Posts Tagged ‘Croydon’

Chasing Sunsets – My Far North Queensland little cycle

Posted: July 1, 2022 in Australia, Cycling
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The sunsets in Croydon (in Far North Queensland) are famous. When my friend moved there, I had to visit – but, of course, by bicycle. I had a smörgåsbord of sunsets, but also waterfalls and long outback roads as I cycled from the tropical eastern coast to the mangroves on the Gulf of Carpentaria.

I wasn’t the only one chasing sunsets. I met a German walking across the world. He is just finishing a circle around Australia after spending the pandemic here. I last cycled past him crossing Khardung La – the highest motorable road in the world in the Himalayas. In Croydon I ran into the cyclists doing the annual Cairns to Karumba charity cycle. They were going out as I was going home.

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Walking from Germany

For such a short trip it had many distinctive parts, making the holiday experience feel longer and more refreshing.

Palm studded sandy beaches at Palm Cove and Turtle Cove

Sunrise at Turtle Cove

Crater lakes and raging waterfalls on the Atherton Tablelands

Ellinjaa Falls

Hot springs and lava tubes on the savannah

Undara Lava Tubes

Sunsets in Croydon

Sunset at Croydon

Sunset at Croydon

Mangrove beaches and offshore sand banks at Karumba

Mangrove beach at Karumba

Mangrove beach at Karumba

Bird-filled sandy flats at Normanton

Mutton Hole Wetlands

Mutton Hole Wetlands

Many thanks to John Thompson and the Cairns Cycling Group Rides Facebook Group for the tips, especially how to get from the coast to the Tablelands without becoming roadkill (from windy, steep, narrow roads). Quaid Road is the go! Thanks to Elizabeth in Croydon for the motivation to discover this part of Australia!

Day 10. 159km. Croydon – Normanton

Posted: June 25, 2022 in Australia, Cycling, Queensland
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“They sun themselves on the salt flats. Massive things. As big as the statue. If you stay more than 50m away you’ll be fine. And stay away from the water.” I contemplate my stay in croc territory as I watch the sunset from the bridge over the Norman River. I’m excited.

Life size, so they say

Today was a perfect cycling day. An ever so gradual slope downwards and a handy tailwind. I left at 5:15am in the dark and glided along through the dark, watching the sky turn pink and then orange before the direct sunbeams poked out between the trees.

Early morning on the road

The Gulflander train stops at Blackbull siding at 10:15am on Thursdays. I was there at 9 for a snack and photos.

Blackbull Siding
Blackbull Siding

I waited for the train 105km from Croydon, waving as it passed.

A snack stop at Leichardt Lake before on to the big smoke – Normanton.

Leichardt Lake
Leichardt Lake
The famous Purple Pub in Normanton

Out of Normanton is a pedestrian bridge over the Norman River. Its quite an impressive waterway. I spent an hour looking for crocs and watching the sky turn amazing colours.

The GoPro is capturing the sunset
Norman River at sunset
Norman River at sunset

Social distancing in Croydon

Posted: June 24, 2022 in Australia, Cycling, Queensland
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I was watching the sunrise when my phone pinged. It was a photo of a positive RAT test. My friend Elizabeth, who I was here to visit, just tested positive for COVID.

Socially distancing in Croydon

We had spent the evening together (in the open air) and I had slept on her living room floor. I had 2 days visiting the poorly Elizabeth and testing myself for COVID.

Watching sunsets is a favourite pasttime in Croydon. I let the GoPro capture it while I consumed dinner at the pub.

The GoPro captured sunset
Watching from the pub
Watching from the pub

I passed 84,000km on the bike doing errands around Croydon. I celebrated it, socially distanced, with Elizabeth and a banana cake.

84,000km

An evening sunset train ride was a highlight as a German guy walked past with a trolley he has pulled all the way from Germany. I met the same guy in 2018 walking up Khardung La high pass at around 5000m altitude. This time he was circumnavigating Australia.

The Gulflander train
On the train with Elizabeth’s friend Sarah
Meeting the German walker
Meeting the German walker

All is set for my onward journey to Normanton and Karumba. Without Elizabeth. Sorry that she will miss out on our luxury shoreline apartment and our luxury sunset boat trip.

I am still COVID negative. Let’s hope it stays that way.

COVID negative

Day 9. 129km. Cumberland Chimney – Croydon

Posted: June 23, 2022 in Australia, Cycling, Queensland
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Going to bed at 7.30pm means you get up at 3.30am and start riding at 5. It’s beautiful gliding along the outback road at night under the starry heavens. Slowly the horizon turns a firey orange, the birds explode in a chorus, and the day begins.

The day begins

The sun still had it’s morning orange glow when I arrived at the sandy Gilbert River.

Gilbert River
Gilbert River
Gilbert River
Gilbert River

I reached Croydon by 2.30 – the goal of the trip. My friend Elizabeth has moved here and I wanted to see her new home. I love these outback towns – a few rows of streets, a pub, a shop and a service station. And a long way to the next town. Its time for a rest. My body is tired.

Croydon