And now there are two!

Tom has had a two day rest, and sister Barb is keen, so it is an early rise all round this morning. Barb was quite obviously concerned about her first day riding, and has had a fitful night, in anticipation of a big day.  There has been a little rain overnight, but the morning is clear and cool.

Tom has made it easier for his sister today – only 113 k’s today to Blue Water Springs Roadhouse, instead of the original planned 200k’s.  A new plan has been mapped out, so that there are now 5 days riding to Mareeba, instead of the original four.  Much easier!!

Tom and sister Barb ready to leave Charters Towers

Tom and sister Barb hit the road, and Terry and Barb set out to strike camp, get some supplies for the next 5 days in the bush, and fill up with fuel before hitting the road.

As it turns out, the weather is kind as well, and the sky is blue.  The road is undulating, but not too hard.  A couple of single lane sections of bitumen have us all pulling off the road when the big trucks go past, but largely the road is good.

When we all meet up for morning tea break about 60k’s out,  all appears well and Tom is looking like he has just had a stroll in the park.

A cup of tea has them both looking perky again!

All good after we feed and water them.  Then on for the second part of the ride to Blue Water Springs Roadhouse. We arrive - not muc there except a roadhouse (pretty dilapidated one at that.) Will we stay here?  Have to - there's nowhere else for miles....

Terry and Barb go ahead, and are able to set up camp - everything in waiting for the riders.  Terry, as a scout master, of course excels himself, when he sets up everything needed including the kitchen sink.  We have selected a shady site, with ensuite (see photo below).  Nothing but the best.  What do you expect for $10 a night.  A visit to the ensuite reveals a friendly frog in the “clean!” amenities.  (Do not look at photo below if you are at all squeamish).  We later learned that three frogs inhabited that toilet.

Camp behind Blue Water Springs Roadhouse

Our ensuite!!

A friendly green frog resident in the toilet
(BEWARE those who are squeamish! This is not a pretty sight)

The riders arrive, and after about an hour, a cup of tea, and her legs up, sister Barb was able to report that she was feeling good.  A session of yoga, a sleep for both riders, and all was well again.

By the end of the evening, scoutmaster Terry had excelled himself when he turned on a light works display that had all the passing trucks wondering what on earth was happening at Blue Water Springs.  (After all, nothing EVER happens there!)  Coloured flashing lights lit up the camp like the carnival, and Terry was happy to display how he could change the display with his hand remote.  No wonder he is popular as a scout master on jamborees!!

Despite Terry’s entertainment, the riders were too tired to stay up for the midnight display and went to bed early as usual, dreaming of another day on the road!.

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