The 10 desert challenge

Day 48 Katu Tjuka

Distance today 50km at 16 km/hr

Total distance 3510km. Donations $4621.00 Deserts 3/10. Days remaining 91

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 8pm on Friday the 18 June 2021

What an amazing start to The Great Central Road.

It was 12.30pm before we got underway. This morning I spoke to my family and we planned replacement tyres for Banjo. Lothar brought up yesterday about how his tyres are wearing and the likelihood of replacing them. That’s not something that can happen without planning and instep my amazing primary support crew. Dawn left out my spare set of tyres for Dad to collect and send to Laverton. I’ll then put the best pair on the boy for the long hall from Laverton to Halls Creek. I’ll find room for a spare tyre just in case. Dawn is arranging with Darren at the ‘MoutainBiker’ for a new set to be posted to Halls Creek so the boy will be good for the Tanami, Old Ghan and the Simpson Crossing into Birdsville. With that critical logistics in place I was good to start packing up.

Claudia and Lothar soon popped in with my battery bank they had recharged overnight and to say our goodbyes. Tears and hugs and blessings. They gave me cards of good wishes that I have appreciated this evening.

They are about light and warmth and the interconnectedness we share when are hearts are open. Thank you for being a home of light for me too. Our connection is a place to learn, to grow, to love. The image of Lother reaching up to the sun for perspective is an image for me that I treasure. It is about choice and responsibility for how I want to see and be seen during this equally precious time. Bless you both and safe journey until we meet again.

Wanju (June) came up to me while I was finishing packing up camp. She is from Taiwan and travelling Australia. She felt compelled to say hi and connect and we spoke for over an hour. What a beautiful soul. We shared tears and hugs over conversations about connection, family and living life to the full. Thank you for taking the time to cross paths and all the best in your journey. Wanju gave me a gift of Tai preserved plums that are supposedly sweat and salty and I’m looking forward to experiencing them as part of dinner.

Time to get underway and we were good to go. Our first stop was at the National Park Entrance and the rangers that check through visitors into Anangu Land and the Uluru-Katu Tjuka National Park. It’s a World Heritage Area. Because we’re travelling through we didn’t need a National Park Pass and just had to show our permit to travel aboriginal (Anangu) owned land. They were able to confirm we could get water at the Katu Tjuka sunset viewing centre and we were on our way with their blessings. Very excited indeedy.

The road signs alerted us to look out for wildlife; camels and lizards in particular. Great sign for my next challenge from Dylan to spot a desert lizard. I’m on it mate!!!!

Katu Tjuka loomed closer as our ride continued.

The landscape was breathtaking. It’s represented by scrub plains of sand dunes, spinifex, desert oaks and mulga trees. Apparently we might spot hill kangaroo amongst the rocks. Creek bds at the foot of the Olgas support other trees that need more water like large eucalypts. New species of plants were spotted some of which we were introduced to during our nature talk yesterday. The honey grevilia is used to sweeten drinks like a cordial and the flowers are spear shaped in vivid orange and yellow. I also noticed a small ground bush that has striking red tulips flowering around its base; so bizarre. It’s called an ‘upside down plant’ for obvious reasons. The mature and juvenile desert oaks are the main specimen of trees. The juvenile is an elongated bush with spiked leaves pointing downwards to divert rainwater to its roots. It stays in this form until the roots reach the water table to support the tree in its maturity. The mature tree is able to store water in its branches and roots in the arid conditions.

I also noticed termite mounds built around spinifex clumps. They eat the spinifex breaking it down into precious nutrients for the soil. They have an unusual cylinder tubing at the top of the mound and look like red sloppy castles we build at the beach.

Katu Tjuka grew closer and more handsome with every km into the ride.

We stopped off at a viewing platform by the roadside and were able to appreciate this amazing land more from the information provided.

Apparently the lizards are predominantly sand goanna and thorny devils that can be seen sunning themselves on the road. I’ll be sure to pay attention and try to spot one for my little man.

The closer we got to Katu Tjuka the more we could see the streaks of colour that contour the rock. Rain leaches out the different sand composites and the streaks are variations of grey and purple against the red. Just breathtaking. It runs like a waterfall in the wet and must be a spectacular sight. Not that I want it to rain 🤣

After 50km we arrived at the sunset viewing and entrance to the number of walks you can take to appreciate the phenomenon that took millions of years to form the rounded formations.

