Sunday, July 18, 2010

Day 47 Mataranka to Katherine




We were up at 5.30 today, and out the door well before dawn... however we were delayed after a bird crapped all over Andrews helmet (and head!). When he went back into the room to clean up, he returned to find another bird had soiled his bike seat!

So after a few small delays we were off and riding (again together), and we immediately started spotting wildlife... numerous kangaroos, a black-headed python (deceased), and what I thought was a small black bull staring at us as we approached. The "bull" turned out to be a massive, bristly, black wild pig! We slowed a bit not wanting to threaten it, but preparing to peddle like hell if it charged. Fortunately, it decided to turn and go...immediately disappearing into the tall grass.

There has been a slow but noticeable change in the ecosystem the past several days, and we are now firmly in the lower tropics. There are tree everywhere, lots of grass, and other mysterious plants, many with beautiful flowers.

We had a break at the only rest area along the route today with several caravaners. I'm always amazed how these simple interactions can lift my spirits and have a nice life-affirming effect on me. We rode back onto the Stuart highway, and almost instantly encountered a car-load of people that very clearly did not like the fact that we were on bicycles, as they gave us the universal finger gesture of displeasure. This was followed up a short time later by having what we strongly suspect was urine sprayed on us by a passing van of young tourists...!!

Otherwise the ride into Katherine was pleasant, even if the temperature in the sun was over 105f... We showered, had a sandwich and wandered off to catch a movie in air-conditioned comfort.