Well the winds blew last night like Calamity Janes “Windy City” but the little tent stood fast. It was freezing though. I had to get up and put half my wardrobe on to keep warm……(Kimmo – hippo pj’s fashion statement, well I did better….lol). Somebody decided to leave the TV on in their motor home on LOUD all night so wasn’t the greatest sleep.

But then I wake up to this just after 7:30am

Good morning Longreach

So today is my day off!! Hoping to clear the head and start to relax. Had a chat to Karl and the folks and after speaking with them at length was feeling a bit better about things. At the end of the day “it’s just a road” as Davo said and it will be here another time if I decide to pull the pin.

Today I’m doing touristy things, so off I went to the Stockmans Hall of Fame.

Stockmans Hall of Fame

The grounds here are lovely and the building….I’ll get to that later.

Inside there is so much to look at and really you could spend the entire day here if you read everything  but I don’t have that long. Artists of all kinds have work displayed, like this carving of a “Ringer” from beechwood (I think).

Timber carving of a Ringer

This place is HUGE and you can see the time and dollars that people have put in there to make it look spectacular. The galleries (as they’re called) spiral round the inside of the building.

Full length of the Hall of Fame

There’s different section dedicated to The Stockman, families, pioneers, the stock and horses and the utility and medical services, each one unique and showcased beautifully.

This statue of a horse is made from chains, sprockets, spring, nuts, bolts and other truck,tractor, car basically mechanical bits they had. It’s pretty amazing up close.

Mechanical Horse…lol

The impressive building itself!

The Hall of Fame

A bronze status of “The Ringer” commissioned to mark the opening of the Stockmans Hall of Fame in the Bicentennial year.

Bronze statue of “The Ringer”

There are so many more photos but I guess you’ll just have to go for yourself.

Then it was off across the road to the Qantas Founders Museum.  Again you could spend the whole day here ready stuff so I took lots of photos instead. Karl would so love this place. So these are for you Sweety.

Rolls Royce engine

These things (RR engines) are enormous and I could probably stand in the front opening (but I thought I might get in trouble)….

As you can imagine being Qantas there are planes of all types everywhere, even miniatures travelling around the ceiling suspended on tracks. Don’t ask me what they are but they are impressive non the less.

Outside the actual museum, there is an Original Hanger with all sorts of mechanical know how in it. The size of the hanger in itself is impressive…..if only we had a shed that big…..lol

Inside The Original Hanger

Considering how old these planes are they are in reasonable condition (on the surface anyways).

One of the 3 planes they had in there

Now this is high quality interior design if I ever saw it! This is in the inside of a 1929 Qantas single engine. The pilot sat at the rear of the plane in a fighter style cockpit (which you weren’t allowed in). What made this special and I’m sure you paid extra for, was it had a toilet on board (yep that’s it just up the front behind that partition) and only held 6 passengers…..luxury!

Modern 1929 Qantas plane

Of yes, the sign I should’ve taken a photo of before I entered instead of after…..doh!

Qantas Original Hanger

Outside the museum id the Qantas Empire Airways plane, gleaming in todays sunshine.

Qantas Empire Airways

A spot of lunch in the museum before heading into town to check out the Cobb & Co store (where I only bought a hat badge) before heading back to camp to do some work.

It would be remiss of me not to look after Angel, so I conducted my pre-flight goings over in the blazing sun. With that completed it was time to have a bit of a relax myself.

Chillaxing!!!

with my book and a bit of rest. Just what the doctor ordered.

Somewhere in between I seem to have misplaced the ensuite key. I’m sure I’ll find it but just now it’s hiding in a reaaaally good spot. Lucky they had a spare for me…thanks Jenny.

A lovely Thai chicken and cashew nut dinner in The Woolshed Restaurant (onsite) and a surprise and very welcome phone call from a special friend. Thanks heaps for caring and taking the time to have a chat to me…. It’s wonderful to know that I have such wonderful friends when you aren’t at your best.

In saying that, I have met some fantastic grey nomads so far. Of course they all ask “where’s your hubby” to which I reply “at home” and the look of OMG on their faces is amazing. When they find out what I am doing and how far I have come on my own they are I don’t know…I don’t have the words for it. But they tell me, I’m amazing, inspirational and brave (to say a few) but I am just me. I don’t consider myself any of these but then again as I was reminded today maybe I am just a bit of all these and that I should be very proud of myself for what I have achieved and what I am doing (not many females would do this).

