Day 19 - The Kindness of Strangers

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Holbrook to Wagga Wagga 87km (+4km for pizza and beer)

Today would not have been the day it was without the kindness of strangers.  We were quite apprehensive about todays plan, with the longest distance yet attempted and the weather forecasting lots of rain.  However, last night we were rescued from our pessimism by a group of strangers also staying at the Holbrook Motor Village.  We were treated as guests at their table, poured a very generous glass of wine, and shared in conversation and music.  Three couples who didn't know us at all but made us feel right at home.

So on waking this morning, we were well nourished in both food and positivity.  And rolled out of early morning Holbrook with strong legs and big smiles.  The kilometres went quickly past, my ear worm for today was Waltzing Matilda, triggered after we passed Billabong Creek.  Kerstin got to enjoy a live rendition, despite my inability to remember the first line of the third verse. Which an end of the day Google search revealed is "Up rode the squatter, mounted on his thoroughbred".  Of course the rain arrived, but it wasn't cold at all, so we rode on, the hills keeping us warm.



We reached the half way point of Mangoplah by morning tea, an indigenous name,  meaning singing in the Wiradjuri language.  Very appropriate given my early entertainment.

We kept on efficiently covering the remaining distance into Wagga Wagga.  A town much bigger than anticipated.  With an excellent, new bike trail leading you into town and right along the Murrumbidgee River.  We thought we would arrive here late, tired and wet.  So we have the very great pleasure of checking in early to our hotel room, and time to enjoy the little luxuries of a fridge, a shower with a proper towel, TV and an actual mattress to sleep on.  Also, space to roll out the map, and start planning our approach to Canberra.  The choices are the Highway (could be hell), the 4WD trails over the Snowy Mountains (will definitely be hell) or the long way around.  Since we are such (dixie) Chicks fans, I think we'll take the long way around.  Listen on Spotify.



Kerstin, proving she is the best wife ever, bravely jumps back on the bike to hunt down groceries, pizza and beer.  Coming back with tales of her exploits, the fire alarm and evacuation of Woolworths, the Saturday night parties already in full swing at the Union Hotel and the guy who passed in the Wagga Wagga Community Centre car, with Highway to Hell blasting from the speakers as he head banged along with enthusiasm.

Cheers to a successful day and the kindness of strangers.

Location: Wagga Wagga NSW 2650, Australia

Comments

  1. UnknownMarch 12, 2022 at 10:00 AM

    The Chicks are awesome! I'd love to see them live. (They have recently changed their name due to the connotations and racist overtones of dixie.) I'm wayyy behind in reading about your adventures but enjoying them nonetheless.

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