Distance today 55kms at 14km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7950km. Donations $10,125.09. Days remaining 16. 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, Tanami Road, Plenty Highway (current)

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 3pm on Thursday the 26 August 2021.

Jervois Station. Oh my goodness what a piece of paradise.

The galahs and corellas are already into bird o’clock. And why the hell not!!! The variety of eucalyptus have the best nooks for nesting. Happy birds. Under the trees are grassy patches where they’re beak down and tail feathers up filling their bellies.

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There’s a great natural vibe here and the camp area is amongst it all.

The homestead is a bit further up. I met Cheryl, now living here with her daughter who’s married into the family. She recently retired and thought life on the station was going to be a step down in busyness. She now recons she needs to go back to work for a rest. 🤣 Cattle stations are a lifestyle not a job. There’s no clocking in/out. They run a small store and sell petrol to cater for campers and she runs that when she’s not being the runner for other work to be done!!!

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I’ve found a great spot by a table and fireplace. I’ve already collected my wood for fire o’clock and enjoyed a hot shower. Nice!!!

It’s one of the most relaxing places I’ve stayed so I’m very happy to have arrived early to savour the afternoon.

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I packed up this morning and said my goodbyes to Christine and Lynn over a cuppa. They had already started prepping for dinner so it was a quick visit before getting underway.

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It was only 55kms to Jervois so we were able to take it steady over the bumps to look after the backside. It’s a bit sore as are the legs and shoulders from taking the weight off my bum. All good!!! The lessor kms mean the discomfort is short lived and places like this ease the aches every day and twice on Sunday!!!

A cattle road train has just moved out, mustering cattle to their other station further north.

There’s been more rain there so the feed is better this time of year. Cheryl said the station is over a million hectares and they have a number of trucks that do the mustering season. It’s a bit more heavy duty than quads and horseback!!!

We had our break at 45kms where the Plenty swings north east to Tobermorey and the Qld border. That should take the edge off the southerly when it blows up again.

It’s 212kms to Tobermorey; our next leg. It’ll be a 3day/2 night ride at 70km/day. I’ll check with the station people if there are any water points between here and there. Otherwise we’ll water up tomorrow with 3L+10L.

We crossed two main rivers; the Plenty and the Marshall. The river beds are impressive; very wide and dry. I can only imagine what they look like in the rainy season. What a spectacular sight it must be to see these major rivers flowing. Dira was saying when the Todd flows, all the locals gather along the banks and celebrate the season with a swim in the Todd.

I’ve already had a mooch round the station saying ‘hi’ to the resident donkeys, horses and Shetland pony. I suspect they’re members of the family as opposed to live stock and were happy to pose for a photo or two 🤣

It’s 7pm and twilight o’clock with the galahs still in full swing. They’ve been by the numbers grazing on the seed grasses and now they’re very busy roosting in the gums.

I have a cracker of a fire going as the nighttime stars find their place in the sky. It was a beautiful sunset and twilight is hanging in their on the horizon. I love this time of night.

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Other campers arrived later this afternoon. John and Ross popped over for a chat. They’re travelling towards Alice and were able to give some tips about the road conditions to Boulia. There’s a large section of bull dust about 80-90km into Tobermorey. I’ve heard from other campers about this notorious section on the Plenty. However John and Ross said mains road are watering the middle road stretch of bull dust daily and it’s a lot more doable away from the shoulders. This is great news indeedy and great timing for us. It also means there’s a main road facility somewhere along this section of road that we may be able to use as a water point!!!

Ive allowed 3 days at 70km/day to Tobermorey. Perhaps tomorrow we might aim to do a bit more before the bull dust kicks in. It’s very different comparing a car to a bike. It may be harder/easier. We won’t know until we’re there. The good news is that it’s mostly sealed from the border to Boulia!!!

John and Ross were very excited about our challenge and full of compliments about what we have achieved so far. They asked for our web page so they can follow the last stage and donate online. That’s just a bit bloody awesome.

The donations have slowed now that we’ve hit the $10,000 which is understandable. However we still hope to make as much as we can for an amazing cause. So please share our challenge on your socials and follow us through to the finish line. There’s a way still to go and I need your support through to Birdsville. We’re not there yet and motivation is key, especially at this stage!!!!!!

John and Ross have offered me some fruit which is awesome. They’re slower to get going also in the mornings so I’ll catch up with them before we head off. I popped over before to get some more details about the bull dust section and we grabbed a selfie while there was still some light!!! See you in the morning kind folk!!

I visited the station people to ask about water points and spoke to Cheryl’s daughter. She doesn’t know that section of the Plenty very well. She’s going to check with her husband and the other station hands tonight and let us know in the morning. It’s an option just to water up for one night and try our luck with the mains road folk on the second day. Mmmm not sure, I’ll sleep on that and have a chat with the station folk in the morning!!

