Day 29 Adelaide River to Darwin 105 kms

Everyone up bright and early as this was our last day.
Some confusion re our morning tea break. I mentioned at the previous nights' briefing that morning tea would be at the Manton Dam rest area as there will only be one break today, then I continued to say that they could grab a sausage roll or a drink as they near Darwin. Apparently some of the riders were looking around for a sausage roll shop in the middle of the outback!!!  Just goes to prove that really no one takes much notice at the briefings!!! A couple of the riders also headed towards the actual Dam looking for us- rather than the rest area which was on the main highway. Just a great start to the final day.
More confusion when the riders were sent up Tony Brennan Drive (my mistake!!!!)- cyclists were not permitted. The Stuart Hwy was certainly a better alternative as cyclists were allowed. Anyway all is well that ends well. Everyone in safely at the Darwin Wharf.

Great food, fantastic weather and all looking forward to a few days off.

Day 28 Emerald Springs to Adelaide River 90 kms.

Everyone was up early as usual, no sleep ins on a Cycle Across Oz adventure. The plan today was for the group to head towards Hayes Creek Roadhouse grab a coffee or bite to eat. Then about 3 or 4 kms past Hayes Creek take a left hand turn onto the"Old Stuart Hwy" for the normal morning tea at approx 50k and then a gentle ride into Adelaide River. Not so gentle as there were lots of ups and downs, including a decent"Jump Up" which had a pretty severe gradient.
Kathy cycled today and here's her recollections: It was a lovely riding day and the girls decided to stay with me all the way even though I begged them not to hold back but cycle like the wind. It was very nice having the company and I think Melanie enjoyed the slower pace also. Annie kept disappearing, not in front of us but behind us- she was waiting to get a clear run down some of the steeper hills. I was pleased with my ability to climb all the hills today but I did pull up a little short of the 50 k mark as Collis caught us before then so I climbed in the truck. Anthony, our son, and his passengers caught us as we were putting the bike up on the trailer and I think they were just a little impressed with his old mum. I was worried about this 'jump up' but thankfully I didn't have to attempt it.

Temperatures were starting to climb and humidity was sticking around. Just last week Adelaide River received 100ml of rain and the locals were convinced that it was the last rain and were looking forward to the"Dry".
Everyone in camp around midday. Some of the group were planning a visit
Litchfield National Park.

Day 27 Katherine to Emerald Springs 127 kms

It was sad saying goodbye to our little cabin in our own little resort but it had to be done, otherwise these riders wouldn't get to Darwin as planned. Up early (still dark) and packed up the cabin before heading down to the campsite. Everyone was up and at it. The first riders headed off at 7.15 am and the last rider left at 7.30 am so not a huge gap today.

We left camp around 8 am to get to the morning tea stop around 9 am even though morning tea time had been arranged for 9.30 to 10.30 am. With the strong tail winds we decided they would get to morning tea and all breaks early today. We provided Safeway chocolate chip and Anzac cookies today.

Our son, his wife and his parents-in-law met us at morning tea on their way to Katherine Gorge. They will be joining us again at Emerald Springs tonight. It was lovely to see a familiar face or two.

Lunch was at Pine Creek in the local park. A couple of the riders got lost and had trouble finding us at first but all barr Woody arrived at the park. We think Woody must have decided to ride on through lunch as he often does.

All barr Peter in camp by 2.30 pm. Peter had told us that he wanted to spend some time at Pine Creek before riding the last 30 kms. The roadhouse is not the same as the territory manor but they have clean showers, green grass to camp on and a nice restaurant to eat at. What more could they ask for?? Well, Jacquei was giving free foot massages. They had a shoe tree and a great friendly restaurant with great food. We like Emerald Springs.

Day 26 Katherine Rest Day 0 kms

I could get used to these rest days. Slept later this morning with a cooked breakfast out on the balcony. It is so nice having an ensuite and not have to trudge across to the public facilities. It is amazing the little things in life that you appreciate so much more on journeys like this, like sleeping on a soft bed and being able to go to the toilet in the middle of the night and not have to expose everything to the world in the process

Lazy morning just sitting around looking at photos, catching up on emails and rushing across to camp to wish Woody a happy birthday. Woody had gone, as apparently Jan had shouted him a cooked breakfast at the Coffee Club and then he was going to go for a 71 mile ride.
We picked some riders up from town and went out to Edith Falls for a swim. Beautiful day and had a lovely lunch. We are having dinner on our own tonight. Everyone celebrated Woody's birthday and I bought him an ice cream cake because he LOVES ice cream.