Anyhoos, it’s getting late so I’ll say good night and catch you all later.

Note to self – don’t stop in Augathella again. Up and packed had to get some help with the ratchet strap then off (a little later than planned again).

It’s cold this morning but I thought it would get warmer the further north I headed – was I mistaken. The wind had some strength and a big bite to it.

It’s windy

I had to stop in Tambo to put on my wet weather jacket cos I was freezing. The clouds had been coming over dark now for a bit and I thought I was gonna get rain. Instead it was dewy mist – thankfully.

Tambo

Wildlife is not to bad this morning and the next stop is Blackall for fuel and a snack. Check for service to ring my Sweety – but nothing 🙁

Feeling very alone even with Smurfettes company

It’s been hard riding again and the wildlife as the morning goes on increases to the point that I wonder why I am doing this. Eau de wildlife is the frangrance of the day and the live ones are scaring the bejesus out of me. I know you don’t like to hear negative things but I’m not enjoying this ride. I don’t know why as I’ve done huge hauls like this before, but something about this is…well, upsetting me. Wish I had Karl with me.

Anyway, come into this little town in the middle of nowhere called Ilfracombe. They have all this amazing machine set up along the side of the road. Thought Karl might like this one.

Ilfracombe Machinery

Finally into Longreach, find my spot (with ensuite) and set up camp. Took me an hour and a half to pitch the tent in the sun. The ground is soooo hard I had trouble driving the tent pegs in.  Little did I know all the grey nomads where watching me in disbelief of what I was doing. I kindly gentleman came over and said “do you need a hand love”. All I could say was the peg bent! To which he wondered over and came back with a couple of spares he found and gave them to me….one is much stronger than mine and drive in after a little less persuasion.

Camp Kimmie – gourmet

Into town to get some drink and The Cobb & Co Coach rolls by

Cobb & Co stagecoach

Tonight I’m doing the Kinnon Thompson River Dinner Cruise and Light Spectacular. Thisis only 8km out of town but look……you really are in the middle of nowhere.

In the bus on the way to the river

Captain Jack meets us and gives us the safety talk before boarding.

Captain Jack

Waving good-bye to his land help – BTW, they are all dressed in outback period clobber – fantastic.

Bye now

On the paddle wheeler, I met so many new people. They were all amazed at my gusto of riding around (well part) Oz on my own to have lunch with friends. “You’re going to Darwin just to have lunch” was the common comment. But it was the looks on their faces that got me….lol

On the Paddlewheeler

Now, I took so many photos it’s hard to pick one to show you how beautiful the river and scenery was but here’s a couple.

Spectacular Thompson River

Sunset on the Thompson

Back on dry land and Scotty & Jeremy start the show before dinner is ready.

Scotty & Jeremy

Dinner tonight was bushmans stew with bread followed by an apricot Danish with custard – beautiful.

Dinner is served

After dinner the crew continue with the show which includes the pet rooster. He’s enormous as you can see……lol

The Rooster

Warming by the fire

We are then asked to enter the outback theatre for the Starlight Spectacular (no cameras allowed is explained due to copy right). What a great show.

The only photo allowed

It tells the tale of a “duffy” a castle rustler who stole cattle a bit at a time and then drove them almost to Adelaide (sorry I can’t remember the town). It’s animated, real life, narrated by Jimmy and painted but not in the sense of a painting. These painting by a local artist now in his 70’s come to life and pop off the screen and move and evolve as the pages of the picture book turn – truly amazing. Thisis something if you come to Longreach you HAVE TO DO!

Time to say goodnight but not before I get a pic with Jeremy the young stockman come story teller.

Me & Jeremy

Back to camp around 9:40pm and into my tent…..brrr.

Did I sleep well in the tent – not to bad until 5:00am when Neville the neighbouring dog decided to bark non-stop for the next hour and a half….argh!! Never mind I got up and started to pack which took me way longer than I expected. I suppose cos everything was wet and sandy and cold. Can’t complain though, I got to see this beautiful start to the day.

