2012" title="Labor Day 2012" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/labor-day-2012/" class="crp_title">Labor Day 2012</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10915153016_dc330db6f8_c.jpg" alt="Becca’s Suicide Loop" title="Becca’s Suicide Loop" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/beccas-suicide-loop/" class="crp_title">Becca’s Suicide Loop</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jacky-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/11597970705_f937ac876a_c.jpg" alt="Jacky Creek" title="Jacky Creek" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jacky-creek/" class="crp_title">Jacky Creek</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges-and-horseshoe-creek/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7323999018_a36d071de3_z.jpg" alt="Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek" title="Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges-and-horseshoe-creek/" class="crp_title">Border Ranges and Horseshoe Creek</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-48542920710807648632015-02-14T08:42:00.000+10:002015-02-14T10:12:34.765+10:00Mount Binga<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-binga/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-binga/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Binga-800.jpg" alt="Wide Open Spaces" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5544" /></a><br /><br />With few days remaining till I had to undergo major surgery, I decided to take the day off work and go for a big ride through wide-open spaces while I was still able.<br /><br /><span id="more-5543"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16299998020" title="Cooyar by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8627/16299998020_a125d4221a_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cooyar"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16487436785" title="Cooyar by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16487436785_6366ba3357_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Cooyar"></a><br /><br />Early on a Friday morning we parked the car outside the pub in the quiet South Burnett town of Cooyar and headed for the hills.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15867307173" title="Cooyar - Mt Binga Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8595/15867307173_0fd4be0217_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cooyar - Mt Binga Road"></a><br /><br />We followed the road out of town as it gently climbed the range until we reached the end of the bitumen.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16487448635" title="Mt Binga State Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8570/16487448635_9df8276c42_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mt Binga State Forest"></a><br /><br />Mount Binga State Forest / National Park is a two to three hour drive from Brisbane, about halfway between Toowoomba and Kingaroy.</p><br /><p>We think that the quiet trails through this area might give us an off-road route from the Bunya Mountains to Brisbane via Esk that could be completed on a bike in about two days. Eric has previously ridden from the Bunya Mountains in about four days via Nanango and Jimna and thinks this new route could be done in half that time. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16486477622" title="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/16486477622_db47a55d14_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga"></a></p><br /><p>Regardless of new routes, Paul and I were just grateful to be out in the bush on a weekday rather than at work <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16300027730" title="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7422/16300027730_b417f8b93e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16299748468" title="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7373/16299748468_63e12e4cee_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Outdoor Education Centre - Mt Binga"></a></p><br /><p>We passed through the Mount Binga Outdoor Education Centre and said “G’day” to some contented ponies grazing on the green grass. Moss-covered signs pointed off at strange angles to barely visible destinations. Sitting ontop of the Blackbutt Range, this looked like the perfect place to “get away” from it all.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16299757348" title="Hills in the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7405/16299757348_e112278fcf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hills in the Forest"></a><br /><br />We rolled down the range into some plantation forests.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16301202099" title="Hills in the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8578/16301202099_5cf0c41b5a_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Hills in the Forest"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16461486396" title="Hills in the Forest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7455/16461486396_0465a003f5_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Hills in the Forest"></a></p><br /><p>The terrain through here undulates constantly, so we spent most of our time either grinding up hills or rolling down the other side…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16299994790" title="Paul and Ants Nest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/16299994790_6d8878c74a_o.gif" width="800" height="599" alt="Paul and Ants Nest"></a><br /><br />Bustling ants nests cluttered the dirt tracks. I squatted down to have a closer look at this miniature metropolis and ended up with an angry ant trying to bite the end of my finger.</p><br /><p>Paul had the right idea and kept on pedalling.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16461492626" title="Mt Binga Fire Tower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7352/16461492626_c26c8519f3_z.jpg" width="512" height="384" alt="Mt Binga Fire Tower"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15864970184" title="Mt Binga Fire Tower by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7330/15864970184_cd5286a61c.jpg" width="288" height="384" alt="Mt Binga Fire Tower"></a></p><br /><p>We eventually reached the summit of the ride at the Mount Binga Fire Tower. We’ve visited <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/lantana/#firetower" target="_blank">a few</a> <a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/jimna-timber-and-gold/#firetower" target="_blank">fire towers</a> in our time, including <a href=" http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/#firetower" target="_blank">one that had disappeared</a>. We didn’t try climbing this one because the stairs were missing and large warning signs warned us that it wasn’t safe.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15864982894" title="Prickly Pear by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7396/15864982894_8a636ca478_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Prickly Pear"></a><br /><br />The road past the fire tower was mostly downhill. I was surprised at the number of prickly pear bushes we encountered on the way out. These plants are noxious weeds which I thought had been brought under control by the introduction of the cactoblastis beetle, but it looks as though tree-sized infestations still persist in some places.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16487504685" title="Wide Open Spaces by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/16487504685_01c2023b8b_c.jpg" width="800" height="441" alt="Wide Open Spaces"></a></p><br /><p>We dropped out of the forest under towering skies onto endless plains and bushland rolling westward – a patchwork quilt of green.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16461524706" title="Wide Open Spaces by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7416/16461524706_8a2365a70c_c.jpg" width="800" height="478" alt="Wide Open Spaces"></a></p><br /><p>As I soaked up the panorama I remembered that this would be one of my last big rides for quite a few months. It takes a long time to recover from knee surgery. Today I was sure we had come to the right place for a ride. We hadn’t wasted the opportunity, we had made the most of it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15867392013" title="East Cooyar Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7398/15867392013_78b3fdcab3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="East Cooyar Road"></a><br /><br />The hilly tracks flattened into rural gravel roads – an archetypal Aussie backroad that could have been anywhere on this vast continent.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16461534736" title="Neil on East Cooyar Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7291/16461534736_9bce02e3fa_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Neil on East Cooyar Road"></a><br /><br />“Bloody beautiful” I blurted out while grinning like an idiot. Where else would you want to be?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15865009324" title="East Cooyar Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7356/15865009324_50389b3e55_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="East Cooyar Road"></a><br /><br />The last couple of kilometres were a blisteringly fast descent down the paved road back into town.