Day 143

Date:- 4 August 2010
Distance:- 84.92 Km
Distance to Date:- 8213.6 Km
Start:- DeGrey River Rest Srea
Finish:- South Hedland Caravan Park
Comment:- Had a very good nights sleep last night, no security lights, no generators and no people moving around. Up at 5.45am and cooked breakfast, packed up and on the road by 7.15am.

I forgot to turn my mobile phone off last night and just out of the rest area it came to life with a few messages. Sent an SMS to Evon

There are several mine sites through this area and there was a sign warning us of possible blasting and to keep an eye out for further information regarding times etc.

A bit further down the road there was evidence of “cat” supporters as someone had painted on a couple of rocks “Cats 2009” and “Cats 2010”.

Turn off to Marble Bar (the hottest place in Australia temperature wise) appeared about 31 km out from the rest area and there were a number of cars and vans venturing in and out.

Stopped for my break about 40km out at 10am. Quite a bit of traffic around today, mine vehicles, Road Trains, cars and of course caravans.

I could see the town of Port Hedland in the distance and it wasn’t long before the sign for South Hedland appeared. Turn left and about 8km down the road was my destination, the South Hedland Caravan Park.

Into reception introduced myself and that I was riding around Australia and supporting the Asthma Foundation and the manager waived the fees for the two nights I will be here, also offered to cover the cost of washing a load of clothes. It is generosity like this that really inspires you to achieve your goals of riding around Australia and raising funds for your chosen charity.

Tent up, then shave and shower, then on the bike down to the town centre and the super market to restock. Back to the park and put a load of washing in and got talking to two couples, one couple from Shepparton and the other couple from Clunes near Ballarat.

Cooked tea, washed up and then my diary and bring my Blog up to date. I finally have coverage but had difficulty going onto the internet last night. Will try again tomorrow.

Tomorrow, as I said before will be a rest day.