TOTALS: Distance 5711km. Donations $7840.09. MDays remaining 57. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 630pm on Wednesday the 21 July 2021
I’m saddling up to the hugest serve of chips, sauce and salt. It’s a staple at roundhouses. They’ve just been cooked and their bloody delish so I’m devouring while I post. It’s a lot earlier than normal but the plan is to be in bed by 830pm and up early on the road. 7am would be great, 630am would be better. But my track history means I’ll do the best I can. 🤣
I hit the snooze button for over an hour this morning so I was happy to be on the road by 8am after a slow start. I savoured the last of our camp while I finished my cuppa. Camping amongst desert red rocks, spinifex and burr bushes was up close and personal with our desert regulars and it was nice to appreciate how much I’ve fallen in love this landscape.
It was 20kms to the junction with The Great Northern Highway. We turned north and that’s us for the next stint to Halls Creek.
The scenery at the junction was showing off with towering outcrops. A camp was calling but we’re on a mission to get some kms in the legs and tyres. Our first stop was in our sights, just a further 100km on to Pardoo. Time for some peddling 🤣
At 45km we crossed over the de Grey River. Another fabulous spot to camp. The River is grand with water and sand beds. It was birdlife haven. I stopped on the bridge to take in all in. Starlings we’re swooping from under the bridge, pelicans were waddling on the sand beds, goshawks were hovering for lunch and jabiru were strutting their red legs. One jabiru flew right over us with his legs dangling; ‘what a handsome set of pegs you have!!!’ There we’re heaps of campers taking advantage of the rest area along both sides of the river.
The scenery changed to floodways and low lying shrubbery for the rest of the day. The days are getting warmer as we head north. It seems a long time ago now that I was riding in my thermals.
With 10kms to go, we stopped for our last water break and stripped down to the bare essentials for the last haul to Pardoo Roadhouse.
The Roadhouse was a welcomed site in the afternoon shadows. The staff were welcoming and let us camp for free to support our cause. The generosity of campgrounds is always a highlight at the end of a long days ride. We also got a donation from Todd. He’s travelling with his partner from Perth and heading up to Broome for the full moon weekend. Broome is famous for its ‘Stairway to Heaven’ each full moon. The moon reflects across the low tide puddles and creates a staircase effect. Enjoy Todd and thanks for your $20.00
We camped under a gum with a pair of galahs nesting above. Galahs are the sweetest birds and very busy pruning and preparing their nests for spring. They were chatting away while I set up camp over sunset.
After a delish shower it was time to think dinner. The roadhouse closes at 7pm so I moved out to the table and watched the road trains come and go with their lit up doggies. They’re the aeroplanes of the outback and an impressive sight especially at night.
TOTALS: Distance 5456km. Donations $7570.09. Days remaining 60. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 730pm on Monday the 19 July 2021
I went off to bed last night having done what I could for peace of mind. Rob’s favourite saying is ‘it is as it is,’ and I thought of that as I fell to sleep. Thankfully no visitors during the night and I slept blissfully. I woke at 5am feeling the best I have felt for ages and ready to tackle the day. After cuppa o’clock of course 🤣
The first thing on the list of todos was plan my days to Halls Creek. It’ll be 10 days of 1332km averaging 133km/day. It’s my way to prepare physically and mentally for the Tanami Track. All going well, I’ll arrive Halls Creek on Thursday the 29 July for a couple days break before tackling stage 8. The postal pack will go tomorrow and should arrive before I do.
What was needing to happen today to finalise my preparations, was for the postal packs to arrive.
Banjo was otherwise all good to go.
Claudia and Lothar were ready for a chat later in the morning. They’re up in Kununurra and were looking out over a waterway of local crocs and birds during our conversation. How cool is that!!! It was wonderful to connect again. I have missed them immensely and we had lots to catch up on since Uluru. I shared with them some of my challenges and Claudia shared a beautiful quote from Fred De Vito.
They always know just what to say bless them. We’re friends for life. I deeply value our connection. After talking for a couple of hours it was time to get on with our respective days. Lothar said that if I need them I need only ask and they will drive to wherever I am to help. What a language of love my dear friends.
It was time to go to the post office and see if my parcels had arrived. I walked in and Cheryl was surrounded at the counter with the mail that had just arrived. ‘Anything with my name on it?’ She said, ‘come back in half an hour.’ I wished patience was a virtue. Time to go and see Amy at the community resource centre.
Amy is an impressive woman who managers the CRC here at Marble Bar. Her skill set is comprehensive and she’s clearly very capable and passionate about her work. Cheryl speaks very highly of her and it’s very apparent why. While I was there she was assisting 4 other customers with respect and patience and hovering between to offer support as needed.
