David's Journal Entry

A big food shop in Alice after the pleasure of a hot shower, cold running water, an electric kettle and freshly laundered kit made for a great start. Eggs Benedict and a steaming coffee with Paul (after a sneaky pre-breakfast egg and bacon toastie when shopping for provisions with Mike) was the perfect way to bid farewell and express our gratitude for his generosity. Leaving Alice was somewhat disappointing as we should really be having a rest day here, but low kms when Mike was unwell forced a change of plan. It is certainly a place I'd like to come back to; quirky, artsy and a unique location make for an interesting blend.

The scenery today was glorious, some of the unanticipated climbs were more than compensated for by long smooth descents although the phantom of the slowly deflating rear tyre is back, albeit on a different tube (!?). Having set up camp I stripped the bike of its burden. The rear wheel now remains deconstructed awaiting a thorough investigation in the morning. Which will force me into action whether I like it or not. A few 'Great Northerns' and the best burger since arriving in Australia wrapped up a pretty awesome day. 

After more than two weeks we have settled into a clear routine each morning,  with each of us knowing our own kit and where everything goes intimately. For me:

• Front Right = tools, food, extra water

• Front Left = cooking gear & stove, purification gear, toiletries, extra, extra water

• Rear Right = bedding and clothing (bagged according to use - 1. Dirty 2. Clean & bed-clothes 3. Hi-vis & waterproofs)

• Rear Left = The pannier I hate...I wish it were a roll top (although the pocket is handy for documents) where I keep trainers, the camp chair, the drone, and other odds and sods.

The tent and sleeping bag sit up top on the rack with the solar panel strapped to the top to keep everything charged. 

This trip is a selfish pursuit, or a guilty pleasure, or perhaps both. In any event, I am extremely grateful for the generosity of heart shown by our wives. I'm not sure I'll do this to Eileen again, certainly not until the boys are much more independent. Perhaps a five-year plan is the right approach!