Saturday, July 10, 2010

Day 39 3-ways Roadhouse to Banka Banka Homestead







As with most of our calculated distances, today's ride of 40 miles was actually 50. It was also significantly hotter today and it took a toll on me. Because it was not humid, I didn't really feel the heat and as result probably didn't drink enough water. I won't make that mistake again!

The terrain has changed a bit, with more pronounced hills. However, there is a pay off with these hills in the form of an actual "downhill" portion that allows you to recover a bit! We are dropping elevation steadily toward Darwin and the seacoast.

I had a nice lunch break around 1pm with some caravaners at the Attack Creek rest area. Attack Creek is where John Stuart's expedition was attacked by Aboriginees after they road into their territory without seeking permission from the locals. Of course I had to take a photo next to the cairn marking the spot.

Banka Banka is a working cattle station that also has a nice caravan park and a small shop that has a few basics, including cold beer. We had a campsite that actually had GRASS to set our tents on! This is another indication of the changing climate as we move toward the tropics...strange to see grass.

Our Banka Banka experience was tainted when "Steve" the man running the shop was extremely rude to Dave when he arrived near dark. Dave was intending only to buy some milk and ride on, but for whatever reason "Steve" assumed he was trying to camp without paying... it was an ugly little situation, and really unnecessary.

Dave did indeed ride on. His plan was to ride all night and then sleep a few hours before continuing on towards Katherine. He has a package to mail back to the states, and we found out that the "Show" in Tennent Creek is moving on to Katherine, and then to Darwin. So not wanting to find everything closed for business, he's riding hard. Personally, I'd have rather seen him lay over a couple days somewhere comfortable and let the show move on before he arrived. But to each their own, and Dave is up to the challange!

I must admit that the thought of riding the Stuart Highway at night sends shivers up my spine, so God speed Dave, and SAFE RIDING!!!