Kentish Park: Just beyond West Kentish
The road down to the lake is beautiful. Trees stand tall above the road on one side, and on the other the land drops away into damns and driveways, to houses and horses. Over the far side, where I would guess the lake is, the hills rise up again, trees tall and dark, gradually fade to a hazy blue as they meander toward the horizon, where the hills eventually stop.
We arrive at the lake at dusk, the sun has fallen below the hills and we need to hustle to get our tents setup, but before we do we stand and look around at the place we have cycled to. Trees grow tall from the dry ground, moss grows under bushy trees, where the sun doesn't shine. The road leading past the boat ramps and through to the higher camping grounds is edged by one hill, littered with small camp fire marks that have been burnt into the grass, indicating people camped here before. The higher camping grounds, which are accessible by steep, gravel roads, are too far away from amenities.
We turn our backs to the camping ground and look to the lake, it is flat, a light breeze blowing ripples across the surface, which is reflecting the tall trees and houses that are on the opposite bank. Two jetties reach into the water, floating on the surface, the boys have already stated their intentions of jumping off the end, and we have not yet got our tent setup.
It is time to hustle and beat the oncoming dark. Setup tents, organise dinner and look forward to swimming tomorrow.
Friends and Shared Experiences
We always meet interesting people when we are travelling. We have chatted to brave locals who have come up to chat to us, usually they had seen us riding about and were curious enough to ask questions, we are hard to miss. "What were you thinking?" they ask, trying to understand why we are cycling.
I say “It seemed like a good idea.”
Without fail, they add “At the time?”. I shrug, nope, not really. “It seemed like a good idea” is my answer, because even after riding about in Tasmania we still think it A Good Idea.
Other people understand why we are cycling, these include other cycling tourists. I met Jeremy and Faustine while getting groceries in Sheffield, they rode into town, bikes under the familiar load of Ortlieb panniers. I chased them down and asked where they were heading. They were heading to the same campsite we were staying at. It was a great joy to see them arrive in the afternoon, after I had returned with the food, while having a swim, and they walked out onto the jetty and said "Hi."
We shared an evening meal with them, talking about their travels, our travels, the roads and places we had all seen. They had been riding in New Zealand, then Sydney, a road trip through central Australia, and had been at least a month in Tasmania, on bikes. We always seem to meet warm and kindhearted people on the road, Jeremy and Faustine are two more to add onto our list of Road Tripping Friends.
It makes me wonder why I do not talk to people in my home town. I don't know if I would approach a stranger with loaded panniers just while I was shopping. I would like to think I had to courage to do so, now we have joined “The Club”.
Relax and Unwind
Our two days by the lake is wonderful. The sun shines on the water, there is not much wind creating a stunning view, that is interrupted by a few people launching boats for water skiing or fishing. The view returns to normal once they disappear around the corner to explore places on the lake we cannot see.
While not swimming the boys play games with sticks, and a game they made up called "Ninja". Joash and Elijah dig in the red clay, their shorts are forever stained with the red sand from sliding, and etching and digging, with tent pegs they found, in the red clay and brown grass. Adeline potters about between games, or sitting with mum, she flips characters like Jekyll and Hyde, going from nice Adeline who helps us cook dinner to "bored" Adeline, who throws whatever she can get her hands on.
We take a break from riding after a couple of days, taking care to listen to our legs and minds, so we don't wear everyone out. Being happy, and making sure the children are happy, is something we make sure to focus on. We could "crack the whip" and ride a long distance, but that has never been the aim of our trip. So, while we are here, by the lake, we will enjoy the view, the swimming, new friends, camp cooked food and quiet days as much as we can.
Not Tired Yet
The boys are in their tent talking about far future adventures. One suggests that they are going to find a sponsor, then find an old bike - the oldest bike with pedals - and then ride around the world on it. "I guess they are not sick and tired of riding their bikes, just yet." I think to myself.