#pyengana

St Columba Falls, Tasmania.

St Columba Falls, Tasmania.

Soundtrack of the day: Metallica (mostly)

Woke up creeped out. Totally.

I had a pleasant night sleep which allowed me to recover my energies from yesterday's tiring ride but, at around about 5 AM I start hearing footsteps. I was alone at the Pub in the Paddock as the owners live "down the road".

Then, out of the blue, I hear a screech and desperate footsteps!

"Someone is slaughtering a pig at... 5 AM? WTF?"

More on that later.

Managed to get some sleep until 6:45 and then started getting ready to go the falls. Sky looked cloudy and I was afraid it was going to be too cold but, as it turns out, weather was just fine. Not too hot, not too cold, no wind. Perfect!

And off I went to visit St Columba Falls. It was 70 minute round trip, which is really good! The falls were beautiful, there was no one on the road and the fresh air in the park was just so good. Love that smell of grass starting to defrost in the cold morning.

It's definitely a must see when in Tassie. It's one of the highest waterfalls in the island - 90m tall - and with a flow of 42K litres per minute it's no joke. It provides water to the entire region to eventually end in the sea, at St Helens.

So, got some snaps, lovely ride not too tiring, and made my way back. Met Brownya, Scott's wife, and had some extra brekky that she prepared.

And also explained the noise in the early morning! Possums! I should have known... Country life, hey?

When I got back to the Paddock there were a few dirty riders there. I learned later that they arrived yesterday in Tassie for some riding in the forests. One of the guys broke his collarbone yesterday, 3 hours into the ride! So sad, hope he makes a good recovery.

After cleaning up, settling the bill and adjusting/oiling the bike I was off again, just before 10 AM! Perfect. It was only a short ride until St Helens so I was certain I would get there before 12 which would give me enough time to go and visit the Bay of Fires.

The road to St Helens was very uneventful. A few hills here and there, a brick-a-brack shop and before I realised I was in St Helens. Very easy ride.

The accommodation is lovely but it had a weird smell when I got in. Now it's better! Haha

Had a hot shower, got changed and off I went to the Bay of Fires In Binalong Bay. Another 24 km on the road to check out the rocks - mostly granite - that grow a lichen with an orangey colour on them. Beautiful ride, a few steep sections but absolutely lovely area. I should have had lunch there, looking at the bay was just so peaceful.

And now... I'm here. Not too tired today but halfway through my journey. I believe I have another 200 km to go until Hobart, mostly flat though which is a relief as my ass is starting to hurt! Haha

I leave you here with the route for today and the Strava activities. Overall today was 69.8 km. The elevation gains you can have a look at the Strava activities.

Google Map (Pyengana to St Helens): https://goo.gl/maps/q9Zu19YY4yw

Strava activity (Pub in the Paddock to St Columba Falls): https://www.strava.com/activities/530329489

Strava activity (Pub in the Paddock to St Helens): https://www.strava.com/activities/530329509