Riding Down Under - Tropical Cairns Australia

[MacDoc]

Not the worst place to live...Pacific ocean sure moderates the extremes.

Riding buddy is back in town after an extended vaca to GB.
Now the weather is more consistent I can at least get him the lunch I owe him.
Doctors appointment today ...juste a follow up on an osteo test.
Nice on deck at 5 am 21 feels like 22 ....no rain forecast.

 

[MacDoc]

Day did not go as planned - headed to doctors for 10 appointment and realized no wallet.
While I carry a bit of money in my riding jacket it would not be enough for a days riding and lunch plus always the expensive risk of getting pulled over.
In addition it was really blustery wind with gust to 25-30kph so bailed on the day, came home and napped ...was needed.
Tomorrow looking fine but still blowy.

 

[MacDoc]

Gonna try for Cape Trib early tomorrow. Have not crossed the Daintree since the cyclone

ouch

Cyclone Jasper's impact in pictures

Save the Daintree

www.savethedaintree.org

Save the Daintree

Save the Daintree

www.savethedaintree.org

Weather looks okay especially going up with the wind. Might be a slog home. Likely take earplugs as wind noise will be high. Might wear the C3.

 

[Mad Mike]

Not the worst place to live...Pacific ocean sure moderates the extremes.
View attachment 69496
Riding buddy is back in town after an extended vaca to GB.
Now the weather is more consistent I can at least get him the lunch I owe him.
Doctors appointment today ...juste a follow up on an osteo test.
Nice on deck at 5 am 21 feels like 22 ....no rain forecast.

Brings back memories when I lived in southern California. No furnace or AC in our house (fireplace in the living room) daytime temps of 17C in the winter and 27C in the summer, cool nights, rarely below 13C. Rainy season Dec to Feb with a monthly average rainfall of 2mm.

Weather interfered with riding once or twice a year.

 

[MacDoc]

Not quite that good here as far more rain...it is the wet tropics after all.
People up higher on the Tablelands have fireplaces. We rug up ( since my electric blanket died ) but it's very rare to single digits and even low teens.

Good start to the day with Wordle in 4 and Wordiply in 2!
Normally a fast run 2 hours to Cape Trib including ferry, lunch and then a struggle against the wind getting home in 3 especially with steady headwinds off the ocean nearing 30kph.
Decent temps tho for the Scott Jacket and it is Gortex in case the "late shower" comes earlier. 22 to 27C so no issue temp wise.
Do wish I had gauntlets of some sort ....left them all in Canada. Most riding with short offroad gloves allows good cooling up the jacket sleeves. Think I have to opt for the C3 helmet given the wind
Not sure what to expect.

It was the wettest tropical cyclone in Australian history and an unprecedented number of landslides occurred. Cedar Bay photo by WTMA.

Cyclone Jasper's impact in pictures

Save the Daintree

www.savethedaintree.org

Cyclone Jasper made landfall on December 13, 2023 near Wujal Wujal, 30km north of Cape Tribulation in Far North Queensland.

It is estimated that in some locations, 3-4 metres of rain fell in 5 days.

Fast ride to Cape Trib. Lots of damaged spots but mostly cleared up now...a few construction stoplights.
Here at 11 am which is good timing for the homeward run. Relax till 12 with toasted salmon bagel then wander home a bit at a time.

60 klicks from home .....wind is blustery but not annoying and helmet is quiet so audio book easy to hear. Taking short break so ease sore ass and slightly sore back.

Got a nap and feel good now despite little sleep last night.
Learned something from a decade ago when I first got the KLR and crossed the Daintree.
Had not yet seen a cassowary but I remember calling partner and asking about these two small striped birds running around in the bush.
Had sort of written it off as not likely then saw this logo
and realized yeah that's what I saw...tho papa was not around that I could see. Dad takes care of the hatched chicks while mom goes romancing for the next brood.

I've seen and photoed youngish cassowaries but none in the early striped phase so I was correct in being excited.

 

[MacDoc]

not exactly colour coordinated. Fit is good tho a bit harder to breathe through my nose. Will see tomorrow on a ride with buddy. He said he did not like goggles tho his buddies ride with them. They have the correct helmets....he has a C3.
I'll skip the quick connect until I've ridden with them.

 

[MacDoc]

Did not ride today for no good reason but came across this shot which I quite like. Shows the range climbing quickly from the flatland along the ocean...almost has an African feel to it. Early morning.

 

[MacDoc]

Likely going out today ....trying to reach Chillagoe again but not fixed yet.

Australia's Outback Off the Beaten Path: Go for Chillagoe in 2024

Chillagoe in Queensland can be an outstanding experience in Australia's outback - a great alternative to central Australia's outback! (2024)

travelinculture.com

Still a decent ride and wind not high today

 

[MacDoc]

6.45 am last decent day before some rain sets in. Not enough sleep thanks to bingeing the first two LOTR movies but fell asleep quickly and feel okay.
Have some overdue bloodwork to do early and then I hope a decent ride tho.
At least 100km+ . Fasting bloodwork so will be hungry when we get back.
Not sure if we are shopping as well

 

[MacDoc]

Windy and chillycoming up the Gillies to Barrine Teahouse - tiny shower…nice ride tho - will come down the gillies too.
They actually have free wifi now 240 down !!!!
Bit of shinkflation on the scones...we used to get two scones not get one but quite nicely loaded and jam was delicious $8.50 not too bad tho a smaller feed. Ozempic approves
Gained a kilo over the last while...really need to cut down on the pasta feeds.

