DAY 18 - SEYMOUR to YEA

This was a day we had listed as a highlight when we were planning the trip. The Great Victorian Rail Trail is recognised as one of the best in Australia, and indeed the world. We are riding it in two stages - today from Tallarook to Yea, and Tuesday (after a rest day in Yea) from Yea to Mansfield. 
We left our hotel in Seymour fairly early, and rode on the road to Tallarook to join the rail trail. 
About to depart, before most of the other motel guests
The road to Tallarook
We were planning on picking up lunch supplies at the Tallarook Farmers' Market, which our research showed would be open. 
Our research showed that the Farmers' Market in Tallarook was open
Unfortunately, the market was not open.  Apparently it only operates on the first Sunday of the month. So we decided to get some cheese and fruit from the Tallarook General Store instead. They seemed to be an admirable establishment, with bike racks and a display of books out the front, but as it turned out they did not sell cheese or fruit.
No cheese or fruit here
We had enough emergency food to last to Yea, so we set off without restocking to join the start of the rail trail. It was well signposted right from the start. 
Start of the Great Victorian Rail Trail at Tallarook 
We rode on the trail for the rest of the day, and it didn't disappoint. There were some obstacles on the way, though. There was evidence of horses using the trail, which the touring cyclist had to be aware of when trundling along the path. 
Evidence of horses. A common sight on the Great Victorian Rail Trail, and to be avoided where possible.
There were also many sections where recent rain had turned the tyre marks to sludge, which was occasionally tricky to ride through. 
We had to negotiate a bit of sludge
But despite the minor challenges, the ride was enjoyable from start to finish. There were views of hills, paddocks, boulders and water. 
Riding the Great Victorian Rail Trail
We didn't see any kangaroos today but we did see cows, sheep, and lots of birds, and stopped to take photos of some of them. 
We photographed sheep in a vineyard

We photographed cattle with hay

We took more photos of cattle with hay

We took photos of some birds
Eventually, after many interludes to take photos or admire the scenery, we stopped for lunch at one of the picnic shelters provided along the trail. 
Picnic on the Great Victorian Rail Trail
A few kilometres on from our lunch spot, we came upon the old Homewood station site, which has been developed as an attractive stopping area for cyclists riding the rail trail. It has signboards explaining the history of the station (which is no longer in existence), an attractive picnic area surrounded by large trees, and a frog hollow complete with frogs. 
Signboards at Homewood Station
Frog Hollow with frogs,  Homewood
There was also a big puddle at Homewood, so we were able to practise one of our favourite pastimes. 
Puddle photography, Homewood
The next stop was Yea, where we explored the main street, and found an attractive-looking spot for afternoon tea. 
An attractive-looking spot in Yea

Supporting another local establishment - a theme of our cycling tour
We were self-catering for dinner tonight, so we bought ingredients in Yea, then did a bit more sightseeing. We were particularly impressed by the Yea Community House, which had a community garden, a wall decorated with paintings of book spines, and a community book exchange which is surely the envy of all towns in the country. 
Yea Community House - side wall
Community library, Yea. It's bigger on the inside. 
Back on the bikes, we had a look at the Yea train station, before heading out to our night's accommodation. 
Yea Station

Great Victorian Rail Trail  noticeboards, Yea
We were on the rail trail for another few kilometres before finding the cottage where we are staying for the next 2 nights. 
On the way, we saw an emu
We took a few photos of the view from our cottage, then put our feet up. 
We took some photos of the view from our cottage
And then put our feet up
That would have been it for the night, but the moon came out, so we took a few more photos. 
Moon photos, outside Yea
The bikes have been put out to pasture for a well-earned rest day

Day:  18
Distance: 61.75 km
Cycling time:  3 hrs 49 mins
Elevation gain: 1021 metres
Cumulative Distance: 871.73 km
Day 18 - Elevation profile 

Day 18 - Route 

Comments

  1. Anonymous19 May 2022 at 09:34

    From Victoria: Just done a big catch up on your blog. Fabulous photos. And yes, I agree with someone else's comment that, you do look like Vienna in some of the photos (or is it other way around?). Looks like a wonderful trip. I do like the simplicity of EAT, ride, sleep, map read and repeat, when you are on the road. Love to you both.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kath and Russell20 May 2022 at 07:04

      Your 'on the road' formula is spot on! Also 'take photo' - all day long!

      Delete

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