</p><br /><p>I tucked in and got the bike up over 70km/h as I followed Eric down the hill. What a fun way to finish a ride!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16301194829" title="DSC05733_copy by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/16301194829_ce3d49299f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="DSC05733_copy"></a><br /><br />We rode a total of 44km in three and a half hours including breaks. During that time I burned 1800 kcal as we climbed about 1,200m.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this one 6.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. It’s an easy pleasant ride with one or two hills in it to keep you honest.</p><br /><p>The bakery in Yarraman does tasty pies and has a great looking mountain bike hanging on the wall.</p><br /><p>Thanks Eric and Paul for a memorable ride!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='//connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/690863207'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/labor-day-2012/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7154274752_ca81bbcc57_z.jpg" alt="Labor Day 2012" title="Labor Day 2012" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/labor-day-2012/" class="crp_title">Labor Day 2012</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooyar/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Cooyar-Swing-Bridge.jpg" alt="Cooyar" title="Cooyar" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/cooyar/" class="crp_title">Cooyar</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mapleton-national-park/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8436681075_5e8303b500_z.jpg" alt="Mapleton National Park" title="Mapleton National Park" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mapleton-national-park/" class="crp_title">Mapleton National Park</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/6931791352_7b44f7536d_z.jpg" alt="Border Ranges" title="Border Ranges" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/border-ranges/" class="crp_title">Border Ranges</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/coolum-epic/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8297549383_5a26e1bd98_z.jpg" alt="Coolum Epic" title="Coolum Epic" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/coolum-epic/" class="crp_title">Coolum Epic</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-86680309578503526882015-02-08T10:34:00.000+10:002015-02-08T18:11:58.847+10:00Wollumbin<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wollumbin/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wollumbin/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Cadell-Road-800.jpg" alt="Cadell Road" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5528" /></a><br /><br />Today’s adventure took us from the picturesque village of Tyalgum in Northern NSW, up to the edge of the crater surrounding Mount Warning, and then back to our starting point via Mount Burrell and Mebbin National Park.<br /><br /><span id="more-5527"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16441582336" title="Tyalgum by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16441582336_2187c3a0cd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Tyalgum"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16466650252" title="Wollumbin National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7400/16466650252_cef03d86d0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wollumbin National Park"></a><br /><br />Tyalgum is nestled in a valley surrounded by mountains on almost every side – the Border Ranges to the west, the Macpherson Range to the north, and Mount Warning to the south. Whichever way we rode today we were going to have to pedal hard up steep hills.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16467602965" title="Brummies Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7424/16467602965_0f29dd9915_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brummies Road"></a><br /><br />We rode southwards out of town, slowly climbing the volcanic crater that surrounds Mount Warning.</p><br /><p>The Bundjanlung Aboriginal people call the mountain “Wollumbin” which means “Cloud Catcher”. Their ancient stories explain that the mountain bears the scars of a dreamtime battle where warriors fought each other in the midst of great storms, thunder shook the surrounding countryside, and lightning blazed across the sky.</p><br /><p>The area is rich with a network of creation sites, ceremonial places, traditional pathways and indigenous camp sites.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281369769" title="Brummies Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/16281369769_28d6323763_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brummies Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16466668012" title="Border Ranges by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7342/16466668012_d308b5b57f_c.jpg" width="800" height="463" alt="Border Ranges"></a><br /><br />We climbed for almost ten kilometres gaining over 600 metres in altitude. Although it was a demanding ascent, the views were stunning.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16441621786" title="Brummies Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7361/16441621786_d4df7c86b2_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brummies Road"></a><br /><br />As we neared the top, I suggested that we take a short detour to Brummies Lookout – an exposed rocky outcrop on the knife-edge of the crater rim that was supposed to have good views.</p><br /><p>“It should only take us ten minutes”, I optimistically added.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15845127554" title="Brummies Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/15845127554_b6562ef1a0_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brummies Road"></a><br /><br />We climbed the track for half an hour through the cloudy forest – the terrain dropping away steeply on either side.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15847560553" title="Rainforest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/15847560553_097df0fbcd_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rainforest"></a><br /><br />We then ditched the bikes and hiked another half an hour through thick vegetation up a steep faint track.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281775817" title="Brummies Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7357/16281775817_234dcb31fc_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brummies Lookout"></a><br /><br />We climbed as far as we safely could in our cycling shoes. Their hard soles aren’t suited for scrambling over rocks. After looking at our track log after the hike I suspect we needed to walk anouther hundred metres to reach the clearing, but we were happy with what we saw.</p><br /><p>On one side of us the land dropped sharply away to the Tweed Valley…<br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281779327" title="Wollumbin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/16281779327_8887273886_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Wollumbin"></a></p><br /><p>… on the other side sheer cliffs fell away to the floor of the caldera surrounding the peak of “Wollumbin” – its rocky head hidden in clouds.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16280225830" title="Brummies Lookout by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/16280225830_16f024ceac_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Brummies Lookout"></a></p><br /><p>This was a special place.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15845162064" title="Puffer Mushroom by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8602/15845162064_18870741df_z.jpg" width="640" height="478" alt="Puffer Mushroom"></a></p><br /><p>We carefully clambered back down from the edge through the thick undergrowth towards our bikes.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15845167324" title="Condowie Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7339/15845167324_f9115ee709_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Condowie Road"></a></p><br /><p>As we rode over the other side of the mountain, we enjoyed a pleasant downhill run towards the Tweed Valley.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16467677535" title="Mebbin Forest Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8644/16467677535_dc135e3c62_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mebbin Forest Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15845175794" title="Picnic Shelter by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7439/15845175794_1443dceb5e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Picnic Shelter"></a><br /><br />The narrow trail opened up onto a wide gravel road as we rolled down to the camp grounds in Mebbin National Park for a quick lunch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15845180094" title="Wallers Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7432/15845180094_4daf48bcd3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wallers Road"></a><br /><br />At this point we took a gamble. Instead of following Cadell Road out of the national park, we thought we’d save a few kilometres and take a shortcut along a faintly marked track.