Amy’s work is about supporting all the local community with whatever they need to manage their day to day. This may range from Centrelink or Trust applications, setting up a phone with Telstra, referral to support groups, community events or acting as the local information centre. It’s a State funded program that is inclusive for all persons in need and it works. They tried to close the program recently and the community were up in arms and successfully petitioned to have the decision reversed. What an acknowledgement to the essential work she does. She also writes and edits the ‘Mirage’ which is Marble Bars local paper. We spent some time together talking about The10desertchallenge in between her other tasks.
Our story now features in the July edition released today. Thank you Amy for your support and genuine reflection to promote our cause.
Time to see if Cheryl was finished processing the mail. I walked in and she said with a cheeky grin, ‘so I suppose you would like your parcels!!!!!’ Yayayaya 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
The rest of the afternoon was spent repacking gear. I was like a kid in a candy store and it was Christmas in July!!!
The best pressie was my foot pump.
For the first time, I have been able to inflate Banjos tyres to their max 30PSI. We have sealed road through to Halls Creek and hard tyres will be a blessing.
The pump has pride of place on my back rack under the saddle bag.
I can finally be independent with respect to managing his tyre pressures and deal with flats as needed. It’s true love!!!
We finished our todos by early evening and in time to call the folks before their bedtime. We’ve all been holding our breath hoping the post would deliver today. It was such a relief to share with Mum and Dad. Thank you darlings for your continued support and care.
So all that’s left now is a good night sleep for an early start in the morning. The riding conditions will change now heading north. The days will be warmer in the mid thirties. It will be interesting to see how this effects me and water consumption. This may also impact on how much water we carry for each day/overnight. At the moment 4 lites per day has been more than enough. Let’s see what the next days bring. Time for dinner and bed. Look out Halls Creek!!! We’re on our way on the Great Northern Highway. See you in 10 days!!! I’m excited to be getting underway again better kitted up with what we’ve learnt. I love ‘process.’ It’s all about continuous improvement and that way of working works for me!!! Night and talk soon. Xx
TOTALS: Distance 5456km. Donations $7570.09. Days remaining 61. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 9.50am on Sunday the 18 July 2021.
I have one more perspective story to add to last night’s post. When I arrived on Friday I found the furthest corner of the campgrounds to pitch my tent. It was a great spot tucked back under the eucalyptus with the nesting galahs and lots of space between me and the next campers to breathe.
I was having a great night sleep last night. At about 3am I got up and went for a wee walk to the amenity block. It was a beautiful clear sky night and the stars were shining in the stillness. I left the awning door tied back to enjoy the stars as I went back to sleep.
Just before 4am I woke to the figure crouched in my awning. I called out and they didn’t move. Then I shoved them through the fly of the tent with a very loud expletive. They stumbled back, knocked over Banjo and ran off. My goodness it gave me a fright. Alert mode was ON. I moved the tent back up in the ring of other campers and sat in the awning to digest what just happened. About 430am, one of the campers got up for the day and started making a cuppa. The alert mode registered I was safe and turned OFF. I put everything comfy on; down, beanie, gloves – tucked myself away in my cave and slept for 4 hours. Perspective!!!!
What a bizarre series of events. Isn’t it ironic that the primal part of being human can override a sense of distance equals safety. I suppose we’re pack animals first with a genealogy that knows there’s safety in numbers. I was talking to Malcolm in the camp next door. He said he heard me call out and looked out to see me moving tent. He said he had been laying there worrying about leaving his wallet in the car. When he saw me he thought ‘oh it’s safe – she’s up and about for the day.’ 🤣 Perspective!!!!
I’ve let the managers know and they said that hasn’t happened before? Maybe they thought I was having a go at the campgrounds security – who knows? Maybe I gave the person just as big a fright as they gave me. Our western world of toys and trinkets may look very enticing to some local folk – It may talk to that part of the brain drawn to lollies in shiny wrappers. Replace lollies with shiny cars or jewellery, bright lights and poker machines – albeit whatever the draw card. It’s very important for me to respect cultural difference and the symptoms of generational trauma caused by our history of western ways. By no means am I having a go at our colonial past. Look at the stories of sacrifice in the ‘Pioneers Wall’ yesterday… ‘often without reward.’ However our Australian history includes the oppression of our First Nations people and we’re all part of our history. We can’t just take out the bits we like and discard the rest. We all need our stories seen and respected. Hopefully we will collectively and consciously be part of our recovery too and rewrite a modern history of respect and equality. Perspective!!!!
