The big story is my Exped inflatable mat has broke! Well, it started to de-laminate, which in sleeping terms: is broke! The nights will become more uncomfortable, as it will rapidly get worse. 😐

After two nights at Jinung Beigabup Hut, I descend towards the coast. First time I’ve seen the sea since leaving Perth, over three weeks ago. It’s not necessarily the distance I’ve covered: its just, I don’t rush! 😎

Part of the route followed a busy section of road. For once, I wished I’d taken the road! With the long-fresh-grass and snake season up and running (literally), all I could do was clatter my cleats (clips on shoes for pedals) against my pedals, to warn any snake sunning itself, to scurry along! Most snakes I’ve seen so far are of the highly venomous kind. Namely, Tiger Snakes. 🐍

I also came across a juvenile dead fox. Foxy looked to have only died in the past few hours. Two options I surmised for its untimely passing: 1. Baiting with 1080 poison (sodium fluoroacetate). Baiting with 1080 is very common in WA and ‘signs’ of its use are plentiful. 2. A snake bite! I went with the later: so made lots of noise!

The coast was a particularly pleasant surprise, with its crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches.

I’d planned on pushing into Denmark and filling up on supplies, but after a brief look around a holiday park, yes a holiday park, I booked in for one night. It was very quiet, and with my tent located as far from anyone or anything, a peaceful night ensued! 👍

At this point, I was considering the number of days I had available for this journey. I also needed to arrange my lift back to Perth and have three or four days R’n’R there too. With a couple of huts behind me that I’d like to visit again and the Munda Biddi Trail starting to feel, not so much like a rugged-mountain-bike route I’ve been accustomed to. So, Walpole becomes my Southern Terminus! Why Walpole and not Denmark, you might ask ❓ Well, the return to Walpole is a different one, to the one I came out on! SiMpLeS 😁

After a visit to Denmark and Denmark Pies, I join the Heritage Trail back towards Walpole. I didn’t expect to make it to Walpole in one day, because, I don’t rush! I also had a good idea of where I was going to wild camp for the night.

Cycling takes on a whole new dimension when one is retracing a route. You (me) don’t have that little niggle in your (my) head: where am I going to pitch up for the night, and will I actually find somewhere before nightfall? I always find somewhere, but the niggle still exists, regardless of the hundreds-of-times I’ve wild camped!

The following day, a short-section to Walpole follows the Frankland River. This may have been the most arduous section I’ve cycled to date. No large climbs, just short, sharp and steep, with plenty of them!

Arriving at the YHA in Walpole late morning. Bloody knackered after that short ride!

I’ll open a Tinnie or two then!

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