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16465950531" title="Hikers by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7375/16465950531_fb4a7309cf_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hikers"></a><br /><br />We encountered a tired group of <a href="http://www.outwardbound.org.au/" target="_blank">“Outward Bound”</a> hikers approaching from the opposite direction.</p><br /><p>“G’day!” I chirped. A couple of them smiled. Others looked longingly at my bike. I think they realized it’s much easier covering long distances by bike rather than by foot.</p><br /><p>They confirmed that the track we were on would take us where we intended to go, so I was grateful.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15847614233" title="Mebbin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8659/15847614233_301664aa4d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mebbin"></a><br /><br />We kept riding through a eucalyptus plantation…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16467701765" title="Lake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7428/16467701765_7117e6d844_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Lake"></a><br /><br />… until we came across a small lake, where we took a short break.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281464019" title="Don't Give Up Ever by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7402/16281464019_e6770dc715_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Don't Give Up Ever"></a><br /><br />Someone had painted “Don’t Give Up Ever” on a rock. Perhaps the author had done an “Outward Bound” hike and discovered the secret of getting to the other end?</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16465975211" title="Mebbin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/16465975211_fe51211d27_z.jpg" width="512" height="384" alt="Mebbin"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281480579" title="Teamwork by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7311/16281480579_1b1c1de49f.jpg" width="288" height="384" alt="Teamwork"></a></p><br /><p>The track grew heavier as we continued southwards. We had to scramble over a couple of fallen trees. It’s much easier getting bikes over these obstacles when you’re riding with others. I wouldn’t want to have dragged my bike through here alone.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15847649063" title="Wollumbin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7447/15847649063_512fdc3466_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Wollumbin"></a></p><br /><p>The forest opened up into grassy paddocks. We were trying to find the main road into town. We could hear it, but high grass and a deep river lay between us and it.</p><br /><p>In the distance, Wollumbin looked down at us imperiously while he caught clouds.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16466785122" title="Mebbin by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7337/16466785122_c09ab10e25_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mebbin"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16465996731" title="Fukawi Grass by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7312/16465996731_7d19691a85_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Fukawi Grass"></a></p><br /><p>We were off course. We pushed through the grass, trying to work out the easiest way to the road. Tyre tracks led off deceptively in all directions.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16441738356" title="Tweed River by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7456/16441738356_9ea960683c_c.jpg" width="800" height="435" alt="Tweed River"></a></p><br /><p>Eventually we found a small bridge across the Tweed River which led into someone’s backyard. After apologizing profusely we completed the short roll along the bitumen to Sphinx Rock cafe for a late lunch.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16280314000" title="Sphinx Rock Cafe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7367/16280314000_0316fab018_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sphinx Rock Cafe"></a></p><br /><p>I was surprised how hungry I was.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16467749505" title="Sphinx Rock Cafe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7415/16467749505_798af16594_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Sphinx Rock Cafe"></a></p><br /><p>With full stomachs we happily rode off for the homeward leg of our trip.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16280057778" title="Kyogle Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8582/16280057778_f962794d2a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Kyogle Road"></a></p><br /><p>Although mountain bikers don’t enjoy paved roads much, we had to ride along Kyogle Road for three kilometres before turning up the road back into Mebbin National Park.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15847693803" title="Cadell Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7419/15847693803_03017d2a37_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cadell Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281876557" title="Cadell Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8617/16281876557_3441927649_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cadell Road"></a></p><br /><p>We pushed up yet another hill for almost 6km.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16281526939" title="Cadell Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8678/16281526939_ab2244e948_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cadell Road"></a></p><br /><p>The road through Mebbin is undulating. Towards the end of a long ride the continual ups and downs took their toll on tired legs. We were grateful for the descents.</p><br /><p>To make up for lost time, we cut out one segment of our planned course, and retraced our tracks for a short way.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16280083828" title="Border Ranges by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7358/16280083828_5493674e7d_c.jpg" width="800" height="513" alt="Border Ranges"></a></p><br /><p>On our left rays of sun tried to break through the clouds that clung to the Border Ranges. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16467783025" title="Neil by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8583/16467783025_7851acab80_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Neil"></a></p><br /><p>I thought to myself as we rode back into Tyalgum that despite the hard work this had been a satisfying ride. I was happy. </p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16466709142" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8573/16466709142_241427a7ba_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a></p><br /><p>We rode a total of 58km in about seven and a half hours. I burned about 3,100 kcal as we climbed 1,864m in vertical ascent.</p><br /><p>This ride rates 9 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter.</p><br /><p>Don’t attempt it after heavy rain.</p><br /><p>If you follow our course, resist the temptation to deviate from Wallers Road. If you do, you’ll also end up in someone’s back yard.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16466764232" title="Lakeside Rest by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7457/16466764232_f1e6dbb01d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Lakeside Rest"></a><br /><br />Thanks Darb, Paul and Jason for another memorable ride!</p><br /><p><iframe src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/691518678' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8150125905_11b9e05acc_z.jpg" alt="Goomburra" title="Goomburra" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/goomburra/" class="crp_title">Goomburra</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/highland-holiday/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Liz-and-Blackbutt-Lookout-800.jpg" alt="Highland Holiday" title="Highland Holiday" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/highland-holiday/" class="crp_title">Highland Holiday</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/flinders-peak/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7428416486_6773a363e3_z.jpg" alt="Flinders Peak" title="Flinders Peak" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/flinders-peak/" class="crp_title">Flinders Peak</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-oreilly/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7031785057_622eb9f465_z.jpg" alt="Mount O’Reilly" title="Mount O’Reilly" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-oreilly/" class="crp_title">Mount O’Reilly</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-mellum/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/7168390427_f4f8e18f1c_z.jpg" alt="Mount Mellum" title="Mount Mellum" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-mellum/" class="crp_title">Mount Mellum</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-11097719528946985292015-02-01T09:52:00.000+10:002015-02-01T12:12:24.350+10:00Mount Kilcoy<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy-2/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy-2/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Darb-on-Mount-Kilcoy-Road-800.jpg" alt="Darb on Mount Kilcoy Road 800" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5518" /></a></p><br /><p>Starting in the quiet farming district of Mount Kilcoy, today’s adventure took us in a big loop up some steep hills into Conondale National Park, before a nice long roll down the mountain back to our starting point.