Good morning Lightning Ridge

Anyway on the road, but not far and I have to stop to re-attach the left pannier. The road is so bumpy, I fell like a milkshake. But you couldn’t tell just looking at the road

This is pretty much it.

The scenery at the moment is nice and green (for here)

Along this stretch of road to Hebel you see all too frequently these signs…. and I kid you not they mean it. Wildlife is in abundance.

Stock road sign. These are REAL!

A watchful ride and I roll through Dirranbandi

Dirranbandi…not much here

Not far out of town and the left pannier which I’ve been watching has detached again. Grey nomads I’d met at LR are all heading in my direction and after playing leap frog with them they catch me as I’m sitting on the side of the road trying to get the pannier to re-connect. They kindly stop and offer their assistance but not much they can do and I thank them but wave them through.

Stopped to re-attach the pannier

Wide Open Spaces…

Into St George for fuel and a ratchet strap for the pannier. While I’m there this gorgeous fella pulls up in front of me.

Dusty

The guy in the servo (who used to ride) was ever so helpful and we got a suitable strap and attached it – thumbs up. Almost lunch so I decided to stop for lunch and a bit of a break. I am fatiguing quickly on this ride as I’m not at my peak ride fitness.

St George to Mitchell and I’m peaking! The wildlife is unbelievable and has me quite fearful cos what you think is a tree suddenly moves. Small shrubs aren’t – they are sheep and as for the eagles, they are huge. I’m forever on and off the throttle and the horn (to scare the birds off the road kill). I don’t recall ever seeing so much road kill in my life and the beautiful Australian outback smells, stay in your nostrils. Maybe there’s a new scent the marketers to do a little something with…. eau de road kill!!! LOL

I had to have a break in Mitchell, but what a nice place to park.

Mitchell Windmill

Fuel at Morven and my nerves on edge from all the wildlife on the roads. I chat to a couple of older fellas who are travelling through to Augathella also for work. They wish me well and get on their way.

Morven servo

Finally I arrive at Augathella (my stop for the night). I stop for a pic and the fellas from Morven pull up alongside me and ask if everything is ok (cos we can lend you a hand love if you need it – no problem). Thanks guys just grabbing a pic – love the outback hospitality.

YAY – Augathella

Get my room key only to discover my budget room is smack bang in the middle of a wet sandy marsh – I don’t think so. There is no way I could get Angel in there safely. So I park in the motel, walk back and ask for an upgrade to the motel with undercover concrete parking.

Upgrade – 5 star? but it was all brand new inside.

No phone or internet service here, so I had to ring Karl from the pay phone (message bank). After an average meal I ring Karl back on the way back to my room. Today has been totally emotionally draining for me and in my message I was in tears. I wish Karl was with me – he is my rock, my inspiration, my bravery and my love.

Sunset Augathella

I’m going to work today backwards so I don’t forget things……

After a long days ride I arrived in Lightning Ridge at around 4:30pm – totally exhausted, it was a hard days ride.

Made it – Lightning Ridge

The last 60 kays from Walgett to Lightning Ridge were the scariest kays  I think I have ever done. I almost thought I was in a native fauna ZOO!!!  Let’s start with the Emu. Now scouting the roads (which BTW aren’t the greatest) I spotted these poles (cos there are poles just there in the middle of nowhere) but then one of them there poles moved – YIKES!!!! Emu and lots of them scattered about for the next 20 kays…..nerves were high and spidee senses were going ballistic. Once I got past the emu the roos started. Talk about dead roo alley (and fresh too), the living ones were everywhere and camouflaging themselves very well as trees!! Big buggers too! But there were quite a few small ones. This reduced my speed some what as it was just way to risky. Now for the one and only Bore (thank goodness he was having a sleep without breathing). And now lets talk about sheep – stupid creatures. They decided to join forces with the skippy-roos and just played havoc with the last 40 kays.

I did manage to see Stanley the Lightning Ridge sculpture just out of town.

Stanley the Emu (made from VW Beetle parts)

Into my digs and set up camp, just as it turned dark. There was so much rain today, everywhere is wet but I managed to get a reasonable camp site for tonight.

Camp Kimmie

A late lunch was in Coonamble (an unscheduled stop) as I was getting tired. I was awake at 3:00am and couldn’t get back to sleep and it was catching up with me. A terrible toasted ham, cheese and tomato sandwich and a juice was lunch, grabbed some fuel and that was it.