It was about 4pm by this stage and the cloud cover of the day was slowly lifting. At sunset o’clock, the light hit the rock in a spotlight of colour. What an appreciation. There were a number of tour groups and independent travellers enjoying the time and we mooched around for a possible discreet campsite. there are tables nestled amongst the surrounding area and we spotted one tucked away from the main thoroughfare.

We could enjoy the delight of colour over sunset and wait out the last of the visitors.

The light lit up the flowering grasses around our campsite that glowed with pride into twilight.

Now banjo and I are tucked under our shelter and taking in the sounds of silence and stars. A breeze is blowing an extra chill in the air but I’m rugged up under the gortex and cosy enough. What an amazing day. Tomorrow we head into the aboriginal lands toward Docker River and the WA border. It will be a two day ride of 90km each day so an early start each day to cover the kms. The road is unsealed soon into our travels. It’s awesome we can water up here and be good for another discreet camp before the official campground at Docker River just before the border.

Time for dinner with the crescent moon for company. Talk soon xx

Day 49 Docker River

Distance today 102km at 12km/hr average. Lift 80km

Total distance 3612km Donations $4621.00 Deserts 3/10. Days remaining 90

It’s 920pm on Saturday the 19 June 2021

What a bizarre day!!!! It started super early so I could pack up and be on the road before anyone spotted my camp. It was a relief to be underway.

I always knew this section was going to be tricky. I have a permit for 3 days but am not allowed to camp. Not sure how that was ever going to work. It really bothered me camping unauthorised, probably more than I realised. But I don’t like doing the wrong thing and especially if it communicates disrespect for national Parks and Aboriginal Community.

The road became unsealed early on and it was a reality check that the next stage was about to begin. I had been told by other travellers that the road to the WA border was the hardest section of the Great Central . And it was tricky; super sandy and corrugations that made the Oodnadatta Track look like an airstrip. 🤣

I chipped away at the first 20km and was trying to settle in. I was a bit in my head missing family and a sad residual after spending so much quality time with Claudia and Lothar. The transition was always going to be felt deeply. However I soon came across my first wild camel, back legs spread eagled and doing a wee by the roadside. I think he was more in shock when he turned his head a saw me and Banjo checking him out!!! Very cool. This encounter woke up the senses and they were smiling warmer into the next kms.

I stopped at about 11am for some breaky and a cuppa. There was a very strong NE wind blowing a chill bill breeze. It was a tail wind thank goodness and made the intro to the road conditions more manageable. We managed to find a great spot out of the wind in a dry creek bed behind a high bank. I was feeling a bit more human with some calories on board. The gum tree next to where we sat had a flock of green budgies in it. They were busy darting amongst the branches and were great company during the break.

Back on the road, I was feeling better and the energy had lifted heaps. We came across two cars travelling in the opposite direction; Anne and Dennis from Durian Bay and Lyn and Kim From Geraldton. They were very supportive and shared some of their oranges and apples. They also let me use their compressor to pump up Banjos back tyre which wasn’t enjoying the bumpy ride.

A short time later I met Bill and Russell from Perth travelling in the same direction. These fellas were also super encouraging and showered me in treats of liquorice, dried apricots and muslei bars.

Immediately the gear went up a few notches with these beautiful connections and the spirits were high to chip away at the kms for the rest of the day. We stopped to have a break by the roadside next to natives that were in full red bloom and stunning. It was definitely wee o’clock and I was much more comfortable to continue the bumpy road for the next few hours 🤣

I had done 103km and was starting to think about where I could discreetly camp again when I came across Kirsty and Deb from Brisbane. They had stopped to give a guy their spare diesel as he had run out of fuel. We got talking and I shared my struggle with camping along this stretch of the challenge. The girls offered to give me a lift to Docker River the same place they were headed. I hesitated but honestly was so relieved that I didn’t have to deal with that experience again. So over the next minutes Banjo was dismantled and tied on top the back of their Ute.

He also appreciated the break from the bumps. We had fun chatting over the 80km and enjoying the sunset scenery and close mouton ranges.

