Day: |
017 |
Date: |
Friday, 9 September 2005 |
Start: |
Mataranka |
Finish: |
Pine Creek |
Daily
Kilometres: |
196 |
Total
Kilometres: |
2825 |
Journal: |
I got up at 4am after a poor night's sleep
and set out at 4:40am. It was warm and there was humidity that I
noticed for the first time on the trip. The stars weren't quite so
bright. Another lovely sunrise but, disappointingly, there was a
headwind. I found out later that the winds were north-westerlies,
exactly what I didn't want. I had been hoping all week for
tailwinds on this section where the road direction was mostly WNW.
It was sweaty tough work with a few hills, but more interesting
scenery. There were rocky outcrops and the burnt undergrowththat is
commong at the Top End. I actually saw some feral donkeys in the
early light. After 105km I reached Katherine feeling quite tired.
Maybe the hard riding is catching up with me. Katherine was much
the same as when the family visited two years ago. Quite busy,
provincial town feel. I bought a couple of toasted sandwiches and
OJ and a lime milkshake at a roadhouse, much to the amusement of the
cashier. I hit the road again at 10:30am after walking through
town. I had decided that, in the conditions, Pine Creek would be my
target for the day, even though it meant a lot of kilometres
tomorrow. The road became quite hilly and busy but also
interesting. It looked like Kakadu country with lots more rocky
outcrops. Also lots more habitation. Eventually I reached Pine
Creek which is a pretty little town and checked into the hotel/motel
which seemed very nice. I had time for a nap before a very nice
pasta dinner at the pub, followed by cheesecake. Lots of phone
calls to Barb as I sorted out an earlier flight back to Sydney.
back in the motel room I watched the Geelong vs Swans finals game
and some cricket. Despite a later than usual night, I decided to
leave at the usual time given the 225km tomorrow. I will also dump
my surplus food to reduce weight. |
|
ADVENTURE LIST
Round Ireland
(2016)
Hume & Hovell Walking Track
(2013)
Via Alpina
(2012)
Australian Alps Walking
Track (2011)
Land's End to John O'Groats
(2010)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2009)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2008)
Round Oz Bike Record Attempt
(2007)
Australia Tip to Top MTB
(2006)
Adelaide to Darwin MTB
(2005)
Sydney to Melbourne MTB
(2004)
Three Peaks Race
(2004)
Appalachian Trail
(1986)
Alpine Track
(1983)
|