It was supportive to reach our and talk with my partner this morning. Tears are my energy release when my emotions overflow. Dawn is aware of my ‘overflow valve’ and can sit with me in tears when I need to offload. This is a language of love for her to hold her own discomfort and be there for me unconditionally. I deeply value the story of our relationship. It has not been an easy road and we have worked through many personal and relationship issues to find clarity about what we choose to be part of. Dawn, Dylan and I consciously practice caring habits in our family relationships. That doesn’t mean we get it right every time 🤣 But it does mean it’s our ‘bottom line’ set of boundaries that help keep us safe and stable as a close family unit: being supportive, listening, encouraging, accepting, respecting, negotiating differences and trusting. I’m so proud and excited about our past, present and future together. Desert peas in a pod. Perspective!!!!
It’s 7.16pm.
It’s been a day of good company and relaxing, needed and appreciated. After the experience of last night, it was helpful to write the first part of my post this morning to reflect on what happened and find a place and perspective. Afterwards, I went over to the camp kitchen to make a cuppa and was planning to paw over my maps and plan my itinerary for the next days.
I met up with Jeff from Toowoomba who was a guy who got up at early o’clock this morning and enabled me to feel safe and sleep off the adrenaline. It was really special for me to spend time with him and share the impact of his early rising. He said he goes to bed really early and by 4am he’s done his 8hours. No complaints from me about his early rising 🤣 We talked about our travels and perspectives for the next 6 hours!!!! Robert from Perth joined the conversation after lunchtime. What an interesting afternoon with two awesome fellas. It was easy time spent and a quality way to share our Sunday.
Jeff’s a retired geologist and spends his winter months travelling in desert country. He has a 2005 Toyota Troopie Land cruiser and is a natural explorer. His interests are desert birds, animals, flora and prospecting. He uses these interests to bring purpose and meaning to his travels. His troopie is set up to spend 2 weeks at a time out in the bush exploring remote tracks and camping wild along the way. His mining permit enables him to camp anywhere in WA.
Robert’s from Perth. Ironically he’s also a retired geologist and the boys talked ancient rocks with a language that was captivating. Some of the exposed rock areas in this country date back Billions of years. The ancient nature of this landscape is apparent from a novelist perspective. So hearing it from folk with a trained eye added a depth of appreciation. They both shared a language of love that I could relate with and I was in awe of their passion.
Robert is 18 months into a retired lifestyle on the road. He reviews the places he travels and provides quality information for people who are planning their trips. He noticed this niche when he was preparing his travels so this gives his explorations purpose and meaning. He’s recently introduced a drone into his experiencing. He loves the context it adds to his reviews. What an awesome afternoon.
By 430pm if was time for me to get ready to head backup to the water tank look out for sunset. I called Mum and Dad on the way and shared the experience while we finalised the Halls Creek postal pack.
The colours of twilight highlighted the rolling hills out to Gorge Range
The 360 degrees also looks out over the campgrounds
On the way back to camp I called Dawn and we caught up on our days. They had lunch with Mum and Dad earlier and Dylan gave Nanna and Grandad a big hug from Maree. Thank you Mate!! I walked past the corner store where hopefully my postal pack will be waiting for pick up tomorrow.
Let’s see what Monday brings. I got a text from Claudia and Lothar who are now in Kununurra. We’ve planned to have a phone catch up tomorrow which I’m super excited about 😊 For now it’s time for dinner and bed. I’ve packed up Banjo and any gear I had under the awning so not to attempt anyone looking for shiny things during the night. Night and talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 5456km. Donations $7570.09. Days remaining 62. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 17 July 2021.
Today was about resetting my Perspective. I’m sitting with the crescent moon and in a much better place than when I woke this morning. I was simply feral and very antisocial. It was not a nice place for me or anyone within a km radius 🤣 I had hoped for a good night sleep but unfortunately someone was playing loud music into the early hours of the morning and it triggered my grrrr factor. The dukes were up when I crawled out of the tent to make a cuppa at early o’clock. I had it in my head that it was a neighbouring camper. But I later found out it was in fact a local household living in a neighbouring property. The sound travels in the nighttime and seems a lot closer. Oops!!! I later went up to Graham who’s in the campsite that was the focus of my wrath and came clean. We shared a giggle and a hug and he wished me a couple of relaxing days to come down a few notches from alert mode 🤣 Perspective!!!!
My crap mood was given a huge cuddle over a chat with Dylan to start the day. Darling boy!!! He said, ‘Maree I haven’t spoken to you for so long I don’t want to stop talking.’ Bless him!!! Over the next hour we talked about lego, school, and the comics he’s writing and giving his friends. We shared videos of the camels and big trains and photos of the galahs I fed during our chat.
It was special time spent and softened my heart with what counts. Dylan has a way of reminding me which way the sun is shining. Thanks mate!!! I have my next mission to find a desert snake. He wanted me to find a rattle snake. We googled about them living in the Americas which he knows through his fascination with dinosaurs especially from Argentina. He said one day we will go to Argentina to see a rattle snake and we will take our snake bite kit just in case!!! Love this boy and his mum. They’re my desert peas in a pod. I feel every part of our little family and miss them with all my heart. There’s a lot to miss and I’m so grateful to be blessed with riches that matter. Perspective!!!!