We arrived after dark here to set up camp. There’s a small community up the road and nothing much else except a rest are with no facilities. Not really what I was expecting but we will head into town in the morning and see what they have. The girls are already in bed as it’s a super chill bill night and I’m shovelling down noodles while I do today’s post. It’ll be nice to crawl into bed knowing I am safe and sound and legitimate 🤣

Time to finish dinner and get snug as a bug. The local camp dogs are howling a treat. Talk soon xxx

Day 48 Yulara

Distance today – rest day

It’s 656am on Friday the 18 June 2021.

I woke yesterday to a sunrise and Uluru. It was a very special time to share and reflect.

Claudia and Lothar speak about this place as one of centring and grounding.

Uluru resembles a “land iceberg” as the vast majority of its mass is actually underground, almost 2.5km worth! No wonder it is a spiritual epicentre; so grounded within its own energy. It invites us to come closer to the centre of ourselves and each other and burry our roots deep so that we can are stable and strong to live life to its full. It’s a place where I want to develop a closer relationship with myself and come home to what matters most in my life.

Yesterday I spent the morning pawing over maps and preparing for the next stage. WA has strict permits to protect the communities across its vast desert country. Once I had a rough idea of timeframes and places I called ahead to the roadhouses and advised my estimated arrival times. With this info I could complete the G2G border pass requirements.

Paperwork done ✔️ it was time to enjoy some free information sessions offered by the information sessions. There were sessions about astronomy, nature and culture and I loved having the time to just listen and learn something more to appreciate with.

I met Carol and Ann from Port Macquarie who donated $5. Thank you lovely ladies for your interest and care.

It was wonderful to meet up with Claudia and Lothar at 530 for sunset and dinner and enjoy some quality time again before heading off today. I know I have met friends for life.

So now it’s time to pack up and get underway today. Stage 5 – Yulara to Laverton on the Great Central Road.

Talk soon xxx

Day 46 Yulara

Distance yesterday Curtain Springs to Yulara 85km. Rest day today.

Total distance 3460km. Donations $4616.00. Deserts 3/10. Days remaining 93

It’s 750pm on Wednesday the 16 June 2021.

There was 1 bar of reception and I was able to call my partner Dawn to share the moment. It’s one thing to experience a ‘boom’ moment like this but it’s in the sharing that the memory finds a place in my heart that’s imbedded with love.

Welcome to Yulara, the township built around the Ayres Rock Resort on the Red Centre Way.

I had only just arrived yesterday when two familiar faces walked up with miles of smiles and warm welcomes!!!!! It was Claudia and Lothar who I met in Marree and connected so deeply with. They are following our challenge and knew I had arrive in Yulara. I was talking with mum at the time and she loved hearing my squeals of joy and big bear hugs with folk who feel like friends forever. We enjoyed the sunset over Uluru this evening.

Last night Lothar cooked pasta and we all shared an evening of togetherness under the stars. They are staying on at Uluru because of the deep connection and comfort they feel with this land. Lothar lost his father on Friday unexpectedly, and they’re grieving. But Claudia and Lothar are holding their family’s loss with a love that is deeply grounded and beautiful. I am so privileged to share this time and am inspired by their courageous hearts. Their hearts sing openly with the joy of gratitude at a time of loss. Claudia and Lothar’s souls are rooted in nature and they express their loss as a deepening experience closer to love. With solid roots the heart can find strength to be open to all experience, without judgement and grow. It’s a natural law that they live to the full. I recall the impact of Claudias note when I reflected in the Marla post about my day of reckoning on the Oodnadatta track. A heart that’s open is connected to an ocean of strength that’s limitless. This energy is so tangible. I feel closer to that place of ‘digging deeper’ through our connection. The timing is uncanny knowing there will be many more days of reckoning when I take on the Great Central Road from Yulara to Laverton on Friday 18 June 2021. I have allowed 15 days for the 1108km.

Yesterday morning started early with a radio interview on the ABC breakfast show in Brisbane.

Check out the interview Here

This is my second interview with Craig and Loretta and am so grateful for the opportunity to promote the cause and help Beyond Blue. Donation were boosted with the coverage.

I enjoyed breakfast with Deb and Tony in Curtain Springs before finally getting underway on the road to Yulara. Deb sent an image from their walk round Kata Tjuka today.

It was 85km of slow gradient incline into a south westerly headwind. The central plateau of Australia has an elevation of around 600 metres. Uluru/Ayers Rock rises 1,142 feet (348 metres) above the surrounding desert plain and reaches a height 2,831 feet (863 metres) above sea level. It was a hard ride.