Day 25 Mataranka to Katherine 110 kms

Usual start to the day although Woody was the first out of camp which is a very unusual occurrence. Not sure what was the matter with him as he had upgraded so he shouldn't have had the restless night most of us did due to the humidity. Although I'm not sure if his room had air conditioning or not so he may have had a bad night- didn't get the chance to ask him.

They all got a move on when they realized Woody had left and the group was not spread out as far as usual today. Morning tea was at the 55 km mark at a rest area and Jan reported that the toilets were sweet smelling for a change. Jacquei donated biscuits then Theo donated a fruit cake and then Bob donated more biscuits so we had an abundance of supplies today. Just as our riders were leaving, another rider going in the other direction was pulling in so we invited her to a cup of tea. She was from Germany and it was a bit unclear as to where she had been and where she was heading but she was 75 years old and traveling alone. She wanted us to carry her luggage across the Nullarbor but in the opposite direction as to where we were going and for free. We tried to explain to her this was not possible but she didn't seem to understand. She was a real talker and we had to excuse ourselves so we could catch up with our riders.
Not far down the road we came across two more riders who had left Darwin 4 days ago but due to the winds they were struggling to travel very far each day. They had started with 3 of them but one pulled out this morning as he was struggling to keep up with them. They are heading to Newcastle.
Made it to Katherine before midday and staying at a really lovely caravan park although a couple of the riders are complaining that it is too far out of town. It is 5 kms out of town and the grounds are superb with great facilities and peace & quiet. We did tell them that they can move themselves to a park in the middle of town and we would deliver their luggage to the park of their choice (this would have to be considered an upgrade and at their own expense). No-one took us up on the offer.
Went into town for a food shop as we needed morning tea supplies and we are having Jacquei, Melanie & Annie to our cabin for dinner tonight. We have given ourselves a little treat the next 2 nights so that we can have a break from the constant demands. The cabins are expensive but very nicely set out and worth the money.
We have had such a lovely night with some very good friends. I made a spaghetti bolognese and Jacquei made 2 great salads and then ice creams & tim tams for dessert. Lots of beer and chips to round off the night with a game of Ludo. Annie won and poor old Melanie and I came last.

Day 24 Mataranka Rest Day 0 kms

Another rest day today at a beautiful location. Everyone is in the go slow mood today but we are all excited about getting to the hot springs this morning. Most of us were down there at Bitter Springs and found the swim to be very refreshing. Georg bought some wine to enjoy in the pool.
Jacquei had brought along her Go-pro camera and more photos to follow.

The afternoon has been very lazy with a bit of barra feeding, swimming, laundry and sleeping. Tomorrow is another ride day.

We shouted the winners of the last leg's photographic competition and the literacy competition to their free meal tonight at the restaurant here at the park. Nice meals. Photographic winner for "Town Life" was Peter J and the winner for his poem "My mug" was John T. Well done to both of you and thank you for joining in with the fun and spirit of the journey.

Day 23 Daly Waters to Mataranka 168 kms

Usual morning. 55 kms to morning tea at a monument. We had some fudge donated by one of the caravaners which I had kept for morning tea as a change from the norm. The day looks as if it could end up pretty hot.

Lunch was at Larimah (the pink panther pub). Nice shady area for lunch and an opportunity for the riders to get some food (but not much choice) and COLD drinks. It is creeping up to the low 30's. A couple of the riders are struggling today after the 7 days riding and then one day off. We have started spraying them down to keep them cool but not much is working. The pub had a free zoo so some of us checked out the emus and the crocodiles.

Afternoon tea was at a rest area which was looking pretty tired and quite depressing. The toilets appeared fancy until you got inside and the smell was overpowering. I preferred to go behind a bush. No more spraying of riders- I have resorted to tipping the water containers over their heads. Two riders were seriously thinking about pulling out at afternoon tea but bucked up after a drink and a flush of water.
Everyone was in the Mataranka pub by early afternoon. The camp ground facilities here are great and all I can hear are positive comments from the riders. I'm going for a swim now. Believe it or not but the support crew also get hot and bothered out there on the road. We may not be pushing those pedals but it's hot work running around after them and trying to keep them all happy.