I started my chill bill day with a walk around town. There’s a heritage trail that takes you up to the water tank lookout via points of interest.
The first was the ‘Pioneers Wall’ which was very moving. The plaques on the wall recognise those who pioneered the development of the Pilbara. The wall remembers the men, women and children who perished in the harsh conditions. Their graves are located in lonely and isolated places in the region; by the roadside, riverbanks and homesteads. The plaque reads, “The men, women and children are only a small number of those who suffered in order to open up the riches of this vast region.” The memorial was funded by Georgina Rineheart from Hancock Prospecting. She’s originally from the Pilbara. The causes of death were an eye opener: Miners disease, Heat exhaustion, Thirst, Senile decay, Dynamite accident, Neuritis, Malnutrition and exposure, Lost in bush never recovered, Aboriginal attack, Fever, Disappearance,, Accidents, Appendicitis, Stroke, Heart attack, Heart failure, Drowning, Natural causes, Spear winds, Pneumonia, Dropsy, and Lung disease. There were also a large number of Gun shot wounds to the head/chest. Suicide was real then too. Perspective!!!!
The museum provided information about the heat wave between October 1923 and April 1924 where there were 160 days of consecutive Temperatures over 37 degrees. This event earned Marble Bar the reputation as being ‘the hottest town in Australia.’ No wonder so many people perished in those pioneering and perilous days. Perspective!!!!
I met Margaret who volunteers at the Museum. She’s a warm soul and was very interesting to talk with. She was curious and encouraging about our challenge and donated $50 to our cause for mental health and beyondblue. Thank you Margaret. Your passion for the Pilbara and especially Marble Bar is inspiring and you’re a credit to the townsfolk. Perspective!!!!
I popped into the general store and spoke again with Cheryl who manages the store and post office with her husband. She said she spoke to “Amy’ at the Resource Centre about our challenge. Amy writes for the local paper and she is keen to do an interview and article. She asked me to see her on Monday when the centre’s next open. Wonderful to have some local support. Let’s see what Monday Brings. Perspective!!!!
During my walk I met ‘Rakesh’ who lives in town and works in the mines as an engineer. He’s from India and decided to come to Australia for work. Originally he was working in Melbourne but wanted to experience regional Australia. He spoke about how India is more about status and Australia is more about the person. His perspective was positive and encouraging. He was so interested in our challenge. We ended up exchanging details to keep in touch. I later got a text from him, “Hi Marree, It was great to meet you and good to have a brief good conversation. Hope you have a safe and adventurous journey. Rakesh” It was great to meet you too Mate. I look forward to staying in touch.
My walk took me to a high point where there’s a look out and town water supply. I enjoyed the colours of the flowers and desert red rocks as I mooched. I plan to go back there tomorrow on sunset o’clock to get some photos. It’s a 350 view of the neighbouring Gorge Range and landscape. It was a reminder of where we are and where we’ve been over the last days. Perspective!!!!
Back at camp I cleaned Banjo and washed my clothes. It was a low key few hours in chill mode while I did some choirs. It was then time to pamper me and rug up for a chillier night this evening. It’s been a day of transitioning from such an elevated state this morning to feeling far more grounded and better for human consumption again 🤣 Keeping Perspective is so important to maintain my health and well being during this challenge. I’m very grateful to have the next days to reset with what keeps me grounded as our journey continues. Night and talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 5456. Donations $7520.09. Days remaining 63. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 Friday the 16 July 2021
We said our goodbyes to Nullagine this morning just and started our 111km ride to Marble Bar to see what the day would bring.
A short distance out of town we passed an abandoned anthill by the roadside. Great spot for a wee spot away from passing cars 🤣
Sections had broken away and exposed a network that looked like honeycomb. Isn’t amazing that such a small critter can create such a hive of complexity.
The morning light lit up the colours of the countryside with desert red rocks, olive green spinifex, and a blue sky day. Picture perfect conditions again for riding. I have a deep connection with this desert landscape. It calls out to be seen for its ancient magical essence. I hold it with such reverence and respect. We’re it’s students and caretakers and are healthier when our environment is being nurtured.
The wind had serious attitude. But it was on our tail thank goodness. We needed all the help we could get to tackle the range that loomed on the horizon.
Marble bar receives most of its rainfall during summer so the road is dry this time of year. It’s busy with trucks, mining vehicles and caravans. They through a veil of dust as they pass. It’s so thick I needed to stop at times until I could see the road ahead. But the dust clouds did make seeing approaching cars a lot easier.
The road began to snake through a mountain range. I checked with my Poppy and he said it’s the Gorge Range. The ‘Atlas Man’ knows his stuff!!!