For now the night is still and the galahs have gone to bed. The sky is putting on a show through the branches and it’s bliss to be under the stars. The glow of the fire is warm and comforting and I’m feeling very cosy and happy with the day!! What an amazing campground and one to remember if you’re out this way. I’m so glad we got here early to make the most of our stay at Jervois. They let us camp for free by the way!! It’s only $5 otherwise but every bit helps along the way. Night and talk soon xx

Distance today 63km at 13km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7888km. Donations $10,125.09. Days remaining 17. 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, Tanami Road, Plenty Highway (current)

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 6.15pm on Wednesday the 25 August 2021

I woke this morning to a stunning sunrise. The light across the fields of natives was exquisite. There was a whispy cloud cover which added a dimension and the moon was still white and handsome to the west.

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I packed up with a cuppa and was ready to tackle the boy’s burr debacle. Poor darling. I apologised profusely for leading him astray through dried burrs on our way into camp. They looked so menacing as I got to task removing the ones I missed yesterday. A quick inflate with my beloved foot pump later, Intook the boy for a spin up the track to find a safer exit while the sealant did its thing. It took a few attempts but eventually the air in his tyres held and we were good to go.

It was super chilly with the wind so we rugged up for the morning ride. The unsealed section started a km up the road. So far the road conditions are much like the Tanami but without the deeper sandy sections. A big difference is that there are longer stretches on the shoulder to get the legs spinning without weaving as much. I was feeling quite settled knowing we only have to do 60 odd kms each day to Jervois and with all day to chip away. The countryside was showing off its colours and it was nice to just give into the conditions and spin away.

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We passed a point of interest on Wiki camps that was called ‘Street Art – Oil Can Coyboy.’ Very quirky in the middle of somewhere. Back in Yuendumu, I used the phrase ‘middle of nowhere’ when I was talking with Frank and Wendy. Frank said that every spot, even the most remote, is always somewhere. Point now taken!!

By lunchtime we had managed just over 40kms which I was happy about in the conditions!!! It was time for a cuppa and a snack. I found a spot behind a road works sign out of the wind. Ironically the sign was flashing, ‘Detour in Place.’ It made me think about our rerouted stage now along the Plenty. We’re certainly on a detour to the Simpson. The impact of Covid has reared several times during our challenge. Fortunately we haven’t had to change our plans too much and can still honour our goal of crossing or traversing the 10 deserts of Australia.

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I’m so thrilled to be on the last stage with our sights set on the Simpson. It’s so incredibly special to be able to cycle back into Birdsville and share the achievement with Dawn, Dylan, Mum and Dad. What an understatement!!! Our kms each day to then is between 60-70km. This is a caring way to ease the body out of the volume of work it has done over the last months. It takes a while for the body to recover from this amount of activity and lessening the kms will help tremendously. In saying this, there’s still a lot to happen between now and then and we still have our work cut out to ensure we arrive safe and smiling into the arms of my family. Oh bliss and bless!!

The ‘Detour in Place’ was a side track while road upgrade continues in sections along the Plenty Highway. The track was still in pretty good condition and we managed the 20kms over the next 2 hours. At the end of the side track there was a sign showing the turn off to the site office for ‘Exact Constructions.’ This is the mains road company I have stayed with along the Tanami in WA and NT. We had done our kms for the day so I turned off to see if I could camp at their facility overnight.

I met the site manager, Luke, who said I could camp out the back away from the traffic of workers. I found a spot in behind a tractor out of the wind. Banjo loves it. He finally gets to hang out with another fella who’s tyres are bigger than his 🤣 It’s a boy thing!!!

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The cleaner, Christine and the cook, Lynn have taken me under the wing. Lynn cooked me up a huge feed of Mac cheese and veggies and Christine let me use the shower and washing amenities. So darling!! The workers are all guys and seem to keep to themselves hanging out now around the fire; having a few beers. It’s a different vibe to the other facilities I’ve stayed but it’s awesome to be here; safe and sound and clean.

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It’s time now to check on the dryer and give Lynn my battery pack to charge in the kitchen overnight. All my clothes, except for my spare set of riding gear, are in the wash. I look a treat in my down jacket, bare legs, socks and sandals 🤣

Thanks Luke for letting me stay and Christine and Lynn for looking out for me. Lynn donated $50 to our cause. Bless you kind lady 🙏 Night and talk soon xx

Distance today 93km at 16km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7825km. Donations $10,125.09. Days remaining 18. 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 7.15pm on Tuesday the 24 August 2021

It’s so nice to be back camping under the stars for our first of two ninja camps to Jervois Station. There’s a campground there so we’ll be able to water up and charge the batteries for the next stint to Tobermorey before the Qld border. I noticed a dirt track running parallel to the road when we were looking for a camp. It was following the cattle fence line and we held of until there was shrubbery to camp behind. Then I saw this spot which was perfect. The trick was getting banjo through the grasses to the track. Unfortunately there must have been dried burr bushes amongst the grass and we picked up a zillion dreaded burrs in both tyres. Bugga!!! The sealant has worked a treat on his front tyre but unfortunately not yet on the back. I pumped it up and road around a bit hoping that would do the job but no luck yet. So that will be our first job in the morning. Hopefully we can get the sealant to do its thing without having to change his tube. Let’s see what the morning brings.