Really glad I brought the Scott jacket from Canada...it's Gortex and IS waterproof if I do it up properly.
Always good memories of my kid as we wore matching jackets for a couple of years going to both coasts. The Jackets worked very well for us. Now if Kenz had not forgotten his rain pants and had opted for waterproof gloves would have improved things on the shaky coast. 12 C pouring. Boots, pants and hands were soaked and 100 km of nothing. He was sooooo glad to find a little store we could huddle around the stove for 1/2 hour and munch hot dogs..
Nearly 10 years ago now and still fresh in my mind as I see the photos all the time come up.
East coast trip not quite as successful but still good...he learned a lesson about cheaping out on a chain....cost me $450 to get that sorted....possible that included a rear tire but was just glad we could get it done somewhere along Lake Champlain.

Glad I got out today ...looking very wet tomorrow. Sunday looks okay tho. I really enjoyed the ride today cept for a stupid tailgater on the downhill Gillies grr.
120 km out and back and not sore at all Going to return the goggles.

 

[MacDoc]

Lavi and Ollie showing you can adventure on a 125cc bike, camping out all.

Maybe unique to the UK but fun to watch. Lavi doing okay for very new rider and her bike putting up wit lots of abuse.
That was fun to watch.

Marc on the last day in Nepal having some fun in the twists,

I on the other hand stayed up way to late bingeing on 4k UHD Avatar double feature

 

[MacDoc]

Decent sleep last night so got out early for a ride up to port. We have weeks of gusty but sunny weather coming...30-45 kph makes for interesting riding along the coast. The CB300 is only 150kg so gets bucked around a bit.
One mad bloke was out kite surfing.
Got a nice shot of a young osprey on the nest looking out for a feed.

outer limits for the 45/175 ( 350 equiv ) lens from across the highway. Maybe will take the big 100/400 ( 800 eqv ) with me.
Wonder if Hasties Swamp has any wildlife now spring is approaching.

https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/hasties-swamp

More than 220 bird species have been recorded here, mostly from the aquatic and woodland environments. The best time for birdwatching is during 'the dry' (April to October) as the swamp dries out and the area becomes an important refuge for waterbirds. Up to 1500 magpie geese may be seen at one time.

From the comfort of the two-storey bird hide, you can enjoy uninterrupted views across the swamp. Signs provide species identification and background information about the wetland.

Since we really haven't gotten a "dry" this year....guess I will just have to ride there.


Thought there were two but one might have been settled out of the wind. Can hardly top the shots I took a few years ago of that nesting pair and chicks being fed but was worried with the cyclone and their spot so exposed. I guess they could have rebuilt as the nest was looking overgrown last year.
Got my $4.95 breakfast feed from Jacks with a small latte...benefit of getting out early.
Was concerned as was not on the flyer but she rang the deal in anyways.
Bacon and egg and cheese on a toasted turkish roll plus a very tasty hashbrown.
Given my light apetite it's a full meal carrying me through to Bowl's Club tonight.

Hash Brown
Still sitting at 110 kg despite pasta binges.
Big benefit from Ozempic is no headaches if I don't eat on time. That use to be a real stress point with partner when travelling as she has no issues missing meals. One of our friends and her sister are real exemplars for "hangry". if a few minutes late to eat. I wasn't that bad but at the same time happy to be shy of the issue.
110 km round trip. Fueled up now so maybe a longer ride tomorrow.
I'd love to tackle a Palmer River run but coming back against that wind does not appeal . Very hard to hear the audiobook. It's also 430 km round trip....

 

[MacDoc]

17c at 6 am. Might stay in warm bed a bit longer.
Otherwise weather looks decent cept for the wind.
Nice here in the sun watching

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beard+eats+food

don't know how he does it.

Lavi and Ollie fiind the limits of their 125cc VanVans.

Was going to head out but it's only 14 in Atherton....will wait an hour.
or til tomorrow dodgy digestion so bingeing Long Way Round as compensation.
Interesting I find them driving on the right in the US is disconcerting.
Never again for me.

 

[MacDoc]

Ah wet and I'm a bit under the weather - doc appointment tomorrow to go over my blood tests.

Virtual riding - a more traditional ride with 8 guys and a support truck. Even a CB500x in the mix

and two mad men ( bloody good riders ) doing 6,000 km off pavement in 10 days.

complete with a wild camel hogging the track.
Impressed with the 700 Tenere WR. I wonder if Noraly will choose that as her next bike.
204 kg vs 153 for her 300.
A KLM390 weighs the same as her Honda while the 690 ...a significant step up is just a bit heavier but tall 36" vs 34.8 on the Honda and even that she is a bit tippy toe.
The 390 certainly lower at 31.5 ...we shall see.
I don't think she tents anymore so that might be a factor in her choice.
She is not sticking with the 300 Honda so....

