Weather today was dry with scattered cloud and some sunny spells and cooler than of late at 22C with a cooler SW wind off the Southern Ocean.
Today's ride was a short one up the Peninsula and a ferry across the straits to Queenscliff on the other side of the narrow harbour entrance.
I have described at various points in the Blog the geography of the area over the last few days but a map makes it much clearer. Below are 2 map pictures. The first is of the overall area.
On the bottom right is the Western Port bay with Philip Island and Cowes at the entrance to that bay. Between this and the larger Port Philip Bay is the Mornington Peninsula. Rosebud is on the bottom of the bayside coast of the Peninsula. 40 miles north at the top end of the bay is Central Melbourne.
The second picture shows a close up of the immediate area around the Bay entrance with Rosebud on the right and Queenscliff on the left.
I took a cyclepath through the foreshore woods as far as Rye with some very pleasant sea views. Then the road to Sorrento with good wide cyclelanes.
I had decided to catch a ferry in the afternoon and continued through Sorrento via Portsea to the Pt Nepean State Park. This has a cycle route up to near the end of the peninsula and the straits known as "The Rip" where many ships came to grief due to the strong tidal flows.
As I cycled along I spotted a large reptilian head at the side of the road which moved a short distance as I passed. I stopped and noted short legs so fear of a poisonous snake abated. It was about 15 inches long and I took a few pictures.
I continued to the end of the bike trail and then walked to the end of the point and the fort manned with cannons during World War 2. After a picnic lunch I headed back with a short stop at Portsea Pier.
I caught the 3.00 p.m. ferry for Queenscliff. This was a large Catamaran Car ferry. On arrival I found by accident a bike path to Point Lonsdale. This is the exact opposite side of "The Rip" from Point Nepean so with time to spare I rode it and took in the views from the Point with a lighthouse and pier.
I stay at Queenscliff for 3 nights so time to explore the area and yet more rest days!
Edwin
Posted by Edwin
at 8:46 PM EADT
