Day 108

Date:- 30 June 2010
Distance:- 39.75 Km
Distance to Date:- 5387.8 Km
Start:- Wonarah Bore Rest Area (4)
Finish:- Barkly Homestead
Comment:- Up at 7am and had breakfast. Ken, a gentleman I had met several Rest Areas back, had the kettle boiling and made me a nice cup of coffee in a china mug. Very nice.

Packed up and on the road by 8am. A bit overcast today but a nice SE breeze of 5 - 10 knots again (tail wind), a good road and light traffic.

About 15km out from the Rest Area a sign indicated a “Grid”. I don’t like cattle grids but this one turned out to be white lines marked on the road. The original Grid must have been filled in and sealed over. I don’t mind those sort.

Stopped for my break about 9.15am about 20km out, and again as I was enjoying my break a Campervan stopped to check on my well being. IO ensure them I was Ok and they went merrily on their way.

A straight run into the Barkly Homestead where I arrived about 10.30am. Booked in, set up camp and immediately went for a shave and shower. Something I had been looking forward to. Hung the sleeping bed out to air and put a load of washing in.

Now that I am back in touch with the world I will update my Blog. Rest Day Tomorrow.

Day 107

Date:- 29 June 2010
Distance:- 84.51 Km
Distance to Date:- 5348.0 Km
Start:- Soudan Rest Area
Finish:- Wonarah Bore Rest Area (4)
Comment:- Up about 6am this morning after a reasonably good nights sleep. Had breakfast then commenced packing up. I had to move my bike and trailer to where I can load it, and on moving it I noticed I had a broken spoke. Guess where, rear wheel cluster side (chain drive) Fortunately I am carrying the tools for such an occasion. So remove the wheel from the frame, deflate the tyre and remove the tyre and tube. Remove the cluster and remove the broken spoke. Insert new spoke only to find the spoke nut still had the remains of the old spoke embedded in it, and I don’t carry any spare spoke nuts. Fixed problem the best I could and reassembled the wheel, back into the frame and will hope the repairs will carry me through to Katherine.

On the road by 8.20am with a SE tail wind and an excellent road. Cloudless skies once again. Quite a bit of army equipment being trucked west today.

Rode past the Wongarra Aboriginal Settlement and onto the Wunara Store Rest Area (3) The store is closed, no toilets, no water, just an area to camp.

Stopped for my break about 11.30pm and while I was having it a Britz Camper Van stopped, 4 young girls jumped out and wanted to know if I was OK. If they could give me a lift somewhere. I said no and they then offered me a bottle of water, filled one of my water bottles and gave me to Mars bars. It was a very nice gesture.

Saw about five or six wild camels in the distance, other than that an uneventful day. Arrived at the rest area and met up with a gentleman I had met at an earlier rest area and he gave me a very nice cup of coffee. Set up camp and wandered around a bit, then did my diary before cooking tea and retiring to bed.

Tomorrow my destination is the Barkley Homestead about 40km from here. Again no mobile phone coverage.

Day 106

Date:- 28 June 2010
Distance:- 65.23 Km
Distance to Date:- 5263.5 Km
Start:- Avon Downs Rest Area
Finish:- Soudan Rest Area
Comment:- (All times from now on will be Darwin Time)
After I completed my diary I went for a walk around the Rest Area and over the road to the Driver/ Reviver Stop. Had a couple of cups of coffee. Electric Jug supplied as well as tea, coffee and biscuits for a small donation. Spoke to a couple of other travellers before ringing Evon on the payphone near the Police Station. I had to reverse charges as the phone only took phone cards or reverse charged calls.
Then it was off to bed.

I had a rather restless night. I don’t know whether it was uneven ground or too much coffee or too long in bed. Not much reception on the radio either. Some cattle nearby were very noisy also something was upsetting a horse.

Up about 6.30am and had breakfast over at the Driver/Reviver Stop. Saved getting the Metho stove out to boil the billy. Packed up and on the road by 8am.

A SE wind of 5 - 10 Knots and increasing as the day progressed to about 15 - 20 knots. It was a bit of assistance on the west ward direction and a bit of hard work as I travelled SW. It was a side wind. It was quite cold due to the wind, but a cloudless sky and a good road.

You can see the road ahead winding gently to the left and then to the right and over gentle rises. Its wide open plains, almost treeless except for some bushy scrub. A few cattle visible grazing in the paddocks. Stopped for my break about 10am about 35 km out.

Arrived at the Soudan Rest Area about 12.30pm where there were a number of caravans parked for lunch. A couple of people came over and asked the usual questions and one of the gentlemen invited me in for a cuppa. A nice retired Dutch couple who were travelling to Darwin gave me a couple of sandwiches and a cup of tea and it was gratefully accepted. We said our goodbyes and they were on their way.

While I was sitting there another car pulled up and another couple from Frankston pulled up for their break. Had a nice chat and they gave me some apples and oranges, again gratefully received.

Cooked my tea and had another cuppa, and then my diary. Again I have no phone coverage contrary to what Telstra say.

