tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92056343979024039062024-03-13T10:15:06.955-07:00Scooter WanderlustScooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-26916360148238524202012-09-25T20:59:00.000-07:002012-09-26T01:05:12.264-07:00Home now and working on updating the blog.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are many folks to thank, especially my riding partner, Ian Johnson and the folks who made this happen: Steve Bailey of Vespa Motorsport, Allen Drysdale of Corazzo Gear and Murray Walters of Scooter Central. My thanks and love to you all.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-75943803275401316342012-09-18T04:27:00.001-07:002012-09-18T04:27:03.571-07:00Tuesday, 18 September 2012<br />
<br />
Another quick update (which is about all there's time for these days):<br />
<br />
Good news - We're safely in Canberra and staying with friends of Ian.<br />
<br />
Bad news - The scooter gods are still messing with Ian's Gilera. This time it was (and kind of still is) the water pump. Repairs were made in Moe and we're hoping it holds until Sydney. But the bearing noise is worse today. There's been talk about sacrificing a goat. Hope it doesn't come to that. Will keep you posted.<br />
<br />
The current plan it to head to Sydney on Thursday. Will post again from there.Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-80381313172983439332012-09-15T06:05:00.002-07:002012-09-15T06:05:22.031-07:00It's Saturday, 15 September and time for another quick update.<br />
<br />
Ian and I have been the guests of Gary and his family who live just outside Melbourne. They are gracious, generous and all-around awesome hosts. It's not just the home-cooked meals and comfortable beds. They've really made us feel welcome.<br />
<br />
The plan is to head toward Canberra and then on to Sydney. If all goes well, the "Lap around Australia" should complete by Thursday or Friday.Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-5836052982521146452012-09-09T03:33:00.002-07:002012-09-09T03:33:47.748-07:00another quick update - Today is Sunday, 09 September 2012.<br />
<br />
We arrived safely in Ceduna and expect to be in Adelaide by Tuesday. The good news is the weather is much improved from the rain, hail and gale-force wind of a few days ago. The bad news is the scooter gods are still picking on Ian. A large piece of hail bounced onto his right rear-view mirror and broke it. (He bought a replacement in Bunbury.) His scooter tipped over in the sand/gravel at the campground, denting his exhaust and scratching up the same mirror housing. One saddlebag, as well as the contents (small blanket, travel umbrella and silk glove liners) were melted beyond salvation by the hot exhaust pipe. (We're feeling lucky that this did not start a fire!) And then, just to add insult to injury, the replacement mirror fell off and broke.<br />
<br />
As for me and the X7, we're getting along just fine (knock on wood!).<br />
<br />
Internet connections have been spotty but I will post updates and photos. (I know, I know. I've said it before. But I really will. Eventually.)Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-2881810747094327022012-09-03T00:59:00.002-07:002012-09-03T00:59:18.358-07:00Well, another day and no blog updates to speak of. Sorry.<br />
<br />
Just a quick note about today:<br />
Both bikes were serviced today at the awesome Piaggio / Vespa dealer in Perth, Ace Scooters. Steve, Rukhsana and Bill are all rock stars!! BIG thanks to them all for getting us in for service, feeding us Timtams and coffee and tea, making us laugh and making us feel right at home.<br />
<br />
Weather took a turn last night and it's been stormy pretty much all day. We're going put in a few miles today, but taking it easy due to wet roads and my new rear tire.<br />
<br />
I will post updates later. Really. (No, really!)Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-30319527217124767912012-08-31T20:54:00.001-07:002012-08-31T20:54:21.446-07:00Today is Saturday, 01 Sept and everything is fine - just spotty or no connectivity. Have an appt. for service at Ace Scooters in Perth Monday morning. Will post blog updates then. Thanks to all for messages of support!Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-81546783780726073802012-08-25T19:51:00.000-07:002012-08-25T19:51:20.590-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday, 17 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No riding today (dammit!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian was up early and nearly packed when I got up. I’d packed the night before so, at last, I
was pretty much ready when he was. Except
we had no place to go. <st1:place w:st="on">Coco</st1:place>
said we could leave our things until we knew for sure if we were departing or
staying another night. Mail should
arrive within a couple of hours. If we’re
very lucky, the belt can be installed quickly and we’ll be on our way by
noon. Feels like I’ve said that before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian tracked the packages of belts sent by Allen to a truck
in Katherine. He’s off to the post
office to get more specific information.
Meanwhile, <st1:place w:st="on">Coco</st1:place> took the paintings I
like out of the shed again. He also gave
me his card so I could give him all my money later (and he’d send them to me).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The fellows at the bike shop said the mail gets delivered by
11. Ian went to see if the package
arrived. Nothing yet. Nor at noon, nor 1:30, nor 2:30. After several visits to the post office by
Ian and the bike shop guys (It is here yet? How about now?) there were no
belts. And no real answers from the post
office. The “overnight mail” was in the
hands of a private courier and they had no control over (or knowledge of) his
schedule. Frustrating!! Finally, Ian’s phone rang at 3pm. The shop has the belts. YAY!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a photo of a cast crocodile outside the sporting
goods shop next to the repair shop. It’s
the pic of the day (mostly because it’s the only one).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtClIa2JxqgEUNzxMz7uGQI0z8pvOjzIAygs6qBY35ozUtFCfdrwVh9aXXa4HCUpPe_YkT3QzMT_1sedASp77CEjeDmhlq-f88l5vFMmfImZjYdv1krporEFCfueWrtM8GYJ2O8Syf_XbQ/s1600/DSCN4448.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtClIa2JxqgEUNzxMz7uGQI0z8pvOjzIAygs6qBY35ozUtFCfdrwVh9aXXa4HCUpPe_YkT3QzMT_1sedASp77CEjeDmhlq-f88l5vFMmfImZjYdv1krporEFCfueWrtM8GYJ2O8Syf_XbQ/s320/DSCN4448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian wanted to watch the mechanic do the installation but
they would not permit it. Well, that sure doesn’t engender confidence. I tried to
distract Ian by offering to buy lunch. I
hoped it would keep his mind off the scooter and get us a much needed meal.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We picked up a couple of sliced pork sandwiches at Bucking
Bull. They had actually closed but the
ladies inside took pity on us and let us in.
We ate on the lawn adjacent to the shop.
Even though they completed the belt installation by 4, it was too late
for us to ride north. We agreed to spend
one more night in Katherine and set out on Saturday morning.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-85025267585737767602012-08-24T21:56:00.002-07:002012-08-24T21:56:21.230-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday, 16 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No riding today</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Much to our disappointment, and as you all know by now,
everybody who told us not to count on the belts arriving today was right. Dammit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian hoped his Roadside Assistance policy would cover these
additional expenses but it’s still a little unclear. They did approve the overnight stay in Elliot
and the tow to Katherine. Since costs
were starting to become an issue, we relocated from the hotel to <st1:place w:st="on">Coco</st1:place>’s House, a backpacker’s hostel just blocks away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIBYoVZovxIm3E-H6DQfYdcj0Pe63TWJ2gZVp69IkyueOD2APUa96NQKBZ_ITJxG-XFL_tpRnYE6ZypmuyKFumS3JxieYv-KkX10B6XELagYa_7Fhvh6z8QZVE8W0RQ5XbXAhpuQbhfcn/s1600/DSCN4447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEIBYoVZovxIm3E-H6DQfYdcj0Pe63TWJ2gZVp69IkyueOD2APUa96NQKBZ_ITJxG-XFL_tpRnYE6ZypmuyKFumS3JxieYv-KkX10B6XELagYa_7Fhvh6z8QZVE8W0RQ5XbXAhpuQbhfcn/s320/DSCN4447.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian went into town (really just a few blocks away) for a
massage. Originally, he planned to do
that and get a haircut in <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city>. Since were stuck in Katherine for a while, he
decided to find someone here. I stayed
at the hostel for a while and talked with <st1:place w:st="on">Coco</st1:place>
about the many painted canvas and digerydoos he has in a small shed. They’re all aboriginal art and many are very
expensive. There are two in particular
that I really like. But, as I said
earlier, costs are becoming an issue and I’m not sure I can justify the expense.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3blpg03YeewzwVdctsSiz4JWOOy-4f2X6YRci3a6MLj7VrQXiVy7rM45S9vS2_myQRikWc_-KGOR80fdkEIXbJ_rusZ0rZ-LgOFtzhRs4zVD5qBCAdj3j2KlsE4wZpnDdGDifcxcTWIHr/s1600/DSCN4446.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3blpg03YeewzwVdctsSiz4JWOOy-4f2X6YRci3a6MLj7VrQXiVy7rM45S9vS2_myQRikWc_-KGOR80fdkEIXbJ_rusZ0rZ-LgOFtzhRs4zVD5qBCAdj3j2KlsE4wZpnDdGDifcxcTWIHr/s320/DSCN4446.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERHyH1KXjsRXBN5afdKoYLkTun50z-DcGWAguTLDdLuLTvCOHA1bHA4SHvh8j42xJ80DxHvlrUxdvMEUJZvO2in6iKobHAxHbqm72wNrT3zFY72xc4tM_dSAoeDiGqB5ryCh56BpLFHcV/s1600/DSCN4440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgERHyH1KXjsRXBN5afdKoYLkTun50z-DcGWAguTLDdLuLTvCOHA1bHA4SHvh8j42xJ80DxHvlrUxdvMEUJZvO2in6iKobHAxHbqm72wNrT3zFY72xc4tM_dSAoeDiGqB5ryCh56BpLFHcV/s320/DSCN4440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJcCfpEQT-J5ffsjSZTeNgqOUY1beo0DFVhy8lAUURcpBnmYkixs5IbbhfkCZxWYaRMtYFfwURYlHfpTw9EEvOGOpFZR9w3KOksShnnE84voKHdHm6iyz0ecSOxWcsvO2yOUxY1ncyb3W/s1600/DSCN4444.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqJcCfpEQT-J5ffsjSZTeNgqOUY1beo0DFVhy8lAUURcpBnmYkixs5IbbhfkCZxWYaRMtYFfwURYlHfpTw9EEvOGOpFZR9w3KOksShnnE84voKHdHm6iyz0ecSOxWcsvO2yOUxY1ncyb3W/s320/DSCN4444.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I went back to McDonald’s to see if their internet
connection was resolved. Thankfully, it
was and I was able to post some blog updates.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided to make the best of our time here by doing
laundry, then walking to the market.
