DEC 2, 2004

Cycled from Cairns to Lake Eacham. The route to Gordonvale was pretty flat and uneventful although the temperature was rising as was the sun in the clear blue sky. Then we turned and headed toward the tablelands. We attempted a road to a gorge (not sure the name of it), but there was no tree shelter and it was HOT. My thermometer read 38 degrees there in the sun sitting just above the pavement. So we went to Little Mulgrave instead and stopped in the pub. The people there told us we were crazy to continue in that heat up the Gillies range ... but we went anyway.

The Gillies range was 20 kms long - a steady, 20 km climb. Thank goodness it was gradual enough for me to be able to cycle the whole way up. However it was desperately hot. My thermometer topped out at 40 degrees part way up the climb. I had to stop every 1-2 kms to rest, cool off a bit, drink, and get my heart rate down. But I didn't walk any of it!!

We stopped at Lake Barrine hoping to get to the tea house in time, but they closed. People were still there so I did my "pathetic and helpless" routine and we were able to buy some cold drinks. Then we continued on to Lake Eacham where we camped in a nice spot.

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