Day 113

Date:- 5 July 2010
Distance:- 58.76 Km
Distance to Date:- 5709.5 Km
Start:- Banka Banka Station Caravan Park
Finish:- Renner Springs Caravan Park
Comment:- Last night I wandered over to where Tony and Pam were camped and joined them. Tony had his old diary out and read extracts from it, about the time when he rode his bike around Australia. It was 17 years ago and the conditions were certainly rougher than I have had to endure. Tony and I then went over to the Kiosk were we continued our chat over a couple of beers. I then walked up to the Lookout and what a view.

About 6.30pm the management put on a slide show and commentary about the history of the station and it was quite interesting.

I then cooked my tea in the Camp Kitchen, had a cup of tea, cleaned up and then retired to bed for the night. I had a good nights sleep. Got up about 6.30am, had breakfast, packed, said good bye to Tony and Pam and on the road by 8am.

Tony and Pam passed me about 15 km from Banka Banka on their way to Daly Waters.

I stopped for my break about 30 km out, about 10am. Quite a few caravans on the road heading both ways and only two trucks. Very good road, overcast skies and, as Tony said, an influencing wind.

Rode through the Ashburton Ranges, a lot of burnt country to the east of the highway. Whether it was a waste reduction burn or a bush fire, I don’t know. Road was quite undulating through the ranges. One hill, in particular needed special attention. The rich red and golden yellow colours of the surrounding scenery was evidence of the beauty of this area.

Had a nice downhill run out of the ranges and about 7 km to Renner Springs. Stock holding yards were visible on the way into Renner Springs on both sides of the road. Arrived at the Renner Springs Road House about 12.30pm. Booked into the Caravan Park, set up camp, had a shower. As there was no mobile coverage I phoned Evon, reverse charges, to let her know I was OK. Then I did my diary in the dining room of the road house.

While I was doing my diary we had a heavy shower of rain which should settle the dust. I am glad to be off the road.

Tomorrow I have a big day. Heading for Elliot which is about 90 km from here.