Had the best nights sleep yet!!! YAY! Was feeling good and organised, even managed to get away a little earlier today. This was due to practicing for ages last night on how to use the ratchet strap!  My feet became great things to strap together and work out how to feed the strap so that the ratchet mechanism actually worked….LOL!!! Who’d have thought something so simple could be so confusing. As the sun rises, look at the change in the colour of Mt Isa.

Mt Isa

It’s not as cool or cold this morning as every other day since I left home, so not as many layers today. About 5 kays outta town and I’m greeted with this.

Sunrise in Mt Isa

Good morning Mt Isa!….NO….Good Morning Kimmie & Smurfette!!!!

There’s a lot of traffic out this morning considering it’s only 7:30am but it doesn’t matter, I’m just taking my time. And why wouldn’t you when you get to look at views like this.

Spectacular views

Smurfette tapped me on the back this morning and said “Kimmie these people on a motorbike keep following us this morning”….I had to laugh and tell her it’s only our shadow. Watching the colours around us change was outstanding this morning. It’s something you don’t get to see back home and with the view I had, well, who’s complaining.

our shadow….lol

It’s only 8:00am but you can already feel the day heating up. The road is pretty straight out here with the odd sneaky rise that almost sends you airborne when hit it at $1.20. There’s very few structures about out here but I did come across this beautiful rustic working windmill – just there in the middle of nowhere…..well the Barkly Highway actually.

Barkly Highway Windmill

About 30 kays out of Camooweal I approached this road train. Now every road train I’ve encountered in QLD has courteously blinked me through when things are safe. However, not this guy – he just sat there doing less than 100kph. It took me ages to take him as there were a few nomads out early this morning too.

slow road train….aargh!

Finally into Camooweal and I take the local (and only) pub photo before heading to the BP Roadhouse for fuel and some breakfast.

Camooweal Hotel

After filling up, I found the perfect place to park Angel only to find this sign……….

the best spot in town – apparently not 🙁

Just like they were reading my mind….they obviously have had many motorcyclists think it too was the perfect spot….LOL

Anyway, I go inside and have breakfast and as I’m getting up another rider walks in and says “are you a FarRider”, “sure am” I say and we introduce ourselves….It’s Klaus and he looks tired (but that’s a story he can tell you). Anyway, I joined him for a chat while he had his breakky before we said our hoo-roos and see you in Daly Waters.

Celebration today…..it’s Angels BIRTHDAY….150,000 years old – well done girl!!!! You don’t look a day over 15,000.

Happy 150,043 kays Birthday Angel!

I couldn’t stop earlier cos the roadside just doesn’t cater for stopping. Just after here I see the first Mr Plod since I left home (lucky I was doing the 110kph limit for QLD 🙂 )

Across the border and there’s a nice rest stop to grab a pic. Now don’t be jealous, I can speed here LEGALLY…..LOL 130 kph here we come (note to self, watch the fuel consumption).

Northern Territory border

I know it looks desolate but really there is so much out here. Spinifex roll across the roads, eagles are sawing high with enormous wing spans and the forever changing colour palette. How can you not love it!

views for miles….

This is sitting outside the Telstra sub-station/exchange on the way to Barkly. I didn’t think Telstra would get so much mail out this way….lol

Telstra mail box?

Into Barkly Homestead at 12:26pm having completed 450 kays for the day and I’m feeling pretty good with myself.  Smurfette, Angel and I are staying here tonight and greatful cos the heat of the day is starting to sting and I need to get some layers off.

the sky also provides spectacular views.

Fuelled up and ready for tomorrow and time to find my cabin (which isn’t ready yet) so I strip off on the verandah behind the tree….hehehe. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Made it! Barkly Homestead

Smurfette asked “Kimmie what’s it like being in that helmet all the time?” So I gave her a go for a bit…….she had a smile on her face but I’m not quite sure she’d enjoy being confined.

it’s a little big for her..maybe I should get Smurfette her own.

Finally into our cabin and Smurfette and I kick back and relax in the air-conditioning while we wait for Frans and Jeannie to arrive. As you can see, I’m feeling much better about this adventure and knowing that I’ll be seeing friends today has lifted my spirits.

While I’m waiting a couple of fellow riders on their way back to Brisbane pull in for fuel. They have matching F800GSA’s but they are in varied conditions. You can tell who looks after their bike and who doesn’t.

F800GSA travellers

Just an idea of where we are…..

perspective..

I had to go here….