<br /><br /><span id="more-5516"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15791035924" title="Jenkinson Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7431/15791035924_7a93f94e39_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Jenkinson Road"></a></p><br /><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/" target=_blank>I visited this beautiful area a couple of years ago</a> and was glad to return to its emerald pastures and imposing mountains.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16226110390" title="Grahame by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8641/16226110390_c4d17be4a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Grahame"></a><br /><br />Eric stopped for a quick chat with Grahame – a local retiree who was out for a walk.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16227298089" title="McCaukey Lane by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16227298089_588419bb84_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="McCaukey Lane"></a><br /><br />We soon reached the end of the paved road and enjoyed the cool shade as a quiet lane led us to the national park boundary.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16226122640" title="Hike a Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7316/16226122640_d1933d9a7b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Hike a Bike"></a></p><br /><p>The track grew steeper…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16226125350" title="Hike a Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7452/16226125350_07b9351c5c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike a Bike"></a></p><br /><p>… and even steeper…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15791055294" title="Hike a Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8581/15791055294_fa29d1ed33_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike a Bike"></a></p><br /><p>… and then crazily steeper. </p><br /><p>“Sorry guys,” I mumbled. “I didn’t realize it was going to be like this. It shouldn’t get much worse than this.”</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16225883468" title="Hike a Bike by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8679/16225883468_3e9fc8f671_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Hike a Bike"></a></p><br /><p>Unfortunately, it did. The hike up from McCauley Lane to Beacon Road was one of the most difficult I have done. My shoes slipped dangerously as I tried to push my bike up the hill. Eric kindly helped me out a few times and pushed my bike for me.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16227322609" title="Beacon Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16227322609_c1cecd8a3e_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Beacon Road"></a></p><br /><p>With relief we reached the top and were able to hop back on the bikes again.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15791070724" title="Beacon Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8575/15791070724_cbe7cb3c3a_c.jpg" width="800" height="470" alt="Beacon Road"></a></p><br /><p>Vast fields of ferns covered the ground under towering eucalytps. It felt good to be here.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16413556665" title="Brandons Mill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7394/16413556665_c027c6cc2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brandons Mill"></a></p><br /><p>We stopped at the ruins of Brandons Sawmill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16412628572" title="Brandons Mill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7287/16412628572_484145ba5f_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brandons Mill"></a></p><br /><p>Bits of the once busting mill lie dormant.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411796641" title="Brandons Mill by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8662/16411796641_f53d70f486_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Brandons Mill"></a></p><br /><p>I’m still amazed at some of the places Clare can get her bike!</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16227656047" title="Bellthorpe Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7289/16227656047_67491693e9_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Bellthorpe Road"></a><br /><br />Leaving the mill, we headed north along the top of the range. The road undulated continuously with short rolls downhill followed by challenging grinds up the other side. It was tiring work.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15791096174" title=""All roads lead to Jimna" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7427/15791096174_bfcff15cc8_c.jpg" width="800" height="478" alt=""All roads lead to Jimna""></a></p><br /><p>We stopped for a break at the junction of the Jimna and Kenilworth roads. On many of our travels in Conondale National Park we’ve come across lonely signs pointing into the forest showing the way to Jimna. Paul thinks that “All Roads Lead to Jimna” would be a great title for a book about Conondale National Park.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16411809971" title="Paul by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8622/16411809971_063322fd54_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Paul"></a></p><br /><p>The relentless up and down of the undulating road took its toll…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16227666467" title="Shady Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8666/16227666467_629f8c5817_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Shady Track"></a></p><br /><p>This was beautiful country – but the massive hill climb at the start of the day had sapped our energy. We were running low on water too.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16226102460" title="Kilcoy Creek by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8620/16226102460_2a038d0f17_o.gif" width="800" height="600" alt="Kilcoy Creek"></a></p><br /><p>When we encountered Kilcoy Creek we splashed in the delightfully cool water like excited children. I filled a couple of water bottles and submerged my head in the bubbling flow. This was the only creek of our ride – we were fortunate to come upon it at the right time.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15791027134" title="Clare the Jungle Girl by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7453/15791027134_5db2f69030_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Clare the Jungle Girl"></a></p><br /><p>Clare showed us how to relax with style.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16412655752" title="Conondale National Park by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8600/16412655752_037ba1cf2a_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Conondale National Park"></a></p><br /><p>We stuggled up one final hill-climb under towering ferns. A quick glace at the elevation profile on the GPS showed that we didn’t have far to go before we could roll down the hill.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15793551163" title="Mount Kilcoy Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/15793551163_be8945b640_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Kilcoy Road"></a></p><br /><p>What followed was 6km of white-knuckle descent as we plummeted almost 600 metres down the range. Our uphill exertion at the start of the day was now being repaid by the gravity gods.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16387624746" title="Mount Kilcoy Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7445/16387624746_d0261d779c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Kilcoy Road"></a></p><br /><p>Within minutes we reached the bottom of the hill as it spat us out onto Mount Kilcoy Road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16413602485" title="Mount Kilcoy by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8648/16413602485_c25411614d_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Mount Kilcoy"></a></p><br /><p>With the peak of Mount Kilcoy looking down on us, we eased back to our starting point at the local school.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16387631326" title="Kerrs Lane by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/16387631326_9dc870165f_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Kerrs Lane"></a></p><br /><p>We rode about 57km in six and a half hours. During that time we climbed over 1,700 metres in vertical ascent, and I burned 3,000 kcal.</p><br /><p>I’ll rate this one 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. The hot weather made this ride more difficult. We were fortunate to find water in Kilcoy Creek when we did.</p><br /><p>I wouldn’t recommend trying to push a bike up McCauley Lane like we did. I suspect we will need to return and try to find a more reasonable way up the hill.</p><br /><p>Thanks Becca, Eric, Darb, Paul and Simon for another memorable day out on the bikes. We’re so lucky to be able to do this every week!