Distance Thursday 98km at 21km/hr average
TOTALS: Distance 6620km. Donations $8560.09. Days remaining 47. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road, Great Northern Highway.
Note to new readers: I am travelling with my bike who’s name is Banjo. I often refer to ‘we’ meaning Banjo and I. ‘We’ have an amazing support team of family, friends, sponsors and folk we meet each day. But it’s still up to ‘us’ to face the challenge and tackle each day one peddle at a time.
It’s 6.30pm on Saturday the 31 July 2021
Wonderful day!!!! I set the intention early in the ride to genuinely wave unconditionally to all passing vehicles, a big ‘hello’ to oncoming traffic and a big ‘thank you’ to passing cars giving us a wide birth. It communicated respect and set a positive frame of reference for the day. The mindset was clear and open and the energy flowed for the 100kms. Every car waved back and I noticed how important it is to put out a way of being that I want to be part of. It sounds so small but the difference was felt deeply and equally appreciated. I love the learnings every day. It enables me to gain deeper insight into what sustains my mental health and well being. Boom!!! That counts!!!
What an amazing day that followed. It certainly helped that the countryside shifted as we entered Halls Creek Shire – The heart the Kimberly.
We said goodbye to the flat floodway plains and welcomed a world of red rocky ranges and outcrops. Spinifex lined the hills with desert oaks and flowering natives. The scenery announced its ancient past and the senses were awake and applauding the stark contrast and stunning beauty.
It was reminiscent of the Marble Bar scenery except more up close and personal. My responsiveness was so apparent in the photos and videos I took during the ride.
I loved looking back over the footage tonight. It was truly special to feel the hum of excitement we experienced. We’ve worked hard through the last weeks on our long haul from Wiluna to Halls Creek and the change of scenery as we enter the Kimberly is very appreciated.
I arrived at about 3.30pm and met Sam and Virell travelling the region in their camper van. The ladies are laid back and full of fun and naughtiness. We immediately clicked.
I also met Tim from Bundaberg who’s cycling around Australia. He’s a gentle man so into his adventure with humility and appreciation for the opportunity. He has a family back home and is sharing the adventure with his partner and son. I really like this guy. It’s the first time he’s done cycle touring and is also learning heaps every day. He heads into Fitzroy Crossing tomorrow and I’ve passed on Indigo’s details. The four of us chatted a while before I set up camp in time to enjoy sunset o’clock.
The ladies love photography and Sam suggested Tim and I go stand on an rocky boulder for a choice photo. She didn’t have to ask twice and we headed off down the cliff face through the spinifex. The scenery looks like a landscape garden and it was fun to share a bit of impulsive adventure with Tim. The ladies got some great shots that they will share when they have internet. A fella camping nearby also took some drone footage that he’ll share when he downloads. We’ve exchanged details and it will be wonderful to have copies from a perspective aside from selfies. 🤣
It’s a big sky night with a sky full of stars and crickets are partying. There’s a positive vibe in the rest area with everyone clearly appreciating the choice spot. Time now to think about dinner and bed! There’s a strong warm wind blowing across the plateau but we’re tied down under a shelter between tables with everything weighted down. So all good!!! Thanks for sharing the day. Night and talk soon xx
The 10 desert challenge 
Photos sound exciting can’t wait to see them 💖
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