Monday, 23 Feb 2004

Location: Brisbane, Australia

From Strahan I rode to Queenstown, site of a copper, gold and silver mine. I did a tour of it - a working part of the mine. We travelled down below sea-level by 4-wheel drive. Very interesting but I couldn't work down there as it felt claustrophobic. I then did a big 88 kms in the afternoon to Derwent Bridge, starting with a 5 km climb out of Queenstown. This ride skirted the Heritage area of the SW of Tasmania. I camped in the bush and set off the next day for a big 105 kms to Hamilton.

Nothing cheaper than an $80 sandstone cottage - very luxurious. Next day I cycled 90 kms to Hobart, the last 30 kms against a strong head-wind.