Tomorrow I hope to ride to Wonarah Bore (4) about 88 km from here.

Day105

Date:- 27 June 2010
Distance:- 68.86 Km
Distance to Date:- 5198.2 Km
Start:- Caravan Park - Camooweal
Finish:- Avon Downs Rest Area
Comment:- The caravan park I stayed in Camooweal was very comfortable. It was behind the Post Office Hotel. Had a new Camp Kitchen with a fridge, BBQ and hot and cold running water for washing up. The amenities were a bit Spartan though.

Had a good nights sleep again. It must be all that exercise. Got up about 7am and had breakfast, charged all my batteries, packed up and on the road by 8.45am Met a couple in the camp kitchen who were from Whittington, a suburb of Geelong.

Stopped at the Service Station and picked up some fruit then on the road. Very good road with a breakdown lane. A cloudless sky but a 5 - 10 knot SE wind gusting to 15 kts As I will be travelling in a westerly direction it will be a side wind blowing me into the traffic lanes.

About 13 Km out of Camooweal was the Queensland/ Northern Territory border.. Stopped for the obligatory photo. Asked a caravan couple to take my photo. They were from Stawell in Victoria. As we entered the Northern Territory the breakdown lane disappeared, but the road was quite wide and the traffic was light. The speed limit in the Northern Territory is 130 Kph, but I don’t think too many motorists are travelling at this speed.

A sign about 21 km from Camooweal; listed the rest areas ahead of me on the Barkley Highway:- 48, 114, 199, 240, 294 and 356 Km which tallies with my listing from “Camps Australia Wide 4” book.

Stopped and helped a couple change a flat tyre on their caravan about 35 km out. As soon as they were on their way I had my break. Then on the road again to my destination of Avon Downs Rest Area.

There were a lot of Side show rides and food trucks on the road today. The Mount Isa Show finished last night so they were all heading for Alice Springs, then Darwin, then Katherine for their respective shows.

Arrived at the Avon Downs Rest Area just across the road from the police Station so we should be safe tonight. There are two toilet blocks, two water tanks “Water may not be suitable for Drinking”. and two rotundas with table and chairs. Plenty of room for vans

At this stage I have no mobile reception. Maybe as the day progresses it may change.

Tomorrow I will head for the Soudan Rest Area which is 66 km down the road.

Day 104

Date:- 26 June 2010
Distance:- 134.76 Km
Distance to Date:- 5129.3 Km
Start:- WW2 Airfield Rest Area
Finish:- Caravan Park - Camooweal
Comment:- Yesterday afternoon I wandered around the rest area. There were about 15 vans spread around the compound with room for many more. Listened to the radio before having tea. I then joined Jeff and Kath around their camp fire. About 8.30pm we all went our separate ways to bed.

Had an excellent nights sleep and was awoken about 5am by travellers preparing to leave. Very noisy. After a short sleep I awoke again by 6.30am, and arose 6.45am. Had breakfast with Jeff and Kath around their fire before we all packed up and on our way.

I was on the road by 8.30am. A little hill to warm up on just out of the rest area. About 6 km out of the rest area I made another mile stone, 5000 km since I left home.

I will be heading NW for most of the day with a SW to westerly breeze of about 5 knots (tail wind) Cloudless skies and a very good flat road.

I upset a wedge tail eagle this morning. He was feasting on some fresh road kill. When he spotted me he made a couple of noises and took off only to land in a nearby tree. I rode past a couple of hundred metres, stopped and looked back and he was back continuing his meal.

Stopped on the side of the road for my break about 10.30am. Had a look at the David Hall Rest Area (309). Shelter Shed with table and chairs and rubbish bins only. Not suitable for my type of camping.

Continued on down the road to the Inca Creek Rest Area about 20 km further down the road. I was going to make this my stop for the night until I saw what was on offer. A big red dust bowl with empty rubbish bins (no one stops there) and 1 table and chair set. Since it was only 12.30pm and I didn’t want to camp there, I decided to head for Camooweal another 70 km down the road.

I virtually had the road to myself. About 10 cars and 2 road trains between Inca Creek and Camooweal. It was a long trip and the closer I got to my destination the more rests I needed. It was a big day and I was glad to see the town come into view.

Found a caravan park and in I went. Tent up then in for a nice hot shower and down to the Pub for a counter tea. I reckon I needed a good feed after that big day.

Tomorrow I venture into the Northern Territory to stay at the Avon Rest Area about 70 km west of Cammooweal.

Day 103

Date:- 25 June 2010
Distance:- 55.12 Km
Distance to Date:- 4994.6 Km
Start:- Sunset Top Tourist Caravan Park - Mt Isa
Finish:- WW2 Airfield Rest Area
Comment:- Had a rather rough night last night. Didn’t sleep very well at all. Rang Evon about 6.30am to discuss a couple of problems that had arisen, then out of bed about 6.45am

Had breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.30am

Out of the caravan park, down Camooweal Street to the Barkley Highway. Turned right, then across the Leichhardt River (which was dry) then turn right again and headed for Camooweal.