I took lots of breaks to break up the push and appreciate some of mother nature’s ‘little things big’

Finally all the hard work was rewarded with unbroken views out over Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Yay!!!!

So the next couple of days I’m taking my time to rest and reset for stage 5. Today I was able to pick up my postal pack from the post office, talk to the local police and info centre about the track and clean and repack Banjo. He’s shiny and excited and we will finish our preparations tomorrow to be ready, set, go for Friday.

I can’t finish tonight’s post without acknowledging the loss of Nigel Harris from Canberra.

Nigel and his brother-in-law, Peter from Canberra, are the gentlemen who rescued Banjo and I when we had tyre problems on the Birdsville Track. It was Nigels compressor extension that did the trick and he sent us safe on our travels with fresh pineapple pieces and muslei bars. I remember him saying ‘helping you has made our day too.’ My heart is with his family.

This was one of Nigels last post on Facebook 😔 🙏

Day 44 Curtain Springs

Distance today 60km at 19km/hr

It’s 6.28am on Tuesday the 15 June 2021.

I didn’t get to do my post last night because I was having a dinner date with Maureen and Laurie from Echuca, or Moz and Loz as they like to call themselves. I had met these folk briefly in Marla and it was special to see them again down the track. We enjoyed a wonderful evening around the fire. Maureen loves to cook and Laurie is Italian and learnt how to cook from his Nonas on the family farm. So needless to say dinner was delish. Not as delish as the company. They are very generous and wholesome folk with hearts full of family and home grown produce. Great night.

I was intending to head to the roadhouse for dinner but received three invitations for dinner later in the afternoon, how cool!! I’m having breaky instead with Tony and Deb and am sneaking in my post beforehand. I met these folk on the road yesterday at the Mt Conner lookout. They’re travelling in the cutest caravan with all the bits and bobs to make travelling comfy but at half the size. I’m looking forward to spending some more time with them.

It was a awesome ride yesterday from Kernot Range to Curtain Springs. I packed up camp and enjoyed Kernot Range over a cuppa before getting underway

Mt Conner loomed on the horizon for the most part of the ride. It’s an impressive feature glowing mushroom pink against the red sand and blue skies.

I met Chris from Sydney also cycling. He’s set up much lighter for sealed roads. We talked for over an hour by the roadside comparing and sharing stories. We were likeminded and loved connecting. Chris has been on the road since February and is now heading home to Sydney for his Mum’s 70th Birthday. I know we will touch base again down the track. Chris is keen to follow our challenge and stay in touch. Great to meet you mate!!!!

Reg, Louie and Anita from Queensland also asked me to join them for dinner. It was special to feel so supported. They’re camped here at Curtain Springs and donated $50 towards our cause. They were full of respect for our challenge. Thank you for your generous donation and I wish you safe travels.

It was a super early start this morning with a second radio interview with Craig and Loretta on the ABC breaky show!!!! Yay. Already I can see donations being made and new folk starting to follow our story. Thank you to the team at ABC radio for your coverage and support. It all helps to help Beyondblue. Time to get get into the day. 100km to Curtain Springs at the turn off to Uluru woooohoooo!!!! ‘Let’s go Banjo!!!!’ Talk soon xx

Day 43 Kernot Range

Distance today 102km at 16km/hr average

Total distance 3105km. Donations $4301.80. Deserts 3/10. Days remaining 96

It’s 752pm on Sunday the 13 June 2021.

Oh my goodness it’s bug o’clock 🤣 no wonder the birds were so happy today, out in numbers by the roadside and busy busy. Many a bug have met their peril in my cuppa oh dear!!! The bird life kept me amused and upbeat during a day that was a bit of a slog with a westerly headwind and constant undulations. But I was really happy to work through the day and reach our destination here at Kernot Range. Good training for stage 5- The Great Central Highway from Yulara to Laverton. I’m expecting the conditions to be next level and was keen today to work through the challenge in a good headspace. It’s only going to get harder and I have no doubt that today will seem like a breeze compared to what’s ahead. I’m not sure what the weathers doing and am waiting to hear from my partner what the forecast is for this area. 0-4mm of rain for the next days so nothing too sinister which is goo to know. There are lightning flashes on the northern horizon and it tried to rain a few times during the day. But it was all over before it started so hopefully the cranky clouds will blow on bye.