Coonamble roadhouse

Angel has been using more fuel on this trip so far than I am used too….not sure why. Could be the extra truck load of weight she’s hauling, the head winds I struck and the mountains of rain that just wouldn’t let up til Dunedoo. So I rang Karl just to check and will be monitoring as I go.

Out the door this morning at 6:00am into the rain that hadn’t stopped all night ARGH!!! It bucketed and bucketed and just continued. So I changed plan and headed straight up the freeway to the Hunter Expressway and then started heading inland. I chose this route so I could do some roads that I haven’t travelled before. Sometimes I think just slabbing it might be best….something to think about!.

So that’s day 1, not a lot to report and even less pics cos of the rain.

Gallahs on poles near Gulargambone

Sunset just out of Lightning Ridge

YAY, another FarRide to yet another town that I haven’t been too!! Lake Cargellico.

Plan done well in advance and taking Angel for the run since I haven’t had her out for a decent run in way too long and I need to see how I handle her since she will be going to Darwin in June.

Friday 23rd May – 12:01pm

Start docket date & time stamped – check       Fuel – check      Plan – check      GPS programmed – check      SPOT working – check    – Let’s GO!!!

Up the Putty Rd, not stopping for a coffee today but I did stop for a pic with this shinning young man.

The Shiny Man at the Halfway House

Note to self, watch the gravel on the way in if you stop there again. The site isn’t looked after at all, I’m surprise the guy advertising that bacon & egg rolls does any business at all (I didn’t see him BTW).  Now I’ve been watching the GPS and it’s doing some real funky stuff so I decided I’d be making an unscheduled stop at Bulga to re-key the route and see if things get better.

Another pic that has eluded me for many years the sign at the start of 10-mile (which for those unedumucated = 16 kms).

start of 10 mile

It’s a very easy run cos Angels dance shoes need new soles but I need to get this trip out of them, so there’s no pushing any envelopes this trip.

Into Denman, lap of town and out to Muswellbrook before stopping in Singleton for the scheduled fuel and snack stop. The bugs I collected on the way.

my bug collection

Now it’s out to fight the traffic – peak hour ARGH!!! I’m cruising along watching the day slowly change through the dusk hues.

changing hues on the Hunter Expressway.

Sunsets as I’m heading down the new Hunter Expressway – excellent piece of road! Traffic starts to thin out but the poor GPS is lost it keeps telling me to turn off at all these roads that are no longer accessible. I figure I can’t get lost on here and it’s not long before I see the sign Sydney exit 1km.

Sunset on the Expressway

Heading south now on the home stretch M1/F1 whatever you want to call it these days and it’s amazing how quickly that last light disappears, almost like turning the light switch off…lol.

I’d told Karl I would be home about 8-8:30pm (allowing a buffer in case I had a problem) but I arrived home at 6:40pm (35 minutes ahead of the plan). I had a baked dinner (baked beans on toast) lol and chilled out for the night.

Saturday 24th May

Dark o’clock (or stupid o’clock as my friends say) and I’m surprised it’s as warm as it is for 3:30am (as we roll out the drive). Plan is up the highway to Lithgow taking it easy. Unable to light the road up to see, I decided to play it safe and sat behind a truck which led me all the way up to Mt Victoria – thanks mate! No stopping until I get to Bathurst, cos it’s soooo chilly I needed a hot chocolate and a rest room.

An extra layer and hot chocky

An extra layer to get me through, the warmer neck warmer and to warm the cockles of my insides the regulation hot chocolate.  Watching the sunrise is always a beautiful sight and this morning was no different…..Good morning Saturday!

Lovely and chilly.

Next stop is Manildra for fuel and I’ve been pretty lucky I haven’t encountered any wildlife….phew! A few riders pass me while I’m in the servo. I wanted to get pics of Angel with town signs this trip, but the signs were either too far off the road or in spots that I wouldn’t take Angel. I did managed to get a couple though.

Condobolin

Not having been out this way before, I had a chuckle when I saw this next town sign…….lol

Bogan Gate ….lol

The long and winding road……ROFL!! not likely.

flat as a tack.

