Day 149

Date:- 10 August 2010
Distance:- 118.58 Km
Distance to Date:- 8702.0 Km
Start:- Robe River Rest Area
Finish:- Nanutarra Roadhouse Caravan Park
Comment:- I was up at 6.15am, had breakfast, packed up when Ian offered me a cup of tea before I departed. I was on the road by 7.15am.

There was a big mine site just 8 km from the rest area. Nothing to tell you who or what it mines.

At one stage on both sides of the road in the distance red dust was visible. A few times I could taste it in my mouth.

Received an SMS from Marlene and Ken regarding Robe River Rest Area, but unbeknown to them I was there. About 30 km out they caught up with me. We compared notes and they gave me a couple of mandarins.

Stopped for my break about 60km out at 10.30am. Greg Hastie and his wife stopped to check on me. I had met Greg at Peawah Rest Area. He offered me an ice cream, can of coke and a couple of small bottles of water.

About 73km out of the rest area was the turnoff for Onslow where, I believe, another gas plant is being assembled.

Rode through the Parry Ranges at an elevation of 210 metres. Quite a lot of controlled burning was evident since Onslow.

Arrived at my destination of Nanutarra Roadhouse, booked in and set up my tent, shaved showered and I feel human again. Washed a set of riding gear and now ready to relax.

A couple of women, Jan from Perth and Marika from Tasmania had set up camp near me and invited me over for a some wine and cheese. Very nice. Geoff and Allan, two motorcyclists joined us. I then excused myself to ring Evon and then had tea in the café with Geoff and Allan.
Allan lost his right arm in an accident and has had his motor bike modified for him. He apologised for not waving to me when he rode past me.

I then left their company to go to my tent to complete my diary and then adjourn to bed.

Hope to ride to Barradale Rest Area tomorrow a distance of 80 km.