Step 91 Daly Waters – Banka Banka 305km's

Monday 25^th July

Well it was freezing overnight. Well very cold anyway. Di even put on her sexy long pyjamas and bed socks. You wonder why I go to Bra Bars in the Outback?

Back on the road and the scenery is very different to what we expected. Lots of trees and lots of wildflowers starting to bloom.

Roadside stop - still red underneath despite the trees

Another day and another couple of lone cyclists. Why do they ride on their own? I'm guessing if you talk to someone and they say “I think I'll just ride Australia. South to North” most people walk away, shaking their heads.

Well, we have another winner today. Renner Springs wins the award for the most expensive fuel for the trip so far. $2.05 per litre. Still can't quite work out how they decide on the prices. 200 km's down the road, further from anywhere, fuel is $1.85 per litre.

What's this? Cows in a paddock?
Nope, that would be the side of the road.
Are you sure the speed limit should be 130 here?

The stop for tonight is another place that features on previous travellers highlight reels. Banka Banka Station. Another little oasis in the outback. Just a paddock at the front of the station, no power but clean facilities, spring water and beatiful grass sites. The grass is that well maintained it's like a manicured lawn in most places.


Another highlight - $2.00 per load washing machines. Too good an opportunity to miss so I sent Di over to do some washing.

While Di was enjoying herself, I headed off on the little walk to the top of the hill at the back of the park to take in the view.

I don't want to get carried away but this next shot could quite possibly win an award. Artistic or what?

The juxtaposition of the wheels with the rugged harshness of the rock outcrop in the vast expanse of the Australian Outback. A symbol of the struggle to eke out a living in this remote corner of the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile back in the real world, wine o'clock is cut short as it starts to cool down very quickly. A combination of the cold and the sight of, a quite unattractive, older gentlemen cooking his tea while wearing his woollen dressing gown, tempts us to move inside for dinner. But the pioneer spirit prevails and we eat outside, wearing our hoodies. (The hoodies as well as keeping us warm also restrict our peripheral vision. Hopefully shielding us from any “accidental viewings” with the dressing gown).

We have had to increase the size of our mailbox
due to the enormous influx of congratulatory mail
on the success of the blog.

Thank you all.