David's Journal Entry

When setting off this morning, we had planned to cover more distance but the slow grind precipitated by heavy legs from yesterday's efforts was evident. We were also somewhat leisurely in our approach to leaving. Between the delayed start and some extended rest breaks (not least due to Cathy and John offering us coffee and biscuits at one rest area, which even led Mike to break his own no-caffeine rule!), our pace was considerably slower. Our first imperial ton had taken its toll.

Having ridden some very rough blue chip roads into a headwind (albeit a modest one) for much of the day we had both had enough by 2pm, which thankfully was almost exactly the time we arrived in Marla. We had planned to add another 35km in the afternoon but perhaps because our guts were stretched by the ample burger and chips lunch, including every conceivable filling, we were less than invigorated. So we called it a day and pitched our tents for the night, taking the opportunity to consider logistics. Mike's family have a small window of time to meet us along the route and we have to maximise the chances of making this possible, so some considered planning is needed. This evening I spoke to Eileen and the boys and hearing all their voices has filled my heart.  

The stars tonight are glorious I look forward to seeing them in even more spectacular fashion once we pass Coober Pedy. Tomorrow we intend to use the tailwinds to get within striking distance of CP, so that the following day will be very short. This should give us the time to explore the town more fully in the afternoon.

Today I learned

• Some days good enough is good enough.

• Bike touring is perfect because it is fast enough to see everything and slow enough to see everything