S has just finished his zoom 1000km cycle ride around Tasmania on his “Mistress” in 7 days with a group of 20 fellow enthusiasts. As you would expect he is now “b…….”. Most day rides were a150kms + and zillions of undulations AND real big hills. Of course what goes up must go down, and what goes down must go up! I know because I was the “sag wagon” – I drove around behind all the riders in the Prado towing the caravan. On the rear window we taped a sign that said “Cyclists Ahead”. I always tried to stay about 500m behind. I enjoyed the slow drive and many times I stopped to let the riders ride ahead, especially up hills. Many car drivers were crazy with their overtaking risks! Most riders had better bikes, were younger and more experienced! That said – look at a map of Tasmania - Day 1 – from Hobart to Orford on the east coast and we stayed in Triabunna. Day 2 – up the east coast to Scamander. Day 3 - through Scottsdale and stayed at Bridport (north of Launceston) Day 4 – to Devonport. Day 5 – to Zeehan – 175kms SW!!!! Day 6 – through Queenstown to Bronte Park, which is 20kms beyond Derwent Bridge (by the lakes) Day 7 – to Hoabart. Wow! Not all riders completed the trip. One had a crash – a blowout down a hill; no broken bones but bad grazing, mild concussion. I drove him to meet the ambulance coming from Scottsdale. One rider had Achilles tendon problems and pulled out on day 3 and another was exhausted after day 5. A couple just chose some parts to ride and rested a bit. S is cross with himself because there was a nasty headwind all afternoon to Devonport, and the next day was extremely challenging. He rode 50kms and went up 2 huge hills and got to the top and the guys waited at the top and said “OK, we’re altogether now, Let’s Go!” S needed a rest so he thumbed a ride with me to Zeehan. So.. he rode 900kms in 7days! I am so proud of him.
We’re homeless. We stayed in the caravan every ride day and so now we are doing some ‘freebees’ in some out of the way places. While S rested I went bushwalking with the Tasman group at Mortimer Bay (east side of Hobart) as a celebration to Charles Darwin’s visit in the Beagle boat, and his Birthday 200 years ago. It was good to catch up with the group as we have organized a few days in Ben Lommond National Park and day walks from the chalet. And a 3 day overnight walk to Pine Valley in the Cradle Mountain NP (southern end) They are doing a great walk next Thursday near Murdanna (Tasman Peninsula) and having a BBQ after, so we will join them for that.
Some other big news is that the owner of the house at Lewisham has given away the dogs. She couldn’t exercise them. Bailey, the golden retriever, was too strong and walking the two of them was too much for her with her ill health. They have both gone to a new loving home together. It is so sad that this has happened, but she did warn us that her health was not good.
My Dad is still alive but very weak and frail. He is going to a nursing home. Soon I will flit back to Adelaide. Our next big commitment is a week on Flinders Island with the Sorrel Strollers in early March.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
28th January Journal
Well... I haven’t written my journal for ages. Lots of excuses...
My Dad in Adelaide has been, and still is, ill. He has cancer of the oesophagus. He now has a stomach feeder and has had some radiation. He is in hospital and will not be going home again. He is too frail. My Mum couldn’t look after him. I have been to Adelaide several times to visit my parents and will go again soon.
We finished our Lewisham house-sit on Monday 26th January. We enjoyed our 8 months there but are ready to move on and explore further. Thelma was thrilled with the garden. We were exhausted after we had scrubbed and cleaned the house thoroughly. It was sad to say Goodbye to the dogs and the neighbours.
Our plans are flexible and are at present relaxing in a caravan park near-by. Stu is seriously training for a long bike ride on his mistress starting on February 5th until February 11th. A group of 20 cyclists are riding 1000kms around Tasmania! I will follow in the caravan with a sign saying “Cyclists Ahead”.
My cough is still BLAH, and I have been seeing a lung specialist in Hobart. He has tried several “cures” with no luck yet. On 2/3rd Feb I have been booked in to Launceston to have an endoscopy. The Hobart machine has broken down. Fortunately Stu and I now have Health Care Cards and the costs are minimal! I have spent thousands over the years trying to stop that darn cough.
We got into a groove at Lewisham. Stu went driving as a volunteer for the local health centre on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays he went bike riding with a group at Richmond. On Thursdays and Saturdays we went bushwalking and discovered many great places. And of course we walked the dogs every day for an hour. We were walking about 40kms a week!
Unfortunately I didn’t do much kayaking. I did find a partner but when we had time the wind was too strong. Early morning was best. I have left the kayak with my kayak partner while we zoom around Tasmania.
Our mail will still be sent to Thelma until February 23rd, then re-addressed to Adelaide as we intend wandering around Tasmania until May. There is still so much still to see and experience.
My Dad in Adelaide has been, and still is, ill. He has cancer of the oesophagus. He now has a stomach feeder and has had some radiation. He is in hospital and will not be going home again. He is too frail. My Mum couldn’t look after him. I have been to Adelaide several times to visit my parents and will go again soon.
We finished our Lewisham house-sit on Monday 26th January. We enjoyed our 8 months there but are ready to move on and explore further. Thelma was thrilled with the garden. We were exhausted after we had scrubbed and cleaned the house thoroughly. It was sad to say Goodbye to the dogs and the neighbours.
Our plans are flexible and are at present relaxing in a caravan park near-by. Stu is seriously training for a long bike ride on his mistress starting on February 5th until February 11th. A group of 20 cyclists are riding 1000kms around Tasmania! I will follow in the caravan with a sign saying “Cyclists Ahead”.
My cough is still BLAH, and I have been seeing a lung specialist in Hobart. He has tried several “cures” with no luck yet. On 2/3rd Feb I have been booked in to Launceston to have an endoscopy. The Hobart machine has broken down. Fortunately Stu and I now have Health Care Cards and the costs are minimal! I have spent thousands over the years trying to stop that darn cough.
We got into a groove at Lewisham. Stu went driving as a volunteer for the local health centre on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. On Wednesdays he went bike riding with a group at Richmond. On Thursdays and Saturdays we went bushwalking and discovered many great places. And of course we walked the dogs every day for an hour. We were walking about 40kms a week!
Unfortunately I didn’t do much kayaking. I did find a partner but when we had time the wind was too strong. Early morning was best. I have left the kayak with my kayak partner while we zoom around Tasmania.
Our mail will still be sent to Thelma until February 23rd, then re-addressed to Adelaide as we intend wandering around Tasmania until May. There is still so much still to see and experience.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)