Across Continents

Ken's Blog

Dam bursting

June 5th, 2011

Dam bursting from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Ken visits the Wivenhoe dam, close to Brisbane, Queensland’s capital. Or tries to…

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Anarchy in the UK

June 5th, 2011

I suggested she paint "Emma" on the side of her caravan, quickly explaining it was the name of my trusty steed. Over the Royal Blue strip she’d already added. Much to her own annoyance. English she was, but definitely not a Royalist. In the 70s she’d been an anarchist. Told me so. Proudly.

Eccentric or just a bit mad I wondered. The difference simple. One has lots more money than the other. Mad then I suppose. Living in a van park near Brisbane. A rather nice one at that. Cared for. Or was I being hasty? Overly judgmental? The lady flighty, a little scatty? But hardly a threat to society. Couldn’t imagine that’d ever been the case.

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Inspired choice

June 4th, 2011

Brisbane detour combo

I’d Mike to thank. Suggesting I might venture off the familiar Bruce Highway south of the town of Gympie. Instead, following the Mary Valley. Gradually climbing up to the small town of Maleny. Vantage point for the Glass House Mountains. Then a swift descent towards Lake Somerset. Skirting around Brisbane.

If he’d actually used the word scenic I’d missed it. But it was implied. Ordinarily something of a deterrent to the run-of-the-mill long-haul rider. Smacks of hill work. But sometimes you have to forgo such reluctance. Efforts amply rewarded. As in this instance. Not just the vistas. But also the characters I’d encountered en route. Inspired choice.

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More feathered friends

June 4th, 2011

More feathered friends from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Parrot or pigeon? Actually parrots – Galahs (Latin name Cacatua roseicapilla, always handy to know if you’re ever in Ancient Rome). By all accounts, not very bright. Terrible road sense. Frequently getting run over. Hence the Aussie slang term – Galah – for someone who’s intellectually challenged. And I thought it was a type of apple…

Incidentally, if you’re impressed by my knowledge of these feathered friends, don’t be. I’ve a very informed source. Someone who knows about these things. He’d suggested the slang usage a bit harsh. Or as he put it, like saying someone was a bit Irish. But obviously not in front of Gerry Adams.

[With especial thanks to "Michael" for the advice and dry wit. Currently on the run from some nice chaps from Northern Island..]

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Along Lake Somerset

June 4th, 2011

Along Lake Somerset from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Ken encounters Lake Somerset, southern Queensland. Contains dubious references to Enid Blyton.

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Restless night in Kilcoy

June 3rd, 2011

Restless night in Kilcoy from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

If counting trucks, rather than sheep, was your thing, you’d have a good night’s rest in Kilcoy, southern Queensland. Unfortunately, not Ken’s bag…

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Downhill to Kilcoy

June 3rd, 2011

Downhill to Kilcoy from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Ken is taken in by the road signs…

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Signs of Somerset

June 3rd, 2011

Somerset sign

Alas, not my beloved Somerset in the UK. Rather, a region in southern Queensland. But nice enough.

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Glass House Mountains

June 3rd, 2011

Glass House Mountains from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Ken finally reaches the Glass House Mountains. Fine vantage point. And a coffee. Been a bit of a slog to get there…

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Steep climb ahead

June 2nd, 2011

Steep climb ahead from Ken Roberts on Vimeo.

Forced to descend quite a bit to find a spot to camp, Ken contemplates the climb back up

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