Day 38: Rail trail again...

Well, after a lovely lie in, we headed off to McLaren Vale, the idea being put in our heads by JD. Duncan also discovered - upon doing a bit of research - that there is a cycling trail that runs from McLaren Vale to Willunga, called the Shiraz trail. So off we tootled, looking most impressive with the four bikes on top of the ute.

A labyrinth to stop and wander around in, along the way.

We set off from the info centre, with the promise of a delicious ice cream on our return for any offspring that refrained from whining or using the word torture along the way. It was delightful. The weather was a balmy 30 degrees, with a gentle cool breeze and lots of shady trees along the way. Nevertheless, the boys and I did manage to do the red faces look by the end though. The path was pretty flat as these things go, with some steady uphills (not too steep) and consequently steady downhills (when approaching from the other direction). Of course we had the mandatory picnic along the way, with an ice cold drink in Willunga and, yes, a big, delicious ice cream at the end.

The coolest spot on the whole ride was that lovely tunnel you see behind us!

Vines everywhere you look, and the lovely smell the wine on the air.

All in all the trail was 18km long (9km each way). We noticed the difference in ourselves and our ability to cope with it all since we did the Bellarine Rail Trail about 5 years ago (or that's what it feels like anyway). I know it was really only 5 weeks ago, but we are much fitter now and not such wussy in-door people. In any case, more adventurous than we had time for before our trip.

The beginning and end of the trail, before the ice cream, much anticipated.

Thanks to Dave who has confessed to not crossing his fingers for us getting the van on Tuesday. THANKS A LOT, DAVE! I don't want to jinx anything by saying what is what with the whole v-a-n issue. Just keep crossing those digits and/or sending up some supportive prayers for us please...