Day 4: Back to Goolwa

Day 4: I cruised back to the camp after sleeping like a log in the motel room.

There was no rush this morning as I was one of the riders that were being bussed back to Langhorne Creek, to ride the last 50km to Goolwa.
Those that were riding the 130km to Goolwa were heading off as I rode back to the camp-site for breakfast.  Those on the first boat ride on the Coorong were getting ready to board the bus and the rest of us were able to have a nice slow breakfast.

Bridge Hotel, cleaning day

Eventually, those that were riding from Langhorne Creek, boarded the bus, our bikes loaded on the trailer and we were quickly driven back to the Bridge Hotel (est 1850), Langhorne Creek.

back to the Vineyards again

Some took the opportunity to have a real coffee before heading off.  But I had to tighten the bolts on my handle bar.  Soon I also was heading back to the turn off to Milang.

Abandoned farm house

 The wind came nicely from behind and it was a beautiful road to ride - not much traffic, vineyards on either side, old traditional stone homes typical of stoney South Australia.  There was a beautiful avenue of old eucalyptus trees that shaded the road, that I forgot to stop and photograph!

Lake Alexandrina in the sun

But soon we were into more open areas with grain crops waving in the wind.  The road brought us right down onto the edge of Lake Alexandria. With the sun shining on the water, the lake looked much more beautiful than earlier this week, when it was grey and wild and stormy looking.

Long open road

There were mallee trees protecting the road in places, with bottle-brush in full flower, brightening the olive green verges.

Looking for that little red arrow

Fishing alternative to riding

A couple of fishermen scratched their heads as they watched us come zooming down the hill to cross over the small river and struggle up the next hill.  They invited me to come and rest on the bank with them, but I was happy doing what I was doing!

We had our lunch break just past Finnis, before a couple of sharp climbs.  

We were now back in vineyard country again and soon we were rolling into Goolwa - and back a couple of centuries!

typical old church in Goolway

with beautiful white rose border

railway track to Victor Harbour

The beautiful old stone buildings have been allowed to remain in a town that has been recently discovered by retirees from Adelaide.  One could only call Goolwa - Charming! 

Goolwa Pub

Another fancy church

Goolwa Court House

Goolwa Railway Station

I went for a ride around the town and found an op shop and bought a small rug in preparation for another cold night.  I was looking for an art gallery to buy a couple of local watercolours, but nothing was open.

Thankfully, the evening was much milder than the previous 2 nights, so I was able to snuggle into my bivvy and have a decent sleep this time.  

Riding Stats:  2:48hrs, Avg 20kph, Max 53.5kph (thanks to a wonderful downhill swoop!)