Day 102-103 - Wind of change

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Ban Ban Springs - Gayndah 28km, plus a day in Gayndah 0km

The early morning ride into Queensland's self-proclaimed citrus capital (neighbouring town Mundubbera claims the same title) is powered by anticipation to fulfill our citizen duties to (finally) cast our vote and by a decent tailwind. Riding past the big orange, I have a "the future is bright, the future is orange" moment, but I quickly remind myself of my inborn neutrality and the fact that a certain political party with QLD roots is also fond of the color orange. 


The quaint QCWA hall is hosting the polling station in the centre of town. Not unexpectedly we generate a bit of attention amongst the small army of volunteers. The place is already quite busy and buzzing, also thanks to an overly enthusiastic local lady, who volunteers for the LNP. Within seconds she extends her welcome to Gayndah and shows interest and kindness for our travel story. We kindly decline her invitation to stay with her family on a farm out of town, the motel room is already booked for 2 nights.  More rain is on the way!

Excited to have completed this task we pose for a photo. It feels like having solved a puzzle on an episode of "The Amazing Race". The LNP lady shares in the excitement but the stern AEC lady is not happy because one is not allowed to take photos with AEC personnel in the background. We apologise and delete the photo for her to witness. Now we feel like being in an episode of "Border Control". But the LNP lady isn't giving up and we take an off-to-the-side snapshot and leave the place, duty done.

Job done.

The simple motel room feels like a suite at a five star hotel. And by the time we have unpacked pretty much everything we carry in order to get it dry, identified potential mould growth and the washing machine in the laundry rumbles on a 'heavy duty' cycle, the rain kicks in . And for the next 36 hours, it (rain) won't stop but our movements will. The BOM was spot on. And so was our planning to stay put. The only thing left to endure is the election marathon on the ABC and bend our brains around the mind boggling predictions and projections by Anthony Green once the vote counting starts.

Earlier in the day, we enjoy the company from a local chicken (!) who patrols the picnic bench and the lawns opposite the visitor's centre. While the feathered madame amuses us with her determined search for food scraps, I wonder what kind of a sign this could be for the election outcome. Maybe a stronger female representation in our government? A new pecking order? I read that hens can exhibit mathematical reasoning, self-control and even structural engineering. I throw her another apple core and tell myself not to think to much about it. It's the thing with politics, if it ain't chickens, it's feathers.

Chicken run.












Location: Gayndah QLD 4625, Australia

Comments

  1. BrendaMay 23, 2022 at 7:44 PM

    Your predictions are pretty spot on Louise. You will always remember where you voted in the election which created an exceptional result. of a lifetime. Ground breaking stuff. Good move to look out for yourselves and taking cover, no shame in that.

    ReplyDelete
  2. FrancieMay 24, 2022 at 11:25 AM

    Great photo. I remember the times when I was OIC at polling booths and how enthusiastic party canvassers would try to 'sneak' closer to the door. Best for peace and quiet that you chose the Motel. I found that Anthony Green was becoming quite flummoxed as he had probably prepared a different script! Joe and I watched till after midnight.

    ReplyDelete

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