This morning I woke up with sleep in my eyes (first time since leaving home), must’ve had a good rest.
Angel’s front tyre is low on air so off to the Port Augusta Mobil servo but wait – NO air available – WHAT?? Down the road to Mr Shell and he has digital and working so get the job done and on my way.
Thanks Mr Shell
Plan was to visit Davo’s plaque and get a banner shot……but I managed to FAIL on both of these as I took the wrong turn off and ended up in Quorn…..doh! I suppose I could’ve turned around but there were dark storm clouds looming today and I didn’t want to risk getting stuck in a storm, so I decided to keep moving and was very disappointed.
dark skies….argh
Again the wind is about but at the moment it wasn’t as bad as the last two days. The fields out here are beautiful, green and peaceful with plump cows and sheep grazing. The air smells fresh and clean. There was rain about last night so all the roads are wet and in some spots slippery but I take it easy.
the colours are beautiful
how can you not love this country
Into Willington (no stopping) well except for this pic…..
Wilmington
and then onto Orroroo – the town with fabulous metal art.
not far….lol
The towns are close together in this stretch so it seems like I’ve travelled miles when in fact I really haven’t.
Orroroo
Before long am in and out of Peterborough before the last part of the first leg for today into Yunta for fuel, hot chocolate and an Anzac biscuit. The wind has picked up and has a icey bite to it. The BP here never closes – handy to note.
Yunta, warming up break
I’m a bit excited today cos I will be meeting fellow FarRider friends Baz & Liz in Broken Hill. The sun is shining but the wind chill is brrrr, my shoulder starts to ache and my hand is tiring quickly….damn this getting older business. I had the sense this morning to tape up my wrist to help take some of the strain fighting the winds.
The landscape has changed yet again and we have trees, grass, mountains, hills and bends in the road….lol Finally around lunch time I reach Broken Hill. But I had another plan.
the ever changing landscape
Hello NSW
I’m home???
Welcome to Outback NSW
just in case I wasn’t sure
Welcome to Broken Hill
Now Silverton is where the movie Mad Max was filmed so I head out there to the pub to have a look and take a couple of pics. The pub is an old sandstone front with the usual outback pub decor with the exception of the Mad Max memorabilia.
the home of Mad Max – Silverton
Mad Max memorabilia
but wait – there’s more
The flies out here are herendous!!! Poor Angel was covered in them, they were eating all the bug splat that she is covered in. They are relentless too, they don’t care if they munch on you while you’re standing there either.
While I’m out here, a colleague from work had mentioned I should check out the Mundi Mundi Plains. It’s only 4 kays up the road so why not – I have time before I meet Baz & Liz. The road out is not in the best condition and has huge dips in it and cattle wandering around the roadside so it’s slow and steady (the speed limit is 90kph but I don’t think I was even doing that). Again the wind out here in the emptiness is pretty harsh and it’s hard work staying upright.
I reach Mundi Mundi Lookout and what a surprise, it’s all gravel and off camber – ARGH!!! Ever so gingerly I edge into the lookout but end up stopping short of turning around – it’s just too bouldery to manoeuvre around on. Take some beautiful pics, it really is exceptional viewing out here. As far as the eye can see and green it’s quite breathtaking.
Mundi Mundi Plains
Mundi Mundi Plains
spectacular
Two surveillance police officers were having the afternoon off taking pics and I got to chatting with them for a bit and asked if they’d give me a hand to turn the bike around. Lucky for me they were where kind enough to take a pic of me before helping me gingerly turn Angel around safely so I can be on my way – thanks fellas.
see I was here!!
Back into town and where else would I stop but outside the only Motorcycle shop in town (I figured that would be the easiest place for them to find me J ). Ring Liz and she tells me Baz’s business is just two doors down and she’ll meet be at the cafe across the street. Baz is out on call but will join us soon. It’s my treat for coffee as I already owe Baz from the Eungella FarRide and everybody’s generosity towards me on this ride has been a little overwhelming and I’d just like to pay some back . They ask what I’m doing for the night and graciously offer me bed and a home cooked meal – THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!! The best part is actually sitting chatting to friends and getting to know them a little better.
Liz and me……Baz had to take the pic
A beautiful dinner cooked by Baz & Liz and great conversation but the time is ticking by and I am tired so I need some sleep. I thank them again for their generosity and head for bed.