It’s a shame that we’re in such a nice area and not able to get around
to see it. There’s Katherine Gorge and
the <st1:place w:st="on">hot springs</st1:place>,
not to mention Edith Falls, Cutta Cutta Caves and Nitmiluk National Park. (I offered to let Ian ride cupcake on the X7
but he declined. He wasn’t comfortable
piloting and having me ride pillion, either.
I understand it. But still…)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Tomorrow’s Friday and we’re really, really hopeful
that the belts will arrive. The fellows
at the repair shop said the mail typically arrives at 11. If things go our way, the belt will be
installed by noon and we’ll be on our way.</span>Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-3995015671230543792012-08-24T21:31:00.000-07:002012-08-24T21:31:05.748-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wednesday, 15 August 2012</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
No riding today</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian set his alarm and we got up at 4:45am. AM!
Ugh! Bill called at 5:15 to say
he was on his way to pick us up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The only good thing about being awake and up at this hour is
the night sky. Spectacular! So many stars and planets and other twinkly
things I almost never get to see in the city.
And there were two shooting stars.
Hooray!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bill’s flat bed truck had lots more stuff on it than just
our two scooters. I guess he figured he
might as well take advantage of the opportunity to deliver an assortment of
stuff while he was making the trip north.
One other thing about being on the road before dawn is you get to see
the sunrise. And I did. Plus, I got to see live kangaroos, their
joeys and (we think) a wallaby. Ok, so I
guess I have to admit there are some advantages to being an early riser. I don’t think I’m a convert, though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After three stops to complete Bill’s deliveries, we arrived
at R & M Motorcycles in Katherine.
Ian got a text from Allen saying that his belts are on the way to
Katherine, too. Fingers crossed that
we’ll be underway quickly.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sat at McDonald’s with an intermittent internet
connection for a couple of hours. I feel
like I need to eat some vegetables.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I also needed to call NT Motorcycles in <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city> to push back our service / tire change
appointment to Friday. I spoke to a very
kind and patient woman named Tina. She
told me we shouldn’t count on the belts arriving tomorrow. NT, she said, means Not Today, Not
Tomorrow. (Ian said it also means Not
Tuesday, Not Thursday.) She reset our
service & tire changes for Monday. I
cannot imagine it’ll take longer than that for the belts to arrive (fingers
crossed and prayers sent up to the scooter gods).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian walked around town while I reconsidered our current
circumstances and poured over the maps (again).
I’ve been worried about the time to complete the big lap around this
lovely continent. It’s about the same
size as the <st1:place w:st="on">USA</st1:place>,
so the big lap is similar to doing a “four corners” ride.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu-_UWGRDlHODCPY8_ghoNNNbMWfx4ANwQZPuzJuKapIX80YK6RZ5XAtx1bXTyRIBquVwy0Yd4159LMXrisk_zMEm0nz52oCgLyiDrVYmUNA1RHVD7kLHH2sNvsGWJgyPr9pVkQS69Vv9/s1600/oz_us_compare_895.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCu-_UWGRDlHODCPY8_ghoNNNbMWfx4ANwQZPuzJuKapIX80YK6RZ5XAtx1bXTyRIBquVwy0Yd4159LMXrisk_zMEm0nz52oCgLyiDrVYmUNA1RHVD7kLHH2sNvsGWJgyPr9pVkQS69Vv9/s320/oz_us_compare_895.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<br />Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-52449498807062205422012-08-24T21:19:00.003-07:002012-08-24T21:19:59.320-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday, 14 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 16 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got on the road by 8:30 which was pretty good considering
we had some very nice neighbors to chat with.
We say our good-buys and rode to Renner Springs. There I had my first meat pie. Fresh out of the oven. Minced meat and gravy in a flaky pastry
shell. YUM!! (Sorry, I forgot to take a picture. Not even one crumb left after I was done.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian called to activate his phone and I called to make an
appointment for service in <st1:city w:st="on">Darwin</st1:city>. We both needed an oil change and tires (Ian’s
back and my front tire). We were tooling
down the road, about 65k north of our last stop when there was a puff of black
from the back of Ian’s scooter. I hoped
it was just the result of running over a pebble that gets shot / sprayed out of
the tread. Or a dirt clod that kind of
exploded. No such luck. It was his belt. Again.
Just 12 days ago he had the same issue.
What is going on and why is his scooter eating his belts?!?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First things first – we pulled the scooter onto the soft
shoulder and took off most of the luggage.
We dug the tools and my spare belt out and worked at removing the
transmission cover. Something wasn’t
cooperating.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumXTlABTVVlWFxu72klGQX3AkgsfV7i7uRxZuQBjO0kt6TrEfrrGa7iWM80-tKhtvntstYKLEIx_RVJuSOmBy0YBUPmSJeqptnvw1MS6pW-UBzCSOjycbEGxGRrZEJGkil8-_d7bRWM85/s1600/DSCN4418.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiumXTlABTVVlWFxu72klGQX3AkgsfV7i7uRxZuQBjO0kt6TrEfrrGa7iWM80-tKhtvntstYKLEIx_RVJuSOmBy0YBUPmSJeqptnvw1MS6pW-UBzCSOjycbEGxGRrZEJGkil8-_d7bRWM85/s320/DSCN4418.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjJPwUmfv8eywCPbxgTlf78OrhGfL_JVdVwnVHLfBnbCxv25m1pTYvuUOBL3pRuS2cLKNOvKEIV07qqatw9VpdqcuI2BJKqY3VxnqCh2DH4e9lds2w0VIhF8LN-UK1RIGQz_8pBZwVjut/s1600/DSCN4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsjJPwUmfv8eywCPbxgTlf78OrhGfL_JVdVwnVHLfBnbCxv25m1pTYvuUOBL3pRuS2cLKNOvKEIV07qqatw9VpdqcuI2BJKqY3VxnqCh2DH4e9lds2w0VIhF8LN-UK1RIGQz_8pBZwVjut/s320/DSCN4420.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Meanwhile, a police officer pulled over to check on us. He called for the Roadside Assistance tow
truck and we decided to take a break from the heat and have a drink and a nosh. I started putting everything back on to my
scooter, knowing that I’d be following the truck. I wasn’t quite done when the tow truck
arrived. Ian’s Gillera was quickly
loaded up and strapped down by the driver, Bill. In no time, were were on our way to Elliot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAfutekkpNTH49jyB4499Y5Mb91KfCOVtVLHQuaguBDskzX1tuIb5gaUuUERmyTE4uH5_S8V04NGyLsz0QXi2ST9RFtacLaQdSAqYVyqsQYnnJk0YauHj9YveMMP-rageqGvE5xGjahzm/s1600/DSCN4425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAfutekkpNTH49jyB4499Y5Mb91KfCOVtVLHQuaguBDskzX1tuIb5gaUuUERmyTE4uH5_S8V04NGyLsz0QXi2ST9RFtacLaQdSAqYVyqsQYnnJk0YauHj9YveMMP-rageqGvE5xGjahzm/s320/DSCN4425.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bill’s shop had an amazing collection of license plates
displayed on nearly every vertical surface.