It was hard going navigating the inclines with an eagle eye out for oncoming cars on the crests. But what goes up just come down and declines keep the happy hormones charged up for the next ascent.
I took advantage of a break to share a 360 vista with you.
The range descended into an open plain of spinifex and single rock uprights. They looked like pagan headstones. It was calling to be explored and would have made a great camp another day and time.
We took a break with 40km to go. The head and legs were starting to get a bit weary and Marble Bar was calling!!
I was very happy to finally arrive at 3.30pm. The campgrounds have let us stay for free which is super appreciated. I’ve been able to wash the red dust off. I think most of it was up my nose!!!!
We have a few days now to rest up before our postal pack arrives hopefully Monday. I’m looking forward to checking out the local sites and doing our usual ‘to dos’ in chill mode!!! To be continued in Marble Bar. Night and talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 5344km. Donations $7520.09. Days remaining 64. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 Thursday the 15 July 2021.
We have cycled through the most spectacular scenery today. I took some footage at our first break that captured its essence.
I’m so grateful to be riding through this country. It’s so ancient and so precious with riches far beyond iron ore. It was a blue sky day and with a tail wind, I could sit back in the saddle and savour every moment.
The Roy Hill mining area extended for the duration of the sealed road. It had a number of outposts, an airport, railroad and township. It’s what pays for the party as far as the excellent sealed road, allowing easy access for its community.
I passed many mining cars today, two of which stopped for a check in and chat. First I met Shaun who’s a diesel fitter. He spoke about how important mental health is in the mining community. Many workers struggle and more access to services are essential for workplace health and safety. We exchanged details and he’s keen to share our challenge with his peers and through socials. I got a text from him later today saying, “
“Hi meree this is Shaun the guy you got a photo with. Good luck on your quest to making the difference. Be safe and god bless 😊 Thank you x”
Right back at you mate!!! Your genuine care for the mining community is apparent and I wish you and your colleagues all the support you need to be your best selves.
I also met Lisa who was down to earth and so encouraging about our commitment. She was fascinated about the details of our route. Lisa spoke about how much she loved working in an area so beautiful. I couldn’t agree more. Thank you for taking the time to check in and for sharing our challenge with your peers. Please keep in touch!! Great to see females also have a presence in the mining industry.
We passed an iron ore train with 2 engines pulling and 2 more engines helping to pull the load of carriages mid section. The train was so long and I was able to capture some footage especially for Dylan who looooves train. Me too mate!!!
The train marked the spot where we said goodbye to Roy Hill Mining along with the sealed Road.
From here on in to Nullagine the scenery just got better!!!! It’s so satisfying to be able to share using videos as it does the experience of today the justice it deserves.
We celebrated our arrival into Nullagine with a 5km downhill overlooking a plateau in the afternoon light. Aaaamaaazing!!!!
It’s a dot town with a pub, corner store and post office. There’s a number of residential streets, an industrial area and a police station. At the town junction is a parkland with amenities. Overnight camping is permitted for caravans that are self contained. Camping is not usually allowed.
When I arrived, I was approached by Steve from Albany who has just travelled the Gibb River Road. He was telling me about another solo female cyclist who was attempting the 600km track. I noticed he’s already started following our socials and donated $20 to help our cause. Thanks Steve!!
The folk at the corner store contacted the police who said it was okay for us to camp given we’re doing a fundraising event. Thank you to the township for getting behind our challenge and enabling our safe travels onto Marble Bar tomorrow. 🙏
So now we’re tucked in behind one of the buildings in the parkland out of the wind. The crescent moon is shining as are we after a day that I’ll cherish as one of my favs to be sure!!
I’ll finish go with a gallery of some of the photos I took over the day. Enjoy!!! Night and talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 5246km. Donations $7460.09. Days remaining 65. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road, Marble Bar Road.
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 715pm on Wednesday the 14 July 2021.
I have 1 bar of service here at Fortescue River and spent the last hour talking with Dawn and sharing our day. Connection!!!!
What a beautiful way to end what’s been a thumbs up day. I was talking with my Mum and Dad this morning. Dad’s an ‘atlas man’ and loves finding geographical locations of significance on our route. This morning he was telling me about Fortescue River as one of the main waterways in this area. I stopped about 20kms out to see where we were on Wiki Camps and saw that Marble Bar Road crossed the river here at our campsite tonight. Thanks for the inspiration mate. Connection!!!!
The riverside is a great spot for our 1st camp on Marble Bar Road. The water isn’t running but there is abundant bird life and large eucalyptus lining the bank and surrounding floodway. The ground is red desert dirt with new seedlings of natives growing.