Day 22 Daly Waters Rest Day 0 kms

I managed to sleep in today but I woke to much activity in the camp. Someone had decided to rearrange the camp setup and was directing all other riders to move the food boxes etc to where they felt would be a better set up. Collis & I were totally bemused as they were moving everything into a powered area so that they could plug all their contraptions into power but we had not paid for a powered site and caravaners who actually pay for the power may arrive in the middle of the day and everything would have to be moved back. We left them to it but we were aware of who would eventually have to explain the situation to management.
Lazy day today with not much to occupy anyone who may have had energy left after 7 days of constant riding. Lots of washing and tidying going on. Jacquei bought herself a new whip and I eventually succumbed and bought one for myself also.
Weather was hot enough to go swimming in the pool as well and in the afternoon I pulled out the clippers and had a barber shop going for any of the riders who were game enough to let me have a go at their hair. Most went for a straight cut but Ben went for a style cut (that was a bit scary). All were requested to make a donation into the tin for TADVIC and we made a little cash.
Collis shouted everyone dinner tonight and they had the choice of Beef &/or Barra. The meal was enjoyed by everyone I think and once again Bob and myself got up on stage explaining our mission and our cause and we got more donations tonight. Management donated $100.00 as well.

Day 21 Elliot to Daly Waters 153 kms

Woken early by the stray dogs chasing the stray cats around the camp site. The weather has improved and the day looks to be promising. Everyone was away early except for Woody. He sat around camp for quite awhile before heading off on the road again.
Morning tea was at the 50 km mark just on the side of the road. Supplies were getting low for the morning tea and not much opportunity to buy now until Katherine. I still have the old faithfuls of sandwiches, some fruit cake (which they had today) and of course the good old biscuit barrel.

Dunmarra for lunch and everyone had a good feed of pies and junk food. Collis ended up having the biggest breakfast he has ever eaten in one sitting. Two of the riders, Peter & Pat decided to go into Newcastle Waters to have a look around so they ended up a fair way behind the rest of the group for the whole day. The day is starting to get warmer.

Arrived at Daly Water mid afternoon for most of us and settled into the camp area. There is a constant waft of sewer smells in the late afternoon which can be a bit off putting but we did eventually sort of get used to it.

 Most of us went to the show tonight and they had three acts. We managed to raise some funds for TADVIC as well by walking around with the tin and chatting with the caravaners.

Day 20 Banka Banka to Elliot 153 kms

It was raining again this morning but everyone was up at the crack of dawn. The riders (Gill, Theo & Chris) who slept in the "Hilton" were quite happy with their sleeping quarters and the other riders didn't mind lying there listening to the rain either. I'm hoping everyone had a good sleep because I did. I've been feeling a little unwell lately  and that has made me feel negative about the trip but I have declared to find only positive things about everything from now on and try to put out positive vibes.

Pack up today was quick and we were on the road early. Morning tea was at Renner Springs and John left very early so he could get a cooked breakfast there. Most riders had something to eat at the roadhouse as well as fruit cake supplied by us. Renner Springs is known for it's freshly cooked bread so we got a loaf and so did Chris. I picked up Collis a corned beef sandwich for lunch and grabbed myself a toasted cheese sandwich. I was keeping these for lunch and they were very enjoyable. The bread is light and fluffy especially for white bread.

Lunch was on the side of the road at 110 kms but we missed Ben and assumed he had ridden through but apparently he was waiting for us further up the road and eventually gave up and rode through. I'm sure he must have been pretty hungry by the time he got to Elliot.  No afternoon tea today.
The scenery has changed again today from rocky terrain to low scrub. Some gentle undulation today. We came across around 8 dead goats just outside Banka Banka who appear to have been hit by a road train. A herd of wild goats must have been standing or crossing in the middle of the road and in the dead of night, it would have been too hard to stop. Quite a few dead cows around as well due to the unfenced roads. Still haven't seen the camels we heard yesterday on our walk.

