Day 9 of Munda Biddi - Cold and Rain

Distance: 63 km
Elevation gain: 1,059 metres
From the town of Nannup to the Karta Burnu hut
About 7.5hrs travel time, from 7:30am to 3pm. But there were breaks hiding from the rain.

Now at Karta Burnu hut, my distance from Mundaring: 524km.

The forecast was for a short rain spell between 9am and 10am but as I emerged from my dome tent at 6am the weather looked clear so I had a quick breakfast and got started. Turns out I should have stayed in bed and taken the late checkout.

A bit after 9am the heavens opened up as a weather cold front passed by. I took shelter for half an hour behind a large tree to avoid most of the wind and rain. It was cold!!🥶

It seemed to be easing up so I got started again only for the second front to hit. This time I was close to a hut and bunkered down. I unpacked the stove and had a chicken noodle cup-a-soup to warm the body and soul.

Once the second front had cleared the blue sky returned and I was on my way.

There was a giant Karri tree along the track today. My bike looked tiny at its base. It's over 76m tall and 200 years old.

I stopped for lunch at Donnelly River village, an old saw mill township in the mountains. Lovely spot and people. There were even emus walking around.

The last leg of today involved a brutal climb with countless switchbacks. The reward was a fantastic hut for the night. I was hoping for a night on my own but Jenny and Jim were also spending the night. A lovely couple in their mid sixties.