Day 120

Date:- 12 July 2010
Distance:- 99.21 Km
Distance to Date:- 6318.36 Km
Start:- Riverview Caravan Park - Katherine
Finish:- Mathison Rest Area (153)
Comment:- Last night I cooked tea about 6pm, washed up and into bed by 8.30pm. Quite uncomfortable in the tent (Temp. 24’ at 9.30pm) Received a welcome phone call from Ian, then listened to the radio before falling asleep.

Woke up about 5.15am and decided to get up about 5.30am, had breakfast, packed up and on the road by 6.45am (Temp 18’) No wind at this stage. I will be now heading in a south westerly direction today.

About 2 km out of Katherine a car and caravan pulled up along side me and it was the people who had given me a lift back to the caravan park. Had a quick chat on the move before they headed off to Broome I think. Quite pleasant on the road this morning. Most caravans are probably getting up and organised about 7.30am

I feel great after my rest day yesterday.

Into the King River Rest Area to check it out. Good for caravans. Road was gently undulating but nothing to worry about at this stage. Caravans starting to move past me about 8.45am

Pulled into the Vince Connoly Rest Area for my break. Heiner, who is travelling in a campervan came over for a chat so I asked him for some hot water. His wife, Martha put the kettle on and I enjoyed a nice cup of tea.

Out on the road again and about 63 km out I pulled over to the side of the road to let three road trains past and a campervan stopped to check on me. It was Tony and Pam from Geelong who I had met in Banka Banka. They had been in Katherine Gorge for a few days and else where.

Tony informed me that Peter Walker had passed away. Peter was Production Manager at E.P.Robinson while I was there and retired about 2 years ago I think. Peter was one of natures gentlemen and will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him.

An easterly wind was filling in and gave me some much needed assistance. I arrived at my destination - Mathison Rest Area about 1.30pm and quickly found a site and set up my tent. While I was setting up Jack and Wilma came over. I had met them at the Barkly Homestead. Jack offered me a 4X beer which was icy cold. It was very nice.

I was half way through writing my diary when I hit the wrong button and lost the lot, so this is my second attempt. It is being saved now.

I enjoyed another beer with Jack and Wilma - “happy hour” before cooking and having tea. It is still quite warm at 7pm (I reckon about 28’)

Tomorrow I hope to make Victoria River Road House about 93 km from here.