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We popped into the office shop at the campgrounds this morning on our way out. Alex had offered a free coffee before we got underway. It gave us a chance to upload our post with media files. They had a service booster at the office which allowed two bars of 4G awesome!!!

We then got into our day. It was cold today. The wind had an icy chill we haven’t had for ages. It was slow going for the most part of the day with a 30km headwind and 40km gusts. I cycled with my jacket and leg-ins all day. The legs were feeling a bit weary after the 140kms yesterday. That’s the downside of having a bunch of days off in Alice. No regrets but. It’ll take a few days to get the legs spinning again. It’s tricky when it’s windy because it’s more of a slog than a spin and lactic acid builds up quick. At 25kms we found a concrete drain which I could tuck myself in behind and have a break from the wind. It was nice to warm up in the sun while I called the folks and a bonus to have reception.

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I made a plan to aim for 75kms to Atitjere Community. There’s a community store there so I could buy a treat as incentive to chip away the next 40kms. We broke the distance down to 10kms blocks with a break in between.

It worked a treat and gave us a chance to appreciate the awesome countryside of rolling hills. Hart Range is a landmark in the area and it’s foothills rolled by the roadside for the most part of the day. It’s beautiful countryside.

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The road has been amazing; sealed with two lanes. This made the windy conditions more manageable which was appreciated.

We road into Atitjere Community around 3.30pm and bought some Coke and chips which I’m savouring tonight yum!! The local community were welcoming and fascinated with Banjo and his huge tyres. The boy loves it!!!

With our treats onboard, we headed a further 20kms out of town before starting to look for a camp. I had thought we may reach the start of the unsealed road. It can’t be too much further on.

Back in Alice, I was able to figure out our kms and days to Birdsville allowing a trip out to Big Red to touch in on the Simpson. Dawn and Dylan are planning their road trip and needed dates to time their arrival and be in Birdsville when we cycle in!!! Mum and Dad are also looking into catching a bus or flight out to Birdsville to be there as well. Love my family!!!! How special to have them there when we finally complete our challenge. So the date is the 11th September 2021. That makes it 18 days remaining. A lot still has to happen between now and then but the finish line is in all of our sights!!!

The moon is rising on the horizon all orange and egg shaped. He’s still as handsome as ever and perfect company for dinner. Beds not too far off as it’s super chilly. There’s a frost forecast for the morning!!! Night and talk soon xx

Distance today 66km at 14km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 8172km. Donations $10,145.09. Days remaining 13. 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, Tanami Road, Plenty Highway (current)

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 7.48pm on Sunday the 29 August 2021

Tobermorey Station Campgrounds!!!! Yayaya. For some reason this feels like a big tick destination and it is; with only 5km to the Qld border. But roads, as we know are built for journeys not destinations so it’s a quiet ✔️ 🤣 We’re chuffed all the same!!!!

It was a pretty good ride here despite the wind that was wicked and headwindy. It blew up overnight and I had to get up after midnight to put the fly on. Our sleep under the stars was short lived but delicious while it lasted. Old man emu snores anyway 🤣

I was later getting up with that slight debacle and enjoyed a cuppa in bed while I texted the family via satellite. Dawn and Dylan leave this Tuesday so they were enjoying a pre Father’s Day lunch with pops and mum. Mum and Dad have decided not to come to Birdsville due to Covid being so active in NSW. A Brisbane lockdown is imminent if covid crosses our borders so they feel it’s not the time for them to be travelling. I sent the family a text thanking them with all my heart for their love and support. We’ve done the peddling but my family have made it possible. A sky full of butterfly kisses and bear hugs was sent to share together over lunch.

We packed up slowly in the wind and got underway about 8.30am. Early into our ride, Mick and Teddy stopped to check in if we needed anything.

They were in Alice Springs for the Truck show and were now on their way to Winton to see the dinosaur museums. They’re retired truckies who know the desert tracks well and we’re full of praise for our efforts. Mick gave me a banana ice block and an apple.

They headed off with me still slurping my ice block. Thanks fellas!!!! I hope you enjoy Winton as much as we did on our family road trip this time last year. Banjo’s named after the Australian Raptor from Winton so he was very excited for the boys!!!

We had our first break at 25kms and found a shady tree to cool down for a bit. The arid countryside is still blowing me away. There’s a beauty here that’s raw and exposing and I love it. I took the chance to read up on our next stint to Boulia. It’s a 3 day ride at 253kms and 85km/day. I’ve heard that the road is sealed in sections but we will see.

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While we were stopped a couple of road trains passed mustering cattle westwards. The noise and dust they create in their wake must be seen to be believed.

We put our head down and bottoms up to push through the next 40kms. The 10kms sign to the Qld border filled my heart with joy.

With each day we’re just a bit closer to seeing my family in Birdsville.

