August 4th and 5th

Woke up to two flat tires today so changing tubes before I can get on the road.

Saw a bunch of kangaroos all day hopping from the roadside when I would ride up. I was able to get pretty close if they had their backs to me.

I met a French couple on touring bikes headed the opposite direction from me. Jean and Keely were riding around the world and have been on the road since 2006. They started in Darwin and intend to be in Melbourne in December. I invited them to stay with us there and they invited me to ride Tasmania with them if I want.

I rode from the Gilbert River to Croyden today and found a caravan park with a swimming pool, much appreciated!

I will get up early tomorrow and ride to Black Bull about halfway to Normanton.

Aug 5

Up late. Slept in because it was windy when my alarm went off at 5:45 and I wanted see what it was going to do so up at 6:45 instead. The wind died a bit and I took my time getting ready and did not leave town until about 8:30.

No kangaroos today, but I did meet up with a brahma bull!

He was standing by the roadway minding his own business and he was huge and had big horns that looked sharp- a very fierce fellow.

His head was down as I was approaching so I rode to the middle of the road and coasted quietly by. He noticed me after I passed and looked up and snorted. I avoided eye contact and kept riding hoping he would not chase me- he didnt! Yea!

It is easier riding now; mostly flat and the wind blew all over but lightly. Black Bull station turned out to be way too close so I rode all day. I couldn't quite make it the 158k to Normanton
but I did about 130 which is my longest and with a late start that is pretty good.

Camped in the bush with some trees screening me from the road and the sun has just gone down. If is quite the chorus out here with cicadas, other bugs and birds all going off at once. Oh well, I am so tired I should sleep well no matter.

No fire for stove tonight as there is too much dry grass and I don't want to cook by the highway so it is dried fruit for dinner with a water bottle chaser. That's ok, I had pizza and beer last night!

written by  Mike_Veine on August 7, 2012 from Croydon, Australia
from the travel blog: Mike's Magical Mystery Tour
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