Back in the world of reception… but not for long!

It’s nice to be back in the world of reception.  The last 500km’s has had no mobile reception and only one roadhouse at Auski for refuelling.  I left this morning 70km’s south of Auski and began my journey to Newman at 5am in a brisk 5 degrees.  Within two hours the temperature dropped to 0 degrees and caught me out wearing my summer cycling clothes.  I couldn’t believe the swift change in weather as only twelve hours prior I was wearing a pair of board shorts and swimming in a water hole at a national park.

As I travelled along the highway I have noticed a steady decline in tourists as the road we are on only really leads to the iron ore mines at Newman.  The roads are relatively good and snake their way through a series of ranges and mountains.  I continually swing my head from side to side trying not to miss the scenery that is majestic and has a feeling of ancient times.  In the early hours I could see in the distance off the road a glow from the scattered mines that this area is famous for.  The only real traffic is around the time of shift changes within the mines.  At one stage I rode for an hours period later in the morning with only two vehicles passing me.

As the day got later I could feel the old body warm up with the sun now coming from my rear right side.  I rode away from the ranges and past Newman where the landscape again changed dramatically with rich red soil and sparse vegetation.  I travelled 172km’s today and saw no living wildlife apart from a few wandering cattle.  During the last 50km’s the road kill increased and it is evident that tomorrow will bring some very large red kangaroo’s.

I see on the website that we are just about to nudge the quarter of a million dollars mark and that we are now halfway through the trip.  Thanks to all those who have sent messages either with a donation or on the blog.  I enjoy to read these messages at the end of each day when we have reception.

All the best, Craig

P.S. We have included some more photos and videos from the last few days below this blog so dont forget to check them out too.

Into the ranges

 

Craig pushing it uphill

 

Wild dingo

Soaking up our beautiful country

People often ask me, “Is it boring going through the remote area’s of Australia?”  Well there certainly is a lot of nothing if you glance over the horizon, but in actual fact travelling at speeds of 30-45kph, you appreciate the beauty of our country.  I am sure that I see so much more than the tourists driving at 110kph and half asleep in their seats.

My favourite time of the day is the time around sunrise when everything appears magical.  The sky and land changes colours a thousand times in such a short period.  The wildlife is either coming out to hunt, or going back into the bush to sleep.

I saw more kangaroo’s today than previous day’s and they were much smaller than around the border.  The cattle roaming the highways has increased with more unfenced properties and grids to cross on the road.

Today I cycled/ran 180km’s from an aboriginal town called Elliot, to the northern side of Daly Waters.  Again, the routine of waking at 4am and belting out the kilometres before the searing heat zaps all the energy, is the best answer.

I read all my e-mails and responses from people who donated lately and really appreciate everyone’s thoughts.  I thank you very much.

Looking forward to finishing tomorrow and having my first day off since Tweed Heads.

Cheers, Craig.

Cannondale bike... my best friend on the road!

 

Long time between rest stops

 

Mr & Mrs Winnie!

 

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