I was up with the sunrise this morning that was red and spectacular. Outback sunrises and sunsets never disappoint and each are unique and stunning way to start and finish most days.

I had a FaceTime date with Dawn and Dylan to share the cactus plant that I finally found for the little man. I was on a promise to find a ‘spikey desert plant’ and couldn’t believe it when I saw a huge specimen tucked in behind the pool area at Erldunda Roadhouse. We also did a live tour of the emu farm and camel enclosure. The boy was chuffed and it was truly awesome to share with them both. What a treat for us all to have that face to face contact and the perfect way to start our Sunday. They were meeting up later with mum and dad for fish and chips. I’m very content to know the family is enjoying some quality time while I’m away. Although it’s very hard for us all being apart, it’s super special to share the desert challenge and hear about their day to day. It’s definitely strengthening our bond with appreciation for what matters most.

It was a later start today when I finished packing up and said my goodbyes to Tony and Teresa who I met at the campsite.

They’re having a rest day at Erldunda and head out this way tomorrow so hopefully we’ll see each other again on the road. Teresa gave me a packet of red frogs for the trip today. Thank you lovely lady, they certainly came in handy breaking down the last 50km with lots of rewards and a sugar fix when we finally arrived this arv. It all helps as does your caring. 🙏

I headed up to reception to say thank you for the stay and pick up my battery pack which they charged for me overnight. I met some more folk having their morning tea before setting out this way also. They expressed their admiration for what we’re taking on and made a donation. Thanks to Neil from Bathurst for your $5 and Phillip from Port MacQuarie $10. I’ll pop your donations in at Yulara 🙏🙏

We were keen to get going after our awesome morning and said our goodbyes to Erldunda and the Stuart Highway.

We were on the B4 Lasseter Highway 244km to Yulara and super excited. Turning west we were hit with a westerly and knew the day was going to be long and slow going. But it gave us a chance to enjoy the roadside bushes that are in flower and intricate.

We had our break 50km in at the half way mark. The road is busy with folk heading to and from Uluru. Not to many places for a wee wee break so by this stage I was keen to find a bush and so was my bladder 🤣 During the quiet moment, a green budgie sat right beside me on a head height branch. “Hello mate aren’t you handsome!!!’ They’re so fine and brilliant and he was happy to stop and share the moment with me. It was a great photo opportunity if I wasn’t otherwise preoccupied so I just savoured the up close and personal time together.

We arrived at Kernot Range and it was really satisfying to make that distance. I was able to get some footage of the spot before it got too late.

It is still very windy into the evening but Banjo and I managed to find a spot behind a tree that offers some protection. So we’re cosy safe and sound and ready to share some dinner with the bugs and tuck into bed. Off to Curtain Springs tomorrow which should be about 60km all going well. I think the speedometer battery has died so I’ll replace that before we head off tomorrow. Although I enjoy the camping grounds we get to stay in and of course the internet connection, I also enjoy the simplicity and routine of our camping on the road. Talk soon xxx

Day 42 Erldunda

Distance today 75km at 19km/hr

Total distance 3083km. Donations $4301. Deserts 3/10. Days remaining 97

It’s 730pm of Saturday the 12 June 2021.

I’m saddled up at the roadhouse enjoying a double egg burger and chips- oh bliss. The first thing I need to do tonight while I devour dinner is my State border form and download the check in App for NT. That’s all done now albeit a day late. All good!!

It’s been a really great day. It started with the sunrise and cuppa while I called the folks and my partner, Dawn. What a perfect way to start the day. I knew it was going to be a shorter ride today so I could savour this time with a fresh head and heart. No better start to the day. I adore my family.

By the time I packed and got underway it was closer to 11am. The day was noticeably warmer than it has been for ages. I loved the warmer conditions and so did the body, soul and mind.

I’m a bit cold sensitive and heat tolerant so the change was enjoyed to the max. It was a pleasure to sit back in the saddle and enjoy the ride. The countryside colours seemed just that bit brighter and I was keen to take notice and appreciate. Mother Nature was showing off her beauty NT style.

I had my first break at 30km and shared it with the beep beep birds and budgies

The ride was so enjoyable, I didn’t even think of having a break until coming into Erldunda and the junction with Lasseter Highway. This was a goosebump moment with the realisation that Uluru and Yulara were literally just around the corner.