I’ve completed a few FarRides now but I still can’t help but get excited when I see other FarRiders on the road, knowing we are all heading to the same destination – why – because….”It’s Just A Road” 🙂  and this long distance riding family that I have are truly inspirational.

Arrived at the BP, along with many others that were already there at aprox 10:40am. Fuel, say g’days and head off to the Lake Cargellico Golf Club for the check-in, more socialising and lunch.

The line to check-in

Two riding friends from Sydney, Richard and Andy also made it on time and we proceeded to line up for check-in. The lines never seem to get any shorter but it’s great to ‘avachat with everyone while waiting.

check-in

Checked in with these two handsome young men 🙂 and then off for more socialising, the group photo and then lunch.

Peter – Reader57

Thanks Peter for organising another great event. Sorry I don’t have the group shot, but I think there was about 109 attending FRE #29.

Andy was dashing off after lunch to hopefully complete his first IBA ride and everyone else Richard and I spoke to were dashing off to elsewhere too. We were under the impression folks were also staying for dinner and so we’d booked accommodation at the caravan park. Nevermind, we get checked in and decide to wonder around town.

Our home for the night

We bump into Gags and Heather who were watching the local footy before they headed off.  A stroll along the lake and it looked lovely – peaceful and inviting. But NO, you can’t swim there or drink the water due to Blue Green Algae…YIKES! for a temporary period of time (which wasn’t disclosed and there was no date on the sign to know how long it had been there), just a little disturbing. Anyway, we continued on our walk and came across a lovely elderly lady (who we named Ethel) in her mobility scooter. Now Ethel is 94 yrs old and thought it was grand that a lovely young couple like Richard and I would come and visit her town. Neither of us had the heart to tell her our partners were at home…..LOL!! I reckon another half hour chatting and she’d have invited us back for scones and tea!!!

Ethel on her way.

Not much is open here on a Saturday afternoon and it seems that even during the week everyone shuts for lunch (might have to recommend that to work when I get back).

typical store sign

Richard spotted the best bargain in town…….

Sale of the Century…..lol

Now, this fellas name is Trevor and he’s from Melbourne although he didn’t have much to say and I think he’s been waiting for something a very long time…..what do you think?

Trevor.

The only place open for dinner tonight (other than the Golf or Sports Clubs that both do Chinese…go figure) was the local fish n chip shop called Fisho’s. Although, it’s really a bit of everything shop – coffee & cake shop, pizza shop, very general grocery, steak and chicken kiev (to name a couple of meals) and of cause fish n chips and reguar take away food. Five star dining at it’s best…..lol. It was ok, but I wouldn’t travel that far just to go there for dinner, ok. Biggles wondered in, we had a quick chat, wished each other a safe journey home before we headed back to relax.

Sunday 25th May

Yawn, yawn, time to head home. Went to open the door and Sylvester Pussy Cat was sitting right on the step to say “good morning”, noice. Packing the bikes up, it’s still a bit dark out.

6:15am Lake Cargellico

Lucky I have the reflective tape on the top box and seat bag otherwise I might not have found Angel….lol.

Good morning Sunday! What a view to see the morning in with! Sunrise and sunset when I’m riding are two of my favourite times of the day. Amazing.

Sunrise

Mind you pulling up here, there were all big rocks over the road which had me let out an almighty scream which almost had me ending in tragedy.

Richards leading the way today and it’s kinda similar to sitting behind Karl (very comfortable). I would ride with Richard any day, all day. Sorry digressing. Turn off to Forbes and the roads are wet….argh! Angels dance shoes aren’t feeling the  best and any confidence I’d thought I had was now dwindling away. Forbes for fuel before stopping in Eugowra to check out some wall art that Richard had told me about. Pretty amazing stuff really, the detail is remarkable.

Eugowra

It’s fresh out this morning and Richard had promised a nice breakfast in this swanky place (that’s he’d researched) in Orange, so we didn’t stop long cos we needed coffee and food. It’s a nice stretch of road between Forbes and Orange and I shall go back there with decent shoes on next time to truly enjoy it. Unfortunately, today the road is wet all the way to Orange.