Ladies he he he only…

Inside the restaurant of the Roadhouse is spectacular – this is where I’ll be having dinner tonight.

Barkly bar & restaurant

Tucked up in my cabin with a view of the west bound traffic, I take the opportunity to type this up while I wait to see Frans and Jeannie pull in (who arrived around 2:30pm). What a pleasant sight for my tired old eyes!!! I ran across the concourse and gave them the biggest hug. YAY!! Friends!!!  Makes the world of difference to me.

We meet for dinner and have a great feed (the food here is awesome). I have lamb loin chops with roasted veggies $29.00 and was restaurant quality. Considering where you are in relation to any major town you can’t complain about the prices.

selfie

The obligatory selfie. Frans and Jeannie are one of the many generous people I have the pleasure of calling “friend”. I don’t have phone service and Frans kindly offers his phone to call Karl and Mum and Dad (all who have been worried about me). I was happy to use the pay phone but Frans insists and I can’t thank him enough. He says “I am a dad too and I would want to know you are OK” – Thanks Frans!!! Xxx

The sun is setting and what a magnificent spectacular – you can’t beat an outback sunset or sunrise for that matter.

Barkly sunset

Barkly sunset

We chat and compare our plans for the first ever FarRide North #1 – Darwin River. I had a plan but after talking with Frans and Jeannie, I ask can I run with their first half plan (which was almost my ride day for tomorrow but without a docket). It’s amazing how a small detour can make the difference to your plan without impacting your ride (something to note for future plans).

Anyways, it’s time to sleep and as I always have the camera handy couldn’t resist this shot back to my cabin.

a peaceful night.

Well, i slept a bit better last night after chatting with Karl, Mum & Dad and Kimmo – thanks guys xxxx

So this morning was up and just took my time – don’t stress and I’ll be fine. It’s very windy this morning and it took all my strength to hold Angel upright.

Very windy on the way to Winton

Smurfette and I decided that we wanted a stop in Winton (a friend was recently there) and thought The Waltzing Matilda Centre for breakfast was the go. Raisin toast and a hot chocolate and we are good!

Breakfast in Winton

This is the home of Banjo Paterson and they have this bronzed statue of him outside the centre.

Banjo Paterson

Now, there are signs everywhere saying there are Dinosaurs a foot……I don’t believe them

Dinosaurs….rubbish…lol

On the road again and the road surface leaves a lot to be desired. Although the scenery although doesn’t look much is spectacular.

Suns out but cold & windy

You can see for miles out here and at least today I am seeing nomads travelling and road trains. All of who are very courteous.

As far as the eye can see

Above is pretty much the view all the way to Kynuna. I wanted to get a pic in Kynuna of the Blue Heeler Hotel, however the verge of the road had a 4-5 inch drop off and there was no way I was doing that into gravel. Instead I got fuel at the roadhouse, had a snack and drink and meet a new friend…..isn’t she cute!!  Her parents are travelling to Darwin too, so who knows I might see them again 🙂

Shandi…little cutie

Into McKinlay and the home of Crocodile Dundees Walkabout Creek Hotel. As hot as it was and as much as I’d have loved to stop and go inside for a bit, I needed to get to Isa before dusk.

Walkabout Creek Hotel

It’s amazing how quickly the landscape changes from flat as a tack to hills, mountains, boulders. This is about 70 kms from McKinlay (I pulled up in a truck stop).

the landscape changed

60 kms from Mt Isa is the memorial to Burke & Wills. I didn’t even know it was there until I saw the sign, so I had to pull in. Grabbed a pic and a nomad got my attention and asked if I wanted a cuppa tea. How thoughtful, but I need to keep moving.

Burke & Wills memorial

YAY!!! I made it – Mt Isa here I am. It’s been along hot, windy day and I’m feeling a wind blown and sun kissed.

Mt Isa – hello!

So, here is where I am tonight – Mt Isa Caravan Park in a little studio cabin (which is brand new I might ad).

Mt Isa Caravan Park

Off to the Overlander Hotel for some dinner and a drink before everyone arrives for the State of Origin (which is apparently on tonight). Home made lasagne….I think not!

Overlander Hotel

As the sun goes down over the rock face behind the hotel.

ever changing colours of the rock

And now here I am doing my washing in caravan  park laundry and typing my adventure for you all to read. An easy night tonight.

Sweet dreams all.

Sweety – I MISS YOU!!!! Love you lots xxxxxxxxxxx

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!!!