scented sun orchid

York to Mundaring, day 9, Thursday 28 October 1993. A fine cold morning with light winds, not a factor. I left York at 8:26. The first 6km were almost all uphill, very hard, and I wondered if there was something wrong with me or the bike, but at the top of the last rise I looked back and saw quite a view of the country behind, showing that I had in fact climbed quite a long way. It was easier after that.

The country was mostly forest. After 1 hour and 16km I rested at 27841 and walked into the forest to find orchids. I didn’t see any. I rested again at 27857, passed over the section of the Great Southern Highway that I had ridden in 1989 on the way from El Caballo to Beverley, a journey done mainly on back roads (see 1989 ride), then stopped at The Lakes roadhouse for another rest at 27870.  ... Read more

Mundaring to Cottesloe, last phase, Friday 29 October 1993. This was not a full riding day. I decided just to go to Midland and get the train all the way back to Cottesloe.

The morning was fine and sunny so I took a walk to see if the orchids were open. They were. Consultation with an expert later revealed that they were a rare orchid, the Scented Sun Orchid, yet here they were growing like weeds over a wide area. It was quite a bonus for the trip. The Kings Park Guides and other people made expeditions to look at them after I had told of their existence. Because they were right behind the Motel, their location could be easily and exactly described.  ... Read more