Towong MK III

Ron left us at Whitfield, working the next day. We headed through Dandongadale, Myrtleford, across Kiewa River, up to Mitta, lunch and swim. Dartmouth Dam, back to Tallangatta, picked up Rob. Granya Pass, then along Murray River to Walwa and then Towong where we stayed each night. Ben and I went into Corryong for Pub run in Julie’s car and found Mick and Sean who had left Melbourne much latter than us. I joined Julie and Danny for swim in Murray before tea. 700 km for the day.

So well planned, of course. Ben timing our stops ideally, especially with the hot weather. Suited me fine, not getting too fatigued with plenty of fluid replenishing and a couple of swims, stinking hot every day. Some sections of road going gooey. One of the road workers who rides a Duke. Head guy for Mt. Kosiuszko Nat. Park roads rides also. The roads seemed to be in great condition.       

First day out from Towong, fueled at Khancoban, through to Thredbo and up and back to Charlottes Pass. If you’re ever up this way, don't miss this road. It has got to be one of the best. Back to Jindabyne, lunch, round to Dalgetty, Berridale, 20 km stint on Snowy Mountains Highway, almost only bit of highway all holiday. Adaminaby icecream stop, then Kiandra and Cabramurra road home. Had to wait till then for a swim with Ern, Danny, Julie, Ben and me all squeezing into the wagon. Back up to the cabins where Julie had prepared wonderful feast. 470km for the day.

Second day outing opposite way up Cabramurra road stopping for photos and movies, then around Elliot Way with a swim at Sue City – that’s a Dam. On to Elliot Way and Tumbarumba, then wiggled along to Tumut, lunch in the big smoke. Beautiful road to Bondo, (nowhere) and Tumorrama and back. Don't know how Ben has time to find these roads, but to our pleasure. Then back through Tumut. I had to be satisfied with putting my head under the tap (no swim). Short 8 km on highway , then back on roads we'd done earlier which was great for building up my confidence. A stop at Tumbarrumba, almost home again.460 km for the day.

Saturday, we have to go home. Fuel at Walwa, then Granya Pass, Tallangatta fuel up, Mitta for lunch and swim in river. Towonga to Myrtleford lunch and the end of dry roads and the end of the twisties. More or less split up at Oxley, heading directly home because of the ugly weather. I'd thrown what few things I did have in the car (just moved house and can't find a thing). Cliff was good enough to lend me a jumper or I would have suffered big time, thanks heaps.

Brilliant holiday made even better with great company, a kazillion bends and no incidents. I am not quite keeping up with the action up ahead that was leaving black lines. Thanks everyone. Special thanks to Julie, mothering us when we got back each day with beautifully prepared feasts. 2200km of bliss, excitement and adrenaline. I hear Tassy holiday not far away.

Lyn Duncan (Suzuki GSXR1000)