</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/687015593'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8088400286_21d47671a1_z.jpg" alt="Mount Kilcoy" title="Mount Kilcoy" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/mount-kilcoy/" class="crp_title">Mount Kilcoy</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/my-backyard/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10237793165_53534e19c4_c.jpg" alt="My Backyard" title="My Backyard" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/my-backyard/" class="crp_title">My Backyard</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/conondale-range/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8061000444_63371f2ac6_z.jpg" alt="Conondale Range" title="Conondale Range" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/conondale-range/" class="crp_title">Conondale Range</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/northbrook/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/11475375356_003235d62e_c.jpg" alt="Northbrook" title="Northbrook" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/northbrook/" class="crp_title">Northbrook</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/third-time-lucky/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/6895333741_957be9bed9.jpg" alt="Third Time Lucky" title="Third Time Lucky" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/third-time-lucky/" class="crp_title">Third Time Lucky</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-53423124068790533392015-01-26T10:39:00.000+10:002015-01-26T12:12:20.011+10:00Caloundra Epic<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/caloundra-epic/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/caloundra-epic/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Stormwater-Drain-800.jpg" alt="Stormwater Drain 800" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5506" /></a></p><br /><p>My friend Wayne had been planning an overnight ride from Brisbane to Caloundra and back for a couple of months. After heavy rain during the days preceding the ride, he decided to cancel it. But we decided to “turn up” anyway and see what happened…<br /><br /><span id="more-5505"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16179789478" title="Ted Smout Bridge by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7354/16179789478_de8ac36e00_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ted Smout Bridge"></a><br /><br />Early on a rainy Saturday morning, we set out along some local bike paths. We weren’t sure what the weather was going to do, or if creek crossings would be impassable as we rode north, but we agreed to be flexible and tailor our course to suit the conditions. The simplest approach in weather like this would be to stick to bike paths for an hour or two until the weather cleared.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16366524422" title="Deception Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7295/16366524422_5fba3e7ac9_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Deception Bay"></a><br /><br />The tide was abnormally high as we passed through Deception Bay: the water levels in some creeks might be higher than normal, but the light drizzle had stopped and we were hopeful that the day would clear.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181558367" title="Bush track at Caboolture by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7300/16181558367_b7b4c54350_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bush track at Caboolture"></a><br /><br />The least enjoyable part of a bike ride to the Sunshine Coast is having to deal with the heavy traffic in Morayfield. This time we avoided most of the traffic by riding through some pleasant tracks near the Caboolture Aquatic Centre, then zig-zagging through some local back streets. That way we totally eliminated the need to travel on any of the busy roads in that area.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16366543892" title="Lagoon Creek, Caboolture by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/16366543892_45de6739cd_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Lagoon Creek, Caboolture"></a><br /><br />As we left the bustle of Caboolture behind us we rode north-east towards the pine plantations on the other side of the freeway.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181571297" title="Forestry Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8609/16181571297_71691910fa_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Forestry Road"></a><br /><br />We let out a few “whoops” as our tyres splashed on the soggy tracks. It was a pleasant feeling to immerse ourselves in the seemingly endless forest trails.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181244809" title="Forestry Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/16181244809_1a239b6d69_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forestry Road"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15747478643" title="Flooded Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8610/15747478643_38e4f45486_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Flooded Track"></a></p><br /><p>Although many narrow single-tracks branched off into the trees, we decided to stick to the wider tracks. Some of the causeways were a bit wet, but we were lucky enough to be able to avoid most of the thick mud.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181597497" title="Glasshouse Mountains Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7421/16181597497_238c7d9d67_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Glasshouse Mountains Track"></a><br /><br />In the distance, hints of the Glasshouse Mountains peered out at us from behind damp trees.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181269839" title="Wildhorse Mountain Cafe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8563/16181269839_8963839a29_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Wildhorse Mountain Cafe"></a><br /><br />At Wildhorse Mountain we hosed the bikes down under a firehose, then stopped for a quick snack at one of the cafes. Our bikes were cleaner than we were.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16180100100" title="Flooded Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7438/16180100100_6a03b73599_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Flooded Track"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15745058684" title="Flooded Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8598/15745058684_f7dfe0d490_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Flooded Track"></a></p><br /><p>The tracks north of Wildhorse Mountain were quite wet. Floodwater followed the course of the road. It was like riding along a creek bed. Thankfully most of the water was only ankle deep.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16367377275" title="Mellum Creek in Flood by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7429/16367377275_d95cabd59b_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Mellum Creek in Flood"></a></p><br /><p>The crossing at Mellum Creek was flooded in waist-deep water.</p><br /><p>The water wasn’t flowing too fast, so we carefully waded across. </p><br /><p>Progress was slow. We carried the bikes over our heads to keep water out of the drivetrain and hubs. </p><br /><p>The bikes were heavily laden with our overnight gear, so they weighed a few kg’s heavier than usual. After a couple of minutes my bike started to feel really heavy. Thankfully Eric came back and helped me carry it across.</p><br /><p>Dripping wet on the other side, I was thankful for thoughtful riding buddies, and waterproof electronic devices.</p><br /><p>What followed was a very difficult trudge for half an hour through knee deep floodwater which was coursing down the track we needed to follow. Once again I tried to lift the bike to keep the hubs and drivetrain out of the water, but this made the bike feel really heavy. </p><br /><p>“Well one thing’s for sure,” I said to Eric. “I’m definitely not bored.”</p><br /><p>He grinned and understood. Tough rides are more enjoyable than boring rides. You forget the pain – but you don’t forget the fun.</p><br /><p>We pushed on, and eventually cleared the worst of the water.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15747404593" title="Stormwater Drain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8638/15747404593_a8176269c9_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Stormwater Drain"></a></p><br /><p>One of the difficult things about riding a bike to Caloundra is the traffic. It’s easy to find off-road trails as far as the Caloundra turn-off, but in the past I’ve then had to jump on the main road for a few km and battle it out with cars.</p><br /><p>Wayne had an audacious (mad? ingenious?) idea. We could pass under the freeway via a stormwater drain. This would allow us to get to more off-road tracks on the other side of the buisy motorway without having to contend with cars travelling 110 km/h.</p><br /><p>Surprisingly, there was very little water in the drain – not even ankle deep. And it was reasonably high. We could walk through without having to stoop much at all. Normally I avoid stormwater drains, but this specific case was alot safer than the road.