David's Journal Entry

Another chilly wet start meant the tents once again required drying out. The balustrades around the camp kitchen performed perfectly as makeshift washing lines, ultimately allowing us to pack away our camping equipment for what may be the last time on this trip. The challenges of getting our kit dry each day and the falling temperatures make booking cheap motels for the next two days more appealing than ever. 

I fell into a deep tuneful hole today, the top-drawer music and plentiful caffeine made for a supercharged ride, as did the cool temperature. With 500m of climbing and what was likely to be the last 100km day it felt like an opportunity to go hard. I pulled from the front for most of the day and loved the unobstructed view that Doug provides. Mike was in a different headspace and seemed a little lethargic. We have both had days like this, it is all part of the ebb and flow, and a good night's sleep will no doubt help. Finishing the day climbing around the hills of Stawell was not ideal but the lamb souvaki, IPA and warm room at the rather curious 'Diamond Hotel' were most welcome.