Changeover Day at Mareeba - Liz joins the team

It's a big day today.  Barb and Terry confer about what is required provision wise for the last part of the trek to the Cape.  A lot of the fresh provisions are to be frozen, so we carefully plan out what is required. Terry is concerned about space - after all, from here on in he will be the sole support crew and his vehicle will need to carry all the necessary provisions for four, as well as tents etc, and sundry bike parts.  A long list of groceries is prepared, as is a list of essential last minute items.  So it's off to Atherton for shopping - to Bunnings for some bits of timber to make a shelf in Terry's vehicle, to the bike shop for some advice, and some new bike gear for Barb, then to the supermarket for the big shop.  Followed up by a lovely coffee and banana bread at the Tolga Woodworks Gallery - a truly beautiful gallery between Atherton and Mareeba.

Then back to camp, where we find Tom has already greeted our joining cyclist Liz Wood, and her daughter Alice who had brought her up from Cairns.  Liz is keen, and injects a new level of enthusiasm into the team.  She is clearly looking forward to the big ride north.

Liz Wood, her daughter Alice, Barb, Tom and Terry

The new group of cyclists - Barb, Tom and Liz

The full crew - I will be departing the next day

For the next part of the trip north, Liz and Tom will be pitching small tents and they both show off their prowess.  Tom is clearly struggling with his, but it is agreed that he will most likely get better with practice.  He reckons his blow up bed is heaps better than the bed in the camper!!  Sister Barb changes sheets in her roof top abode, in readiness for the dust of the trip north.

Barb does some house keeping in her roof top abode.

The trip to Mount Carbine the next day is discussed - it's to be a short ride of only 60 odd k's, with hopefully a good tail wind. Sounds like a doddle after the last couple of days in and out of Ravenshoe.

Then it's tea time, and another display of Terry's lights before an early bedtime for all.

The campsite (with our lights display)