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I loved picturing them together having lunch at our favourite cafe on the Sandgate waterfront. I texted Dawn to order me a cuppa and three Turkish delights!!! It was a day of celebration after all 🤣

Meanwhile, I’m focusing on making the most of our last weeks and savouring our day to day. I have grown to love desert country deeply. My sister, Janet refers to the tracks, especially the Tanami, as “beautiful beasts.” How perfectly captured Janny love!!!

The Turn off to Tobermorey was a welcomed sight!!!! We were very excited to turn left towards “cold drinks and hot showers!!!” Oh bliss.

…. and they were. The kind staff at the campground let us camp for free and we bought a zillion Coke zeros to hoover. Well not quite but delish nonetheless.

We had time to wash me and the gear and get ourselves prepped for the next 3 days. Sunset o’clock was a treat as always. There are more galahs here then I’ve seen all together over the last months. Sunset was like a happy hour for them and they continued to party over twilight.

So first up in the morning is our border crossing into Qld. But more of that tomorrow. For now it’s dinner and beddy byes. I’m going to try another night without the fly. Talk about living dangerously with the galahs roosting overhead 🤣 Night and talk soon xx

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Distance today 142km at 24km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7728km. Donations $10,125.09. Days remaining 24. 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 7.30pm on Monday the 23 August 2021

What a cracker of a day!!! 142km assisted tremendously by the southerly. We basically did two sections in one day. The first section up Stuart Highway was bliss; cruising between 30-40km/hr average. What a treat!!! I had forgotten what it was like to travel at that speed on the boy and we both loved it a lot. He got to stretch out his serviced specs and he’s purring !!!

We said our fair wells to Dira‘s home before finally getting underway just after 9am. What a beautiful lady; so generous, kind and big big fun!!! After our 5 days in Alice, I can also call her a friend. Dira left this morning at 745am and I hope to see her soon. I’ll be back to Alice with my family next time. We’re far from finished with this very cool town and the surrounding countryside needs exploring. Alice has grown on me something fierce and I can see why visitors end up staying and calling it home.

Yesterday we spent the day together pottering around home; Dira doing her weekend choirs and me packing the boy. We had cool tunes going on in the background so it was a chilled space and perfect Sunday. I wondered into town after lunch to buy some ingredients to make dinner. Dira went to the movies with a friend for the afternoon while I played in the kitchen making beetroot and pesto pizza with salad. It’s one of Dawn’s recipes that’s a taste sensation and it got two thumbs up from Dira with leftovers for her lunch today. Happy lady and my way to say thank you. Bless you Dira you’re a gem amongst gems.

The wind blew up overnight. It was a southerly and made our first 70kms big fun indeedy. Early on in the day we passed the highest elevation at 727.2m above sea level. This meant a slow decline for the next bunch of kms where we reached speeds up to 40km/hr oh yay 😀

At that rate we reached the turn off to the Plenty Highway just after midday. That was our original goal for the day. But we were keen to make the most of the conditions and set our sights on Gem Tree; another 70kms. The QLD border’s only 500km!!!!

The countryside was interesting amongst the rolling foothills of the MacDonald Ranges.

It’s sealed road for the first 160kms of the Plenty. It’s mostly single lane with dirt road shoulders to allow heaps of space to pass. Most cars moved off the road around us which was appreciated. I moved aside for a couple of road trains who have right of way on single lanes. Who’s going to argue with the rottweilers of the roads 🤣 I always enjoy exchanging big waves and truck horns and today was no exception.

I realised today we’re doing the second half of ‘Australia’s Longest Shortcut.’ We did the bottom half when we did the Great Central from Yulara to Laverton. And now we’re on the top half along the Plenty. How cool is that!!!!

We were chuffed to see the 2kms sign to Gem Tree and arrived just after 4pm.

Alex and Adele run the caravan park here. They were so keen to help our cause and put us up for the night for free under a shelter with power supply. Adele popped in later with a burger and chips for our dinner and invited me to stop in for a coffee in the morning.

I had another interview with Nick Crawford from Moreton daily while in Alice. Nick asked if reaching the $10,000 was the main goal of our challenge. It was an interesting question.

Fundraising for beyondblue gives our challenge greater meaning and purpose. It’s a cause I care deeply about as do many others. As soon as people realise we’re fundraising for beyondblue, they can’t do enough to help. It brings out the best in all of us to be part of something that impacts us all, especially living with COVID.

Personally this challenge is also about challenging myself. If it doesn’t challenge you it doesn’t change you!!!! There’s no truer words!!! The Tanami exhausted my mental health. In hindsight, I think I was looking for this point of breaking my limitations. To destroy is to create!! It’s like discovering a new baseline to build on and grow with deeper richness and appreciation.

It was my hope to evolve my bigger, stronger, wiser self through this challenge. I continue to unravel what this means. Understanding more about what mental health means is such a big part of this space.

I was speaking to Deb from Victoria, who’s also staying at the park.

She asked what mental health means to me from what I have experienced so far. My response was all about ‘connection.’ Mental health to me is about staying open, especially during struggle, and connecting to self and nature.