The old caravan park at Elliot was closed down due to health reasons so we have had to book into the BP roadhouse. The camping facilities are basic but the facilities are clean. Lots of stray dogs and cats roaming around the campsite and indigenous people in the park behind. The police came through to talk with us and reassure us that we would be safe for the night and they will try and keep the locals quiet for us.
Most of us went to the pub for dinner- maybe not the smartest move. Their supplies were low and they had run out of vegetables first off, then half way through our group they ran out of steak and veal and then they ran out of pizza and the only choice for Woody was chicken and Collis & I had to have seafood basket. 20 mins after placing his order, Woody was told they had run out of chicken so he tried for a pizza but no luck and then mysteriously a steak was available. Work that one out. The seafood was quite nice though and apparently the steaks weren't the best.

Day 19 Three Ways to Banka Banka 76 kms

The rain continued on & off for the rest of the night. It kept us in bed until it stopped and most of the riders were up late as well. They have a fairly short ride today so there is no hurry to get out there. Woody was the guest briefing presenter and gave a very informative session as he has been to Banka Banka 4 times so far and it is his most favorite spot in Oz.
It has drizzled on & off most of the morning but nothing too heavy. Tail winds most of the way with a few cross winds depending on the bend in the road. I made peanut butter, jam & Vegemite sandwiches for morning tea which was at Attack Creek, 50 kms down the Stuart Hwy.
Everyone was in at Banka Banka by 1 pm. They have had a change of ownership and a change of management in the last few years. It is now owned by the Indigenous Lands Council and the previous manager was evicted. Very helpful manager now who offered us an enclosed room for our swags and Theo, Chris & Gill set up their tents in there.

The other riders were happy to take their luck with the weather in the camping area. The showers and amenities were mostly to everyone's satisfaction and we all had a fairly lazy afternoon.
Later in the afternoon a few of us decided to climb up to the lookout above Banka Banka and then we transversed on further to the waterhole which was supposed to be 2 kms further. Well those 2 kms were the longest and hardest 2 kms I've done in a very long time. We kept losing the path which was over very rocky terrain but we eventually made it. When we got there we came across Woody who had walked there in half the time along a fairly flat sandy path. Guess which way we went home- much easier. We could hear wild camels close by but didn't spot any although lots of faecal evidence along the path.

We all had to make our own dinner tonight and it was rush hour there for a while in the camp kitchen. Everyone was fed in the end. The rain keeps coming and I am really having trouble believing we are in the Northern Territory. The grey nomads are telling us that 200 kms up the road (or 2 hrs by car) it is steaming hot and no rain so we may start seeing some of this tomorrow.

Day 18 Barkley Homestead to Three Ways Roadhouse 185 kms

Peter J has taken on the job of water boy quite willingly and had the urn on the boil for everyone this morning. The temperature is low again today (I'm sure the Gods are watching us this trip) and the wind blowing in the right direction. Not one person should be complaining today.

Most riders beat us to morning tea which was at another rest area 50 kms down the road. Actually the rest area was in a bit of a disgusting state with toilet paper all over the place behind the trees. Fruit cake for morning tea.

Lunch was at another rest area around the 117 km mark. This area was a bit better but all the tables were taken by a bunch of backpackers. Collis used the generator today to make sure the riders could all have a hot drink at each break. The wind has once again been up their behinds and progress is fantastic.

Afternoon tea was at the 150 km mark and a few stopped for more fruit cake and a hot cuppa. All riders are doing high speeds today due to the wind with the top riders averaging 36 kms/hr. 

Everyone was in at 3 ways by 3.30 pm. Collis did a run in to Tennant Creek followed by the other car. We took in 3 riders with 5 in the back up car. All other riders gave their shopping lists to someone who was going into town. The town was pretty busy at that time of day with a high police presence noticed. Annie and Collis got out and chatted with some locals and got a great photo which I will put up once Annie and I have bumped it across. *Bumping is a fun application we have discovered and saves having to email photos to everyone.

3 ways Roadhouse is not as it used to be, it is showing some wear and tear and requires some money spent to bring it back to it's former glory. The showers were cold and a couple not working, the camp kitchen is virtually non- existent and the roadhouse meals were small for the price. The manager, Rod was very helpful and we managed to get a discount on the room for Woody. Gill took another room so a couple of the girls took advantage of the cabin showers.

