Ashville > Strathalbyn area (89km, 5h)

Today the clouds are coming back but the rain is missing (lucky me!). I had some light headwind during the second half of the trip because I’ve changed my direction. Not a big deal, I was just getting used to 30km/h and now I was 17km/h. I felt like a snail :-) The road was quite boring most of the time except when I’ve catched a ferry and pass thought some cute villages. South Australia as many similarities with France I guess. Several houses are build with stone which makes a huge difference style wise. And this specific area is full of winery :-) Let’s start the visit!

Map.

Elevation.

Yesterday, for the first time during this trip I struggled a bit to find a place for the night. I’ve decided to leave Meningie and grad that tailwind for another hour but then, the road was fenced on both sides and I could not find the right spot until… I found it. Truly, there is ALWAYS a spot :-) I’ve slept next to that unused piece of road. I say “piece” because the rest of it has been recovered by sand. I think, this is why the council planted trees and grass because they want to stop its progression. Not sure about that but this is what I understand.

This is the first break after one hour cycling :-)

My new flag stands out from a fair way! I like this.

30 minutes later, I gonna reach Wellington. There is a ferry which cross the river Murray. Cool :-)

Ok, ok I stop here.

I’m lucky, it’s just coming back now.

On board!

Wellington was much smaller than I thought. I’ve stopped in a small petrol station to have a warm chocolate, my hands were cold! Same routine then: a cereal bar, a free apple, a bit of water, toilets and I’m on the saddle again.

It’s now 12:00 and I have another break after one hour of cycling. The road is not really interesting but well, if I stop all the time and think about it too much I won’t arrive at the other end so let’s move on!

Finally I needed to do 60km to have something to see: Grappes! Winery! Nice houses :-)

Hop, one more hour done. I’m having a break in this rest area which has toilets, good! One apple, some cashew nuts… Let’s continue! I’ve got less than 45min to ride and I will arrive at Strathalbyn where I will have a longer break.

There is now grappes fields all around. It’s also smells wine sometimes.

More and more grappes. I’m not sure it’s called “grappes” in english… Maybe I should say “crops” which is more general ;-) Oh no, vineyard, that’s the word :-)

This house really has something. There is all materials I like: bricks, steel, wood and the nature. All together makes always something nice (for me).

This village called Langhorne Creek as some character. There is, like Robe, lots of old houses.

And more vineyard :-)

A closer look.

Finally arrived in Strathalbyn and I deserve a rest!

I’m not sure if this train station is still operating…

First mission, food! I need something unhealphy like chips! Coca! This cafe is nice and colorful.

With bricks inside :-)

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Second mission, library. I have two days to upload on my blog. I keep working hard you see :-) It’s good because it closes in one hour so I will have to be fast.

Library is done so I can do a bit of sight seeing now. This is another nice house there.

There main street of Strathalbyn.

Again, another nice one.

The main park next to the city center.

Clearly, I’ve never seen Australia like this. Normally it looks more like the US to me but now I’m in Europe.

And this is it :-) I’ve jumped in Woolies quickly to get some orange juice for tonight and tomorrow morning. I’ve called Graham and Joy. I told them I will be in Adelaide tomorrow. They will be free to receive me and seemed to be really happy about that. This is nice :-)
Then I’ve started cycling in the Adelaide hills for 8km. When it got dark I was struggling for the second time in a row to find a spot but, but :-) I found one haha! Tomorrow will be a short but busy day. I will have only 47km to ride but then I need to go the post office and a cycle shop to get some stuff for my bike. Good night!