A need for fresh air

We took our time as it was a shorter day today, only some 35kms to Donnelly River.  My preferred cafe was unfortunately closed as the owner was having a medical procedure but there were at least four other cafes to choose from.  Nannup was a pretty little town with a pharmacy, basic supermarket and a bakery that did perfect chicken and salad rolls for lunch.

We ran into some other cyclists and they shared their stories of their travels on the Munda Biddi to date. Our insights were less relevant as we had yet to start the trail.  They looked lightly loaded compared to us, but we spotted them later with fully laden bikes which was reassuring. 

Simon placed our coffee order at Pickle & O whilst I had a quick exploration of the local shops.  I was able to buy basic supplies at the supermarket and topped up with some bread rolls from the bakery so we were set for our night in Donnelly River with its limited facilities. 

It was easy riding out of town and it was sometime before we hit the dirt roads. We stopped at Willow Springs for lunch, a little campsite located on the Warren Brockmans stock route.  Soon after we picked up the Munda Biddi trail and I had to get used to the narrow single track.  This made for slow going and after a few kilometres we opted for the easier dirt roads into Donnelly River Village.  The Village consisted of a cluster of houses, a general store which served as a cafe, and lots of emus, kangaroos and bird life. 

We enjoyed a hot chocolate and two massive pumpkin scones and bought some frozen lasagne for dinner before checking into our bedsit.  It was a basic and dreary set up with no windows and three doors with no screens meaning that there would be no fresh air without insects. I asked at the general store whether there was any other possible accommodation options due to my need for an open window and was delighted when the lady offered us one of the cabins at no extra charge.  So we packed up all our gear, unmade the bed and trekked everything down to Cabin 36, on the outskirts of the village with a lounge and fire as well as a full kitchen. 

Soon we had resettled and had wedged the bedroom window open using a metal case.  Simon found a wood source and got the fire going, with a makeshift clothesline ensuring we would have dry clothes tomorrow.  As we spread out on the lounge with a red wine, we were definitely much happier with our alternate accommodation.

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