Day 1: Map (421 kilometers)
The Plough Inn at Bulladelah, Not a bad spot for lunch and a cold beer to wash the dust down.
As it happened, there were two mounted police up from Sydney.
They were brought up for the Buladelah Show
After lunch we set off for Taree, where we would meet up with our mate Lance. Just for something differant and to quench our thirst for adventure, we took the back road up.
As you can see, this dirt road takes you across some interesting places. Oh look, a bridge !
Alot of the road was quite good, but there was some very gravely sections as well, that weren't much fun. Too much effort trying to keep the bike upright (almost 400kg all up with Cath and I and luggage).
Its quiet spots like this that make all the dust and effort worth the attempt. Let's be honest, who the f@&k would know there's a place called Bunyah???
What you dont see in this pic, is a smaller lower bridge where heavy vehicles can pass, but what astounded me was the fact that they come down this bloody goat track to begin with.
Finally we arrive at the service centre at Taree where we met up with Lance, who arrived 15 minutes before us, but leaving 2 1/2 hours later than us ! (He's the smart one)
So we left to make our way into Harrington, but decided to carry through to take a look at Crowdy Head.
When we turned up, the weather took a cool change and got cloudy.
The view out to Crowdy Point
These boat ramps were excellent to cater for the local fishermen. There's no shortage of those.
Lance, checking out the view from the point.
Pride of the fleet. There's also a fishing co-op here.
"Robocop" enjoying the views.
This is the motel we stayed at for 2 nights.
Nice clean pool, although we didn't get use it.
Our bikes parked outside the rooms.
Great BBQ area out the back.
This is what you get for $90 a night, with your own facilities and air conditioning.
The lady at the front desk was kind enough to order the courtesy bus to the Bowlo for us.
The view directly behind the club.
Another angle capturing the sunset.
Dinner at this club is above average with a view to kill for.
Day 2: Map (272 kilometers)
Today we planned, to ride Comboyne Road, which is predominately unsealed road, but in much better condition than what Cathy and I experienced the previous day. Along the way, we also visited Ellenborough Falls.
The motel was great for a good nights sleep after a few drinks and a great meal. The next morning, Cath and I were up to go for our walk and capture a few sunrise shots.
Its hard to make out but this brown coloured boat is named "Floater". You work it out.
There's Cath charging ahead again. I have to run to catch up to her when I stop to take a pic.
This public wharf is just near the break wall.
Looking back to the Bowling Club.
This is the Harrington Pub, close to the club.
This pub's beer garden sits on the water, What a view!
Cathy, charging ahead along the break wall
Near the centre of the break wall, there's this small bridge built over an open section, left to allow the tidal waters do their thing.
The ample fish cleaning facility on the wall.
One of the locals sitting on the toilet.
After our walk and a shower, we got our gear back on and found a great little bakery in the village. For the record, their pies are incredible and made on site.
After breaky, we head off through Taree, Wingham and out to Comboyne Road.
Oh Great, dirt roads and bloody logging trucks to deal with.
More beautiful countryside and soooo peaceful.
Here, the bush starts to thicken in to forest.
Stand straight Lance! Well done mate.
This is the turn off to Ellenborough Falls. Oh goody, another 19 kms of dirt.
Im not sure what Lance was looking at but he looks interested.
There's a large cattle yard at this intersection.
Dirty and windy, lovely combination.
Here we climb the hill to the falls.
At this intersection we have just 4 km to go and all tar!
At the falls, theres a lovely little kiosk run by a great lady, who makes all her pastries and pies from scratch. She was making some up when we arrived and showed us the result when they were cooked. We indulged in her freshly baked scones with cream and jam while we had a chat with her and some other visitors.
Reasonably priced as you can see.
A beautiful little spot to enjoy a break and the areas tranquility.
Here she is, showing us what we missed out on by eating too much at breakfast. If you're ever in the area, be sure to drop by and sample her goodies.
The cafe is just at the entry to the falls car park.
Close up
The pool at the bottom.
Here, we find this rest stop on a short walk to the top of the falls.
Sadly, this plaque was placed in memory of a child who lost their life playing too close to the top of the falls, you can see in the back ground.
Making our way back to the car park.
Our bikes waiting patiently for us.
After the visit to the falls, we continued on to Comboyne and then Wauchope, where we stopped for lunch at this tavern.
Lance will hate me for this one.
After lunch, we made our way to Pt Macquarie then on to North Haven.
The beach at North Haven
Again looking north.
On our way back in to Harrington, we stop o take this pic from the bridge.
Day 3: Map (468 Kilometres)
Today, we made an early start, to make our way home via Forster, The Lakes Way, Myall Lakes National Park, Neath and Wisemans Ferry. We have taken this exact route back home with Graham and thought it would be good to share it with Lance and it was also a good opportunity to meet up with Martin and Susan for lunch in Neath.
We take a short break in Tuncurry for a break and slip in to our wet weather gear. The weather didnt come down on us luckily.
A couple of boys spending some quality time.
It so happened the locals had a town meeting while we were there.
Here we cross the little ferry within the Myall Lakes National Park.
This ferry is run by the National Parks and Wildlife, so there's a fee to use it.
This picnic area offers a great view to Broughton Island.
Looking south along the beach.
This fisherman had the whole beach to himself.
Eventually we ride into Neath for lunch at the Neath Hotel with Martin and Susan.
Another great lunch spot. As you can see, the weather cleared to a fantastic afternoon.
Great mates and we had a great laugh to boot.
From Neath we rode through to Spencer for a coffee break before making our way home through Dural.
Again, pretty as a picture.
On the ferry at Wiseman's.
Check out these two criminals.
We had a great time on this ride and experienced some differant riding to what we're used to. I still maintain that a large part of these trips is the fantastic people you meet and enjoy them with. Can't wait till the next one !