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15747537283" title="Pierce "Avenue" by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7281/15747537283_e141a7deef_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pierce "Avenue""></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16367521055" title="Pierce Ave by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7345/16367521055_d82e179857_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Pierce Ave"></a></p><br /><p>We poked around on the other side for a few minutes and eventually found Pierce Avenue…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181316539" title="Muddy Trail, Caloundra by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7412/16181316539_5c62aca7f5_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Muddy Trail, Caloundra"></a></p><br /><p>This led to some more quiet off-road tracks and bike paths which eventually brought us out near Caloundra Airport.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181317569" title="Bike and Planes by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8636/16181317569_cec097566b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Bike and Planes"></a></p><br /><p>Eric flapped his “wings” for a while but wasn’t able to get airborne.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15747559283" title="Caloundra Bike Path by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8628/15747559283_c26ba60636_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Caloundra Bike Path"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15745103064" title="Caloundra Bike Path by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7386/15745103064_808841b085_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Caloundra Bike Path"></a></p><br /><p>From there we followed bike paths along the shoreline past Bulcock Beach, Kings Beach, Shelly Beack, Moffat Beach…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16365824541" title="Moffat Beach Headland by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7336/16365824541_9969eb54b3_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Moffat Beach Headland"></a></p><br /><p>I love Moffat Beach. It brings back childhood memories of happy holidays by the beach in a crowded beach house with a couple of other families.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16365828911" title="Cheers! by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7385/16365828911_43b6de390e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Cheers!"></a></p><br /><p>Before checking into our hotel, Eric shouted us to a glass of dark ale. The other patrons in the cafe looked suspiciously at a trio of muddy mountain bikers as we tramped inside, but we behaved ourselves and tried not to make too much noise. The cafe only served two homemade beers – one dark, one light. It tasted great. I’m coming back <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16366655392" title="Currimundi Hotel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8562/16366655392_a2df2eab29_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Currimundi Hotel"></a><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16179939188" title="Currimundi Hotel by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8654/16179939188_4e9551c612_n.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="Currimundi Hotel"></a></p><br /><p>A couple of minutes after that we arrived at our hotel.</p><br /><p>Friendly staff helped us get a hose to wash down the bikes, and huge cup of laundry detergent to clean our muddy clothes.</p><br /><p>It felt wonderful to be clean and dry again, and to enjoy a huge meal that evening.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16365840371" title="MTB Bottle Opener by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8676/16365840371_b01441216a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="MTB Bottle Opener"></a></p><br /><p>Eric showed me how to open beer bottles with Mountain Bike pedals. I think this is an important skill which I’ll find very useful in future. Plus it means you never have to pack a bottle opener.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16367572445" title="Breakfast Time by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7351/16367572445_b293e082a3_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Breakfast Time"></a></p><br /><p>The next morning we had breakfast at a local fast-food outlet before starting the return leg of our journey…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15745142214" title="Stormwater Drain by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7364/15745142214_28daff7664_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Stormwater Drain"></a></p><br /><p>… back under the freeway…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181373899" title="Meridan Hill, Landsborough by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8658/16181373899_e3552775f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Meridan Hill, Landsborough"></a></p><br /><p>… to some fun trails around Meridan Hill near Mooloolah Cemetery.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16180205850" title="Flooded Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8640/16180205850_7340993646_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Flooded Track"></a></p><br /><p>We let Eric test out some of the soggier trails, before we bailed out and travelled on the roadway for a few hundred metres.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16367589705" title="Ewen Maddock Dam by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7326/16367589705_f6265dafab_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ewen Maddock Dam"></a></p><br /><p>We then followed the western shoreline of Ewen Maddock Dam…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16367594375" title="Ewen Maddock Dam by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7420/16367594375_486b1c98f1_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Ewen Maddock Dam"></a></p><br /><p>…past friendly horse riders…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181724127" title="Ewen Maddock Dam by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7348/16181724127_387185d10c_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Ewen Maddock Dam"></a></p><br /><p>… and along twisty lakeside tracks.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16180233420" title="Level Crossing by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7387/16180233420_75deecffed_c.jpg" width="800" height="354" alt="Level Crossing"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16341656586" title="Landsborough by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8621/16341656586_6d4e123e02_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Landsborough"></a></p><br /><p>We eventually emerged from the bushland near Landsborough – the perfect spot for morning tea.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16180250600" title="Forestry Road by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8611/16180250600_6836017a99_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Forestry Road"></a></p><br /><p>When we re-entered the pine forests east of Landsborough we started to feel tired. We’d ridden over 160 km in about 24 hours. Rather than battle traffic for another couple of hourse past Caboolture, we decided to end our ride at Beerburrum Railway Station and catch the train home.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16181429149" title="Mount Tibrogargan by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8585/16181429149_982b4bebea_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Mount Tibrogargan"></a><br /><br />Grumpy old Father Tibrogargan looked down at us from the other side of the railway track as we pedalled the final few km along the bike path.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16180260530" title="Beerburrum Railway Station by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16180260530_44e696bf83_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Beerburrum Railway Station"></a></p><br /><p>We had the railway station to ourselves. Eric decided to have a “power nap” while I laid out my shoes and socks in the sun to dry them out before the train arrived.</p><br /><p><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="601" height="338" data="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"><param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-US&photo_secret=62ed3edd8f&photo_id=16367390185&hd_default=false"></param><param name="movie" value="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf"></param><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="https://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-US&photo_secret=62ed3edd8f&photo_id=16367390185&hd_default=false" width="601" height="338"></embed></object></p><br /><p>All up we travelled about 170km in 14.5 hours.</p><br /><p>Despite the hard work pushing through water and mud, I didn’t feel like I’d done 120km on the first day. It was easier than I had expected.</p><br /><p>The second day was harder. Even though it was only about 50km, I felt the hills more, and my legs hurt.