I especially liked the “Cannonball” ones.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxuCR8KZuLm9tRIDJJKHTwgoVqmAq5th5RrClViPm4pWcy1xBjrVs_AZPExa0Bd3-ZfR_PLN-MnMuN4nhKTTT0yQLZcTCkjeaw__EYguZD21bG589B99PJzfzlu-FqC0Y7CqfzEK-hQOQ/s1600/DSCN4429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxuCR8KZuLm9tRIDJJKHTwgoVqmAq5th5RrClViPm4pWcy1xBjrVs_AZPExa0Bd3-ZfR_PLN-MnMuN4nhKTTT0yQLZcTCkjeaw__EYguZD21bG589B99PJzfzlu-FqC0Y7CqfzEK-hQOQ/s320/DSCN4429.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFnIm24X5CCVsLLZVMhPQg3kfW_YYOVG3M4LTocaM_XPe01ESORdYRlqFIFxv9kpeWspA223RLbbVmvdvkcIGz-SFod-4mPop4x9rGkmiwgHP1tEUT4FIAe_fcTwmLIurtDTPSmunjXH2/s1600/DSCN4427.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkFnIm24X5CCVsLLZVMhPQg3kfW_YYOVG3M4LTocaM_XPe01ESORdYRlqFIFxv9kpeWspA223RLbbVmvdvkcIGz-SFod-4mPop4x9rGkmiwgHP1tEUT4FIAe_fcTwmLIurtDTPSmunjXH2/s320/DSCN4427.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Kevlar fluff and other belt fragments</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51KQpv1EWl7AHI828MSdFY07iPKq8BQtCPSXZY6zIoSQTQOZa9gMgS6mJcF69nJZxYRBqs1lbP_yeMujKOPdaG99OtQHKvWlxECcGZ-iNHPSccn2EbrLjzPFvLAEp9Tic0Q5jdgx00Fee/s1600/DSCN4431.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh51KQpv1EWl7AHI828MSdFY07iPKq8BQtCPSXZY6zIoSQTQOZa9gMgS6mJcF69nJZxYRBqs1lbP_yeMujKOPdaG99OtQHKvWlxECcGZ-iNHPSccn2EbrLjzPFvLAEp9Tic0Q5jdgx00Fee/s320/DSCN4431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIqqavqKMgTdJhdVgc-uobSlFrG7zUiEvV1dq3AchPK6wrXGryS5lHfJPhitxaiiD9ek8fcyWhkmthta5JDqSHmcG3fkdr3Se1nTMLKZ1XTB7RimT-p6gsv96SUZbRMxlH01vuRMkXUf/s1600/DSCN4433.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfwIqqavqKMgTdJhdVgc-uobSlFrG7zUiEvV1dq3AchPK6wrXGryS5lHfJPhitxaiiD9ek8fcyWhkmthta5JDqSHmcG3fkdr3Se1nTMLKZ1XTB7RimT-p6gsv96SUZbRMxlH01vuRMkXUf/s320/DSCN4433.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Three guys deciding what’s next</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6A_x7l-ztggBBNbbAnoRWKtFxLq6PeRrGaPLF8Q77bwkUY-E7aju5i_f2RZqnI5rfHo09NPL-ZImsAnPtnSx27XKJljF1rBZWNI8y9iL7wwAPqxV2HnnWEtYZ5zUK1TQxiT_TdmQ5xiB/s1600/DSCN4430.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6A_x7l-ztggBBNbbAnoRWKtFxLq6PeRrGaPLF8Q77bwkUY-E7aju5i_f2RZqnI5rfHo09NPL-ZImsAnPtnSx27XKJljF1rBZWNI8y9iL7wwAPqxV2HnnWEtYZ5zUK1TQxiT_TdmQ5xiB/s320/DSCN4430.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian had been working the phones. He talked with the Roadside Assistance folks
(more than once), he called other repair shops and his mechanic back in <st1:city w:st="on">Brisbane</st1:city> and he called
our trusted friend and Road Angel, Allen Drysdale.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The end result was a motorcycle shop in Katherine would take
the scooter in for service, Allen will send belts (yes, plural. We don’t need this happening again) to the
shop via overnight mail and we’d load both scooters on the truck and be towed
to the repair shop. Now that’s a sorry
sight: two scooters on a tow truck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B2rn_pAVQmzybCOfkI0qnCZ3Wc2MpXx1rpLk_zkVdZRygctavJFQYvRoewNfltcqXPd9Ppq-jynEu7dYkvsYLlZ3pnELAXv9rNZW786ZcTwFZ2RQzySSeSfOAj00mL7p3-1bt3-qULpL/s1600/DSCN4436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7B2rn_pAVQmzybCOfkI0qnCZ3Wc2MpXx1rpLk_zkVdZRygctavJFQYvRoewNfltcqXPd9Ppq-jynEu7dYkvsYLlZ3pnELAXv9rNZW786ZcTwFZ2RQzySSeSfOAj00mL7p3-1bt3-qULpL/s320/DSCN4436.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bill said he would tow us to Katherine (at an
exorbitant rate of $1,600+ to be paid by the roadside insurance). That would take place tomorrow. Early tomorrow. In the mean time, we would stay in a “hotel”
in Elliot, also paid for by insurance. I
thought it would be a relief to have an air-conditioned room and clean
sheets. Ummmm, no. The only place to saty (literally the <b>only</b> place in Elliot) was an even
sorrier sight than two scooters on a tow truck.
Honestly, my tent is way, way more comfortable than this: sweltering hot, lumpy bunk beds, peeling
paint, spider infested (not really, but there were at least 6 of them), scary
shower, water-stained sinks, the list goes on.
You get the picture. To add
insult to injury, there was no place for dinner. At least we had the trusty black bag. There was the road food we bought yesterday
and the left-over Chinese. It wasn’t
great but it was enough. I felt so bad
for Ian. Not the end to the day he’d
hoped for. At least we’ll be out early.</span>Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-39149150391067180722012-08-24T20:40:00.000-07:002012-08-24T20:40:04.456-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday, 13 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 15 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We got a bit of a late start this morning – too much chatting
with our friendly neighbors.) Ian filled
the 10 liter fuel container and brought a breakfast sandwich back for me while
I finished packing the scooter.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Even with the kind of late start, we still took time to
document exiting <st1:state w:st="on">Queensland</st1:state> and entering <st1:state w:st="on">Northern Territory</st1:state>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1ECOUZ3yi3EfOVbg5Q9z1vkvybavrlHEZ7enNTZqiVAdCa_MAucBvk2t8xyR4ZCvxgNuzzBosuiPYrqmPOjwtI0TCtEwYwq2YyO0gZAR33ZfpUDEm0MMskFrmIxJgi_cuKpThmkTLuYI/s1600/DSCN4401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1ECOUZ3yi3EfOVbg5Q9z1vkvybavrlHEZ7enNTZqiVAdCa_MAucBvk2t8xyR4ZCvxgNuzzBosuiPYrqmPOjwtI0TCtEwYwq2YyO0gZAR33ZfpUDEm0MMskFrmIxJgi_cuKpThmkTLuYI/s320/DSCN4401.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first leg today is the first long stretch where fuel was
going to be tight. Actually, I think we
would have made it. But Ian was right to
err on the side of caution. We put in
the spare fuel at a rest stop in at a rest stop in Wonara Borr. I like that everyone / everything is friendly
here, even the road signs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxNgUtCnPsNNFIDGHxxYxq7Zjy8oJr3BDvuag3TXn0wIjoPBfDn6rACE9nQtQYxPh8KihCXUymGOzEmBlEgiPKSJaVGgWvxSuwi7SnogsrWga4e2VJCqU35QmqHoXLmhXY6ul5734DRbZ/s1600/DSCN4405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXxNgUtCnPsNNFIDGHxxYxq7Zjy8oJr3BDvuag3TXn0wIjoPBfDn6rACE9nQtQYxPh8KihCXUymGOzEmBlEgiPKSJaVGgWvxSuwi7SnogsrWga4e2VJCqU35QmqHoXLmhXY6ul5734DRbZ/s320/DSCN4405.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been seeing these mounds all over. I thought they some kind of rock showing wind
or rain erosion. Most of them remind me
of the “mittens” in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Monument</st1:placetype>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Valley</st1:placetype></st1:place>. Turns out they’re termite mounds. And they get pretty big. I still like to see them as mittens. This one looks more like bunny though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN31zr-CuTYem1Aro2pMg2tArYYFuA8kptqfPzrAUcY_Z3qLreT4N3zb6ltVIPj2To6Ak8i_S_dzxNB8w7szHR2yGY0v_snG0yq2KR7njZl8lkIYN-LteTvsmkGX5sFJ4izU1FxwOpzHd4/s1600/DSCN4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN31zr-CuTYem1Aro2pMg2tArYYFuA8kptqfPzrAUcY_Z3qLreT4N3zb6ltVIPj2To6Ak8i_S_dzxNB8w7szHR2yGY0v_snG0yq2KR7njZl8lkIYN-LteTvsmkGX5sFJ4izU1FxwOpzHd4/s320/DSCN4406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We refueled in Barkly Homestead and again at <st1:street w:st="on">Three Ways</st1:street>. We decided not to press on to Renner Springs
(which was probably a saving grace). We
set up camp in the caravan park behind the roadhouse at <st1:street w:st="on">Three Ways</st1:street> then rode south to Tennant
Creek. Ian got a SIM card for his phone
from another service provider with better coverage in these outlaying areas. While he did that, I took photos of the trash
receptacles. They were decorated with
aboriginal art and some were quite striking.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkH7j3lKJlzBu5OX7A00SBZh7GE19D_ggMvNQXBZ9UotL976lzoyf7DOArx6PtlzP8qildXQLskq1LLahyGR9CAWopKGMYDH9rHLqYakGeKAWw6JLJXZDWI2mvV6YIWPmQ9bWnKjP3Tbw/s1600/DSCN4410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSkH7j3lKJlzBu5OX7A00SBZh7GE19D_ggMvNQXBZ9UotL976lzoyf7DOArx6PtlzP8qildXQLskq1LLahyGR9CAWopKGMYDH9rHLqYakGeKAWw6JLJXZDWI2mvV6YIWPmQ9bWnKjP3Tbw/s320/DSCN4410.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLxZtAeUXvUctC3VXJuBc2dDa3Z8wTO6vdpIdTAXbO2zYG2SAs8o7A5y2h7MeXRMiy7DfNewSEg77mzU8bqTteVCmStxuKvaIzr3a4vPAodW_jT5pByP30KV2Qdk-VAaiQ_uQ-6eQiawp/s1600/DSCN4411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLxZtAeUXvUctC3VXJuBc2dDa3Z8wTO6vdpIdTAXbO2zYG2SAs8o7A5y2h7MeXRMiy7DfNewSEg77mzU8bqTteVCmStxuKvaIzr3a4vPAodW_jT5pByP30KV2Qdk-VAaiQ_uQ-6eQiawp/s320/DSCN4411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSFu7OtBAh94tV1CJdfw65sLE0XZ5Ia2y_msbBqGV4tr6iIsDocPA2c8w9ndWHxijwoGCkiQ3sJctKmTNcqIfx6Rjdli2Z0yK1WrH5VJuE_ywwS53S9LHijFPRBgSRnQJreU4JM5spbJy/s1600/DSCN4412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSSFu7OtBAh94tV1CJdfw65sLE0XZ5Ia2y_msbBqGV4tr6iIsDocPA2c8w9ndWHxijwoGCkiQ3sJctKmTNcqIfx6Rjdli2Z0yK1WrH5VJuE_ywwS53S9LHijFPRBgSRnQJreU4JM5spbJy/s320/DSCN4412.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next stop was the market.
We bought laundry soap and some “road food”: trail mix, apple,
juice. Nothing here for dinner, as the
camp site didn’t have a public kitchen.
We got a referral to Woks Up!
