South Gippsland

·         Trip Details

Monday 16th September 2024
All arrived safely to the Portarlington caravan park by about 2.00 p.m. It rained all the way for us until we arrived at Sorento where the sun came out between showers.

Tuesday 17th September
The day was cloudy with a cold strong wind. After gathering for the obligatory group photo taken by David B. we set off into the wind to the start of the path west of the accommodation, about a kilometre west we about turned and flew eastwards with the wind, following the bay until we reached the settlement of Indented Head. Turning inland we took the “scenic” route through Indented Head and a quiet road through to St Leonards. Continuing through the town, past where David V previously lived, we ended up on the coastal path again, and to the lunch stop.
Back on the coastal path, we headed back towards camp, most glad they had battery assist when we hit the head wind. It was a great path all along the edge of the bay arriving back about 2.00 p.m. for a well-earned rest.
At 5.00 p.m. we gathered at cabin 9 for drinks and nibbles and discussed the next day’s ride. David B and Marina joined us – that evening dinner was enjoyed at the Portarlington Grand Hotel.
Approximately 38 kms.

Wednesday 18th September
The wind was even stronger this morning but perhaps not quite as cold. We drove to Drysdale in convoy, parking at the old railway station. The route this morning was the Bellarine Rail Trail. This took us through open paddocks and bushland, past cows and crops, fairly flat all the way. Before Queenscliff we detoured to Point Lonsdale. This path followed the coast, the bay was rough, and waves occasionally splashed over the rock wall, but great views all the way. A lovely coffee and a “nature” break at Point Lonsdale. On the return to Queenscliff the water was even higher, and we had to dodge the waves crashing over the wall.
We were able to follow paths all the way to the lunch stop via the harbour, lots of beautiful boats to ogle until we arrived at the wharf at Queenscliff where there is outdoor seating and eateries. It was sunny and sheltered.
After lunch David took us via old Fort Queenscliff, which is now a historic site, through a park and back to the rail trail. Head winds all the way back to Drysdale, but a great ride.
Approximately 44 kms but felt like more against the wind.

Many thanks to David V and Judy for organizing a very pleasant few days of riding – despite not enough “nature” breaks for some!!

Injuries and breakdowns – No breakdowns that I’m aware of, however Les had an argument with a bollard, and now has a very sore big toe.
Cheers Zoe

Thursday 19th By Les.
Today the group was reduced by 4 with Zoe, Richard, Kerry and David travelling home. The 8 remaining riders drove to Leopold to start the ride into Geelong. We had the wind with us again for the third day in a row. Thankfully it wasn’t as strong as it was the day before. Except for the head wind going into Geelong it was a pleasant ride in and along the foreshore. After a look around and morning tea we headed back with a very helpful tail wind. After loading our bikes, some headed for home while others stopped in Drysdale for lunch. Thanks for another good ride by Judy and David.

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Port of Sale to Latrobe River Levee Bank.  Tuesday 24th September 2024

Leader: Pat Williams. Participants from South Gippsland, Strzelecki and Ben Cruachan BWC: Roz Spratt, Graham Talmadge, Don Creed, Michael Haynes, Julie Parker, Rhonda Scarlett, John Scarlett.

The Weather Gods have not smiled on Gippsland lately, but rain and incessant wind gave way on this morning to a fine and warm spring day. The Pool at the Sale Rowing Club was as smooth as the proverbial millpond.
The car shuttle took 45 minutes to set up, then we were launched and away, nine kayaks in most of the colours of the rainbow, a bright contrast to the still brown water. The boats slipped quietly out into the Thomson River, and we were soon approaching the old Swing Bridge. We were there just ahead of the old Rubeena and watched her u-turn in the stream and chug back to Sale. Where the Thomson joined the Latrobe, there was a discernible increase in the current, although it did not persist very far.
The river here is very peaceful, flowing between magnificent redgums, and birdlife was plentiful: duck and teal, coots, cormorants, darters, grebes, whistling kites, harriers, a pair of sea eagles, as well as many feathered fowl calling from the riverbank foliage. Three people saw a swimming snake. After a few degrees of climate warming, this will be perfect croc habitat.
We landed in the Heart Wildlife Reserve for lunch. A whistling kite observed our doings from the top of a tree, then gave its odd whistling call and flapped lazily away. It was in tune with the mood of the day, and we continued downstream, enjoying the warm afternoon. The riverbanks now had few redgums and were lined by reeds and clumps of melaleuca. A few shoulders and backs were aching a bit, as we pushed on through a mild headwind to the boat ramp at Levee Bank Road.  Ashore, we were treated to an alfresco afternoon tea and coffee, with home-made chocolate brownies, before we loaded the boats onto our cars and headed home.

Thanks to Pat for organizing a very enjoyable day (and for the tasty dehydrated fruit snacks, chocolate brownies and afternoon tea).

Distance travelled: 17.5km. Altitude gain: 0.

John Scarlett.

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