Day 65 Bouldercombe to Upper Ulam Reserve

The Royal Hotel now closed (Bouldercombe)

Sunday 20th June, 2021 19.9km

1722.8 / 3376.1km 

I was up early as I didn't know how I would handle the climb.  A zero day followed by a half day, 2 chicko rolls and a Pepsi was not good preparation. 

The walk up to the hill is interesting when looking at the different houses and their letterboxes. I found a blues supporter, his house wasn't damaged in any way so I'd say they tolerate him. 

The climb up the range turned into a bit of an anti climax. I turned up an old 4wd trail that I hoped would overlook Bouldercome Gorge which I think it did.  I got to the top no trouble so on a good day I still have a bit of fitness, or it was the chicko rolls?

A NSW supporter

The trail then wanders across the range through small rural blocks and a mining lease. The wind kept the day cool. Not that cold I had to don the thermals but cold enough I didn't want to stop. So moving along to keep warm,  I come to a gate I have to climb over as someone has put a lock on it.  

I have to climb that

Then it's back down the range. The walk goes through more small acreages, most with horses it seems, then a short 900m walk up to the Upper Ulam Recreation Grounds which is the designated camp spot.  The area is full of cars and people having a community get together.

I sit in a sunny spot across the road and read a book. They break up and when I move across I speak to one of the committee members who points out the facilities and asks I make sure the gate is shut. Then I'm on my own. I set up the tent under a roof so I don't get dew in the morning. The power is on so I charge up the battery bank albeit slow as the charger is definitely playing up in the cold.

The track up

On sunset someone's shooting but nothing's coming my way so I settle down for the night. Dogs barking continually all night with one dog visiting but obviously getting a fright when I roll over in the tent. It sets him off. I growl at it and it retreats barking all the way till it hits the road. 