Their clever sign caught my eye on the way in. I thought it would be so-so Chinese
take-out. Boy, was I wrong! The restaurant and staff was charming! The owner gave us a tour while our food was
being prepared. She’d worked hard on the
décor and had just opened recently. Good job!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEqMYunfC8wPTs2b7WGYI6iQ6dZiG6A7gGWK6xoGDSNoeVlZBl_x6eQrQCj1pwXZDuqd4vQGqe4bbDFX2bZYVwb-6KtlQjxrXrAyL_X5ejPYFX_CF4ygDfX3rpishsJmvFxtgb58c7Grk/s1600/DSCN4413.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIEqMYunfC8wPTs2b7WGYI6iQ6dZiG6A7gGWK6xoGDSNoeVlZBl_x6eQrQCj1pwXZDuqd4vQGqe4bbDFX2bZYVwb-6KtlQjxrXrAyL_X5ejPYFX_CF4ygDfX3rpishsJmvFxtgb58c7Grk/s320/DSCN4413.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-47431759449621189412012-08-23T23:05:00.003-07:002012-08-23T23:05:29.252-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday, 12 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 14 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We finally got a (relatively early start): on the road by 7:45. Two days in a row - we’re on a roll now! I’m motivated by the distances we’re
traveling each day. I have no idea what
Ian’s motivation is. No matter what time
I wake up and finally get out of my sleeping bag, he’s already ½ packed and
drinking a cup of coffee. One of these
days I’ll be up (or at least ready) before him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was warned that the scenery here was a little dull. I don’t agree. (At least not yet. Maybe after a couple of more weeks…) I like the way the roadside grasses shimmy in
the wind. We’ve passed several mowers
cutting back all the vegetation (probably because of the coming fire
season). Anyway, I love the smell of
newly cut grass. Between the smells and
the sights, I’m loving this part of the country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Something about the sign at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Julia</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Creek</st1:placename></st1:place>
butcher shop caught my eye. Maybe it was
the “country killed” part. The working
is more direct that I usually see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMzctxBwahywmV1HmHNzlbcF5hH7UKpbA8RLFLIKG33ZAdNQDWG4ROSf3hKZWyE8YUH6TJt9vk5GmguBuhp1mCTLKxmQSRmF_ZHDCqtW5gXGooXkKX1EbNkkm6cmpRasVCmIRzLRHK_jH/s1600/DSCN4381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifMzctxBwahywmV1HmHNzlbcF5hH7UKpbA8RLFLIKG33ZAdNQDWG4ROSf3hKZWyE8YUH6TJt9vk5GmguBuhp1mCTLKxmQSRmF_ZHDCqtW5gXGooXkKX1EbNkkm6cmpRasVCmIRzLRHK_jH/s320/DSCN4381.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This wanted sign struck me as funny. Now I’ve got that Men At Work song stuck in
my head “Traveling in a fried out combi…”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6ZAGIYvPxSMxc5soMgPQDlToaFpZRfsDMEUJcRi79HcJwkpqmS8LHrOsF-DqXnA2JpE6bAdZ2Re6qGsOLi3PDV9-Cx09QVL8pKPGrNuUOpD3oZJ4-Zhq509-eEb2hQGahCN2PHg1112Y/s1600/DSCN4383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6ZAGIYvPxSMxc5soMgPQDlToaFpZRfsDMEUJcRi79HcJwkpqmS8LHrOsF-DqXnA2JpE6bAdZ2Re6qGsOLi3PDV9-Cx09QVL8pKPGrNuUOpD3oZJ4-Zhq509-eEb2hQGahCN2PHg1112Y/s320/DSCN4383.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ooooo, now THIS is no fried out combi</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGHSTcDTLKjtO8z4ZVRJEJCAZI0nH-Gy3lfcaaNsZt2V6YPa2TNTYULGwfvVWE039fuVmCiWTgfOjYfrZg3F7rkwPvDK_-gYzlC6SEKeGAY3-Lc6YJCOKCzr0Jys1oxkfuozALNplKZNs/s1600/DSCN4386.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguGHSTcDTLKjtO8z4ZVRJEJCAZI0nH-Gy3lfcaaNsZt2V6YPa2TNTYULGwfvVWE039fuVmCiWTgfOjYfrZg3F7rkwPvDK_-gYzlC6SEKeGAY3-Lc6YJCOKCzr0Jys1oxkfuozALNplKZNs/s1600/DSCN4386.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt6WtNB9B6pFyW62zYqOF8JltYUOG2O4LJCLfKpRhCcWA2qt73XG1NjrPTsBk9_mnK2xRtjQW0j1d7HrxomiiAJYmf0M5kzIgIhgIeIB7eHnIovvIovEpzp6wF19Ald8e4t7sxuxvNcc8/s1600/DSCN4385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixt6WtNB9B6pFyW62zYqOF8JltYUOG2O4LJCLfKpRhCcWA2qt73XG1NjrPTsBk9_mnK2xRtjQW0j1d7HrxomiiAJYmf0M5kzIgIhgIeIB7eHnIovvIovEpzp6wF19Ald8e4t7sxuxvNcc8/s320/DSCN4385.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian kept wanting to race him. We did finally pass about 15 minutes out of
town. I’m pretty sure he just let us by.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped in Split Rock to take a break. I didn't see a split rock, just the sign.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gLYXC9wpEDhu3DHq6n_-aILqfRp4hmfgcP9dnfhm2NC1oIGi7wkXeZF6PjNteVC8qpAHfj4cWscjliLb_ZF6iSvqciMF8WUwf4lz9GgfKZ_qsf9661aoJVfn29dnAuL_FB8KwlmO1PLL/s1600/DSCN4388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1gLYXC9wpEDhu3DHq6n_-aILqfRp4hmfgcP9dnfhm2NC1oIGi7wkXeZF6PjNteVC8qpAHfj4cWscjliLb_ZF6iSvqciMF8WUwf4lz9GgfKZ_qsf9661aoJVfn29dnAuL_FB8KwlmO1PLL/s320/DSCN4388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At least it gave me a chance to take a quick photo of the road we’d
been on</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b666qX7lmCkMN4TDyCHZyYhxYTGMLJgSWRyZSVQxFQe48hMZxJ9j6MU5PwjxYh6IKfgj9XFMbUZS1PFTzqOLRGE65Z7-TYjhYZ6Vv1O5fNdUikYcRo4teQn04kD9arZGVWVSQfFLcwxb/s1600/DSCN4389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8b666qX7lmCkMN4TDyCHZyYhxYTGMLJgSWRyZSVQxFQe48hMZxJ9j6MU5PwjxYh6IKfgj9XFMbUZS1PFTzqOLRGE65Z7-TYjhYZ6Vv1O5fNdUikYcRo4teQn04kD9arZGVWVSQfFLcwxb/s320/DSCN4389.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the road ahead</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapJ4qQpXsUJ-3X6F9sGylHZ_zseJBs3ofpnp3ubcqMqojvO1JR1XGydkIgmcj3tAAJNymD0VF2L9S4Fe-mpBm0saEWCoWELH0x62OB2voUTupLfV5RuxooGhMuPszAAFnsV7DTSfDBte-/s1600/DSCN4390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapJ4qQpXsUJ-3X6F9sGylHZ_zseJBs3ofpnp3ubcqMqojvO1JR1XGydkIgmcj3tAAJNymD0VF2L9S4Fe-mpBm0saEWCoWELH0x62OB2voUTupLfV5RuxooGhMuPszAAFnsV7DTSfDBte-/s320/DSCN4390.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s Ian checking his messages. I just love the rich, rust colored earth.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB0gBYeuGUElggRq0nEQTTEHji-b-fx3jFGc9JKW_uIEFoVkvhPXmwQA8HrfMM04qJn-WBrqtPaErnz0hS4BY-k3nam3fjBOhJv7ykRQT25sUoK0XJqdbY6F8_9kzkFOfGESo2VvTNhOb/s1600/DSCN4392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuB0gBYeuGUElggRq0nEQTTEHji-b-fx3jFGc9JKW_uIEFoVkvhPXmwQA8HrfMM04qJn-WBrqtPaErnz0hS4BY-k3nam3fjBOhJv7ykRQT25sUoK0XJqdbY6F8_9kzkFOfGESo2VvTNhOb/s320/DSCN4392.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The folks in <st1:city w:st="on">Richmond</st1:city> told us
about the rodeo in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Isa.</st1:placename></st1:place> It’s a pretty big deal and most of the
population of the surrounding towns attend.
That made lodging seem unlikely (or at least very expensive). So we
pushed on to Camooweal. It ended up
being our long day riding so far (just over 525k / about 325 miles. I 'm proud of Ian. It's his first long trip and this was his first long day in the saddle. I'm glad we both still had energy at the end of the day. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a truck parked along the side of the road. At last, I could take a picture of one of the
many Road Trains we’ve passed (and been passed by!). Some of them
have more than three trailers, so they sure <b>seem</b> longer than 53.5 meters.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikslP9PwbTCw4W5Rqu3X0U3Li45r-l2cvrb6hvi-cmTlEcNrvuOV1z0JCtcyWbHm6hD_5cTBKoOe2lhHGJhIVktXWhmJHI3M4xj3Al-5U3XD715-DrgZUIi9CTDDL0goiQhvnJBqwECrNl/s1600/DSCN4393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikslP9PwbTCw4W5Rqu3X0U3Li45r-l2cvrb6hvi-cmTlEcNrvuOV1z0JCtcyWbHm6hD_5cTBKoOe2lhHGJhIVktXWhmJHI3M4xj3Al-5U3XD715-DrgZUIi9CTDDL0goiQhvnJBqwECrNl/s320/DSCN4393.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We walked to dinner at the local pub. It was delicious! Roast pork, gravy, oven roasted vegetables –
YUM! </div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-38647533873162696122012-08-23T22:26:00.002-07:002012-08-23T22:26:30.084-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday, 11 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 13 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was lots of road kill this early morning. Well, it was early for us - on the road by
8. That’s pretty good considering we had to break camp. Anyway, there not as much road kill as a few
days back when it was every quarter to half mile. But these are way messier. Ick! Not pretty.
