Yarraman to Toogoolawah

Arrived in Yarraman after the sun had gone down.  The very kind bus driver, dropped me off at the driveway to the Yarraman Caravan Park and Hennie and me struggled up a rather steep driveway - cold muscles after sitting around since 2:30 on train and bus!

The mini cabin was not that mini, but did lack a certain amount of insulation - sound and warmth wise.  but plenty of layers and blankets saw the night pass quickly and a new day dawned, ready for the trail.

The trail heads off quickly into the bush and soon we were rolling along through the typical Aussie bush - the weather was great for cycling - not too hot and not too cold.  The air was clear, the sky was blue - perfect!  The trail meanders alongside the main highway, so although it looks like civilisation is left behind, the murmur of the traffic can clearly be heard...  but better just heard than to be seen or to have to deal with it.

The gradients were easy, but the trail is not smooth and there aren't many places where one can cruise along.  Ever vigilant as this trail is much more suited to mountain bikes with their wide tyres - and really!!  what crazy tourer would be riding thru here with all this gear on!  but Hennie was on trial and so far she was standing up pretty well!

It was certainly varied countryside - the first section was thicker bush with some forestry section where the bell birds nearly deafened me then leading down into open grazing country.  I took the detour from Moore to Toogoolawah thru the stock route and would not advise others - it was really a slow grind along a cow pad, covered with cow pats - I really wished I had zinked the 5km along the highway to Emu Creek Road (20min v almost an hour!)

the creek crossings presented a bit of a problem with a loaded bike - easy going down, but a couple almost impossible to push Hennie up the other side - especially when ballast has been dumped on the track - absolutely no traction for either riding or walking.

so by the time I got into Toogoolawah, 76km of tough riding, I was getting pretty pooped. But after finding the motel and walking to the servo for a veggie burger and chips all was well again!

Mini-cabin Yarraman Caravan Park

Hennie loaded up and very surprised at the terrain!

One of the cement creek crossings

Fettler's Rest - weird sculpture!!

one of the many gates 

Along the Stock route - sans cow pats!