Crossed my first cattle grid just out of Mount Isa, no problem.

It was a public holiday in Mount Isa today for the local agricultural show. Most shops and factories were closed and the town was very quiet.

Passed the Hilton, and the George Fisher Mine sites and then rode through the Paroo Range ariving at my destination, WW2 Rest area about 1.30pm.

The road, today, was very good. A wide breakdown lane all the way but the surface was very rough at times. I spent quite a bit of time travelling on the road as the traffic had worn down that surface. The road seemed to rising for the first 30 km, then flattened out, then slightly downhill to the rest area.

There was a light NE breeze blowing when I left Mount Isa and gradually increased as the day progressed, the dropped out altogether.

Put the tent up then made a coffee and Reg and Pauline stopped for their lunch break. They are on their way to Darwin. No sooner had they departed when a couple of motorcyclists stopped by. They were out for a “”Sunday Drive” on Friday.

Will set my destination as the Inca Creek Rest Area tomorrow (about 69 km) and Camooweal (70 km) on Sunday.

Day 102

Date:- 24 June 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4939.4 Km
Start:- Sunset Top Tourist Caravan Park - Mt Isa
Finish:- Sunset Top Tourist Caravan Park - Mt Isa
Comment:- A country and western group from NSW entertained the park residents for about an hour last night raising money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Cooked tea and watched a bit of TV before retiring to bed about 9.30pm. Listened to the radio then off to sleep. Had a very good nights sleep arising about 7.45am.

Had a good breakfast while watching TV and the saga of the prime ministership. That seemed to be all that’s happening at the moment. Folded and packed all my washing and hung my sleeping bag out to air.

Aquired a map of Mount Isa and headed for town. Firstly had to find the Post Office where I was expecting a package. Found the Post Office, got the package now free to wander.

Mt Isa has a population of about 23,000 people. There are 7 caravan parks and they are all booked out this weekend, the Mt Isa show being one of the many drawcards. A public holiday in Mt Isa tomorrow for show day and school holidays start.

Wandered up to the city lookout and you get a 360 dgree view of the town. Back into town and into a K Mart store and bought another tube for BOB and some metholated spirit, over to Coles and more supplies, then lunch at Subways before going back to the caravan park.

Had a tea and a coffee with a couple from Newcastle. They are up here visiting their son and daughter in law who both work in Mt Isa.
Checked over the bike and trailer and oiled the chain ready for another 6 days on the road. Tomorrow I hope to get to W/W 2 Airfield Rest Area (309)

I have been told I will have mobile phone coverage to Three Ways, but internet will be intermittent so you will have to bare with me.

Day 101

Date:- 23 June 2010
Distance:- 61.68 Km
Distance to Date:- 4939.4 Km
Start:- Fountain Springs Rest Area
Finish:- Sunset Top Tourist Caravan Park - Mt Isa
Comment:- During the afternoon yesterday about 20 caravans arrived. It is a popular rest stop. The toilets were a bit antiquated but did have lighting fed by a solar panel charging system. It is a Driver/ Reviver Stop on Public holidays etc.

I was in bed by 7.45pm and listening to the tunes of duelling generators. Fortunately they were turned off about 8.30pm. Listened to the radio for a while before dropping off into a deep sleep.

Up about 6.45am after a very good nights sleep and on the road by 8.15am. Another nice day in ………….. It looks like I get to play in the hills again today. Straight out of the Rest Area and up a long steady hill, then a nice downhill. A few of the hills needed my special attention, but nice downhills generally followed.

Passed the ruins of the Mary Kathleen Mine about 10 km from the rest area then crossed the Leichhardt River which was dry.

Struck some road works about 30 km and as soon as I cleared the roadworks I stopped on the side of the road for my snack break.

The road seemed to flatten out with about 15 km of gentle rolling hills. Not too bad. Had a couple more hills to climb before I experienced a beautiful downhill run into Mount Isa. Found the caravan park , booked in set up and organised a load of washing. Down to the super market to organise my meals for the next couple of days. Then completed my diary

Tomorrow is a rest day so I can catch my breath check my gear and wander around town before I head into the real outback.

Day 100

Date:- 22 June 2010
Distance:- 63.15 Km
Distance to Date:- 4877.7 Km
Start:- Gilbert Park Tourist Village
Finish:- Fountain Springs Rest Area (304)
Comment:- Usual communal chat in the camp kitchen after tea last night. In bed by 9.30pm

Up at 6.45am, had a good breakfast with real milk and toast. Packed up and on the road by 8.15am.

A 2 km ride into the town of Cloncurry, through town on the Flinders highway ans a nice long gentle hill to start with. As the sign said Bike Lane next 120 Km (all the way to Mt Isa)

A gentle SE breeze which freshened a little as the day progressed, but nothing like the previous days. Cloudless skies and 27 degrees temp. forecast.

