Queenstown to Collingwood River

The Ride

This was dominated by the big heave out of Queenstown, past the tree-less mountain terrain. It was a big climb out all right.

See Full Ride Details 

03:23:53

31.89

9.4

35.7

Once over that 250m beast, the ride is a lot nicer. Lake Burbury is attractive and has free camp sites. I didn't want to stay here though, wanted to press on to Collingwood River where my Camps 6 book told me there is a camp site waiting.

Along the way is Nelson Falls. It's a short walk from the road so well worth seeing.

 After Nelson falls there was a big 300m hill but it was well spread out so not too bad.

The Camp Site - Collingwood River

Erm, where is the camp site? I looked both sides of the river. No sign of a camp site. It's one of those horrible moments you check the GPS and check your Camps 6 book. Yes, it's supposed to be right here. 

I realise the camp site had been closed a long time. Judging by the nature reclaim I would say minimum 2-3 years. Next to that sign for the river there was a hidden steep set of steps, badly broken. It led down to what was once the camp site.

This was it, the only clear area, mossy, damp. Should be OK to set up a tent though. Thankfully the rain has now stopped.

The river is very attractive and I was able to draw water here. I had not seen a building since Queenstown so it's a good thing I had a water filter on me.

There is no Telstra mobile signal here. Be warned.

The Characters - Valley of the Leeches

The leeches. Yes, hundreds of bloody leaches. Crawling over my shoes, over all my gear, up the tent, trying to get in. Moving like slinky springs, I can't tell their arses from their mouths. Very unpleasant, but it's nature and I'm trespassing.