Luck of the Irish

Sydney to Melbourne Stage 12 – Fri 17th March 2017 (St Patricks Day) – Cann River to Orbost via Marlo (94 Km)

Weather: 12⁰C min – 21⁰C max, cloudy then sunny

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“You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind” ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

We knew St Patricks Day was going to be our lucky day, particularly when the Genoa publican (who doubles as the postmaster) agreed to transport us and our bikes in his van to Cann River 50 Km south of Genoa, getting us passed the section of Princes Highway we have been worried about from the start. Everyone we spoke to was telling us how narrow, winding and busy the road is, without any hard shoulder at all (not even space to walk our bikes). The only catch was that we had to set out at 6 am so he could get back to do the mail run to Mallacoota. No problem, we were there and waiting at the agreed time and arrived at Cann River at 6:45 am.

Can you imagine our delight when the service station where we were dropped served us great bacon and egg rolls and a perfect chai latte for Sharad. Our lucky day indeed!

When we started our ride at 8 am the temperature was only 12 degrees so we could feel the chill in the air. For the first 46 Km we followed the Princes Highway, which tested us with a climb of 260 m followed by another of 150 m. Again the scenery consisted of forest on both sides of the road, but today we appreciated more the stark beauty of the tall, straight trees and the eerie stillness of the forest so early in the morning.

At Cabbage Tree Hill we were faced with a decision. Should we continue on the direct route to Orbost via the Princes Highway or should we turn left along the scenic route via Cape Conran and Marlo that Mary and Jack had recommended? Feeling energetic we chose the latter, even though it extended our ride by 20 Km. Good decision! Not only did this detour provide safe riding on virtually traffic free roads, but it was even more spectacular than Mary and Jack had described … particularly the Snowy River estuary just before reaching Marlo.

At Marlo we stopped for lunch at a fishing and tackle shop that served great coffees and chai lattes … and another bacon and egg roll each. We joined an interesting couple from Adelaide who had been camping at Mallacoota (where there are 630 powered caravan sites and over 300 unpowered sites). We were fascinated by their folding boat (Porta-Bote) on top of their Landrover.

The final 15 Km from Marlo followed the majestic Snowy River all the way to Orbost along a quiet, flat road passing through rich dairy country. Although we had ridden 94 Km we were almost sorry that such an enjoyable day’s riding had to end.

Tomorrow we will be riding 100 Km along the East Gippsland Rail Trail from Orbost to Bairnsdale where we will be having a well-earned rest day.