Sharing this openness with my family and folk along the way, is a caring habit that tops up the tank and keeps wellbeing alive. It’s like an investment that’s priceless and precious.

I love how easy it is to find these words and how much it matters deeply. Prioritising what matters most keeps me grounded so I can reach out further and live the adventure of life to its full. What a blessing!!!! Night and talk soon xx

Distance today Nil. Prep day

TOTALS: Distance 7560. Donations $10,125.09. Days remaining 26. 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 7pm on Saturday the 21 August 2021

I’ve just finished having a FaceTime chat with Claudia and Lothar. My goodness I adore these two beautiful souls. They are gifts from this challenge whom I will cherish always. Sharing our experiences over the last 2 1/2 months is fuel for the soul. They have just made application to extend their visas for another 12 months. I do hope this process is successful for you both to continue your journeys in Australia. Selfishly, This may also mean I can open my home and share my family with my new old friends. Lothar spoke about the experience of his iceberg turning and his inside world now part of his present existence. I relate to this representation of growth. May you both continue your travels with love and care. Be safe until we speak again my dear friends.

The near full moon is rising over the rocky outcrops in Dira’s backyard. Two micro bats we’re swooping amongst the rocks in the twilight. What a special moment to witness. I sat outside with a cuppa this afternoon when we got back from the West MacDonald Ranges. Dira filled her water bucket and within moments ‘Mr Big’ came down for a drink. He’s a grand boy!!! I didn’t have my phone so I just enjoyed the moment as his drank his belly full. He has a large piece of his ear missing; battle scars from his wildlife story. I loved sharing space with him.

Today was awesome. I got a text from Rory who lives in Alice and whom I met on the Tanami outside of Granite Mine. It’s a great introduction to our day trip.

Aw Marree it was lovely to cross paths with you as well! Ah the ever changing plans of this kind of travelling. Have fun out in the ranges! You’ll absolutely love them! I’ll tell you something interesting about them. These ranges are olllld! All that sand you’ve ridden across over the tanami was once part of the ranges before the weather eroded it away. If you could bring back all that erosion and rebuild the mountain range, they would stand taller than the Himalayas, which means there’s about 10kms of erosion! All this eroding has formed the deserts to the north and south. I wish you all the best for your final crossing! And stay hydrated! 🚲🚲

Rory from Alice

This part of country is remarkable and I’m so grateful that Dira gave me a chance to feel their magicalness. What a gift!!! Thank you darling lady for sharing this experience.

We first drove to Heavy Tree Gap outside of Alice, where the East and West MacDonald Ranges meet

We then followed Larapinta Drive that runs in a westerly direction traversing the range.

The countryside is breathtaking

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We enjoyed a number of landmarks out to 100km before the community of Hermannsburg. We then turned home and experienced the display of colours with the sun behind us.

This is the country of Albert Namatjira. Albert Namatjira was an Aboriginal artist from the MacDonnell Ranges. As a pioneer of contemporary Indigenous Australian art, he was the most famous Indigenous Australian of his generation.

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We stopped at Standley Chasm (Angkerle Atwatye) a significant cultural icon of Central Australia. It’s located in a private reserve owned by descendants of the Arrernte Aboriginal people, that have lived in this area for tens of thousands of years. Walking access to the dramatic 80m sheer rock-face of the chasm is along a trail following the natural creek bed. Angkerle Atwatye “the Gap of Water” is a striking geological formation and an important cultural site for Arrernte women.

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We then headed out to Ellery Big Hole via the most amazing overnight rest area for campers.

I tested the water and it was icy brrrr.

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Next stop was Orminston Gorge via another cracker of a rest area.

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We stopped at Ormiston Gorge for lunch. There was time to dry off and warm up so I braved a swim. Next level cold for this drama queen who was quick to apologise to the other folk otherwise enjoying the serenity 🤣

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After lunch we headed to Mt Sonder lookout on the Finke River. They’re both significant landmarks.

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What a wonderful taste of many adventures to come with my family. Can’t wait till we’re back to share the Red Centre Way and experience this country together. To be continued!!!!

The last couple of days have also been productive getting ready for our next stage ✔️

We picked up Banjo who is now all shiny and ready to go hard again. The bike mechanic, Chris, at Ultimate Ride, pampered the boy and filled his spare tubes with sealant to donate to our cause.

I gave him a test ride up Anzac Hill; a high point in town with an awesome panorama.

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There was a plaque that provided a chronological history of Alice. There were interesting points including the ‘Ghan’ train line named after the Afghan Cameleers who preceded the railway.

The folk at IGear weren’t able to repair my phone but they were able to retrieve the 2000+ photos and videos from Brisbane to Wiluna. What a relief. What an understatement. I’ve also spent my $50 voucher stocking up on essentials for the next 10 days. Yay!!! Thanks to Pankaj at Woolworths Alice Springs for your help to cover costs. I managed to post home the extra gear and spotted an amazing bike parked outside. It was geared up for cycle touring with a load. I’m more experienced these days to appreciate what a functional set up it is.