I am travelling through some wonderful scenery of rolling hills rocky outcrops, a multitude of colours. The sunlight highlighting different areas. The many shades of greens and yellows of the foliage of the trees. A photo would never do it justice. The sun is shining from behind me and is lighting everything in front and “gee” its good.

Had my snack break about 10.30am about 32 km out of Cloncurry. There are a lot of caravans coming and going today, more than I have experienced on previous days.

Stopped at the Burke and Wills Monument (RA 303) which is situated on the track they took to cross Australia. About 16 km further down the road was my stop for the night. Fountain Springs Rest Area. Not as up to date as the previous rest areas I have stayed in. No light and no water. Ther are about 10 vans here at the moment and I would expect quite a few more as the day progresses.

Tomprrow I hope to get to Mt Isa, about 60 km up the road. I have been told there are a few hills, but that’s alright I have got all day. The Mount Isa Agricultural Show is on this weekend so I intend to be out of there before it happens.

Day 99

Date:- 21 June 2010
Distance:- 64.89 Km
Distance to Date:- 4815.2 Km
Start:- Oorindi Rest Area (300)
Finish:- Gilbert Park Tourist Village
Comment:- Had tea about 6pm, washed up and chatted to another couple of travellers. Retired to tent about 7.30pm and listened to the radio. It was too cold and windy to sit outside. There were a few wild pigs wandering around but didn’t bother us.

Slept in this morning. Had to break the ice, it was about 4 degrees. Put my All weather jacket and long pants on. it’s the first time since I have been away that I have worn them. Justifies bringing them away.

Had a quick breakfast, packed and on the road by 8.15am. A good road all the way, a little overcast, with a light SE wind which, like yesterday, increased as the day progressed.

About 10km down the road there were roadworks and I was delayed by about 10 minutes, not too bad really.

About 20 km from Cloncurry I ran into a few hills, apparently a sign of things to come. Not too bad just slowed my progress a little. Arrived in Cloncurry and found a nice little caravan park, booked in and set up, showered and down the street. They had a Woolworths, so I bought some fruit, milk, soft drink and something for tea.

Tomorrow I would like to get to Fountain Springs Rest Area (304) and then to Mount Isa the next day.

Day 98

Date:- 20 June 2010
Distance:- 70.23 Km
Distance to Date:- 4750.3 Km
Start:- Caravan Park - Julia Creek
Finish:- Oorindi Rest Area (300)
Comment:- Last night I wandered down to the Top Pub (recommended by caravan park) and had a very nice counter tea, read the local paper then wandered back to the caravan park. I was in bed by 8.30pm

I slowly arose by 6.30am and on the road by 8.30pm. Stopped at the super market to get some fruit, etc (yes they were open Sunday morning).

Back on the road and a 10 - 15 SE wind was blowing, a cloudless sky, very good road and light traffic. All adds up to a good day until I had a flat tyre. Guess which one, yes the BOB trailer. I dismantled the tyre but couldn’t find the leak so I reassembled the wheel, pumped the tyre up and away we went. Checked the tyre again after 10 km and had to add more air and since I only had 25 km to go I stopped every 5 km and pumped the tyre up, arriving at the rest area about 12.30pm

The wind was now blowing 15 -20 knots gusting to 25 I think. Set up my tent with a little difficulty, made a coffee then tackled the tyre. Dismantled the wheel, put some water in the hand basin and presto air bubbles. One of my new expensive patches had let go. Applied a new traditional patch, reassembled the wheel and hopefully no more problems.

Its about 3.15pm and there are 4 vans here for the night, so I do have company. Tomorrow I hope to get to Cloncurry which is 66 km west of here.

Day 97

Date:- 19 June 2010
Distance:- 99.37 Km
Distance to Date:- 4680 Km
Start:- Flinders Rest Area
Finish:- Caravan Park - Julia Creek
Comment:- Chatted with various travellers through the afternoon before cooking tea about 6pm. More chatting before going to bed about 8.15pm. I woke about 2.10am with the sound of rain on the tent. It lasted about 20 minutes and stopped as if someone turned the tap off. Everything was dry when I got up in the morning.

Up at 6am, had breakfast, sent a birthday greeting to future son in law. On the road by 7.30am. Nice cool morning with some good cloud cover. Good road and very little traffic.

About 9am the clouds started to burn off and the sun is starting to warm everything up. A nice 5 - 10 knot SE wind is blowing and since I am heading west I am getting quite a bit of assistance.

Stopped for my break about 10.30am, 50 km out from the rest area. The wind seems to have increased to about 10 - 15 knots and it is making life easy, except when the road swings south and I have a side wind pushing me into the traffic.

Quite a few dead animals along the road today. There have been dead animals every day but there seems to be more than usual today. Mainly kangaroos, two foxes, one wild pig and a few unidentifiable remains.

The last 30 km into Julia Creek the road was very rough and I was happy to arrive in Julia Creek. Booked into the Caravan Park then went for a walk down town. Being a weekend everything is shut. The town is “dead” The two pubs were open and a club and service station.

I was hoping to buy something for tea so it looks like I may have a counter tea.

