David's Journal Entry

The 'Big Brekky' from Spud's Roadhouse lived up to the advertising, although our hopes of showers and laundry were dashed both last night and this morning. It is fair to say we are currently the least fragrant we have been. Thankfully the constant breeze and time outdoors have an airing effect (or so I keep telling myself) and the prospect of a campfire this evening may provide yet further concealment.  A final stretch of barren land started our day as we ploughed across the tablelands prior to reaching the coast. Eventually, we descended into a landscape of vegetated rolling hills which are both more interesting and more arduous. In any event, we had always intended to make today a short one. 

The conclusion of today's ride arrived with some sadness. This is likely to be the last of our 'remote' nights as tomorrow we will arrive in Port Augusta and mark the completion of the coast-to-coast element of our trip. The return to more populated areas will be offset to some extent by a detour inland once we pass through Adelaide, but this seems like a turning point and an indication that in some ways we are nearing the end of our trip. How fitting then that Maslin RA is the epitome of 'the Australian bush', with rich scrub vegetation and dusty red earth. We settled in for the evening with rounds and rounds of tea cooked in our camp pots on the coals of the open fire. As we enjoyed the stars once more, with the new moon ensuring maximum visibility, I couldn't help but think how truly insignificant we are in time and space, so best to make the most of it all while we can! 

After dinner, I shared some of the questions I had prepared at Changi Airport, with Mike.

What would you change if you could?

Mike: Night-time temperatures (too cold)

David: Spend more time staying in rest areas and less in roadhouse campgrounds

What do you wish you had brought?

Mike: Extra bar tape (sore hands).

David: New tyres (my front one has been balding since before Katherine - where we picked up a spare kid's one...which I am desperately hoping I will not have to use!).

What is the best / worst bit of advice you received?

Mike: Wear what you are used to / down jackets will kill you (a slightly exaggerated version of advice from a Facebook naysayer).

David: Voile straps are infinitely useful / also the thing about down jackets. I love my down gillet!

What do you find most irritating about me?

Mike: Teasing about being so long in the toilet.

David: Nothing really. (Mike isn't annoying, just fastidious).

What would you tell yourself from before the trip / what do you know now that you didn't?

Mike: Take one day at a time, don't overthink.

David: Don't follow other people's fears & do some bike maintenance!