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cliffs to the left encapsulate a vista that is stunningly breath taking. A little more time than expected prepping the Tiger earlier in the day meant I was arriving later than anticipated, however the sinking sun playing on the sandstone cliffs was spectacular, and more than compensated for the late departure.
Nearing Glen Davis and another crossing over the Capertee River, a single chimney stands resolute in the centre of a paddock, standing as a silent sentinel, a motionless guard to a place steeped in history, a silent salute to an industrial past.
The Glen Davis Boutique Hotel sits in all its Art Deco glory as you head towards the town camping area. Large iron gates reinforce the sign ' Pre-Booked Guests Only '. Once owned by the Marist Brothers and used as a retreat, the Glen Davis Boutique Hotel is once again welcoming guests, albeit pre-booked.
A camping area with toilets, hot water and showers welcomes visitors to the Glen Davis camping ground, which is a testament to the great work of the Glen Davis community- the toilets are clean, and the water is hot. Sheltered cooking areas are dotted throughout the park. Level and shaded spots abound for those looking for ' 5 million-star accommodation '.
Several other campers are present in the park, a middle-aged couple in a Skoda Wagon appear content and comfortable- they both offer a wave and a nod of the head as I slowly idle past. Across the perennial creek bed, a rather large affair is in place- several marquees, many tents and a large truck have been assembled. I idle down the slight hill, the triple of the Tiger, offering a comforting sound. I select a site to call home for the next 2 nights.
The Tiger has behaved perfectly and the pre-trip farkles have proven themselves over the days ride- new
SW Motech footpegs proved wide and comfortable and a new Arai XD4 Explore helmet cossetted my melon. Whilst only a short ride, the Arai has proven a worthy investment- cool with great ventilation, comfortable and light and providing great vision through the pinlock ready visor. Fit and finish is superb. The SW Motech footpegs are comfortable, stable and well made, providing a place for my feet, as well as additional leverage area for the ' stand up ' riding on the dirt roads into Glen Davis.
Accommodation is slowly sorted; the pitching of the tent takes a little while. Whilst the site is level, the rocks hidden below the surface bend the light alloy tent pegs. Frustration with the rocks turns to appreciation, using some as tie down points, negating the need for pegs. With the tent sorted it’ s time to start thinking about the essential camping item- a campfire. What night in ' 5 million-star accommodation ' is complete without
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