June 21st, 2011
Augusta to Margaret River
Distance: 65km
Total distance: 6150km
My destination today is Margaret River, its only about 45km from Augusta. I wasn’t really keen on riding so little and reaching my destination before midday so I took a side trip this morning to Cape Leeuwin lighthouse. Only a short 10km ride to the south and there I witness the meeting point of the Indian and the Southern Ocean. The meeting point can be identified by the clashing of two waves from different directions. Didn’t went up to the lighthouse as it cost more money (Cape Leeuwin itself wasn’t free to enter). After about an hour or so, I returned to Augusta, but not before a quick stop at one of Augusta beaches to have some snack while enjoying the sea view.
Back at Augusta, as I was walking to my trike from IGA, a couple approached me with a surprised look. They told me that they saw me at Norseman last month while they were travelling on a caravan! Whoa, that was some 1500km back! Had a quick lunch at Augusta town centre before heading north to Margaret River. I had the option to take the Caves Road which is a scenic drive nearer to the coast and takes me through dozens of wineries. Heh, wineries, that means nothing to me except hills, hills, and more hills. Moreover, I was warned by Jihui and other travellers that the road is very narrow. So I remained on Bussell Highway for safety and flatness sake.
Bussell Highway wasn’t very hilly, which I was very grateful for, but the traffic was downright insane. I was forced to pull off the road almost every time a car passed, and because the traffic was rather heavy, I practically rode the unpaved shoulder half the distance to Margaret River. Riding on the unsealed surface at high speed can be a scary experience. I was worried that my spokes might give way or tires blown out (didn’t carry any spare tires so if it happens I may have to walk like what Jihui did).
Weather wise, today is the most BEAUTIFUL day yet, at least in the past 10 days! It was cloudy but more importantly NO RAIN. God it was such a wonderful experience not getting wet for once!
Checked-in at the YHA in Margaret River, which was quite a distance from the town centre. Took me 30 mins to walk from the hostel to the town centre this evening. Margaret River is a cute little town. It has christmas lights on the trees even though its not christmas yet. Took a long slow walk back to the hostel and cook myself some ramen dinner and grass jelly drink, yeah feel like asian tonight. Today is probably one of the most relaxed day I had recently.
