Day 14

Northcliffe to Kwokralup Beela Hut - 95 klms

Rejuvenated and caffeine charged I’d hatched a plan knowing rain had been predicted. I wasn’t surprised when, as I mounted my bike, a misty precipitous occasion was arriving. As it was expected to ease off during the morning and clear by the afternoon I wasn’t too phased. I had always intended to pass the first hut which was only about 35 klms and had my vision set on Fernhook Falls making it about a 65klms journey.
In my mind, on a day when I knowingly planned to get wet, I’d already claimed my cabin and lit the fire to dry out. Because at the falls there are 10 tent sites and two camp huts each with two beds, a toilet, water and a fire place. Heaven! And I’ll be there. What could thwart my hope?
It’s a first in best dressed community site and there’s nobody around.
Attempting to keep things dry I’d bagged and double bagged everything including my phone and that meant fewer images of the days happenings.
Some weather forecast! Honestly! It got heavier as the day went on and I was drenched - all day long!
As the rain hammered down my vision was tainted by droplets of water and misty moments meaning I saw little of the segments of forests and farmlands, the granite Dome - Yirra Karta and it’s 360 degree views. Nor did I bother to take the famed trek to the top of Mt Frankland for it too would have been disappointing amidst this unwanted weather event.
Mind you, there were some fun fast single track sections that passed through Jarrah, Sheoak and Karri forests and the trail was in good order considering the deluge.
Drenched with anticipation I made it to Fernbrook and it was teeming with people and rain. Huts had been claimed and tent sites snatched.
Now in a quandary - should I stay and set up camp in the rain or should I go for broke to Kwokralup Beela Hut.
Go for broke it was and It became a race to arrive before dusk. I made it. A big dry hut all to myself.
In hope that things might dry overnight I’d strewn wet clothing and equipment everywhere.
Cocooned in my sleeping bag I was fed, warm, dry and stonkered after a long day and sleep came swiftly.Baca lagi