 

[MacDoc]

Weather finally opened up ...could have ridden today but will go out on a longish ride tomorrow.
Looking like a week of fine weather arriving. Deep enough into spring the highs will be hitting 30 - still some showers but unlikely to be a problem on the Tablelands

 

[MacDoc]

Great riding weather....ass is out of shape for distance. Punched out towards Chillago but as I got out there a bit I realized fuel might be an issue. The only fuel between Mareeba and Chillago is at Chillago. Now I do have a 350 km range so if I fill up in Mareeba all would be well.
However I filled up in Cairns which is 203 Km to Chillago - even if I had stop 10 km short I'm still dodgy for fuel tho I guess I could get back to Mareeba with some to spare.
At any case I was not up for 400 km ride today....just too out of practice.

Will reload for another day making sure I fill up in Mareeba on the way out. There are some other nice areas for ride south off the main highway. Might try some of those today.
Burger at Camp 64 was actually okay as was the needed latte.
Will pop some panadol and head home. Pretty sore already

4 hours later and a 2 hour nap plus shower feeling quite civilized.
Guzzled a Pepsi zero as barely drank at all cept for a coffee..not good practice
Need to download GMap for the region as was out of area.
Also will fillup in Mareeba.....for reasons unknown did not get as much as normal out of the last fill up.
Would like to try for Petford next week with proper map loaded



nice write up here.

https://www.weekendnotes.com/emu-creek-petford/

All of the creek beds were dry today. Found I was okay with a straight run from home to Dimbulah which is 108 km. Need to leave earlier now it is getting much warmer. Just about the last few rides for the 3 season Scott jacket as the max temps are nudging 30 - was actually 32 airtemp coming home from Mareeba.
Will only take it if there is potential of rain.....not much of that in the next week

Windfinder.com - Wind & weather forecast Mareeba Airport

Windfinder.com - Detailed wind & weather forecast for Mareeba Airport / Queensland, Australia for kitesurfing, windsurfing, sailing, fishing & hiking.

www.windfinder.com

Need to get out the door earlier.

 

[MacDoc]

Caught my eye.

Alarming' visitor behaviour at notorious Kakadu crocodile viewing spot prompt warnings of heftier fines

Rangers in Kakadu could crack down on visitors who are too relaxed around crocodiles inside the national park, with recent footage showing people close to the water's edge at the notorious Cahills Crossing.

www.abc.net.au

We've been to Kakadu twice and Cahill Crossing tho not at the fish migration time shown here.
Did see some risky behavior at the crossing.
Saw lotsa crocs tho not like shown there.
Long lens useful

This was literally in the parking lot at Yellow Water which gets submerged in the wet. The tour bus to get to the boat has large wheels and clearance and the walkway to the boat fully protected...it's their turf eh.
They're everywhere !!

Where to See Crocodiles in Cairns & Port Douglas

After months of exploring Far North Queensland, here are the most reliable places to see wild crocodiles near Cairns, Port Douglas, and Cape Trib.

www.weseektravel.com

 

[MacDoc]

Geez 14 to 32 in a few hours …yikes - glad we got fans - too bad about a ride as no wind but maybe tomorrow - just not feeling right so will finish the sequel book to Dances with Wolves.

 

[MacDoc]

Already down to 17 at 9 pm - need to jump out early tomorrow. Daintree Village for croc spring rolls.

Will wait a bit to warm up for a ride up the coast.

Don't want to wear the Scott jacket then cook later. Got a good sleep and inspired by Long Way Down even tho their giant BMWs and production team is a bit off putting compared to the solo V-loggers I favour.
Maybe destination change - far windier than expected and lower maximum temp.
Stick with the Scott and Etty Bay sounds smarter ....maybe even slide up the Palmerston since it has been a while. Then down the Gillies.

This is new for me .....maybe a good diversion and I can leave earlier.

https://parks.desi.qld.gov.au/parks/eubenangee-swamp/about

Noting the croc warning...not exactly agile these days


Decided on Daintree Village after all. Can leave now...fuel up easily and be there for 10 for a brunch then head home before the wind and heat pick up.

Easy ride to Daintree Village but will pay the price with a noisy ride home against the wind.
Warmish already. My kidney belt is failing...velcro not holding even tho is looks fine. Did not really want to buy another.
Maybe I can figure a fix. Lovely day. 27c and that will be the high.

 

[MacDoc]

Bingeing Long Way Up and quite enjoying it. More so than first time. Impressed with Rivian and HD ( less so ). Certainly the last Long Way for Charlie....he's just looking worn out. Ewen well preserved.

Insanity in India for Marc.

I'm a tad under the weather with a catheter issue - should resolve this week. Try for a ride in the morning.

May have sorted the kidney belt. Has extra elastic straps not needed - If I trim those off it will be cooler to wear and less pressure on the velcro.