Plus, it’s a serious reminder that we need to finish our riding day well
before dusk. As our new pal, Al, warned,
“The first kangaroo may startle you. The
second one may kill you!” We’re going to
have to keep getting up and on the road if we’re going to make up some time /
miles. As it stands, it looks like we
have only 1 day leeway. That means all
the service stops will need to have needed spare parts & supplies on
hand. We can’t afford to wait a day to
ship something in. Fingers crossed all
goes without a hitch. (By now you all
know this didn’t quite work out. Good
thing our calculations were off a bit.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped for breakfast in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Charters</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Towers</st1:placetype></st1:place>. It’s a quaint small town with a bustling main
street.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3SBkDNG4z-rSIv1PbhjGziSjqM4cTG__FDtI0HzB1IzEcqiPMsJfsNkiyUq3rIgqIWYdPwfDZTS6fuhgC029_k8VM5APrZS0SDoV0QQVOmt6SltPbF-ZViJy7FNv-9bedoFjC61LtL2g/s1600/DSCN4342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3SBkDNG4z-rSIv1PbhjGziSjqM4cTG__FDtI0HzB1IzEcqiPMsJfsNkiyUq3rIgqIWYdPwfDZTS6fuhgC029_k8VM5APrZS0SDoV0QQVOmt6SltPbF-ZViJy7FNv-9bedoFjC61LtL2g/s320/DSCN4342.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These boys were having a bake sale to raise funds for an
upcoming trip to <st1:place w:st="on">Canberra</st1:place>. Also in the photo are their teacher and her
assistant.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh4zuojHt1wAN0TxM-DMhLk4QAss51oRaE38qPUQDmUaT5-OsrVscewvG68XEyOJWDPPwDXjlvcm4y9QsoCTwK9Z1SdCByJX2LB6-YNZLxcgynU17AsvaTSS5JuxT9LSDDClUKO6TZiJB/s1600/DSCN4341.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdh4zuojHt1wAN0TxM-DMhLk4QAss51oRaE38qPUQDmUaT5-OsrVscewvG68XEyOJWDPPwDXjlvcm4y9QsoCTwK9Z1SdCByJX2LB6-YNZLxcgynU17AsvaTSS5JuxT9LSDDClUKO6TZiJB/s320/DSCN4341.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’ve begun to encounter the dreaded “road train.” It’s a tractor / trailer combination similar
to what I’ve seen in the <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">US</st1:country>
but there are 3 or more trailers. Road
signs say they are 53.5 meters (a little over 175 feet) long.
They seem a lot longer than that to me.
At least they’re clearly marked (sort of).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu0oUl_4kQwLHV_y8BAs5VG4myIMXaLHKKxRbGO1AOtm4Lp2WWFQ11b335oNRJw-xjhgXROgnUkiPhZIOgAb8nsAEWCE94ji0y0waz4GpR-Gis8FpHMZykC5EoAOJUQINMNF9guQ_Lilu/s1600/DSCN4350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbu0oUl_4kQwLHV_y8BAs5VG4myIMXaLHKKxRbGO1AOtm4Lp2WWFQ11b335oNRJw-xjhgXROgnUkiPhZIOgAb8nsAEWCE94ji0y0waz4GpR-Gis8FpHMZykC5EoAOJUQINMNF9guQ_Lilu/s320/DSCN4350.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Robert</st1:placename>
<st1:placename w:st="on">Gray</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Memorial
Park</st1:placename></st1:place> for a picnic lunch. It’s a nice little park along the <st1:place w:st="on">Flinders River</st1:place>.
The stones have plaques engraved with names of locals who are remembered
by family members or by the community in general.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJVGacqM5ZZLhzlmCjz6zMLXf11t3nrRojFUZjD5ti8EDurw_tQjPYQ90s7e79irP6Sz8aL7y6OIr5dX6kzTVyb-toyt2vT50mLEvKX9iIU175NiQR0YNmH1V1mBCDD_VC96RrNaIbb_W/s1600/DSCN4359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJVGacqM5ZZLhzlmCjz6zMLXf11t3nrRojFUZjD5ti8EDurw_tQjPYQ90s7e79irP6Sz8aL7y6OIr5dX6kzTVyb-toyt2vT50mLEvKX9iIU175NiQR0YNmH1V1mBCDD_VC96RrNaIbb_W/s320/DSCN4359.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYVyQW68VcthCx1Ttq1OtZ028IctdbXyKgg5Nov7CoBORgECpXZlRMDNqn2OX9kgztwcTzg4ThkU0IouaRi6_1nxg00ODNernxgd6hbtAa2FZ2hQTXhRjoNz-Jk6p9zN7_xYJtKHGP-Yr/s1600/DSCN4362.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvYVyQW68VcthCx1Ttq1OtZ028IctdbXyKgg5Nov7CoBORgECpXZlRMDNqn2OX9kgztwcTzg4ThkU0IouaRi6_1nxg00ODNernxgd6hbtAa2FZ2hQTXhRjoNz-Jk6p9zN7_xYJtKHGP-Yr/s320/DSCN4362.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were several stops for road construction. Ian and Bunny walked around and met some of
our fellow travelers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGLuCAPTG4Rw5qQLVH7q_zjRYDxS01ToFqUqeFF3TFfXhzVyj3a7gLjJtrgos9tg1j6aaEeWgIMojYDBS3s1T7OQknqKoIzxpaSGkfNhFlrcLSj8qs7MZfm_m_BNT4gOlwF4ITqdMKCx2/s1600/DSCN4367.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZGLuCAPTG4Rw5qQLVH7q_zjRYDxS01ToFqUqeFF3TFfXhzVyj3a7gLjJtrgos9tg1j6aaEeWgIMojYDBS3s1T7OQknqKoIzxpaSGkfNhFlrcLSj8qs7MZfm_m_BNT4gOlwF4ITqdMKCx2/s320/DSCN4367.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We decided to spend the night at a caravan park because all
the hotels were very expensive. One last
stop before that was the Kronosaurus Korner.
It was closed ;( There were some
good photo opportunities outside, though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2dA3N-RkZsjJq7lg1hZ-RnStZyDeZYFMJvG2iYfySXTN7akBF9zEw9N-OoqpgPzhdX8sDmNfQjLUGS71PWxzSyCHxvkXQQulXBzlUmgBdt6WI5Jl9pMjXi7zoqDMcDlObb0XziCjsISD/s1600/DSCN4379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW2dA3N-RkZsjJq7lg1hZ-RnStZyDeZYFMJvG2iYfySXTN7akBF9zEw9N-OoqpgPzhdX8sDmNfQjLUGS71PWxzSyCHxvkXQQulXBzlUmgBdt6WI5Jl9pMjXi7zoqDMcDlObb0XziCjsISD/s320/DSCN4379.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2TWkN5tH1UIEAYXu-b6MO3E2LEK7G1GYqlJnG7t4hrCzWLwfC_6qxX4euTP71C3mDN0WNGu0uJO7GV31joTZ2-Hj6j40fOWFR5uH_rl2lrNPh6z98VL_mpuN3CSUma9vQZMfncoxIM26/s1600/DSCN4380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2TWkN5tH1UIEAYXu-b6MO3E2LEK7G1GYqlJnG7t4hrCzWLwfC_6qxX4euTP71C3mDN0WNGu0uJO7GV31joTZ2-Hj6j40fOWFR5uH_rl2lrNPh6z98VL_mpuN3CSUma9vQZMfncoxIM26/s320/DSCN4380.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Scooters being stalked</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtp0WLq27z9x8LS0KZWHBd9zCdqf89iPz5AuI9Penufd9JS_e8ZflrX7U58UK70aibRWgQjDnktKETH6ZoIY6-OwoStRwMh7aDCeGD-zYv6PiASF0DlWuw357xkmP-gMYA0k11cGZjaXS/s1600/DSCN4369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjtp0WLq27z9x8LS0KZWHBd9zCdqf89iPz5AuI9Penufd9JS_e8ZflrX7U58UK70aibRWgQjDnktKETH6ZoIY6-OwoStRwMh7aDCeGD-zYv6PiASF0DlWuw357xkmP-gMYA0k11cGZjaXS/s320/DSCN4369.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Can you spot Bunny? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1waIO5kSdXsrhdMFZ-C5_WX8dbnw0XxVusxe4LgeJhDoMy3_L-acOGUWPx6jlZL7E6oNlmMO9VgDnphfgZG1l6QO_6z4fYPTfhu6IBcB7jEY5qKx54iy6DgmAazdUEfLnLr31-SAryd6/s1600/DSCN4375.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc1waIO5kSdXsrhdMFZ-C5_WX8dbnw0XxVusxe4LgeJhDoMy3_L-acOGUWPx6jlZL7E6oNlmMO9VgDnphfgZG1l6QO_6z4fYPTfhu6IBcB7jEY5qKx54iy6DgmAazdUEfLnLr31-SAryd6/s320/DSCN4375.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The woman at the registration desk in the caravan park in <st1:city w:st="on">Richmond</st1:city> said it was supposed
to get cold overnight. A budget bunk
room (instead of a tent site) was a splurge by Ian. I, with my heated jacket, would have been ok
with a tent site. :? . It was clean and tidy and I had a blanket
with a Tasmanian devil – the Warner Brothers cartoon character, not the
poisonous kind.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There were two options for dinner and we opted for the
Federal Palace Hotel. I have to say, it
was the worst dinner out I’ve had in a long, long time. Ah, well…at least the company was good.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s 10 and I’d better get some sleep. It’ll be another early day tomorrow.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-8594723435484551422012-08-22T16:23:00.002-07:002012-08-22T16:23:50.732-07:00Posting from the library at Halls Creek<br />
<br />
Everything on track and running well. Should be in Broome in 2 days. (That's probably the next available internet connection.)<br />
<br />
Love and hugs to all back home.Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-34507759335035701582012-08-20T03:39:00.000-07:002012-08-20T03:43:22.606-07:00<br />
Today is Monday, 20 August 2012<br />
<br />
Here's the latest news:<br />