Orange, YAY! Park outside the swanky spot and WHAT – it’s CLOSED!!! Richaard!!! What happened to that research man. Apparently the website says open Sundays but the sign on the door said CLOSED Sundays and there were no lights on and nobody was home 🙁  Thank goodness Bensons Cafe was open and we had “hot” coffee and a great breakfast.

Poached Eggs…YUM!

Feeling warm and fuzzy now and looking forward to getting home to Karl. Richard and I make a plan. I put on the tank and seat bag covers cos it looks like we are going to get rained on (I was secretly hoping that putting them on would frighten the rain away…he he). We’ll say our good byes in Bathurst (last fuel stop) and then separate at Lithgow where Richard will take Bells Line and I’ll take the highway (only cos of Angels shoes). We did get rain (but not much) and we are soon in Lithgow with a wave and a toot good bye for the last leg.

I’m reminded why we always take Bells Line – the highway is rubbish. Road works, idiot drivers, traffic lights, stop start, stop start, it’s enough to drive you insane. Not to mention that on this side of the hill the temperature has risen and I’m slowly cooking as still have all my layers and thermals on. Eventually, I make the M4, then M7, M2 and finally at 2:40pm I roll into the driveway – home to my Sweety – YAY!!!

Around trip 1637 kays for the 3 days. Not allot by some standards but a good warm up for the next adventure.

Angels dance shoes and buggered, but she did get a bubble bath as soon as we got home (she had bugs in her teeth after all).

Till the next adventure…..on a road somewhere!!!

Nambucca Heads = a time to see mates that I only to get to see once a year….and it’s here at this location on this FarRide, that’s enough of a reason to get out for a ride for me.

Apologies in advance there aren’t many pics this time.

Friday plan: Home-Bulga-Tamworth-Barraba-Glen Innes, easy peasy right! Yeah!  How exciting, this is Daisy’s first FarRide and I don’t know who’s more excited..lol. Local servo for fuel and off we go to hit the Putty (she handled it fabulously, BTW). Ahead of schedule so a short stop at Grey Gums Cafe and hence an early arrival at Bulga for an early lunch and that all important “start docket”- 12:01pm 31/12/14 all good!!

waiting at Bulga for 12 to roll around

We are having a good run and Daisy is surprisingly comfy. Into Tamworth, it’s hot 38 degrees, I find a tree to park under and it’s time to make a phone call to some friends and check in with Karl. About 10 kays outta Manilla Daisy thought she’d gone home when we came across some cattle on the road (she is a country girl afterall 🙂

one hot Kimmie at 38 degrees

Fuel in Barraba, it’s about 36 degrees and I come across a couple of larrikins – Tony K & Gateman waiting for me in the shade just up from the servo. Been ages since I’ve seen these two cheeky buggars. After a bit of a girly freshening up, it’s hugs all round. Check Daisy’s oil levels – all good and guess what, she’s started first go all day – YEE HAW!! “On ya bike girlie, lets go ride”, yes Gatey and we are off, destination Glen Innes.

on my way boys…

Tony K suggests we take the Delungra turn off, so I do a quick calculation and figure I can safely chop the kays to Warialda off. I’ve never headed out this way from Tamworth before and although the countryside is dry, it’s beautiful. I can’t understand why people want to go overseas, when we have such beautiful countryside right here! Anyways, the thorn between two roses…lol riding along “love it”. Into Inverell and Gatey pulls up under the shade of a sycamore tree (well not exactly but it sounds good). He decides to bail, something about his head being too big for his helmet….hmmm I’m sure that’s what he said..ROFL!!! Well, he wasn’t a happy camper so Tony K escorted me to Glen *thumbs up*.

me & Tony K

me & Gatey

Was about 7:20pm when we pulled into my digs and although we were going to have dinner together it was going to be too late for Tony to get home at a respectable hour, so we said our goodbyes and I checked in. I was so happy that these guys came out to see me and couldn’t have thanked them enough – you guys ROCK!!! xxxx

My first night ever camping on my own…wow!! I’m so excited!! Pick the BEST spot only to get told I have to move cos a “party” is coming in tonight. Party? Noooo, I need some sleep. Camp Kimmie all set up just as it got dark…haha, now to look for a feed. Daisy is loving this dirt and grass riding, me I’m still getting used to being able to. My two options for dinner – Maccas or KFC, I picked KFC (nothing else was open) then head back for zzzzd’s.