</p><br /><p>Wet weather riding isn’t for everyone. It made a big difference doing it with good friends. It also helped to be able to clean the bikes off at strategic points, and to cover the chain with lots of oil. There are few sounds more annoying than grit crunching in the gears as you’re trying to pedal <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p>Thanks Wayne, Eric and Paul for a memorable ride!</p><br /><p><iframe src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/681686460' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br /><iframe src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/681686490' width='465' height='500' frameborder='0'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wildhorse-mountain/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/032_Copy2.jpg" alt="Wildhorse Mountain" title="Wildhorse Mountain" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/wildhorse-mountain/" class="crp_title">Wildhorse Mountain</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10503132983_b8af61c661_c.jpg" alt="Bribie by Fat Bike" title="Bribie by Fat Bike" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" class="crp_title">Bribie by Fat Bike</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/coolum-epic/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/8297549383_5a26e1bd98_z.jpg" alt="Coolum Epic" title="Coolum Epic" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/coolum-epic/" class="crp_title">Coolum Epic</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/urban-xc/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Darb-at-NPCC-800.jpg" alt="Urban XC" title="Urban XC" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/urban-xc/" class="crp_title">Urban XC</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/walloon-revisited/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/6822753580_b71037888d_z.jpg" alt="Walloon Revisited" title="Walloon Revisited" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/walloon-revisited/" class="crp_title">Walloon Revisited</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-70759951695160364092015-01-23T12:21:00.000+10:002015-01-23T16:12:18.619+10:00Over The Rainbow<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-rainbow/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/over-the-rainbow/"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Paul-on-Rainbow-Beach-800.jpg" alt="Paul on Rainbow Beach 800" width="800" height="587" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5498" /></a><br /><br />During a family holiday at Rainbow Beach, I decided to enlist the help of a couple of riding buddies to see if we could complete a huge 100km ride along the beach before the tide washed us away.<br /><br /><span id="more-5497"></span><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158263079" title="Rainbow Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16158263079_e0228c1f0d_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rainbow Beach"></a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158265019" title="Rainbow Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8682/16158265019_1d6711d215_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rainbow Beach"></a><br /><br />In a single day Paul, Jason and I planned to ride out to Double Island Point, down the coast as far as Teewah, then back to Rainbow Beach. The low tide was at noon so we started on a falling tide.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15724511003" title="Banana Phone by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7505/15724511003_c5cea44e2e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Banana Phone"></a><br /><br />This was an ambitious plan, but we agreed that the main priority was to enjoy the ride – rather than turn the day into an ordeal by pushing too hard.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16344551495" title="Fresh Water on the Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/16344551495_cee4450f85_o.gif" width="601" height="800" alt="Fresh Water on the Beach"></a><br /><br />Apart from the striking cliffs, one of the special things about Rainbow Beach is the fresh water creeks that trickle out from the dunes and over the sand…</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16343568342" title="Rainbow Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7514/16343568342_e13365736c_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Rainbow Beach"></a><br /><br />We thought we might be able to use water from creeks like this if we ran low on water during the day.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15724520903" title="Honeymoon Bay by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7503/15724520903_7bf2a0c61b_c.jpg" width="800" height="461" alt="Honeymoon Bay"></a><br /><br />After about an hour we reached “Honeymoon Bay” – the end of the first section of beach on the northern shore of Double Island Point. Vast tracts of sand were left as the tide continued to receed. </p><br /><p>This is a great place to ride on a falling tide, but I imagine the wide flat sand bars could prove treacherous when the tide was riding. It’s definitely not the place you’d want to leave a 4WD parked for too long.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16157092790" title="Double Island Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7466/16157092790_0900133c29_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Double Island Point"></a></p><br /><p>We hopped around a few rocks, and made our way to a secluded fire trail which led up to the top of the headland. There are a couple of ways to the top, but this one had the gentlest gradient and was rideable for most of the way.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15724528963" title="Double Island Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8637/15724528963_ded9e3cef6_c.jpg" width="800" height="470" alt="Double Island Point"></a></p><br /><p>The view from the top was breath-taking.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16156874778" title="Double Island Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7489/16156874778_21c9df693a_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Double Island Point"></a></p><br /><p>The day was unusually hot, and we were running behind schedule. Nevertheless, we rested for a while in the shade of the lighthouse and enjoyed the views.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16343593182" title="Double Island Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8576/16343593182_d87637e01d_c.jpg" width="800" height="485" alt="Double Island Point"></a></p><br /><p>The roll down the hill to the Teewah side of the point was a lot of fun, although we received a few incredulous looks from 4WD’ers at the bottom.</p><br /><p>“Have you ridden from Rainbow?” they asked in disbelief, “Where are you going? Are you mad?”</p><br /><p>It’s always fun to surprise our motorized friends <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16343595152" title="Double Island Point by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7540/16343595152_9df3fba742_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Double Island Point"></a></p><br /><p>As we rode southwards from Double Island Point along the beach, I hoped to pick up the pace. The aim was to cover 30km in about 90 minutes before the tide bottomed out.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15722048404" title="Teewah Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7471/15722048404_4a0bbceeb1_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Teewah Beach"></a></p><br /><p>We gave it our best shot as airconditioned 4WD’s rolled efortlessly past us. Kids in the back seat held up their smart phones to take photos of of the crazy mountain bikers grinding down the beach in the scorching sun.</p><br /><p>I started to feel a bit dizzy, and then accepted the fact that today wasn’t the day for epic rides.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15722049124" title="Freshwater Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8566/15722049124_992e27d026_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Freshwater Track"></a></p><br /><p>We turned around and rode towards our bail-out option: The Freshwater Track. This track starts off with very deep sand. It’s hard enough for motorized vehicles to make their way through it. We just pushed the bikes for a few hundred metres until we reached the day-use area. Then we soaked off under one of the water taps next to a picnic table. The water was untreated, but it cooled us down perfectly.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/15722052504" title="Freshwater Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7572/15722052504_ce48bfa0f7_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Freshwater Track"></a></p><br /><p>We found a shady walking track near the picnic area. The surface was firm and rideable. This mean that we didn’t have to contend with 4WD’s on the main track, we didn’t have to trudge through sand, and we could avoid the searing heat of the beach. So we followed it.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158548427" title="Freshwater Lake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7502/16158548427_2d928c0f70_o.gif" width="800" height="601" alt="Freshwater Lake"></a></p><br /><p>Oh the delicious pleasure of jumping into a cold freshwater lake after battling sand and hot sun!