The X7 has been running like a champ but Ian's Gilera Runner has not. We waited for belts to arrive in Katherine. (Thanks, again, Allen!!) Now Ian's waiting for replacement shocks off a wrecked bike in Sydney. He's also going to need a new air filter, and +/- 3" diameter plastic roller that looks like it's been damaged by a metal burr or chip. It might have been by the kevlar from the belt. It's still kind of unclear. Anyway, he's in Darwin and will be for probably a week or so. Then he'll probably head south through "The Red Center."<br />
<br />
The only good part of that is, he used to be stationed in Darwin and knows it well. He'll relocate from the campsite we had yesterday to a backpackers (hostel). That'll save a little money and give him a bed and secure room.<br />
<br />
I'm fine and back in Katherine tonight. I'll be pressing on toward Broome and Perth. I hope to meet up with Ian again in Adelaide.<br />
<br />
I'll keep updating the blog as WiFi and time allows.Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-74531044828106350402012-08-20T03:27:00.000-07:002012-08-20T03:27:14.743-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday, 10 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 12 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We had a plan to east to Mareeba then down to Ravenshoe and
east to Normanton. The Australia
Motorcycle Atlas shows that as #103 & 104 (and a bit of #101) of the top
200 rides on the continent. It’s good to
have a plan. But this trip has been all
about flexibility.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our (as yet unseen) pal, Gary, sent throttle locks all the
way from his home near <st1:city w:st="on">Melbourne</st1:city> to a colleague
in <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city>. She received the notice from the postal
service that the package had arrived but she didn’t yet pick it up. So Ian arranged to meet her in Townsville
tonight. I’m still uneasy about our time
getting tight and the new ride plan has us back-tracking today and adds about
133kms to our ride tomorrow. Another
look at the maps. Ok, let’s do it. (Or as Ian says in a Spanish accent “You can
do eeeet.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We did stick to the first part of the plan, the riding to
Mareeba part. And I am very glad we
did! It’s a beautiful road with sweeping
curves. As we got deeper into the
rainforest, the mist / low clouds clung to the trees in an eerily elegant
way. Even crossing the bridge was creepy
and cool at the same time. A brief stop
at one of few road construction sites gave me just enough time to snap this
picture of the rolling green hills”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUh00qqCwtE5iTQVra-cNmlyl1JQwqIAh5eslgl88eenLi2SFtB0rLqSrE30yUA3gA4ghay-Xqjq7i8tuC_HVU47zvXoEWJcQv5DPk5Z8IfwB94VoRwyvbUD1UCde_JCIdiTCKr0SVkmS/s1600/DSCN4335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSUh00qqCwtE5iTQVra-cNmlyl1JQwqIAh5eslgl88eenLi2SFtB0rLqSrE30yUA3gA4ghay-Xqjq7i8tuC_HVU47zvXoEWJcQv5DPk5Z8IfwB94VoRwyvbUD1UCde_JCIdiTCKr0SVkmS/s320/DSCN4335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we got to the coffee / chocolate shop. I knew Ian would like it. But I went a little crazy in there, too. Guess what you all are getting for
Christmas? Yep, fancy-schmancy coffee
and chocolate. I sampled a little (just
to make sure it was ok, you know) and spent way too much. The good news is I didn’t have to carry it
with me – they ship – hooray! Here’s
bunny among the coffee beans they import:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb87DIFs6feqdMyJpe2blkb2ZoQ1c8xLenv2PzHLruYpJqCfn0amO-ACFT4axFvgOb7Eo5W6TJbLGhWqdlwX5iCSta2WARq28FHVNxVJ6DpHoctfe2t1S5dtNPru6p2AvTG2NMgGWFQkk5/s1600/DSCN4319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb87DIFs6feqdMyJpe2blkb2ZoQ1c8xLenv2PzHLruYpJqCfn0amO-ACFT4axFvgOb7Eo5W6TJbLGhWqdlwX5iCSta2WARq28FHVNxVJ6DpHoctfe2t1S5dtNPru6p2AvTG2NMgGWFQkk5/s320/DSCN4319.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We continued down through Atherton and Innisfail, then on to
Townsville. The woman we were to meet
missed her plane so we set up camp at a nice <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Holiday</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbELS1S1SflSCrguTgYMjLpWl57mLo4SnPA9z-fmqzAmyzumtgC1y6e_pqfTSzwhD03K413AsDRrN-R3xZLGtLPWToz_X2B9iHz-oed5X8-7a6G8AkNc8pfbYbfSKGk8zsufKXVy0M1eg/s1600/DSCN4339.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKbELS1S1SflSCrguTgYMjLpWl57mLo4SnPA9z-fmqzAmyzumtgC1y6e_pqfTSzwhD03K413AsDRrN-R3xZLGtLPWToz_X2B9iHz-oed5X8-7a6G8AkNc8pfbYbfSKGk8zsufKXVy0M1eg/s320/DSCN4339.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a tranquil, palm lined walk to the showers.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xHMWo6K9q40Cuo6G8HkQNW68t4wmbegwJYElB-GSX48x5PT-t2-Q5xeBbYhek0OWzjO5SNzNBzzZwkrYkqxo00PtdfgHvUx2wYr0FHpw_xrrQ32gPOYr9oKMGjAm7vx5ohNfdQCtZflg/s1600/DSCN4337.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4xHMWo6K9q40Cuo6G8HkQNW68t4wmbegwJYElB-GSX48x5PT-t2-Q5xeBbYhek0OWzjO5SNzNBzzZwkrYkqxo00PtdfgHvUx2wYr0FHpw_xrrQ32gPOYr9oKMGjAm7vx5ohNfdQCtZflg/s320/DSCN4337.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At last, at 8pm we rode to the hotel, picked up the throttle
locks left at the front desk. Thanks, <st1:city w:st="on">Gary</st1:city>! I don’t usually use the lock but I’m told it
will come in very handy as we head west. </div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-78935685243430979842012-08-17T02:50:00.002-07:002012-08-17T02:50:26.215-07:00Today is Friday, 17 August 2012<br />
<br />
Two bits of good news:<br />
<br />
(A) The belts (4 of them!) Allen sent arrived at 3:30pm. Better late than never! The shop was ready and installed the belt in about an hour. YAY!!! Ian thinks it sounds a little different - a new growl that wasn't there before. We'll take it easy as we ride north tomorrow. We have an appointment for service in Darwin on Monday. Fingers crossed everything holds until then.<br />
<br />
and<br />
<br />
(2) I'm only a week behind in the blog postings. That's nearly up-to-date (for me, anyway). Don't know what our connectivity will be like in the coming days, so please be patient and rest assured that all is ok.<br />
<br />
Love and hugs to you all for your help (especially Allen) and messages of support / encouragement!Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-75044444764328542182012-08-17T02:28:00.000-07:002012-08-17T02:28:31.421-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thursday, 09 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 10 ½ riding
(round it up to 11, I guess)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Linc called to let us know all the service was
complete. He'd worked late to make sure both scooters were ready today. (Thanks, Linc!!) We walked to his shop and
ended up talking even longer than we did the day before. I loved listening to his stories of racing
with his mates and riding with his family.
He’s got lots of great stories.
And there’s usually a gem of a riding tip, too. Entertainment and education is a great
combination.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s Linc helping another customer. He’s a busy guy in his orange and black shop
shirt. Didn’t even have time to face the
camera and pose for a photo.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE6NHB-J0pCHNW3qpjY2wf2seJEdmU2GAHNq37ZqebYYHBXz7ozVtmxgUVL_W0PpemIpIre-SOJEEuhMt-c8uKInCJa9rJ_aSh-kSZgwFmcu-o251vY3kuu-qZhDCgVDMNz8glWt7i43E/s1600/DSCN4298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnE6NHB-J0pCHNW3qpjY2wf2seJEdmU2GAHNq37ZqebYYHBXz7ozVtmxgUVL_W0PpemIpIre-SOJEEuhMt-c8uKInCJa9rJ_aSh-kSZgwFmcu-o251vY3kuu-qZhDCgVDMNz8glWt7i43E/s320/DSCN4298.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At Linc’s suggestion, we headed out toward Port
Douglas. It was already after noon, so
there wasn’t time to do the whole scenic loop to Cooktown then inland to <st1:placetype w:st="on">Mt.</st1:placetype> <st1:placename w:st="on">Molloy</st1:placename>
and Mareeba then back to <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city>. We satisfied ourselves with a small portion
of that – just 150 km up and down the coast.
