Hey, this is THE day. After a lot of hesitations, a lot of research on google maps and different blogs I have chosen the east coast. It was my original plan until I met Martin in Cairns who gave me another idea. I’ve never thought about going west and suddenly I got completely mixed in my mind. No one fault, I’d love to do both but I’ve got not enough time. It’s 10am and I’m finally ready to cycle again. But before we need pictures and souvenir of this great year (almost) in Sydney. For the first time Robin is front of the camera, and bunny as usual ;-)
Map.
Nearly ready to go!
We were chatting with Robin and Stan when Daniel Jose Marie came over. I’ve never met him bit Robin knows him. Daniel proposed to have a glass a French champagne to celebrate my departure and Marco another neighbour came over as well. When Daniel opened the champagne, the cork (bouchon) flew straigh inthe head of someone walking on the other side of the road! Lol. And Stan is shouting to every person in the street “This guy is going to Darwin NOW” Haha :-) Certain person was a bit astonished bit most of them wished me good luck. This is Newtown :-)
Finally, maybe 30min later I’ve said goodbye to everyone. Thank you Robin, Stan, Daniel and Marco. That was fun :-)
I’m on the road again!
The first bit of road in Newtown I was on the road but 20min later I’ve turned off and now I’m following a nice cycle track along the beach.
It’s really nice :-)
Hop, something tells me that I will pass over that bridge.
Up to the top!
And I continue to follow the cycle path. There is signs regularly as needed. Impossible to miss one.
1 min ago I was in an industrial zone and now I’m cycling in the forest!
Video :-)
After 1:30 cycling I’ve reach the first checkpoint: I’m gonna catch a ferry from Cronulla (where I am now) and Bundeena.
I’m lucky because a ferry is leaving in 10min and there is no charge for the bike. Price 6$40 one way. That’s okay :-)
On board Captain!
Let’s go :-)
There is some nice houses around this area.
Something like 10min later we arrived on the other side. I’m cycling now in the royal National Park and it’s gonna be 60% of my trip today.
The road is wide and safe. There is some car but the traffic is light.
A nice downhill is coming :-)
The forest looks now more like a rain forest. This downhill is great.
Robin told me about this lookout and here I am. The last 30min was hard. I think my set up is a bit heavier than before and my legs are definitely weak. I hope I will get use to it quickly because it’s hard! But I’ve done it :-)
Another kilometer or two further there is some paragliders.
Video
After the passing the two lookout there was a huge downhill! It was great! Now I’m along the coast line with headwind and it’s slightly uphill. I wanted to arrive tonight as Wollongong where I can meet Wendy but I doubt I will make it. I feel my leg (which is good!) But I feel tired. Of course, I haven’t been touring for a year so I need some time to be stronger.
I’m stopping every 2 to 5 kilometer to have a break. There is a lot of small town a long the coast and it’s easy to grab some more water.
Humm, this place looks good. Looks like it’s a free campsite. I’m wondering… Nope it’s not, I’ve seen a Sign later which says “pay before you choose a emplacement”. Sorry this is not for me :-)
Few, 70km! The road is now forming up and downs with smaller “up” than “down” which is good bit my energy has ran out. I can’t cycling further. And I’ve seen a nice hill just after that beach and I thought : “Hmmm, I should take another break”.
On the other side of this building I’ve seen a nice piece of flat soft green grass which will be perfect. There is some stairs as well and I presume that some people will see my tent but what? I’m just sleeping that’s all :-) I’m waiting for the light to be darker and my spot will be ready!
Look at this perfect spot :-) I always, ALWAYS, find something. At the beginning, I was worried but now, walou!
Rain is coming… I’m gonna be fixed whether the UV/waterproof spray I’ve applied on my tent is working or not. That was a good first day and I’m done! See ya :-)
Yey! It started again!
Nice beaches !
Oh là là Damien ça fait du bien de revoir ton blog en marche ! Dis donc tu nous fais le Jacky avec ton gilet fluo maintenant ? C’est très bien au moins on te voit sur la route ! Bunny est sur mon écran de veille en ce moment, Twipsy n’est pas jaloux ! Trop beau Bunny ! Je vois que tu as décidé de continuer ton camping sauvage … No comment ! Bisous, j’attends la suite de tes aventures avec impatience !