I got back from town yesterday in time to spot a kangaroo coming down the hill to drink from Dira’s water bucket. What a darling little female with her arms hanging; head down drinking her fill.

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Last night we went to dinner at friends of Dira’s, Jude and Daff. The ladies cooked an amazing green curry with sides of spinach rice, coconut banana, yogurt cucumber, and roti. This was followed by desert of baked pear, whipped ricotta, crumbed walnuts and fresh dates. Oh my goodness. I’ll be rolling out of Alice with Banjo at this rate. I can already feel the love handles taking shape again 🤣 At least I’ll have lots of reserves for the next 3 weeks ahead. It was a fun night. The woman were great company, very interesting and full of dry humour and cheekiness. My kind of company!!!

Tomorrow morning I’ll finish packing the boy before enjoying an afternoon of chill. Dira’s out for the afternoon so I can start getting my head in the space for tackling our last 20days. It’s full moon tomorrow so a fire over twilight sounds like a dam fine way to enjoy our last evening. Let’s see what tomorrow brings. Night and talk soon xx

Great day!!!!

Distance today Nil. Prep day

TOTALS: Distance 7560. Donations $10,025.09. Days remaining 29. 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 5.30pm on Wednesday the 18 August 2021.

Hey ‘the10desertchallenge’ community. Congratulations everyone!!! We have raised $10,025.09.

I uploaded the $485 donations from the Tanami this afternoon. It was so special to see that milestone come up. Bless everyone supporting our challenge. Every dollar helps and collectively, we’re making a difference. Beyondblue says it beautifully, “Every donation helps and makes a significant impact to mental health in Australia so thank you for your generosity.”

So far we have traversed/crossed 9 of the 10 deserts in Australia.

On the Birdsville Track we crossed Sturt Stony, Strzelecki and Tirari deserts. On the Oodnadatta Track we traversed the Pedirka Desert. On the Great Central Highway we traversed the Gibson and Great Victorian Deserts. On Wiluna North and Marble Bar roads we traversed the Little Sandy Desert, and on the Tanami Road we have crossed the Great Sandy and Tanami Deserts.

Our last desert is the Simpson. Originally I was going to attempt the Simpson via Mt Dare and the K1/Rig Road. This route crosses the NT/SA/QLD borders which is problematic with Covid restrictions. This means I need to reroute from NT direct into QLD via the Plenty Highway. The track is north of Alice Springs off the Stuart Highway. Once back into Qld, I’ll drop down through Channel Country into Birdsville via Boulia. We’ll cycle out into the Simpson and back into Birdsville to finish. My job tonight is to finalise the route and break down the kms so my family can start planning their trip out to meet us in Birdsville.

I picked up my parcel pack today and there were 2 letters, one from Dylan and one from Dawn. Tears of joy!!! I’m so blessed. 4 weeks until we’re together and on our own adventure my darlings 💕

Today’s been really productive getting ready for our next stage.

Banjos in for his service at a local bike shop, “The Ultimate Ride.” How awesome have this team been!! They have donated tubes and sealant as part of the service. The boy will soon be all good to go again.

I dropped off my phone to a local phone repair store. It’s in a drying machine overnight and a tech will see if it can be salvaged tomorrow. Here’s hoping. 🤞🏻 They’re not confident but we’re giving it every chance to retrieve the photos which are my main concern. Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

We did our census online which is good to have that done ✔️

I then popped into Woolworths Alice Springs and spoke to the assistant manager, Pankaj. What a kind and generous man just like his mate, Vipul from Sandgate Woolworths back home. He donated a $50 store voucher to help cover the costs of supplies for the final stages.

Thank you mate!!! It was a pleasure to meet you and your team and I’ll see you tomorrow when I stock up.

I walked back home via the Todd River. Dira was telling me that you’re considered a local only when you’ve seen the Todd flow 3 times. Dira’s been here 5 years now and the Todd’s already flowed 3 times with the unusual seasons they’ve been having.

Dira’s a beautiful lady; full of heart and fun. It’s a real honour to get to know her more. She had never worked in a remote community before making a lifestyle change from Canberra to Alice. She said when she arrived, her boss advised “Go steady, listen deeply and tread lightly.” What wonderful advice, not just for work but life in general. I will remember these words!!!!

When Dira got home from work, she watered her plants and topped up the 70litre bucket she has for the local wildlife especially the roos and dingos. Last night I could hear the kangaroos coming down the hill to drink. She was telling me about ‘Mr Big;’ a red kangaroo who’s now quite relaxed around her. At first she thought it was a female until he stood up and scratched his jewels. She showed me a picture. He’s indeed a big handsome boy!!!

Time now to paw over some maps and call my partner with a rough idea of time frames and distances. Night and talk soon xx

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.

Distance Yesterday 45km at 12km/hr to Yuendumu

Distance today 20km at 12km/hr (Lift 83km)

TOTALS: Distance 7540. Donations $9240.09. Days remaining 32 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 4pm on Monday the 16 August 2021.