When we finished dinner, we find that it has been raining quite heavily and it was still drizzling so this managed to drive everyone to bed early.

Day 17 Bush Camp to Barkly Homestead 150 kms

Once again clean up was made easier by the work done the night before, this time it was Jan who did the big job of washing all the pots & pans last night. And we had John assisting us with the packing as he has decided to give his tail another rest day, hoping this will assist with riding the rest of the way. He stayed in the other car today.

Morning tea was at 50 kms on the side of the road with biscuits for morning tea. Lunch was at Wonarah Bore (93 kms). Everyone was excited about getting to a shower, the smells were a bit overwhelming at times, depending on which way the wind was blowing. 

We were all in camp well before 3 pm and most people had been at the bar for half an hour by then. Woody upgraded to a cabin and Annie & Gill got themselves a motel room each. The rest of us were happy to camp and the camping area was quite nice. Some trouble with the washing machines but this got sorted and we all had clean clothes again. The showers were pretty ordinary, I ended up having a cold shower with only a dribble of water coming out but I managed to wash the whole body and the hair. Some of the riders had hot showers and lots of water so it just depended on which cubicle you chose.

Collis, Gill and I ended up eating the leftover Japanese curry for dinner tonight, Jan made herself a curry but the rest of the riders had dinner at the roadhouse. I decided to join them for dessert and there was plenty of hilarity coming from the table as I arrived. Annie & Melanie appear to have eaten 2 or was it 3 desserts? None of them seemed concerned about the 185 km ride tomorrow which is great (positive attitude is the way to go). 

Some other campers were apparently very noisey during the night and Jacquei yelled for them to shoosh and a mystery female screamed shutup at them but brave Theo went and confronted them (on his own so whether it was brave or silly, I'm not too sure). Anyway apparently they quietened down after this and the camping area was at peace again. I blissfully slept through the whole episode. 

Day 16 Split Rock Station to Bush Camp near Rankin River 150 kms

The usual riders helped with the cleanup before hoping onto their bikes and heading off for another day of 150 kms. It was an easy clean up as Ben had kindly washed all the big pots the night before and with the help in the morning there wasn't much to do at all.

We were on the road by 8.30 and we met them at Camooweal for morning tea. Collis had given Bob some money to shout everyone a hot drink at the roadhouse as we didn't think we would make it there before they left. I think they enjoyed the change of routine. The winds so far this morning have not been all that favorable as it is a bit swirly but the temperature is still down.
After Camooweal we hit the Northern Territory border ( the sign has been vandalized as usual- such a shame when this is a photo opportunity).

Annie has become quite emotional to think she had ridden this far and her first time in NT. Annie said to me the first time I met her that she couldn't wait to see the "nothing" that everyone says is out in the outback. Well today she got the "nothing" and loved it. We had arranged lunch at Avon Downs rest area but we had miscalculated by 10 kms and decided we would pull up at the telecom tower 10 kms short so as not to play with their psyche by adding 10 kms onto the lunchtime ride. No tables or anything here but Collis was able to position the car so as to block the best part of the wind from them.

Melanie has not been feeling well today and decided to get off her bike at lunchtime. John is also struggling with a sore tail and he has hopped into the other car for the ride into the bush camp.

Melanie was able to assist us in choosing the site for our bush camp and Collis is sure it is the exact same spot they had on the Rocky to Darwin ride. Collis had told all of them to not go past the Rankin River and no rider did but the other car with John on board went as far as Soudan Station before they turned back and found us. Apparently they went past before we managed to get the sign out on the road.

Even though John was unwell he managed to prepare an excellent fire once again with alot of assistance from most riders in collecting the firewood. Everyone seemed to be getting into the swing of the bush camps and the sense of community needed for these to work. Dinner tonight was Japanese vegetable curry on rice (made by me) followed by plain or fruit damper (prepared beautifully by Jacquei). We had jam and cream for the damper as well.

The usual night owls (Collis, Peter J, Annie and myself ) stayed around the fire until well after 9 pm before heading off to bed with full tummies. The last two nights have been pretty cold and the Doona is out in full use. Such unusual weather for this part of the country but appreciated by the riders during the day.