Fun, leisurely riding and world-class beaches and overlooks along the
way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NBsYUpvYPCjod4LO3fuolnmV-78rSSzOigE7oxhFLsDeimg0Wn_gyCmCCuSVMqN1eQwR9hd-CfRryAl5CXh1yr-4wihuwW96OdjTNH99fA2lzGeveTqQ4vDNZf-KVEqY8t953ezemsc5/s1600/DSCN4305.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1NBsYUpvYPCjod4LO3fuolnmV-78rSSzOigE7oxhFLsDeimg0Wn_gyCmCCuSVMqN1eQwR9hd-CfRryAl5CXh1yr-4wihuwW96OdjTNH99fA2lzGeveTqQ4vDNZf-KVEqY8t953ezemsc5/s1600/DSCN4305.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were lucky to find “3 nineteen,” a restaurant on the
beach near the pier. They had a sign out
front that made me laugh.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1JsdgsGSQcv7koMoc14l8fnFG2Nv_vds0KM9dpEbm3wYpyM2QZTfyaUGrVOKsnaaIMTvtb6bND64GwRXYYh7AygJyPhVcDFnhGnoQmHdvHoX3uw99g714rK03OzmhLHGS1f7kzhMGQ_S/s1600/DSCN4299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw1JsdgsGSQcv7koMoc14l8fnFG2Nv_vds0KM9dpEbm3wYpyM2QZTfyaUGrVOKsnaaIMTvtb6bND64GwRXYYh7AygJyPhVcDFnhGnoQmHdvHoX3uw99g714rK03OzmhLHGS1f7kzhMGQ_S/s320/DSCN4299.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By now it was about 2pm and the lunch crowd was
thinning. We were seated right away. I had crab and prawn linguini and Ian had a
steak sandwich. We both ate every bite. And then I remembered that most blogs show
the food before it’s described. Sorry.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV1B3YfUxXqixZldQwaiGn-FpYvC0-UcNwffjdTPjoZk649odW7uoNDwTSEFBdZiLOy14EMgbRSUF3p-A88TA0HsZ1SIGLQIExXQsyB-hLUfxnJHw3fnu9IJS52tZt5wG1ET4iwAaFaqb/s1600/DSCN4301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrV1B3YfUxXqixZldQwaiGn-FpYvC0-UcNwffjdTPjoZk649odW7uoNDwTSEFBdZiLOy14EMgbRSUF3p-A88TA0HsZ1SIGLQIExXQsyB-hLUfxnJHw3fnu9IJS52tZt5wG1ET4iwAaFaqb/s320/DSCN4301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’d been warned I’d better enjoy all this scenic beauty
while I can. As we head east, there will
be no more rolling hills, lush rainforests, sugar cane and banana plantations,
farm lands and ranch lands and dairy lands all would be replaced with lots and
lots of nothing. It doesn’t seem possible
but I have to believe they’re telling the truth. In the interest of enjoying it all, we
stopped at Rex Lookout on the way back.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFXhAUyIOXjkyk459-zqCbjyU9QVzhXMZ2sS1c3lEUMPRhXdoZgcOOusR28xBeJcnp6zUAX8yrHrzIX06_rddwz-sDgHWgwzR6Vu3gxZ0V1W99r71ZFQd0-BFner-Vnm8DRh9XRJ4P_K7/s1600/DSCN4314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKFXhAUyIOXjkyk459-zqCbjyU9QVzhXMZ2sS1c3lEUMPRhXdoZgcOOusR28xBeJcnp6zUAX8yrHrzIX06_rddwz-sDgHWgwzR6Vu3gxZ0V1W99r71ZFQd0-BFner-Vnm8DRh9XRJ4P_K7/s320/DSCN4314.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Very good food.
Outstanding scenery. Spectacular
riding. And pretty great company,
too. Could not ask for anything
better. It was only half a day riding
but what a day it was! Add to that,
there was none of the gear we’d been hauling.
Made the scooters light and FUN, especially in the corners. Wheee!</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-11821016729545341732012-08-17T02:15:00.005-07:002012-08-17T02:15:51.034-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday, 08 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
No real riding today – scooters geting serviced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We rode the scooters to ScootaCo and met Linc, the
proprietor and head mechanic. He
graciously spent a lot of time listening to our concerns about each of our
respective scooters. He’s is a rider of
scooters and motorcycles and dirt bikes.
Just listening to him gave me confidence that we were in very good
hands. And he has some gorgeous scooters
in his shop. Linc, if you ever decide to
sell that orange 90, please give me a call!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One other bike-related thing we wanted to buy was a throttle
rocker. It’s a paddle-shaped device that
attaches to the throttle. It’s designed
to allow the rider to use the heel of the palm to control the throttle, instead
of using a hand grip. (When I was in <st1:city w:st="on">Sydney</st1:city>, the folks at
Scooter Central included it among the recommended parts for me to take
along. I thought I had brought mine from
home, so I declined.) Linc sent us down
the street to the Honda dealer (his former employer). He was certain they’d have throttle locks,
rockers and anything else we’d want. We
got lucky and bought the last two throttle rockers they had. (Yet another aside – There’s a fellow Vespa
rider on the Modern Vespa forum called <st1:city w:st="on">Gary</st1:city>. <st1:city w:st="on">Gary</st1:city> lives in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on">Australia</st1:country>. He’s been very active in his support of this
adventure. He calls every few days to
make sure we’re ok. He’s offered to help
us find accommodations. He bought two
throttle locks, mailed them to a colleague in <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city> and and arranged to have her get them
to us. <st1:city w:st="on">Gary</st1:city> is awesome! And because of him we don’t need to buy
throttle locks. Thanks, <st1:city w:st="on">Gary</st1:city>!) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We walked from the Honda shop to a small café for breakfast,
then a stroll along the river and back to the hostel. It was a nice quiet afternoon. I sat in a lounge chair and calculated fuel
usage (whoo hoo!) and drafted a couple of days worth of blog entries. I found a hammock and snoozed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Later that afternoon, we went for a walk around town. The esplanade has a big, beautiful shallow
pool next to the ocean. I loved the origami
fish fountains. (It looks stormy but there were only a few sprinkles.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKavCWI7QXE9b0VTG0bbvps0OQNVJbtnLdCi2L4hi9exmY6RAr0eqsN7k0FvhkWcV-ITypF32aNT0OchAgM3hatRk8hFkVFje8i4JLRKaElKkoXD5CiCPqpLGi4DlYJMGYOkeryyfTiYqI/s1600/DSCN4290.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKavCWI7QXE9b0VTG0bbvps0OQNVJbtnLdCi2L4hi9exmY6RAr0eqsN7k0FvhkWcV-ITypF32aNT0OchAgM3hatRk8hFkVFje8i4JLRKaElKkoXD5CiCPqpLGi4DlYJMGYOkeryyfTiYqI/s320/DSCN4290.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IfgAsZE-1ZdefVSgBNc7BUV97ybM6ecohwZfl5ldR0peV0uh5PUf5pqZDY7qRCw7KybE40TNDlNv-TldQSKrtioAdsfwJuRdgo977HzdR7trRehRQpcZ0m9kDWqfgMWtSdgBbIp3Hzcy/s1600/DSCN4292.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IfgAsZE-1ZdefVSgBNc7BUV97ybM6ecohwZfl5ldR0peV0uh5PUf5pqZDY7qRCw7KybE40TNDlNv-TldQSKrtioAdsfwJuRdgo977HzdR7trRehRQpcZ0m9kDWqfgMWtSdgBbIp3Hzcy/s320/DSCN4292.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped at Pie Face for a nosh. They sell both savory and sweet pies as well
as other baked goodies. Who doesn’t like
food that smiles back at you?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gd_0P4Dk6cN0ZZe-lUCKF2wz6lj65qTK7O_d7TkvRPXsocT_m_MvkG-DbqdnUhm0x601nhhpaCWDpIU4exmqeMki7DLLwsF8bsqk_h8yGMK65en0I7-n5GurOVPhMk50gq4550c3ewIu/s1600/DSCN4296.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8gd_0P4Dk6cN0ZZe-lUCKF2wz6lj65qTK7O_d7TkvRPXsocT_m_MvkG-DbqdnUhm0x601nhhpaCWDpIU4exmqeMki7DLLwsF8bsqk_h8yGMK65en0I7-n5GurOVPhMk50gq4550c3ewIu/s1600/DSCN4296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Here’s their coffee menu:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrueueLzWjqzxNJgHVgkwx3o2sqyIbTvASb5R7Dvs0tNoVyuNsHr6ODrTX5Ujknmf0cALWDithCwEVNA2vAL6T6FduGb4NuRi1j6Xd78lVOYtbyayg2QufPmcTGqOIDlSl25OLA_ADswrF/s1600/DSCN4293.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrueueLzWjqzxNJgHVgkwx3o2sqyIbTvASb5R7Dvs0tNoVyuNsHr6ODrTX5Ujknmf0cALWDithCwEVNA2vAL6T6FduGb4NuRi1j6Xd78lVOYtbyayg2QufPmcTGqOIDlSl25OLA_ADswrF/s320/DSCN4293.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made another stop at the library. Ian wanted to update his blog and post some
pictures which was hard to do from his tablet.
He had to join the library to use their computer / internet
connection. I walked around the historic
building and enjoyed their displays. And
I learned that one of <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city>’ sister cities is <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Scottsdale</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">AZ.</st1:state></st1:place></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ3cB3CRo13T8eBUSUiQqynKlwZCaAazqOxWSq6xivK-RK0371zip4ihi2vyMyZU-mHV2P821q5HdcWEZj1DotydiysJFvntmR6EQpcRTUgi-_4yna6TkFQ1I5IhPSjXCYAD9_1n1LimL/s1600/DSCN4288.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPJ3cB3CRo13T8eBUSUiQqynKlwZCaAazqOxWSq6xivK-RK0371zip4ihi2vyMyZU-mHV2P821q5HdcWEZj1DotydiysJFvntmR6EQpcRTUgi-_4yna6TkFQ1I5IhPSjXCYAD9_1n1LimL/s320/DSCN4288.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVytfAbOaP6rfKMrgm5jTKEFZT8ZZ-3LR3Fmc0FM3dgZh299NaOVr6v3DGEQ9x0BZtOGDzF8UaFhyphenhyphenXN2KR8tsj8KZGCEaUz_tcK24rLzq2EWTUEW-6xtnmrDuROq4Br1JvZOMZhO9fwodl/s1600/DSCN4289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVytfAbOaP6rfKMrgm5jTKEFZT8ZZ-3LR3Fmc0FM3dgZh299NaOVr6v3DGEQ9x0BZtOGDzF8UaFhyphenhyphenXN2KR8tsj8KZGCEaUz_tcK24rLzq2EWTUEW-6xtnmrDuROq4Br1JvZOMZhO9fwodl/s320/DSCN4289.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lastly, we walked through the night market. They sold lots of tourist trinkets and
food. I was surprised to see how many
massage tables they had set up. I guess it’s
a nice treat after a full day walking through the city. I got away without buying anything. Not that I didn’t want to. It’s a little too early in the trip to be
loading up on souvenirs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped at the grocery store on the way back to the
hostel to pick up dinner fixins. No
riding today but it was still a good day.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-56253430598814423532012-08-17T02:05:00.001-07:002012-08-17T02:05:58.896-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tuesday, 07 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 10 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We put on fresh, clean clothes (ahhhh), packed up the bikes
and left Townsville. How is that we
can’t seem to get on the road before 9am?