We had the best stay in Yuendumu last night. I have been craving to understand more about remote aboriginal communities. However I’ve not had the access to information or conversations not skewed by politics or opinions. Gratefully, I have spent time with Sabrina and her friends Frank and Wendy, who have been local residents in Yuendumu for over 45years.

I had a parcel package to pick up from Yuendumu. When it was apparent I was not going to make it by close of business Friday, Mum tracked down Sabrina (Sam), the contact from the local council who helped me to arrange water points in NT. Sabrina was happy to collect my parcel from the post office Friday, so it was available when I came through yesterday 🙏

We spent the afternoon talking about The Walpiri people of Yuendumu and about Sams experiences living part of the community for the most part of her adult life. It was a rich and insightful conversation. I also got to meet her fur babies including Bob, the camp dog.

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I mentioned to Sam that she should write a book to share her experiences and insight. According to Sam, she’s a reader not a writer but said I should meet her friends, Frank and Wendy. Frank has written a book, “My Yuendumu Story,” thats been recently published. She called her friends and he came round to pick me up for a visit to their place.

Frank and Wendy were also very interesting people, with a love for Warlpiri people and their language. Warlpiri is taught in the schools as well as other neighbouring landguages. Frank understands the importance of being deeply grounded in your cross cultures. He has a Dutch heritage and grew up living in other countries including Germany and Argentina. He can speak 5 languages including Warlpiri and appreciates cultural heritage snd diversity. Oh my goodness what a wonderful afternoon and evening. Frank dropped me home after 9pm. It was a pleasure to buy a copy of his book to savour more detail.

“…the people of Yuendumu refer to Aborigines as Yapa and to whitefellas as Kardiya. Yapa and Kardiya share a common humanity. We are more alike than we are different. Yet it is the differences between us, the diversity, that our Australian Nation ought to be celebrating. We sometimes brag about our multiculturalism but invariably omit First Australians and their descendants from this vision of an inclusive and fair society.”

Frank Baarda, 2021, p2.

Sam let me camp in her back yard and I set up the fly so I could enjoy the stars in my dreams. Thank you to Sam, Frank and Wendy for inviting me into your homes and sharing a part of your stories with me. I wish you wellbeing as your journeys continue.

I got underway this morning at 10am after saying my goodbyes to Sam and her fur babies. It’s sealed road now to Alice and I was happy to settle into to come what may without the corrugations. In hindsight I probably needed a rest day. There was a gusty southerly headwind and I was in slog mode all over again.

I passed a couple by the roadside and stopped for a chat to share our travels on the Tanami. Doug and Vicki asked if I wanted a lift. I was resigned to dealing with the conditions and thanked them for their tempting offer. About 20kms into the ride I was thinking, “Maree you goose!!!!”

A greater power must have intervened because soon after I saw them again pulled up at a ‘turkey nest’ bore by the side of the road. Turkey nest bores are built up off the ground. They had stopped to take a picture of the working windmill. However when you get closer to the bore it’s alive with thousands of green budgies and finches. It was a wow moment!!!! ‘Beep beeps’ everywhere. There were also eagles and goshawks swooping through the flocks for a feed. The bore was full of water and it was a haven for birdlife. They looked more like bats than birds. It was a real phenomenon and spectacle I’ve never seen before. The guys at the mains road facility mentioned about the bird life around the bores as you get closer to Alice. But I had no idea!!!! I wouldn’t have seen it if Doug and Vicki weren’t already parked there. We sat for over an hour in awe.

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Is asked Doug if I could get a lift the rest of the way to Tilmouth Roadhouse. Soon Banjo was packed up on top of their camper trailer.

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On our way here we shared our favourite travel moments. We all agreed that the nighttime sky was a constant wow!! Vicki a keen photographer and she shared her night shots that were insane. I was able to point out “Old Man Emu” and they’re keen to keep an eye out tonight. Thanks guys. You made a shit day into a rest day while still being able to move forward.

The folk here at Tilmouth Well Roadhouse have let us camp for free to support beyondblue. We found a spot in the camp kitchen tucked away from the wind. Its been relaxing to do an early post while watching the birds play under the sprinklers. The wind has eased up enough for me to set up camp now. I’m keen for an early diner and bed. Night and talk soon xx

Distance yesterday 45km at 12km/hr average

TOTALS: Distance 7317km. Donations $9140.09. Days remaining 36. 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 6.00pm on Wednesday the 11 August 2021

We’re camped on the Great Sandy desert side of the Tanami Track with the Tanami Desert on the other. So we’re smack bang in desert country and it’s classically stunning. The floodways are plains of spinifex and cone shaped red anthills. They look like distant mountains on the flat horizon. The track is a waterway pattern of red sand. It’s tricky riding but the scenery is everything I imagined desert country to be and so much more.

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We’re tucked behind an anthill of low lying all burr bushes and spinifex. We rode through similar countryside yesterday and it’s special now to be nestled amongst the scenery under the crescent moon, evening star and a sky full of diamonds.

