Simply cycling around
Really tough day today. The last one like this was when I was in New Zealand doing the Heaphy Track. I had to walk with my bike during a good 10km, onto sand, rocks and steep hills. I’ve finally reached the summit at 2722m (from what said the GPS). I was very happy to be there because of the view first, and secondly because I knew I would do some downhill for the rest of the day which is very cool :-).
Today I visited Mount Bromo which is very impressive! The volcano is still active and this huge landscape let speechless. I had a guide for myself and paid certainly more more than I should because the package normally includes a trip to a higher lookout to enjoy the sunrise. I did not want to wait until tomorrow so I’ve stated the visit late this morning. Because I was alone with Neto, the guide and driver he came with me up to the top of Mount Bromo when normally he stays down there, sleeping in his car (each sunrise tour starts at 3am). When we finished the tour, he invited me in his home for lunch and I met his family. I don’t know if it was a special treatment or if he does that everytime but it’s was nice. Neto is a good guy :-)
Today we went to do some snorkeling at the “Blue Lagoon”, this is how they call it. My feeling is that this area is still in a recovery stage as there is a lot of broken coral but some of them look okay. We must bargain with the only boat driver who came to us this morning. Actually a guy is charging to find the tourists and bargain for a price and then he call the driver with who he shares the money :-) Like often he told us “shut, don’t tell this price to anyone because I did a special price for you”. Yeah, yes naturally. Thanks for that ;-) We know it a game and no matter which price he will still earn some money. Keep your breath, we dive now :-)
Second day in Litchfield National Park. Last night was quiet. I did set up only the inside of my tent as it was really hot. I could not even close the tent and let the “door” wide open. During the night, few rain drops worried me a bit but finally it stayed like this. No big rain. Very quietly this morning I packed all my stuff and left the campsite when everyone else was still asleep. The ranger did not came yesterday night so well, this night was free :-)
Second day spending in Mataranka and second day swimming in nice warm waters. That’s holidays :-) This time I’ve been to “Bitter Springs” another spot on the other side of Mataranka and still in the Elsey National Park. I’ve tried to go early the morning to avoid the crowd and actually it was good. I could see turtles!
Yes, it did rain last night but not as heavy as I was afroad of. And today, the good weather is coming back, good! For the first time in Australia I had the chance to taste a natural thermal pool and I must say, it’s very VERY nice :-) Not even crowded, like ten people at a time and all stayed together when the other half was empty most of the time. People were maybe scared of the rapids where I found that spot being the best. Very nice place!
This is a big day with something like 50 pictures today! I’m over the limit! But how could I avoid this when visiting a town like Coober Pedy. This is a completely new experience, a place like this where I’ve never been to before. Let’s start that wonderful visit!