Tomorrow I will head for Oorindi Rest Area which is 69 km west of Julia Creek.

Day 96

Date:- 18 June 2010
Distance:- 49.64 Km
Distance to Date:- 4580.6 Km
Start:- Lakeview Caravan Park - Richmond
Finish:- Flinders Rest Area (298)
Comment:- Last night I wandered down the street to the Mud Hut Hotel where I had tea. A big meal for a modest price. I then went back to the park chatted to a couple of people in the camp kitchen before adjourning to bed for the night.

The town was very busy last night. All the motels were full and the pub was very busy with counter meals. The reason being, a 2 day field day ending with a horse race meeting on Saturday.

Up by 6.30am and on the road by 8.30am. Stopped at the local Supermarket for some fruit and something for tea then headed off on the road to Julia Creek. Sent a birthday greeting to Bert. Hope he received it

Very good road to begin with, cloudless sky and a light NE breeze. About 17 km from Richmond were roadworks with a side road as a detour. The detour was quite rough in places with holes and corrugations. The roadworks continued for about 10 km.

Had a good run in to the rest area where I had to make a decision as to whether I keep going to Julia Creek or stop the night at the rest area. As it was another 05 km to Julia Creek I decided to have an easy day today and go to Julia Creek tomorrow. There are 5 vans here for the night at the moment and I expect a few more as the day progresses.

Day 95

Date:- 17 June 2010
Distance:- 114.31 Km
Distance to Date:- 4531.0 Km
Start:- Hughenden Caravan Park
Finish:- Lakeview Caravan Park - Richmond
Comment:- Up about 6am and up to the Camp Kitchen to fix breakfast. Rang Evon to see how she survived the forecast strong winds overnight. She was alright but the dog deserted her and went downstairs.

I was packed and on the road by 8am. A cloudless sky and a light NE wind. Road was slightly undulating and no shoulders for the first 5 km.

I saw this thing in the distance and thought it was a bit of shredded tyre until I got closer and it moved. About 4 foot long tiger snake I think. This was about 32 km out from Hughenden.

I had a very good run to Marathon Rest Area where I found new toilets with lights, and two new rotundas. I had my snack break here about 11.30 before continuing on to Richmond. It was starting to cloud over and when the sun went behind a cloud it was quite pleasant.

A couple of caravaners I met in Hughenden passed me on the way to Richmond for the day and I was about 30km from Richmond when I saw they had stopped on the side of the road to offer me a cuppa. It was a very nice gesture.

There were lots of dead grasshoppers on the road just out of Richmond and the birds were having a feast. Apparently there is a plague of grasshoppers at the moment.

Arrived in Richmond and found the caravan park, booked in, setup, had a shower, then proceeded to do my diary. Off to the local club for tea tonight.
Tomorrow I would like to get to Julia Creek (140Km) I may have to settle on a rest area between. We will see what the conditions are like once I get on the road.

Day 94

Date:- 16 June 2010
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4416.2 Km
Start:- Hughenden Caravan Park
Finish:- Hughenden Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night as I was starting to prepare my tea in the camp kitchen a car pulled up, out jumped a man and started to set up for a couple of hours of country and western singing. Actually wasn’t too bad. Consequently I had a late tea.

Rest day today so made the most of a pleasant sleep in. Arose about 8am, had breakfast, pottered around the park for a while before going for a walk around town.

Wandered up Gray Street past a replica of a Muttaburrasaurus Dinosaur to the Info Centre and picked up some more brochures. I then turned into Brodie Street to the town centre and wandered into a few of the shops. Like most towns there are quite a few vacant shops around. The Federation Rotunda was constructed in the centre of the street. Made from 20ft windmills brought in from a local property, dated 1912 and 1916. These windmills were originally used to pump water for stock.

Went to the Diggers Entertainment Centre which is a multipurpose $2.7m entertainment centre, built in 2002. Found a bakery and bought a couple of bread rolls for lunch.

Back to the caravan park to have lunch. Gathered my dry washing folded and pack it. Checked the bike and trailer over, oiled the chain and checked the tyre pressures. All seems to be ok.

There was a tannery here. KT Australia Tannery. Built in 1995, this tannery is designed to be one of the foremost environmentally friendly tanneries in the Southern Hemisphere. I could find anyone to tell me about it.
Speaking to a number of caravaners who had travelled from Mt Isa or Julia Creek and they were complaining about the strong head wind. If only I was on the road it would have meant a tail wind like yesterday and I may have made it to Richmond or beyond. Hopefully the same weather conditions prevail for tomorrow.

Day 93

Date:- 15 June 2010
Distance:- 90.72 Km
Distance to Date:- 4416.2 Km
Start:- Torrens Creek Caravan Park
Finish:- Hughenden Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night about 4.30pm another cyclist, David from New Zealand arrived at the same park. He is riding from Perth in Western Australia to Cairns directly across Australia. Spent quite a bit of time talking to him. I then wandered over to the pub for a counter tea and then to bed.

Had another welcome phone call from Ian. It is nice to hear another familiar voice. As most of you may know I speak to Evon, at this stage, every night. Our phone bill is testimony to this.

