Day 34 Bush Camp to Yanchep 120 km and now I am in Joondalup!

It was a freezing night and despite being dressed in 3 layers my summer weight sleeping bag didn’t really do the job. When I woke at 6.00 am there was frost all around and it was very chilly. While boiling water to make a cup of tea my gas cylinder run out. Not a promising start to the day.

I was slow to pack up as I waited for the sun to take the chill off and I didn’t want to pack the tent up wet. Eventually I got on the road about 9.30 am. With 40 km to Lancelin and no breakfast I was only just going but after 20 km I found my rhythm. Lancelin is 8 km off the highway but it was my only opportunity for food until Yanchep still 80 km away so I had no option. It was a fast descent into town and I found a cafe where I got a coffee and a muffin.

       Mangles' Kangaroo Paw

I was in the bush just across the road from this last night but it didn't disturb my sleep.

I had a quick look around but knowing I still had 80 km to Yanchep I quickly headed back to the highway. My plan to get to Yanchep was based on the idea that it would leave me only 50 km to reach Perth tomorrow in time to meet Lisa and Charli when they arrive.

I left Lancelin at 1.00 pm and rode steady until 4.00 pm when I pulled into a café for a cup of tea. I rang Dave Spatcher to arrange a get together tomorrow. I also did some quick research on Yanchep and discovered there isn’t much there. I was hoping for a caravan park or a cheap motel as I wasn’t keen on sleeping in the bush as tonight looks like being very cold.

At 5.30 pm I was just reaching Yanchep when a small truck pulled over. The driver hailed me and said he was concerned that I wouldn't reach my destination before dark. Mike a Scottish immigrant who lives in Perth persuaded me to put the bike on the back of the truck. He drove me to the Jondalup Resort which is pretty flash. I don’t think the staff have ever seen a touring cyclist before.

Mike who stopped and gave me a ride into Joondalup. A great guy!

The result is I am 27 km from Perth CBD having ridden 2600 km from Broome. Mike drove me 30 km for which I am grateful as I really didn’t want another cold night in the tent.

When I looked at the map later I realised I was very close to the Yanchep National Park turb-off where I could have camped. It was an unusual way to finish my ride. Joondalup Resort is luxurious but curiously after so many nights in a tent I struggled to sleep even though I had pedalled 120 km.

I did enjoy the shower and the food.