I got up before first light today, because I was awake and so that I could catch the sunrise. Last time at Curtin Springs we had the most amazing sunrise (above) BUT today has been a real fizzer. I got a couple of shots of Mt Connor but that was well after sunrise.
Collis and I had to pack up quickly today as he had made the morning tea stop at just 30 kms. The winds are once again forecast for ESE and he says they will need more frequent stops. I thought yesterday was a long day- today looks to be even longer.
Jeanette and Ingrid were the last to leave this morning at around 8 am. Tomorrow we will aim for them to leave either at the beginning of the pack or at least in the middle. Today it took them a little while to organise their packs and tents which is totally normal for new people until they learn the routine.
The main group beat us to the 20 km rest area and we waited around here for awhile to give the girls a chance to catch up and the others to have a rest. Ingrid is having troubles with her seat height and Jeanette is getting a sore behind. Tough going for everyone to morning tea stop but still no real complaints about the wind. Scenery has been interesting with subtle changes to keep you interested. Lots of dingoes around the roadside today but not shy of the cars.
Another stop at Kings Canyon turnoff (to look at the vegemite tree) and the girts caught up again before the lunch stop at 60 kms. The flies were disgusting so I jumped into the car for some respite. I think the cyclists thought I was trying to get away from them. The truth be known, I was doing them a big favour by reducing the risk of my bad temper developing due to the flies.
Another 43 kms to the end of the day with still no break in the winds. Lots of dust blowing around and the campground has no grass either. Looks like we may spend the rest of the day in the bar. The footy was on the TV so that kept Collis entertained. The bar was packed with the local aborigines selling their paintings to the roadhouse manager, probably paying a third of the price he charges when he resells them. The money seemed to go in one pocket and out the other at the bar. Their Sunday treats seemed to be a plate of chips and meat pie plus a can of fosters.
One aboriginal woman went off saying someone had taken her money and her drink. She was yelling so much, she was asked to leave the bar area. She went out yelling to her mob outside and then waltzed back in with her top off but didn't get the reaction she was hoping for from the white people so went back outside and redressed. Collis didn't even see her even though she stood right in front of him- he just moved his chair so he could keep watching the footy, oblivious to all commotion.
Everyone except Jeanette ate at the bar. Jeanette was so tired she ate from her supply and was in bed by 6.30 pm. I was able to purchase a kids meal of sausages and salad for $6.00. Collis ordered the pork chops and he struggled to finish them as they were huge. Jane stayed the night across the road at her friends place and managed to get some washing done for some of the riders. We were all starting to head to bed around 7.30 pm- our earliest yet I think.
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