The roadhouse at Erldunda could not be more welcoming. It’s a quality campground with excellent facilities and warm staff. They were happy to let me camp for free so it was my pleasure to dine in to say thank you. Dinner was delish by the way with a doggy bag for breakfast – burp!!!!

The campground is busy with travellers arriving and leaving. I was met on the way in by Judy and Barry sitting with their travel party. They passed us out on the road and were keen with questions and praise. They donated $10 which Ive put up online tonight as well as the other donations since leaving Marla.

The camp has resident camels and emus that roam in spacious enclosures around the perimeter. I’ll check out the emus in the morning however I couldn’t resist setting up camp right next to the camels. They’re friendly for a scratch and hardly wild 🤣

Chris and Di from McLaren Flat came over to check out the camels and we got talking over sunset. They’re avid cyclists and have toured Australia on motor cycles. It was really interesting to share stories with them from the angle of mental health and challenging our human capacity. We chilled with the camels which was a lot of fun. They’re on their way to Darwin to celebrate their 70th birthdays. Happy birthdays and safe travels!!!!

Teresa and Terry came over shortly after and we too shared stories. They’re travelling in a 1985 camper van which still purrs albeit a bit slower these days. This suits them fine as they love taking the time to see what they can and believe every place has a gem to find if you look close enough. We shared a love for desert country with its diversity and simplicity. There’s so much life amongst the expanse when I take the time to take notice!!!! 😊 Teresa is into photography and Terry’s always on the lookout for photo opportunities while driving so they make a pretty good team. They filled my water bottles this evening as we shared the crescent moon and evening star over twilight.

Time to finish up before I’m kicked out when they close at 9am. It’s been cosy to sit in the cafe to post this evening and do some admin. The end to an awesome day. Talk soon xxxx

Day 40 Agnes Creek

Distance today 87km at 21km/hr

Total distance 2900km Deserts 3/10. Fundraising $4056. Days remaining 99.

It’s 6.30am on Friday the 11 June 2021.

I didn’t manage a post last night as I joined Kate and Kay and their families for dinner and being sociable o’clock. I met the ladies coming into Agnes Creek rest area at about 3.45pm.

They’re travelling in convoy with their families and the ladies were out on their push bikes taking photos. They were fun and we immediately clicked. They had passed Banjo and I on the Stuart Highway from Marla and figured we would probably being stop there for the night. They were right.

We had thought about going on another 34km to Marryat Creek but this place looked so beautiful with time to enjoy the bird life and company for the remainder of the day

Earlier that day I woke to the most spectacular sunrise.

It was stunning and inspiring. I packed up camp and thanked Janice at the roadhouse for letting me rest and reset. I enjoyed the rest day having time to potter with choirs. I spent sometime reflecting on the ride into Marla and it was healthy to express the experiencing before letting it go and getting on with the next stage.

We met Marija and Moppie while packing up. They’re travelling together in a camper van. Moppie is old English for ‘my darling.’ She is a rescue dog and as sweet as they come. Marija reckons they rescue each other. Moppie is the best travel companion despite being a bit of a handful sometimes. I understand that little dogs can have big personalities. 🤣 Marija donated $15 before we left.

We headed round to the air compressor at the roadhouse. It was an old one with a tricky valve and I was having a bit of difficulty getting a good seal. ‘John’ offered to help. He was travelling with friends and offered his compressor to get Banjos tyres pumped for tarmac.

He had a mini compressor which did a great job. My sister suggested I consider this gadget but I’m not about the power supply as it has a 12 volt socket. John was happy to lend a hand and him and his friends waved us on our way towards Yulara.

TARMAC!!!!!!!! I must have yelled this out a dozen times during the next hours scattering roadside birds and critters. Ooooooh it was very nice!!! The ride was great and I was in an awesome headspace and energised.

There’s heaps of travellers on the Stuart travelling in both directions. I noticed how open I felt towards other travellers waving lots of ‘hellos’ and ‘thank you’s’ as they gave us a wide birth. I think the experience coming into Marla has given me a new perspective on how important this connection is, even in passing.

The sky was big and the landscape full of olive green shrubbery, red dirt and gum trees. There are lots of dry river beds with undulating hills and pop ups. It was beautiful countryside to ride through. And the road was smoooooth so I could take it all in.

