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
