Day 137 - Happy Birthday Helen

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Campaspe River Free Camp to Charters Towers 102km

With such a long distance, the wind still against us and the QLD school holidays starting, the pressure was on to get to Charters Towers as early as possible.  This required the alarm going off at 0445, packing up camp, cooking and eating breakfast in the dark, cold (5C) and damp.  We were glad for the hills to warm us up as we rode into the dawn.  I can't decide what feels worse, the icy numbness of frozen fingers or the stinging when the blood starts flowing again!  So no sun rising photos today, it was too cold to stop pedalling.

Recently my Aunty Fran, asked me about enduring memories of my mum, and her sister.  It feels appropriate, since today would have been her 70th birthday, to say that the skill to see AND appreciate the beauty in nature was certainly a lesson taught by mum.  The number of times we were forcibly shown a sunset, a tree, a leaf or flower... It all rubbed off and now Kerstin listens to me patiently when I point out the way the afternoon light hits the gum trees or ask her to check out this funky bug.  Unfortunately she doesn't hear me this morning when I try to tell her about the black cockatoos waiting for the sun to hit them in as they perch in the top of a tree.  Mum would've loved it.

The Lolworth Ranges

The early starts, despite the cold, are better because the wind doesn't really pick up until 10am.  So we got the first 60km done with relative ease.  The next 40km were not so kind, with headwind, hills and a significant increase in caravan traffic.  They are in the holiday mood, and we get plenty of encouraging toots and waving.

It is with relief, and sore bodies that we roll into Charters Towers.  Early enough to secure a spot in the Big4, our caravanning neighbours both passed us on the road today, and are kind and curious about our journey.  Charters Towers itself is the first time we have encountered deliberately aggressive driving towards cyclists.  With two cars both driving purposefully close, revving and cutting us off.  Pretty good, only two in 6000km.

The plan from here is to use the Inland Way and approach Cairns via Atherton.  It will be pretty challenging from a service perspective until Mt Garnet, with only two roadhouses over the 419km distance.  We will take a rest day before embarking.  So don't be concerned if you don't hear from us, we expect a five day trip from here to Mt Garnet.

The road from here



Location: Charters Towers QLD 4820, Australia

Comments

  1. FrancieJune 25, 2022 at 7:46 PM

    Happy Birthday Helen. So loved. I've been writing about you for the past few weeks and just about have your 'Chapter' done. But, in truth, there could be MANY chapters written about you.
    Girls, hope no more aggressive drivers.

    ReplyDelete
  2. BrendaJune 27, 2022 at 7:37 AM

    Happy Birthday Helen, being in nature was her favourite space. Thank goodness for Studley Park when we were young, and Eltham later. Thinking of her today, it is easy to see her strength in her two girls. Good luck going forward, hope you enjoy good company when you get it. And that the roads ahead are smooth.

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