sadsacnews2014: TRAMPS: East Gippsland Weekend Away 11/12 October. (plus 10,13 for some)

A big weekend in East Gippsland was on offer and a big weekend, for those who stayed the distance, would have been the outcome. As for me I only did the first two days, but I felt them.
The turnout for the Friday run to Buchan was somewhat larger than would have been anticipated. While unsure of the exact numbers I estimate around a dozen made the long journey to the start point at Red Knob. Due to some miscalculation of the time required to complete this effort by some, the ride started a bit after the normal time. The day was a cracker. Despite covering this bit of road a number of times before it is still a joy. After advising leader David that it was not a requirement to go slow down the hills the pace became more relaxed. The road has some nice long climbs but the highlight is the long run down into Buchan. After a quick stop, for some to buy lunch, it was on to the Caves Reserve for the break. The park was in top condition with only a hand full of other visitors to enjoy the scenery. After soaking up the atmosphere for a good while it was back in the saddle for the long climb out of town. Once back onto the flatter terrain is was not long before we turned onto Colin's recommended detour through Buchan South. What a great plan, as we had the experience of more hills. Needless to say by the time we arrived back at the cars we all knew that we had been on a bike ride. Just to extend the day a bit more we stopped off at Bruthen for a coffee.
Day two and another six or so riders joined in the fun. We had to ride back towards town to meet them at Howitt Park. From there Len led us all off onto the East Gippsland Rail Trail, destination Bruthen. Some of the group brought along two bikes to cover the road and trail legs, others made do with just the one. The trail to Bruthen was in good condition with some lovely views along the way. The bridge at Nicholson is still a wonder. While still a reasonable distance the time went quickly and we soon found ourselves at the rotunda at Bruthen. The weather was ideal for a picnic and some additional treats, in the form of a big bag of chips, kept everyone happy. The run back along the trail was generally uneventful until a few kilometres from the destination one particular member let his impatience have the better of him and caused a spectacle at one of the many gates. After recovering himself from the ditch he patched himself up and continued to the end at a more leisurely pace. Perhaps he did it to counter one comment that the trail was boring. Having stopped off at the Dutch shop for a coffee on the way back to camp, it was into our finery for the evening meal. We reassembled at the Grand (not Junction) Terminal Hotel to wrap up the day. I will let Vance continue the story from here.

Sunday morning four members of the group were unable to be with us.

Some car-pooled from Bairnsdale to Bruthen to the sports ground were the vehicles where left.

With Erik leading we thoroughly enjoyed the rail trail through the gentle inclines and declines through avenues of a variety of trees. Sometimes we could look down into the bush below. The earthworks built for the train line are always impressive.

Every time there was a cross road Peter and Helen were there to provide support and chocolate coated lollies. Toward Nowa Nowa parts of the track required more careful negotiation as there were wash-outs and sand traps causing some colourful expressions to be absorbed by the bush.

We eventually came to the wooden railway bridge that was the largest in Victoria. It was in service for 60 years until it was damaged by fire. Colin and Darryl were brave enough to ride up the valley but I missed photographing the heroic event. Shortly after we arrived at Nowa Nowa to find that Peter had found a nice grassy patch for lunch near the shops.

Colin had it into his head that we should see the Boggy Creek Gorge, unfortunately it didn't have enough water flowing to make it impressive.

The return ride began with a long steady but shallow climb to about half way, then it was easy going.

Erik brought us back to Bruthen with sufficient time for a cuppachino at a local coffee shop.

To celebrate Jodie's birthday some ladies organized a BBQ at the camp site.

During the evening we were treated to a “Sound and Lights” show complete with hail so loud if was difficult to talk.We were so lucky that weather didn’t get us on the ride.

In the morning it was cold and raining and was going to continue be like it all day.

As we had enjoyed three fantastic days of perfect weather we decided to delete Monday’s ride and come home.