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We found this spot at about 4pm and checked it out to find a safe path for Banjo and a tucked away spot to set up camp in time for sunset. We’re behind a monster anthill and shrubbery so it’s a ninja camp from the road. I spotted a rabbit and there’s a bunch of camel tracks. There’s no signs of dingos but I have my whistle close by just in case after last night’s debacle. Only the bugs know we’re here and they’ve turn out in numbers to welcome us 🤣

It’s been a mixed day and a hectic 24hrs of events. Yesterday we chipped away at 83kms to arrive at Granite mine by 3.30pm. I called Hamish at security to let him know we had arrived. Granite Gold Mine is where they had the covid case while we were on the Great Central Highway. Hamish came out to the gate wearing a huge smile under his face mask.

They have extra safety practices in place and the mine site is closed to anyone without authorisation. Truckies used to be allowed to come in for a feed and shower but not anymore. He said Barry, Billy and Jenny arrived earlier and got back on the road after delivering the mine trucks. We had a chat for an hour about his work and fly in/out lifestyle with his wife and son back in Perth. He said mental health is a challenge but they have a lot of in service supports. He’s a peer support officer and provides ongoing assistance to his crew about wellbeing issues. He’s a very positive fellow that is gracious and wanting to help where he can. I can see he’s be awesome in this role. He gave me some electrolyte ice blocks and arranged for the night shift guy to check in on me after handover with a couple of cokes. Oh yay!!! I’m savouring the second can to night. He took my water bottles to fill and battery pack to charge up overnight and we found a camp across the road at the truck stop.

We arrived to find lots of dingo scat and prints so I gathered firewood to have a fire going for the night. I was carrying my first load of wood back to camp when a dingo walked straight past me. “Well hello there.” He was a handsome fellow with black markings and healthy physique. He hung around my camp while I set up; both of us keeping a watchful eye on the other. I went back to grab a huge branch that I had found and on my way back saw him on top of Banjo checking out the panniers. He ran off when I growled at him and later realised he had taken my jacket in its stuff sack from the handle bar panniers. Cheekiness!!! The security guy popped in soon after and said he’s the resident dingo who will pinch anything you leave out!!!!

The fire kept him at bay for the evening while I called my family to share our last days and had some dinner before bed. I woke an hour later to him sniffing around the tent. I gave him a blast of the whistle and he just looked at me like ‘you got nothing.’ Oh dear!!! I recon he’s got industrial deafness from the mine noise 🤣 I heard him back up on Banjo who fell over with the weight. Maybe that gave him a fright ‘cause I didn’t hear much more after that and got a few hours sleep after the debacle. The truckies can be a bit messy at the stops leaving food scraps and rubbish. No wonder there’s resident dingos who are just being resourceful for food.

We passed the time during the day looking out for tracks on the roadside. I followed the truck tracks left by Billy and Barry for the most part. There was also a set of dingo prints following their track so I recon the dingo is hot on their tail after Billy’s other boot.🤣

We spotted a huge snake track that left a wave of sand in its slithering wake. It was amazing to see and appreciate how big the snakes get out here.

The main two varieties are browns and taipans. I met a family today travelling home to Adelaide after doing the Gib River Road. They were telling me they saw a snake earlier, over two metres with a black head and lengthways stripes. I need to google that one!!! Tess and Mark have been on a 6 week trip with their daughters. travelling with their two daughters. They have the travel bug now and are working on Mum to consider a 12 month adventure. The family shared their stories, carrot sticks and snakes and gave me an orange, mandarin and muslei bar for the day.

Just a few kms down the track, Banjo got a cut in his tyre. Sealant everywhere. Bugga!!! Fortunately it was near a shady tree and I got busy patching the gash and refilling his tube. I enjoyed my fruit while I waited for the patch to dry and flagged down a car to ask for some water to top up my bottles. It was thirsty work!!!

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I met Rorry who was travelling back to Alice Springs in his Troopie. He has been rock climbing with a mate in the Kimberly. While he was filling my bottles his radiator cracked from overheating in the rough conditions. We said our goodbyes as he walked back to where he knew there was reception. He said he’ll keep an eye out for me in Alice. Rory was super chilled about the whole ordeal and said there’s no point worrying and making things worse than they are!!! I heard his wise words!! There’s no point crying over spilled sealant 🤣

The road is hard on cars (and bikes). Just before stopping for our camp, I saw Tess and Mark’s camper trailer on the roadside with a broken axil. They were aiming for Alice today. I hope that works out okay for them getting their trailer safely to a repair place. That must have been so hard leaving it by the roadside.

So for now it’s dinner o’clock under the stars with the nighttime crickets. It’s another 215kms ish to Yuendumu. That’ll likely be 2 1/2 days riding so we may have to flag someone down for more water. One peddle at a time and lets deal with tomorrow first. The crescent moon has now set and the stars are once again centre stage and a putting on a magnificent dinner show. By the way, I found my jacket still in its stuff sack before leaving camp this morning. Very happy it wasn’t his size. Night and talk soon xx