The crescent moon is sitting handsome on his side and hanging out with the array of stars dotted through the overhung branches. You couldn’t sculpt a more breathtaking site and it was special to share with my partner over a few cuppas into the early evening. Connection!!!!
I was expecting there to be bugs by the numbers but surprisingly no. There’s crickets and night birds and the occasional cow moo for company. What a way to savour the last of the day while I post. Connection!!!!
We packed up slowly this morning and enjoyed a brewed coffee with Ted and Anna. Yum!!! They headed off just before us. We waved them off and they’re going to keep an eye out on our progress to see if we can cross paths again. I’ve met some amazing people on this trip and these folk are up there with favourite time shared. They have been helpful and fun and it’s super special to click with people from the get go. Connection!!!
I was keen to relax into the ride today and manage whatever distance we could until we had had enough. The 5 hours in the saddle went quickly. It was easy time spent enjoying the many highlights of the day. There’s a lot more desert vegetation which meant ‘beep beeps’ by the numbers and I shared the days treats with them. Connection!!!!
Soon out of town we passed areas of red rock bluffs and outcrops and the colours were appreciated against the blue sky day.
A railway line runs through this area taking mined iron ore to Port Headland for export. We stopped at the railhead where there was a double engine all ready to depart towing carriages that snaked into the distance. We couldn’t get close enough to count them but it was a very long haul. It pulled out slowly as we headed off.
We had our first break at 50km. One of the campers at Newman was telling me about his stay at Wolf Creek. He said they counted a dozen varieties of flowering natives after recent rains. I was inspired and found 10 different flowering species in the area off the road. During the stop a baby stick insect landed on my arm and said his ‘hellos.’ Connection!!!!
There were fields of spinifex which meant very happy termites. Their mounds were sculpted like mini mountain peaks and varied from 6-12 feet. They were a real feature in the change of landscape heading north.
The warmer conditions must have been just right for grasshoppers to take to the wind with their back legs swinging. They were airborne in numbers travelling with the wind. I noticed a wedge tail soaring in the field. It looked like he was feasting on the grasshoppers and would of had a belly full of the lunchtime appetisers. Connection!!!!
Into the afternoon we were stopped by Barry and Lia from Perth. They were 3 days into a 3 month trip around Australia and very excited about their adventure. They were super curious about our trip and commitment to beyondblue. I really appreciated their encouragement and roadside chats we shared about our travels. They filled up my water bottle before heading off and made a donation of $40. They’re keen to follow our challenge and maybe meet up again down the track depending where their adventure takes them. Thank you for taking the time to stop fine folk. Connection!!!!
It was wonderful to find this spot early enough to enjoy some time here in the afternoon light.
After we set up camp , I made a cuppa and hung out with the budgies, goshawks, and a party of other birds by the river. I truly love birds and bird o’clock was special to share with the feathered locals. Connection!!!
On that note it’s time for dinner. I’ve so enjoyed posting about a day that’s been special to experience and share with you and my family. Dad planted the seed and it grew into a day of connection and the energy that resonates when my heart is open. Positivity takes an effort sometimes but I realise more and more that the gains far out way the effort. I know I need to spend energy to make energy. It’s all about caring and practicing habits that keep me connected to what matters. It’s a gift I can give myself and others that’s priceless and precious. Night and talk soon xxxx
TOTALS: Distance 5060km. Donations $7290.09. Days remaining 67. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian, Little Sandy Desert. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road.
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 700pm on Monday the 12 July 2021.
I’m sitting in shorts and T-shirt tonight. What a change!! It’s the first time in 72days that I haven’t been rugged up in my thermals and down jacket after the sun goes down. The northerly today has brought warmer conditions. A variety of bugs by the numbers have joined us tonight at our campsite. Even the red light doesn’t seem to be discouraging their excitement about the balmy temperature. The insect repellent is working overtime to remind them it’s dinner for one. Sorry guys!!! The ants are trying to eat me instead 🤣 More bug spray!!!
We found a great spot to camp in an area that has become quite hilly with rocky outcrops and more dense shrubbery. The road meandered through the change of scenery this afternoon blocking out a lot of the wind. It was a welcomed change to enjoy the ride for the last 20kms. It let me get through the kms before sunset o’clock which was very satisfying after a slow slog for the most part of the day. The legs are feeling it tonight!
I packed up this morning at Kumarina Roadhouse and the wind was already blowing up and a bit discouraging. We’ve had a headwind since leaving Leonora and it’s taking a toll on my energy levels. I could feel it last night and was a bit weary. I must have been looking a bit hang dog this morning. Wendy and her family were camping next to us and she spotted me out of her caravan window while brewing a coffee. She thought ‘this girl needs a cuppa’ and invited me to join them over a cappuccino. Oh bliss and bless her woman’s intuition. I met her partner and son Zack and we enjoyed some chats about each other’s travels. Zack shared his last 2 Tim Tams with me darling guy, and they filled my water bladder for the next 2 days ride. The tummy appreciated the break from bore water that’s for sure!! It causes tummy gurgles that are a bit antisocial 🤣 Another couple who were camping came over to join in the discussion and were very keen about beyondblue and our fundraising challenge. They gave me a packet of rice crackers which I’m going to devour with my noodles when I’m finished my post. It was a great way to start the day and got the spirits up to face the headwind.
