Day 1: Map (432 km travelled)
We met at our home in the morning, and after fuelling our bikes, we set off for Narooma, where we shared morning tea and a coffee together at this great little bakery.
Our bikes wait across the road for us , just in front of the information centre.
After turning off the Princes Hwy just before Bega, we head into the foot hills of the Snowy Mountains. Here we take a break at the Hotel in Bemboka, a pleasant little village.
The hoteliers are also motorcyclists and it was nice to share a few stories with them.
Shortly after leaving Bemboka, we climb Brown Mountain.
Kelly's the "King of the world"
The fog grew thicker, the higher we went.
After reaching the top of Brown Mountain, the fog quickly cleared to a balmy sunny day, welcoming us into Victoria.
Heading down the Monaro Hwy, we pass Cann River and on to the Bellbird Creek Hotel in Victoria.
These two units were great to stay in and had all the comforts of home , including air conditioning, very welcome in the warm weather.
The Hotel is situated on its own, in a very green and tranquil environment and had a hike which takes you on the old highway track.
A small creek runs through the property.
The first section of the walk, clearly shows what's left of the old highway.
As we walked up the hill, the foliage grew thicker.
And the old highway became more difficult to follow.
At the top of the hill, we turned left and followed the power lines back in the direction of the hotel but not before crossing a muddy creek.
After about an hour's hike, we made it back to the pub, where a few cold beers were waiting with my name on them.
The next morning, we walk over to our bikes, parked under cover and out of the way.
After a quick cup of coffee, we pack our panniers, ready for the day ahead. First stop Orbost for breakfast.
After breakfast, we head up the Bonang Hwy. About 130 km of Motorcycle touring bliss.
The Bonang Hwy has an endless amount of great bends, set in a lovely green forest.
On one of our breaks, Mop "takes a closer look at the ferns."
A couple of short sections of the Bonang are unsealed but in very good order.
Kelly is quite a little person and it shows in this pic. How on Earth she got in there, I'll never know.
The final section of the Bonang, takes us back in to New South Wales.
And across the Delegate River.
Yet more dusty, gravel road, yippee.
Eventually, we turn on to The Snowy River Way, on our way to Dalgety. This large wind farm was quite the spectacle.
The Boco Rock wind farm.
Eventually, we roll in to the little town of Dalgety, on the Snowy River.
It was quite hot this afternoon, and after unpacking the bikes, we walked down to the river for a swim to cool off.
Cathy's not so sure.
Soon, we were all in, and the weir proved to be quite the treat.
We spot this super model posing for the camera.........actually, scrub that, it's only Kel!
The water rushing over the weir was like a huge bubble bath and quite relaxing after the day on the bikes.
Kelly helps Cathy in to the rushing water over the weir.
Smiles all round now.
Cathy was in and enjoying the cool rush of fresh water.
Not sure what Mop was up to, strange man.
Here, he does a few belly stretches in preparation for some ice cold beer waiting for him at the pub.
Time for a few local, late afternoon shots, before settling in for a few beers and dinner.
It was so peaceful out here in the late afternoon.
The pub was quite busy this evening and the new publican, being a chef, did very well to feed all her customers.
The beer garden was full and also the dining rooms.
Our last day of the trip took us on two great new roads. One from Dalgety to Cooma, the back way through Bobundarra and the other from Cooma to Braidwood through Numeralla. Both were fantastic and we hardly passed any traffic coming the opposite direction, not to mention the spectacular countryside.
Packing the bikes, to return home.
The road from Cooma to Braidwood via Numeralla, was spectacular.
Mostly sealed road with some dirt road thrown in. The dirt road was in excellent condition and we could safely keep up speeds of around 90 - 100 km/hr.
One last rest before Braidwood.
Our final stop was in Braidwood, where we refuelled one last time and said our goodbyes. Cath and I riding home via the King's Hwy and Mop and Kel via Turpentine Road to South Nowra.
Another great trip away with friends done and dusted and as always, we can't wait till the next one.