When we arrive at Agnes Creek it was early bird o’clock and the trees were busy with green budgies and galahs doing their domestics. I wondered for an hour or so just checking it out and loving up the sounds and smells.

Kenny from Townsville was camping with his wife and he wondered over to say hello and have a chat. He was telling me about his favourite bands and places travelled. Kenny had a strong Irish accent and huge heart. He donated $20 and blessed us safe travels and adventures in our challenge.

Kate and Kay invited me to dinner after setting up camp. I was treated to mushroom and cheese risotto and a can of ginger beer. What a treat!!! The company was as warm as the fire.

They’re very open folk and it was a privilege to share stories and get a little insight into their worlds. We enjoyed checking out the night sky with the SkyView phone App and Kate introduced me to ‘Old Man Emu’ in the Milky Way. Fun fun fun night and beautiful people!!!!! Thank you 🙏

Day 41 Kulgara

Distance today 96km at 17km/hr

Total distance 3009km. Deserts 3/10. Fundraising $4141.80. Days remaining 98

It’s 7.33pm on Friday the 11 June 2021.

Well hello from Kulgera in the Northern Territory. We said goodbye to SA today at the border, 71kms into the ride

It was an early frost start to the day and super chill bill. I was happy to warm up to the day by savouring a cuppa all cosy in bed. I’ve worked out how to safely boil water in the front vestibule of the tent which means I can stay in the sleeping bag until I’m ready to face the day 🤣 A cuppa has a way of working its magic and kick us into gear.

I didn’t do it too tough this morning that’s for sure. Kay and Kate invited me to join them for a breaky of croissants and cheese and a couple more cuppas. Super spoilt!!!! I really bonded with these folk and felt a sadness waving them off on their safe travels to Darwin

I really enjoyed our stay at Agnes Creek. Banjo and I gave it a three thumbs up – Great spot, great camp and great people!!!! it was the first time I got to enjoy green budgies up close. They were nested in all the hollow branches and were very industrious finding food and taking it back to their nests. It would have been very easy to settle in and enjoy another day!!!!

However we were on a mission to get to the border and we hit the road with a lilt in our peddles!!!! The road was 71km of slow incline to the border. But tarmac is a dream after the tracks and I was content to potter through the kms and snack on the homemade shortbread Kate gave me for the road xxxx

The landscape immediately changed after the border. It’s rocky and undulating with distant hills and outcrops. With clear blue skies, it was an awesome ride for the remaining 20km to Kulgera.

We even clicked over the 3000km to celebrate our arrival into NT and the next stage of the challenge.

Time to call the family before it gets too late. Talk soon xxxx

Day 39 Rest Day Marla

It’s 923am on Thursday the 10 June 2021.

I head off soon for the stage 4 Marla to Yulara. Yesterday was my rest day to recover and reset. I found myself thinking a lot about the last day on the Oodnadatta track and wanted to share those thoughts briefly before moving on and focusing on today.

42km out of Marla I was feeling disconnected in many ways. It took someone to care to reconnect to what we’re all a part of and that’s human connection. I think we need it as human beings. We’re pack animals first not lone wolves. Sometimes for me it takes being without something to appreciate it truly. I was not functioning well on the track and then I was able to function. It was like putting my finger into a power socket and feeling something deeper that I could tap into. Human connection is so powerful and essential. Feeling disconnected is disabling. William Glasser was an American psychiatrist who developed ‘choice theory.’ He spoke about the connecting habits and disconnecting habits we human beings can choose by. Connecting habits are support, listening, encouragement, acceptance, respect, negotiating difference and trust. Disconnecting habits are blaming, bribing, complaining, criticising, punishing, threatening and nagging. We’re capable of such loving kindness and such savagery towards ourselves and each other. Choosing whether I enable connecting or disconnecting habits is a real reckoning. I reckon caring habits are the way to go every day and twice on Sunday, what do you reckon? Claudia from Marree gave me a hand written note before leaving to share her appreciation of our meeting and words of encouragement.

I now have a better understanding of what Rumi may have meant in his words. Every drop in an ocean makes it powerful. Everyone of us ‘drops’ can tap into the power of the ocean when we’re apart of it.

Onto Yulara. It was an amazing sunrise to start the next stage of our journey. Talk soon xx