camp Kimmie…lol

Just nod off and “the party” roll in just short of midnight  – Wtha! Screaming kids, barking dog and a bloody horse – seriously. 2:00am and I finally drifted off for 2 hours sleep. Up early, pack up (feeling very proud of myself) and ya know what…….paybacks a biatch! How unfortunate that Daisy MUST be warmed up with full choke before I can head off……hehehe. Lucky Karl installed the spotties cos I need’em this morning and they work just “jim dandy”!

the Sweety’s magic at work…

Thanks Sweety xx   It’s bloody cold and dark and the wildlife is out today, wallabies and roos to Armidale. Thankfully they decided Daisy was too loud for them and they went in the correct direction (away from me!).

Sunrise as I come into Armidale where I stop to change to winter gloves…brrrr and what a magnificent sight.

never get tired of seeing the dawn of a new day.

Check the plan and WHAT!!!!! I’m out about an hour – crap, better get a wriggle on. I’ve done this run into Bendemeer many times so catch up some time. Head east and bam “blinded by the light”! I love this section of road from Bendy to Walcha but not this morning cos I can’t see it. The sun is right in my eyes blinding me so the pace along here is slower than normal.

Walcha for fuel and I run into (not literally) Tigerbill, Wombattle & friends and Rocketman. Time for a speedy cuppa and chat to the gents, tape the top of the visor to block the sun and off again. Unfortunately, apart from two herds of cattle at separate sections of the Oxley (which didn’t hold me up too much) the 4 wheeled traffic was terrible…grrr! Anybody’d thought it was Sunday not SATDEE people. Lucky Daisy was up to the challenge of opening that envelope and performing small miracles.

Turn off to Port and head north FINALLY!! Tell you, that last stretch into Nambucca felt like it took for-ev-er……. At last the turn off – YAY, not far now and a clear, quick run down Wellington Drive into my Karl welcoming party “you’re cutting if fine Sweety” he says….no kidding Dick Tracey and I’m off the bike still with all my gear on to get to check in – FRE #28  DONE. PHEW made it! Look at the watch and have 20 minutes to spare….LOL!!

on arrival at Nambucca

Catch up with some before they head off to finish their rides and then time to settle in for the afternoon of socialising & lunch. Throw in a swim a nana nap before some more well-earned socialising with great friends from places Far and Wide and you have the perfect day! Oh, plus a romantic walk along the wall. The day turns to night oh so quick and the lack of sleep has caught up with me. Check with me buddy Diesel about the arrangements for brekky before Karl and I hit the pillow.

Dinner with friends

romantic walk with Karl

Sunday morning and we are awaken by the rumble of an engine…..what a surprise LOL. The Urunga Brekky Crew assemble in the carpark and head out in formation for a relaxing brekky by the river. Thanks Diesel for organising!! We say our hoo-roos and with our friend Andy in tow start on the path home.

nice way to start the day

Diesels Urunga brekky crew

However, as this is my ride, naturally we have to make some “detours” – after all I am at “war” for Milday Her Majesty and have vowed to battle thru thy realm of FarLand for the White. First stop Port Macquarie, pic obtained and what a shame we have to do the Oxley again….LOL! No traffic this time and Daisy enjoys the curvaceous climb through the mottled shadows to Walcha. Fuel, acquire another pic (it’s bloody hot), lunch and it’s time to head down Thunderbolts to Gloucester.

I haven’t mentioned previously however I have developed (over the 3 days) an extremely sore hand from these gloves I have been wearing and by the time we get to the lookout I have to take an unscheduled stop. Throttle rocker on, would’ve liked a longer break but the day is slipping away. Into Gloucester and I couldn’t find the “spot”….grrr. Karl went off in the direction I thought it was while Andy and I waited in the shade at the servo. “Spot” located, blazing sunshine and heat (kinda appropriate for this token) and it’s time to flock off.

We get to the end of Buckets Way and hit the slab for home. The twin servo’s a good sight for a rest and an ice cream to recharge the battery for the final leg. We say “see ya Wednesday” to Andy (even though we are heading in the same direction but won’t be stopping again) and finally at 8:00pm we arrive home – hot and tired. FRE #28 done & dusted!