I crawled out of bed about 6.30am. Got some real milk from the pub for my weet bix and enjoyed a cuppa and a couple of slices of toast. Back to camp and packed up and on the road by 8am.

Very light misty rain as I left, a good road with a good shoulder and flat. Light traffic at this stage. First caravan was spotted at 9.30am

I had a beautiful run into the little town of Prairie where I was hoping to have a break, but everything was shut (time 10.45am) Rode another 5 km down the road and had my snack break on the side of the road.

The misty rain has cleared, the clouds are melting away and the sun is starting to shine. A 5-10 knot N.E. breeze has started to come in making for a very pleasant ride. Newly laid road surface for about 15 km gently downhill has made for a great day.

The last 20 km into Hughenden I couldn’t help but smile, flat road, tail wind and everything purring along and I arrived in Hughenden about 1.30pm with an average speed of 20.6 kmh over 91 km. A good days ride.
Found the Information Office who pointed out the caravan parks, supermarkets, etc. Booked into the caravan park had a shower then headed off down the street. The Chemist for my prescriptions and then the supermarket and back to camp. Put a load of washing in. Spoke to another couple of people about my adventure. Then set up to do my diary.

I have had mobile phone coverage all the time but the last two nights I havent been able to log onto the Internet. This will probably be the “norm” for the next couple of months, but I will do my best to keep everyone informed of my journey

I am having a rest day tomorrow to do the usual, recharge the batteries, check the equipment over etc.

Day 92

Date:- 14 June 2010
Distance:- 68.67 Km
Distance to Date:- 4325.5 Km
Start:- Campaspe River Rest Area
Finish:- Torrens Creek Rest Area
Comment:- I have had trouble connecting to broadband internet last night. Hopefully it was just location. I had mobile phone coverage so hopefully tonight I can log in.

Another late arising this morning. It was so peaceful and dark and I was comfortable after a good nights sleep. Must have been the red wine.

I would like to thank Ron and his wife Marg for their kind hospitality. It was a lovely meal washed down with a little bit of red wine. I am finding it incredible that people are so hospitable and generous.

On the road today about 7.45am. Another wonderful day, a little fresh to start with, about 8 degrees. It soon warmed up when the sun came out. No breeze in the early stages.

Stopped at the little town of Pentland for tea and toast about 9.30am. A few hills appearing about 25km out. Entered the White Mountains National Park about 35 km out. Bit of a climb up to a lookout (R.A.289) The climb seemed to go on and on.

5km past the lookout I had 5km of a gentle downhill run with a tail wind. A NE wind had just come in. Another 15 km and I had reached my destination of Torrens Creek Caravan Park about 2.30pm.

Booked in, set up, a nice hot shower and I was feeling human again.

Tomorrow Hughenden is my destination where I will have a rest day and do all my washing.

Day 91

Date:- 13 June 2010
Distance:- 87.86 Km
Distance to Date:- 4256.8 Km
Start:- Charters Towers Tourist Park
Finish:- Campaspe River Rest Area
Comment:- Slept in this morning till 6.30am, but still organised and on the road by 8am.

Took the Courtesy bus to the local RSL club last night and had tea there and a couple of lemon squashes. Met up with two couples from South Australia who were travelling around. I would like to thank them for their hospitality and generosity and wish them well in their travels.

The road was undulating as I departed Charters Towers and for the next 10 km, then flattened out and a few gentle hills. Ran into a few reverse hills where the road ran down to a low flood area and then you had to climb back out.

Stopped at Baifes Creek Pub and General Store for an early lunch about 11.30am. Found it hard to get mobile again but persevered and soon settled down. My next stop was the general store at Homestead where I bought some refreshments, then continued on to the Campaspe River Rest Area where I will spend the night.

Not quite sure about the destination tomorrow as there are a few HILLS in the way so I am told.

Geoff is having trouble connecting to the internet at the moment. He is going well, he stayed at Campaspe River Rest Area and tonight is at Torren Creek Caravan Park. He will post his daily reports when he is able to connect. He does have mobile reception.
Evon

Day 90

Date:- 12 Jun 10
Distance:- 76.77 Km
Distance to Date:- 4168.9 Km
Start:- Reid Creek Rest Area
Finish:- Charters Towers Tourist Park
Comment:- Up about 6am after a reasonable nights sleep. It was still very dark. I was on the road by 7.15am. Sun was just rising and a light SW wind blowing which increased as the day progressed. A good road with a reasonable shoulder most of the way.

I observed a flock of black cockatoos near the rest area then not long after a flock of green parrots with brilliant red wings. Very striking.

Travelled through the Mingela Ranges and first up a 2 km walk uphill for a nice change. I seem to be climbing most of the day with a couple of downhills and flat. I suppose I can’t stay at sea level all day.

About 50 km east of Charters Towers were road works. Construction of a new rest area I think. Snack break about 11.30am on the side of the road.

A lot of road trains carrying cattle to the coast and empty trucks returning. Moving the cattle to greener pastures for the summer.