The AAA energising bunny got a good workout today. I knew once I started it was going to be a long day. Accepting and Adjusting to the conditions was definitely in order. I Adapted with a different approach, stopping every 10km at the road signs to Newman. We counted them down from 160 to 80 and it was thumbs up to chip away to the halfway mark. Early start tomorrow to tackle the remaining 80km and hopefully get into Newman a bit earlier.
Malcolm passed us again today in ‘The Goat.’ I really like this man. He’s so upbeat and full of cheek and good manners. He pulled over and we enjoyed some banter. I was able to get a picky finally which he was relieved about. He’s not too technically savvy and was wondering how he was going to text me the picture from Wiluna North Road. He was also camped at Gascoyne River where we stopped for morning tea yesterday. He had found a spot further down river away from the busy road and relished the bird life and waterway for the day and overnight. Hopefully I’ll see you again soon mate.
My sister Janet sent me a satellite message reminding us that we’re on the edge of the Little Sandy Desert. I read the text at our 10km break when we also clocked over 5000km. Super chuffed and an awesome milestone to share with the 10desertchallenge community. It’s also amazing how much distance we have covered by ‘tackling each day one peddle at a time.’
My big sister, Katie also sent me a satellite text letting me know about their upcoming trip to Italy. Connection with family is so important. I could feel the energy lift especially on a day when the levels were low. I love my sisters and am so grateful for our close connection despite the distance of them living in Germany. Love has no barriers when my heart is open and caring about what matters most. Satellite technology is truly amazing and enables my family and I to stay connected as we continue to travel remotely. My Inreach mini is an essential bit of kit. Two way communication is a step up from other tracking devices I’ve used in the past. They all have safety benefits but the ‘sharing’ is what makes the 10desertchallenge sustainable for my mental health and wellbeing.
Mother Nature is trying to decide if she’s going to rain or not. The spots are indecisive. I think it’s time to hit the tent to enjoy dinner out of the weather and bugs. The bugs are a bit persistent and I’m at risk of calling them terrible names if we hang out together much longer 🤣 Night and talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 5143km. Donations $7460.09. Days remaining 67. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville Development Road, Birdsville Track, Oodnadatta Track, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road, Goldfields Highway, Wiluna North Road.
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 807pm on Tuesday the 13 July 2021.
Taaaaailwiiind!!!!!! Oh what a great ride into Newman. We woke to showery morning but the overcast conditions made for a complete different feel to the landscape.
We packed up camp and set off to tackle ‘come what may.’ I couldn’t believe our luck!!! The unexpected weather was blowing up from the south west. This meant the wind was over our left shoulder and it carried us like a wedge tail north to Newman. The legs were soo happy to finally be able to spin at a higher cadence. It burnt off the lactic acid build up that was causing cramps and muscle soreness the last few days. It also got the happy hormones charged up again. The world seemed just that bit brighter today even in the rain 🤣
We passed a rest area and saw a caravan leaving. It was Geoff and Mandy from Rockingham, who gave us the rice crackers in Kumarina. We compared wild camps for the night. They checked in we had everything for the day and promised to follow our challenge online.
The beep beeps were out in numbers again enjoying the showery conditions. It was nice to share their company again!! The landscape was interesting with rocky outcrops and bluffs. The ground was covered in a wheat coloured grasses and the shrubbery was showing off their colours and flowers. This made the ride super enjoyable and I savoured the change of conditions and scenery.
The 83km passed quickly with a break and snake every 20km. We arrived in Newman about 130pm. It’s quite a large town sprawled out with mining industrial areas and services. It was a bit tricky to orientate myself so I went to the info bureau to find out about camping options. A new Council campgrounds opened in April. You have to book online or attend the council chambers. I went to their office and was able to arrange a free camp overnight. Awesome!!!!
Once I found the campsite it was time for choirs. The campgrounds were somewhat out of town and I still needed to pick up my parcel post and washing powder. Anna and Ted are camping next door. What a beautiful couple!!! Anna have me some washing powder and Ted offered to drive me into town later. That meant I could do most of the choirs before the post office closed at 5pm. At 430pm, Ted and I headed to town to the post office and Woolworths. They’ve recently travelled Marble Bad Road where we head tomorrow so I was able to get an update on road conditions. Apparently it’s in pretty good condition with some sections also sealed. Awesome!!!! Ted also let me use his compressor so Banjos pumped up and shiny ready for the next stint!!
