Day 109 Alice Springs

Distance today Nil. Lift 161kms

TOTALS: Distance 7540. Donations $9240.09. Days remaining 30. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Pedirka, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert, Great Sandy Desert, Tanami 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 5.18pm on Tuesday the 17 August 2021

Well this must be a surprise to everyone. We’re in Alice!!!! Last night Dawn had a call from Dira in Alice Springs. Dira shared her concerns about covid in Darwin and Katherine. She explained the risk if Alice goes into lockdown. No persons can come in or out of town. I would be stuck in the middle of nowhere and she wouldn’t be able to come get me. Dira offered to come pick me up from Tilmouth so I am safe until we know more.

I can use this time to prepare for the next stage and have a rest. How darling is Dira to bring that concern to our attention and offer to drive 322kms return trip to pick me up. My family and I all agreed this was the best course of action.

We’re so grateful for Dira’s care and generosity. She has welcomed me into her home with warmth and kindness. Bless you darling lady.

I woke this morning later and packed up camp enjoying the local budgies drinking from the camp taps. I haven’t seen this variety before with black heads.

I had time to do some ‘have tos’ before Dira arrived early afternoon. I was able to book Banjo in for a service tomorrow as well as my phone. Hopefully a technician will be able to rescue my photos from the first half of the challenge. The phone’s in a bag with rice to absorb as much water as possible. Dira arrived about 130pm and we chatted our way into Alice by 4pm.

Dira headed back to work for a couple of hours after dropping me off. ‘Make yourself at home!!!’ Oh my!!! I had an awesome shower and uploaded some more photos from the last days.

Dira cooked a delicious dinner of veggies, rice and tofu. My body’s so happy and still thanking her. We spent the early evening chatting over dinner and getting to appreciate each other’s story a bit more. I was able to call Dawn later and we’re both relieved I’m in Alice. It was a good family decision. For now bed is calling. I can draw the blinds and make the room into a cave 🤣 It’s so time for this little bear to cuddle up with a soft pillow and doona. Oh my goodness. Bliss!!! Night and talk soon xx

I need to give Banjo a clean before dropping him into the bike shop tomorrow, go to the post office to pick up my parcel pack, do my census and deposit the donations from the last days. I also need to pop into Woolies as the manager, Panka, has a surprise waiting there. The manager from Sandgate Woolies at home arranged something with Panka to help support our challenge. How exciting is that!!!! Dira has given me a list of a few choice places to check out during the day.