Crossed the Burdekin river and onto Charters Towers. Took the Bypass to Hughenden and found a caravan park on the west side of Charters Towers. Booked in and had a well earned shave and shower. Off to the RSL club for tea tonight.

Campaspe River Rest Area is my objective tomorrow

Day 89

Date:- 11 Jun 10
Distance:- 55.44 Km
Distance to Date:- 4092.1 Km
Start:- Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village - Townsville
Destination:- Reid Creek Rest Area
Comment:- Another rough night, last night, getting used to the tent, traffic noise and being by myself again.

I arose about 6.15am this morning. Still dark. Over to the camp kitchen to boil the kettle and have breakfast. Back to the tent to pack up. A bit more difficult this time with a few extra items of food, water and containers but we managed.

A short chat with a gentleman , originally from South Africa but now living in Cairns and working in Townsville temporarily. He is a keen cyclist himself on mountain bikes.

On the road by 8.30am, the Bruce Highway for a short period before turning left onto the Flinders Highway on the way to Charters Towers.

Road was slightly undulating for the first 25 km and then flattened out on the way to Reid Creek Rest area. A good width shoulder for the majority of the trip and traffic was light. There were two sets of roadworks on the way but weren’t a problem.

Stopped for my snack break about 10.30am and rang Evon to wish her a safe trip home. Passed through the small town of Woodstock at 37 km then stopped at Calcium for lunch at 12.15 pm.

After lunch I continued on to Reid Creek Rest Area where I will spend the night. Tomorrow my destination will be Charters Towers, about 75 km down the road.

I found it quite hard today, possibly for a number of reasons. Not being on the bike for two weeks, a heavier load, lack of sleep over the last couple of nights and whether I am doing the right thing or not by continuing. Hopefully I can settle down over the next few days

Day 88

Date:- 10 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km (By Car)
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Magnetic Gateway Holiday Village - Townsville
Comment:- I had a bit of a rough night sleeping last night as I am worried whether I am doing the right thing or not for various reasons. I feel Evon has, reluctantly, let me seek my dream and for that I am very grateful.

I was up early to say goodbye to Grahame and Amanda, had breakfast, then packed my gear up and loaded everything into the car for our trip back to Townsville.

Evon, Mundi and I departed Cairns about 10.30am this morning heading back down the Bruce highway to Townsville. We stopped at a rest area called The Boulders, about 6km out of Babinda and explored the place There were a couple of nice walks to view the waterfalls, etc.

Back on the road again and travelling through cane fields, banana plantations and bush and onto Cardwell where we stopped, walked out on the jetty then found a delightful little coffee shop.

Our journey then continued down the Bruce Highway, over the Cardwell Ranges and onto Townsville arriving at the caravan park about 6pm. Set up camp and the girls insisted we have tea. Found a local restaurant had tea then it was departure time. We said our goodbyes and Evon and Mundi started their trek back to Cairns about 7.30pm. It was particularly hard for me because I won’t see Evon for about 6 months, till I get home.

I would like to thank Grahame and Mundi for the wonderful time we had with them, their generous hospitality, Mundi’s ability, as a tour guide, to show us what Cairns and its surrounds has to offer. It is certainly a wonderful area.
Tomorrow I will start my journey west, heading for Charter Towers.

Day 87

Date:- 9 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- This morning I picked up my bike from where I had it serviced. Two new tyres on the bike, a new tyre for BOB, a new Pulley Set Guide and Tensioner, a new bottom Bracket cartridge and a full service.

We then came home and started packing and working out a shopping list. Back into town for lunch then shopping before heading home for a quiet afternoon.

Off to watch Grahame’s daughter, Samantha play basket ball then home for tea.

Tomorrow Evon and Mundi will drive me back to Townsville where I will camp for the night before heading for Mt Isa and beyond. Yes, Evon has reluctantly let me pursue my dreams.

Day 86

Date:- 8 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- This morning I completed a few chores around the house. I put up a clothes line, and hung a picture for our hosts. I then started to check my gear for the next part of my journey.

About 11am we drove to Kuranda where we had a very nice lunch. We then travelled on to Davis Creek Falls where we walked to various lookouts and rock pools.

Our next stop was The Coffee Works at Mareeba where we all had coffee and cake before exploring the gift shop. Unfortunately there were no free samples. We drove around Mareeba and then returned to Cairns for the night.

Rang the bike shop to find that my bike will be ready to pickup tomorrow

Day 85

Date:- 7 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- Drove to Port Douglas today to catch up with an old school mate who was best man at my wedding nearly 40 years ago.

We had lunch and drinks at The Tin Shed overlooking the harbour before returning to their residence for coffee.

We returned to Cairns via Palm Cove.

Day 84

Date:- 6 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- Left home about 9am to check out the fruit & vegie market before booking our trip to Green Island. A look around the tourist shops before boarding at 10.45. for the journey to Green Island aboard the Reef Rocket

The trip across was OK. When we cleared the headland we endured a lumpy ride from a southern swell. Arrived at the Green Island Jetty, alighted and found the info office.