It’s time for dinner now as it’s after 9pm and I need an early night. Talk soon xx
TOTALS: Distance 4770km. Donations $7011.09. Days remaining 70. Deserts: Sturt Stony, Strzelecki, Tirari, Gibson, Great Victorian. Tracks: Birdsville, Oodnadatta, Red Centre Way, Great Central Road.
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 630pm on Friday the 9 July 2021.
We’re sitting under the Southern Cross enjoying a cuppa on our first Ninja camp to Kumarina Roadhouse, 70km into Wiluna North Road. It’s a starry night and blissfully quiet with the wind easy off after twilight.
The vegetation around camp is much like what we rode through today. It’s more sparse with Mulga tress and red sandy patches dotted with white granite stones. While it’s still desert scenery, it has a unique feel.
The track is remote and quiet and an welcomed change from the mining traffic and road trains from the last week.
We woke early this morning as Jasmine invited us to have breakfast before heading off on our day’s ride. They have been gracious and generous hosts at Gunbarrel Laagar Travellers Rest. Jasmine and her husband are still settling into the managing position having started only 3 weeks ago. They’re a young couple from Tassie in their early 20s and doing an awesome job!!! I wish them all the best and congratulate their brave step and adventurous spirit. We have enjoyed lots of chats over our stay and they’re excited about living life to its full and creating opportunities for their future.
It was a 12km ride back into town. The local traffic welcomed us with lots of waves and horn toots. It’s a pity the campgrounds we’re so out of town as it would have been interesting to spend some time mingling with the local aboriginal community. I made sure I popped into the post office to say thank you to Jemma for dropping my postal pack at the campgrounds the day prior. This let us get our to dos done in 1 day and be ready to get underway again today.
Wiluna North Road headed north out of town and into a gusty headwind for the days ride. This made the going slow between 10-13km an hour. But it was a blue sky day and we had the time to chip away at the 75kms we had planned. We managed 70kms before the sun got low on the horizon and it was time to make camp. I’m happy with the days effort given the conditions.
The road is in pretty good condition. It’s been recently graded which was appreciated given it was a slow incline gradient for the most part. There’s little traffic so the corrugations aren’t too hectic. The slower going gave us a chance to appreciate the scenery and settle into track riding again. It’s nice to be off sealed road and back into a more authentic desert feel. We skirt the Little Sandy Desert between Wiluna and Newman.
We stopped at 25km for a break. It’s awesome having a pole again to prop the boy up of needed. I also heard from the family through satellite messaging that they were able to buy the foot pump from Repco and it’s in the post for Newman. Oh yay oh yay that’s the best news. He boy travelled well today but it will be a lot more reassuring to have a pump that makes lighter work when I need to pump his tyres. Thanks Mum and dad. You and Dawn are my right hand helpers and are making this challenge possible with your constant support. It’s such a language of love.
Wiluna North Road is the start of the Canning Stock Route that veers off to cross the desert at the 40kms mark. The entrance was an awesome spot to have a break and appreciate the epic track which is currently closed due to COVID. The CSR was going to be the most challenging part of our challenge. Banjo was prepared with the track in mind and we trained for the sandy conditions on the inland track, Bribie Island. It’s seems a long time ago hauling 20+ litres of water and falling over a zillion times until we got our skills up riding weighted in sand. I remember feeling like a crumbed sausage after each training session 🤣 It was significant to revisit those memories at the junction.
I was very conscious to stay open and connected to the landscape. I passed maybe 2 or 3 campers on the road so there was little contact with other folk other than a few waves. I took the time to notice the flowering natives that included my favourite upside down bush and grevillias.
One car stopped later in the day and offered to refill our water bottle which was appreciated. We had a quick chat about our travels. They’re from Albany on route to Queensland to visit Lawn Hill. My family did a road trip back in September that included the national park. We all loved the north west corner of outback Queensland and it was special to recall and share stories from our travels. It was also just nice to have a chat. This lifted the spirits to do another 5kms before I noticed a great side road to access a camp site for the night.
We had enough time to set up camp before sunset and make a cuppa to appreciate the twilight colours. It’s not as cold tonight so I can enjoy being under the night sky while I post and have dinner. On that note the tummy’s rumbling so I might see what’s on the menu. Breaky was a bit big for a morning tummy so I made an egg toasty for takeaway which will make a yum entree. Noodles for main 👍
I hope to do a large chunk of kms tomorrow and get as close as we can to the junction with The Great Northern Road. This means an early start as it’s likely the headwind will continue as it has been for the last week. All good as long as we have time to chip away at the day and see what treasures we can find along the way!! Night and talk soon.
The 10 desert challenge 