Day 138 - through Picton, an interview, lunch in Berrima and a sprint to Goulburn - Unfinished Business

September 15, 2023

Day 138 - through Picton, an interview, lunch in Berrima and a sprint to Goulburn

I decided that if I was to reach Goulburn today - at least 140 km, then I'd need to leave early, and do a BBC interview on the roadside. Gareth looked after me with a big breakfast and then it was time to head off. Megan had already gone so I missed getting a photo of all of us. Hannah took one of Gareth and I.

Picton is one of Australia's oldest towns. Of course, the area has a much older indigenous history.

Various rivers - the Nepean and Nattai, have cut through the landscape.

Just 200 km to Canberra, other than my couple of diversions.

I was happy on the shoulder of the Hume, although it was a bit rough at times. The occasional smashed bottle reminded me that I'm back in Australia.

I was heading for Berrima, halfway to Goulburn, in the hope of catching up with Florence and Pat. If I had checked my phone, I would have seen an invitation! I did a quick 55 km and arrived at 12.30, in another historic town.

This place, on the outskirts of town, is for sale if you're interested.

A new building on Florence's block. There are strict building regulations in Berrima.

Once again, I was looked after in 5-star fashion by friends. Florence made me five sandwiches and then I ate a huge chunk of cheesecake, thus depriving Pat. Of course, there was fruit, biscuits, and cups of tea. I had good intentions to be on my way by 2 pm, but all of that went out the window when Florence's daughters and granddaughter arrived. It was about 3 when we took some photos. What a terrific way to spend a few hours! A big thank you to everyone.

With Florence, Myalee, Pat, Merryn and Charlotte

I was always going to be chasing the daylight with 75 km to Goulburn. But on a short rise coming out of Berrima I realised that I would give it a run for its money. I was fit but, more importantly, I had Florence's fuel. What's more, I discovered that Berrima is 600 m above sea level, while Picton is just 160. In other words, I was on the tablelands. I flogged it the entire way, stopping only for a few photos just out of Berrima.

I'll be snaffling fruit from some of these roadside trees come summer.

Tree of the day - Eucalyptus rossii, scribbly gum. I'll let you find the scribbles.

I scraped into Goulburn in the latter part of civil twilight. My first thought was food. I got supplies for the morning and then ventured into an Asian restaurant, where I surprised a waitress with my order. She expected me to have company!

After a good meal I ventured out looking for somewhere to stay and snapped a few photos of Goulburn on a Friday night.

Another old distance marker - Yass, 54 miles. The highway used to go through the centre of these towns.

By the time I reached a caravan park, on the south side of town, I had done 148 km - the 59th and last hundred of my ride.

Today's ride: 148 km (92 miles)
Total: 9,878 km (6,134 miles)

Rate this entry's writing	Heart	6
Comment on this entry	Comment	0