</p><br /><p>Once we got in, we decided to stay for a long time <img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" class="wp-smiley" /></p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16157114600" title="Trail Marker by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7519/16157114600_6d2179fa47_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Trail Marker"></a></p><br /><p>After cooling off, we had a bite to eat then followed the track west.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16342742771" title="Tree Hugger by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7498/16342742771_8977f1707b_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Tree Hugger"></a></p><br /><p>Ancient trees towered above us. Jason hugged one old matriarch in gratitude for the shade.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158314909" title="Martel and Alexe by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7537/16158314909_fe1b4c575e_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Martel and Alexe"></a></p><br /><p>As we rolled through the rainforest, a couple of hikers approached from the opposite direction.</p><br /><p>“G’day!” I gushed. “Where have you come from?”.</p><br /><p>“Germany”, one of the hikers replied.</p><br /><p>Martel and Alex were here on holidays and had hiked from Rainbow Beach. </p><br /><p>I thought that was impressive.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158317259" title="Poona Lake by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8618/16158317259_1e9a9ecdf6_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Poona Lake"></a></p><br /><p>The ride was hard work. Despite the shade, I was starting to feel a bit worn out again.</p><br /><p>So when we reached Poona Lake, we decided to be unusually indulgent and had a second swim for the day. The water is stained dark from tannins in the leaf litter. This causes it to absorb more heat. So the top layer of water in the lake is very warm – it feels like a bath. But if you swim deeper than a metre, the temperature drops abruptly. I dove under the hot layer of water into the coolness. It was like entering an air-conditioned room.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16158611797" title="Freshwater Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7492/16158611797_4432e3d7a6_c.jpg" width="800" height="600" alt="Freshwater Track"></a></p><br /><p>After our second swim, we followed the walking trail back to the main 4WD track.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16156909448" title="Freshwater Track by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7467/16156909448_d752a15847_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Freshwater Track"></a></p><br /><p>After a fast downhill roll we joined the main road for a quick 5km ride back into town.</p><br /><p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/magictyger/16344502475" title="Rainbow Beach by Neil Ennis, on Flickr"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8630/16344502475_e501323a73_c.jpg" width="800" height="359" alt="Rainbow Beach"></a></p><br /><p>Rainbow Beach is an iconic ride. </p><br /><p>You could easily do the ride out to the lighthouse and back in 3 to 4 hours on a normal mountain bike, provided you started 2 or 3 hours before low tide.</p><br /><p>With our original plans, I think we bit off a little more than we could chew. Thankfully Jason and Paul were both considerate and flexible, so we were able to adjust our plans and had a memorable day out.</p><br /><p>I’d rate our ride 9.5 out of 10 on the tough-o-meter. In cooler, kinder weather I think it would rate 8.</p><br /><p>If you plan to attempt our loop, take plenty of water. Bring some water purifying tablets if you want to drink any of the water from the taps at Freshwater day-use area, or the lakes and creeks.</p><br /><p>Thanks Jason and Paul for another specatcular day out on the bikes.</p><br /><p><iframe width='465' height='548' frameborder='0' src='http://connect.garmin.com:80/activity/embed/675304511'></iframe></p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rainbow-beach/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Double-Island-Point-Lighthouse-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Rainbow Beach" title="Rainbow Beach" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rainbow-beach/" class="crp_title">Rainbow Beach</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/teewah/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Seawah-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Teewah" title="Teewah" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/teewah/" class="crp_title">Teewah</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/10503132983_b8af61c661_c.jpg" alt="Bribie by Fat Bike" title="Bribie by Fat Bike" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/bribie-by-fat-bike/" class="crp_title">Bribie by Fat Bike</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/straddie/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-and-Paul-at-Brown-Lake-800.jpg" alt="Straddie" title="Straddie" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/straddie/" class="crp_title">Straddie</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-again/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/12261193755_25c39c3ce7_c.jpg" alt="Fat Again" title="Fat Again" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-again/" class="crp_title">Fat Again</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7687043.post-26675280963978265232015-01-16T11:56:00.000+10:002015-01-16T14:12:25.759+10:00Rainbow Beach<a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/rainbow-beach/"><b>Read More</b></a><br/><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Double-Island-Point-Lighthouse-800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Double-Island-Point-Lighthouse-800.jpg" alt="Double Island Point Lighthouse 800" width="800" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5448" /></a></p><br /><p>I’m currently exploring some of the amazing places around Rainbow Beach on the Cooloola Coast just south of Fraser Island.<br /><br /><span id="more-5440"></span></p><br /><p><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Coloured-Sands-640.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Coloured-Sands-640.jpg" alt="Coloured Sands 640" width="638" height="425" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5443" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Neil-on-beach-800.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Neil-on-beach-800.jpg" alt="Neil on beach 800" width="800" height="471" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5444" /></a><br /><br />Because I’m on the road, I won’t be able to do a detailed write-up until I return.<br /><br /><a href="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Looking-South-from-Double-Island-Point-8001.jpg"><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Looking-South-from-Double-Island-Point-8001.jpg" alt="Looking South from Double Island Point 800" width="799" height="600" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-5445" /></a><br /><br />In the mean time I thought I’d share a photo every couple of days to give you an idea of what it’s like.</p><br /><p>To see exactly where I am you can follow my satellite tracker here: <a href="http://whereis.neilennis.com/" target="_blank">http://whereis.neilennis.com/</a>. Positions update every 10 minutes when I’m moving. The history is available for up to 24 hours. If the map says “No messages to display” it means I haven’t gone anywhere in the last 24 hours.</p><br /><div id="crp_related" class="crp_related"><h3>Related Posts:</h3><table><tr style="vertical-align:top"><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/a-sneak-peak/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/14021443094631.jpg" alt="A Sneak Peak" title="A Sneak Peak" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/a-sneak-peak/" class="crp_title">A Sneak Peak</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-again/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/12261193755_25c39c3ce7_c.jpg" alt="Fat Again" title="Fat Again" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/fat-again/" class="crp_title">Fat Again</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/noosa-river/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/NoosaRiver800-100x75.jpg" alt="Noosa River" title="Noosa River" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/noosa-river/" class="crp_title">Noosa River</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/teewah/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Mount-Seawah-800-100x75.jpg" alt="Teewah" title="Teewah" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/teewah/" class="crp_title">Teewah</a></td><td width="110px"><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/straddie/" ><img src="http://cdn.neilennis.com/wp-content/uploads/Jason-and-Paul-at-Brown-Lake-800.jpg" alt="Straddie" title="Straddie" width="100" height="100" class="crp_thumb" /></a><a href="http://blog.neilennis.com/index.php/straddie/" class="crp_title">Straddie</a></td></tr></table><div style="clear:both"></div></div>Neil Ennishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765014622796279160noreply@blogger.com0