David's Journal Entry

Two double espresso's from the aeropress is an ideal start to any day, when married to a delicious breakfast made by someone else (thanks F) it is tempting to stay a little longer, but leave we must. Exiting Port Augusta was easy as we hit the smoothest of roads. With a quick track, a steady tailwind and the fabled Google "mostly flat" elevation prediction seemingly true, the going was good. In no time we were 50km deep into the day and F&F joined us at a rest area for a food bomb and to bid us good luck. We will see them again in Melbourne, but there is a significant amount of riding to do first.   

The landscape has changed once again, the flat areas near the coast have been utilised for both solar and wind power. To the East (our left) the Flinders Range now looms large and impressive. Between the mountains and us are fields of verdant green, in stark contrast to the dusty, dry earth just 100km inland. The effect is to make it feel like a different journey altogether. 

I found it hard to motivate myself this morning, perhaps because it feels like we have achieved the trans-continental goal, and riding to Melbourne now is somewhat superfluous. Thankfully the backdrop is telling me otherwise, there is clearly still much to see. The richness of life here is evident at every turn. Galahs lined the roads on our way into Crystal Brook, and kestrels hovered above the verges, looking for lizards and rodents. Cockatoos fill the trees in our campsite; life abounds.

The evening has been spent in beautiful grounds, with what can only be described as 5* toilets. A quick trip into the town itself led us to the local pub and it was evident from the second we walked in looking for food we were in the 'wrong place'. The whole experience was akin to a 'League of Gentlemen' skit. We didn't stay too long, opting to cook using the facilities back at camp.

We have lots of flexibility now, as we have covered plenty of kms and have time in our pocket, so will no doubt deviate from our original plan which promises to be very exciting.