After a light lunch of a pie and chips and a drink we took the self guided walk around the island. Back at the shops Evon and I enjoyed an ice-cream sundae.

Our next activity was the glass bottom boat tour. We saw lots of coral and fish including the fish feeding and commentary. This was followed by the semi -submarine which lets you explore the underwater world in air -conditioned comfort. We saw 3 large turtles, 1 large clam, numerous fish and lots of different coral - a great experience.
We returned to the island and had coffee while waiting for our return journey to Cairns. Our return journey was a little more comfortable, arriving back in Cairns about 5pm.

Picked up by Grahame, Mundi & Sam and went to watch Evon and them play tennis for an hour before returning home for the night.

Day 83

Date:- 5 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- This morning we enjoyed breakfast with Mundi’s Saturday breakfast group, then we went to the Home, Caravan, Boating, Camping and Fishing show which was held at the local show grounds.

After we had exhausted our interest at the show we headed home for some lunch. Checked out a couple of projects which I volunteered to fix then down to Bunnings before going down to Palm Cove for coffee and cake with Grahame and Mundi.

Back home and plan supper. Pizza for tea, easy done.

Day 82

Date:- 4 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- Change of plans this morning, we decided to postpone Green Island and set off to Cape Tribulation.

Left home about 10am and headed north on the Cook Highway. At Rex Lookout we watched a hang glider take his first solo flight successfully. We continued on past Mossman and stopped at Silky Lodge for a coffee break. Continuing on we crossed the Daintree River on the ferry, stopped at Alexandra Lookout with views over the mouth of the Daintree River then drove on until we stopped at Thornton Beach for a picnic lunch. Evon thinks it was a beautiful beach.

After lunch we continued north to the Marrdja Botanic Walk which took us through the Mangroves to Coopers Creek. We then continued on to Cape Tribulation where the rainforest meets the reef.

On our return journey we stopped for tropical fruit ice-cream before travelling back across the Daintree River on the ferry. We then visited Daintree township before returning to Cairns.

Day 81

Date:- 3 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- Today we were planning on going to Green Island. But we felt the weather may have been against us so we decided to go to Kuranda.

Mundi drove us up to Kuranda where Evon and I wandered the various shops and stalls. it’s a true tourist town with souvenir shops and market type stalls.

We experienced light misty rain, and while having lunch we had rather heavy rain which lasted about 10 minutes. The weather cleared and we had a nice day to finish with.

We did a couple of short walks around Kuranda before taking the Skyrail down to the Barron Falls Station. Here we walked to the various Look Outs to view the falls, then back to the Skyrail to descend to our next stop, the Red Peak Station.

At the Red Peak stop we wandered around the various boardwalks to experience the rainforest canopies. Back to the Skyrail and down to Caravonica Terminal and, guess what, straight into the Souvenir shop.

We phoned our gracious host, Mundi who then picked us up and we travelled back home.

Tomorrow we may try for Green Island depending on the weather.

Day 80

Date:- 2 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- It was another nice day in paradise. After breakfast we set off for the Atherton Tableland with our personal guide Mundi.

We travelled south to Gordonvale where we turn right, and headed for the Tablelands via the Gillies Highway including all 200 + bends. On the way up we stopped at a couple of Lookouts looking down the Goldsborough Valley and to the highest mountains of Queensland.

We turned off to the Cathedral Fig Tree, travelling through rolling pastures. We then went to Gillies Lookout via a 4km dirt track with some steep hills which I would not have wanted to attempt on my bike.

Our next stop was Lake Barrine where we had a very nice lunch at the Café before going for a 5 km walk around the shores of the lake. We spotted a Musky Rat Kangaroo on our walk. Back at the café we had afternoon tea.

We then went to Curtain Fig Tree via Yungaburra. It was very impressive. We then had a look for platypus but we were not successful. We then returned home to get ready to go out for dinner for Mundi’s birthday. The steak was a big more expensive than McDonalds but very nice.

Day 79

Date:- 1 Jun 10
Distance:- 0 Km
Distance to Date:- 4033.5 Km
Start:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Finish:- Grahame & Mundi - Cairns
Comment:- Today we were up by 7.30am and had planned to go on a cruise to Green Island. We were given some advice that it may not be a good day to go as the cloud cover was fairly heavy.

Mundi then suggested we drive up to Copperlode Falls Dam. It was a nice 10km drive up to the dam where we had a wander around before descending the hill and onto the Botanical Gardens where we had lunch. A stroll through the gardens revealed some amazing plants and trees.

It was back to the house to freshen up before we went back into town for some last minute purchases then to High Tea at the training restaurant.

We arrived at the Tropics Training Restaurant where we were welcomed and shown to our seats. A nice array of savouries, sandwiches, cakes and pastries was presented along with a tea of our choice. A most enjoyable time was had. Not quite up to the standard of the High Tea Evon and I enjoyed at the Ritz in London.

It was then back home for a relaxing evening.