Even with (fairly) careful planning and getting up early (kinda), we
can’t seem to manage it. One of these
days…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped for fuel in a beautiful, small, seaside village called
Cardwell. Fishing boats were just off
shore. There were islands on the horizon. I tried negotiating with Ian to stay here for
a while. A couple of hours? Couple of days? No! was his answer to both. Dang!
I might just have to move here.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnVr6vr-VWj2hZJyZ0vlN66nZkJ-gUGGoW8BPZbGS9Zt8hyOaWpqHTkOom8sqoDVGIo6dZDv3cLQ6jZH34IL743Dx4OwKvh6By52G4p_5GGGNi50LPHLHmtzDRvzuZGABiTgBaYgrGdn-/s1600/DSCN4285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSnVr6vr-VWj2hZJyZ0vlN66nZkJ-gUGGoW8BPZbGS9Zt8hyOaWpqHTkOom8sqoDVGIo6dZDv3cLQ6jZH34IL743Dx4OwKvh6By52G4p_5GGGNi50LPHLHmtzDRvzuZGABiTgBaYgrGdn-/s320/DSCN4285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdnmk-Kas8skR3kxj8JUJi2s0duty1g4uztyElQLJNlZVgVTR2b6swWRu-Yg0NJA2NB3BrQzMQOglxQ3HylqaWUSerR9__CGs0hB0IVwL25QxkAJefanIoFNl3BC4H2i1cD_Ust8BW4vW/s1600/DSCN4286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcdnmk-Kas8skR3kxj8JUJi2s0duty1g4uztyElQLJNlZVgVTR2b6swWRu-Yg0NJA2NB3BrQzMQOglxQ3HylqaWUSerR9__CGs0hB0IVwL25QxkAJefanIoFNl3BC4H2i1cD_Ust8BW4vW/s320/DSCN4286.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had another, closer look at the X7’s back tire. It will need replacing sooner than I’d hoped. Ian called Linc at ScootaCo in <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city> to see if he could
order one for our service tomorrow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found backpackers accommodations in <st1:city w:st="on">Cairns</st1:city> with room for us for three
nights. <st1:place w:st="on">Cairns</st1:place> is a nice town but I really don’t want
to spend that much time here. Or
anywhere, for that matter. I’d rather
have an extra day to allow for problems on the road / in remote places or get
back to <st1:city w:st="on">Sydney</st1:city>
a little early. The time / distance left
to travel is starting to worry me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">I’m still feeling fatigued from fighting this cold but
it is better than yesterday. Hope to be
over it soon! </span>Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-10101180347710177322012-08-17T02:00:00.000-07:002012-08-17T02:00:19.433-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Monday, 06 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 9 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The morning at our (illegal) camp site was lovely and
serene. Even with all our feathered
neighbors out and about. Here are just a
few of the many, many ducks</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2r9ilxAMK8s_BPn-CvnGhiUx18PSBzCr_I0bFW4UoufPomlJq0-hLQrPpDiGyzsL-hOKaOAP525eR1JOF6GNw3ox2s3hPPLc64mmLAOLUoKuI3K3a8Vb4n6ILekmCtDJm1xdrrT4mkgb/s1600/DSCN4277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2r9ilxAMK8s_BPn-CvnGhiUx18PSBzCr_I0bFW4UoufPomlJq0-hLQrPpDiGyzsL-hOKaOAP525eR1JOF6GNw3ox2s3hPPLc64mmLAOLUoKuI3K3a8Vb4n6ILekmCtDJm1xdrrT4mkgb/s320/DSCN4277.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was a lot less road kill today, thankfully! Yesterday’s was mostly kangaroos, a few
foxes, and a couple of birds. Today
there was quite a variety. Is it bad
that I noticed? Is it bad that I wasn’t
as grossed out? I saw an emu. Alive.
Yay! That’s one very tall bird. No chance for a photo, though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The truck traffic has been more of a problem today. The ones in our lane are sometimes difficult
to pass. And the oncoming trucks can cause
a lot of turbulence for our little overloaded scooters. There was more road construction, too,
resulting in what felt like slow progress.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These are photos from our fuel stop. It’s pretty typical of all today’s scenery,
including the tracks for the sugar cane trains.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7erqFfOJhNb3BXooDvIaTAl9m6Av-Pu-MLTG6HSeYJd0rhztrF3CwB9ufYlLLlAL5Gh07nksK7O9nxw03ouFFGQw-s-2kaFkUjb8iMOwyjVHIxE_fLr98_J-bOI5M-yfKbuQ6RnoHzmC/s1600/DSCN4280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC7erqFfOJhNb3BXooDvIaTAl9m6Av-Pu-MLTG6HSeYJd0rhztrF3CwB9ufYlLLlAL5Gh07nksK7O9nxw03ouFFGQw-s-2kaFkUjb8iMOwyjVHIxE_fLr98_J-bOI5M-yfKbuQ6RnoHzmC/s320/DSCN4280.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXHLp2qFgifkQc50S0F-AaI3gWADLyTBjNtH-mAEJWCRK4EbfHVxJUCYSje6kQU_QGYEVKZxuitC6ttltjetAoiGdhQNLOEA3kiaeJxgoqzfYI6rbWJ6j_-iRxuAhhlUu760NP3A-7-cY/s1600/DSCN4281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXHLp2qFgifkQc50S0F-AaI3gWADLyTBjNtH-mAEJWCRK4EbfHVxJUCYSje6kQU_QGYEVKZxuitC6ttltjetAoiGdhQNLOEA3kiaeJxgoqzfYI6rbWJ6j_-iRxuAhhlUu760NP3A-7-cY/s320/DSCN4281.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>We spent the night in Townsville at Reef Lodge, another
“backpackers.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIoyW9RI5I_JtpsC7bQn_zJuJRXbxbaAApLDrNoAt6mjANLW_6m_Rp0yJtzLcXDGVTKMqXk2aCDaMVVb6w4KsD7za9_03gzKGiHu5bIsOHGsnhkxBEfBbQOwxiUMBlQOoZJzle6jINM26/s1600/DSCN4283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHIoyW9RI5I_JtpsC7bQn_zJuJRXbxbaAApLDrNoAt6mjANLW_6m_Rp0yJtzLcXDGVTKMqXk2aCDaMVVb6w4KsD7za9_03gzKGiHu5bIsOHGsnhkxBEfBbQOwxiUMBlQOoZJzle6jINM26/s320/DSCN4283.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The fellow who registered us was also a rider. He let us secure the scooters in a garage at
the back. By the time we got settled, it
was dark. I started the laundry while
Ian got pizza. Not an exciting night in
Townsville. What can I say, it’s Monday
and laundry needed to be done.</span>Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-64217020303963116242012-08-16T21:57:00.001-07:002012-08-16T21:57:50.693-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sunday 05 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 8 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The birthday party ended earlier than expected. That or I was so tired I didn’t hear them
after I went to bed. Either way, I got a
good night’s sleep despite this lousy cold.
Here’s a view of our dorm room at Emu’s Beach Resort and Backpackers- second
level, on the right </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW435Ds6q7wvI_AijaKLkhr6PR0e9rsylZtVC4dKgHXLAS4kemoUZ5gEhLH-36-UZdbJiu5Vx21Bj2-t_HsatoMJFyA8s4bYU6gL2GtB9HkM3ZYB74ekNcw4b0XjPCrwPXsXrdqDcUnuh/s1600/DSCN4269.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW435Ds6q7wvI_AijaKLkhr6PR0e9rsylZtVC4dKgHXLAS4kemoUZ5gEhLH-36-UZdbJiu5Vx21Bj2-t_HsatoMJFyA8s4bYU6gL2GtB9HkM3ZYB74ekNcw4b0XjPCrwPXsXrdqDcUnuh/s320/DSCN4269.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We refueled the scooters and ourselves (yummy breakfast wrap
with eggs and sausage) and headed back to Rockhampton and on to Mackay. There was lots of road kill today. I mean LOTS.
Eeeew! It’s not just unpleasant
and sad to see, it’s also a reminder that there’s lots of critters on the
road. We need to stay watchful.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We stopped at a McDonald’s in Mackay to get Ian’s coffee fix
and use their WiFi. We looked for a campground
, caravan park, hostel or backpackers accommodations. All were full or too expensive. I was confident we’d find a friendly camper
willing to share a parch of grass for our small tents. I convinced Ian to ride the
short distance to the caravan park in Bukasia.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We rode once around then decided to park and find a camp
site. A woman followed us in her van. She was quite stern but finally agreed to let
us stay. She directed us to set up camp next
to the no camping sign. But ONLY if we
gave her $30 CASH. (She said that
twice.) The posted camping fee was $28
but we weren’t about to quibble. It was
getting late, the warning of road kill was still in my mind, and it was a
stunning location adjacent to the beach with a view of the islands in the
distance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWhiYtbJVHqXEym48S3sxsOOG_Kv1fJSMr78H1cXkV_4CicH48RyASaTsxTWu4VjfpcuveqfftODBuTmuRN8WfIf00dm_PME5exp8xMela0GqhUi6d9mlYbSUY1UFROYeRXXYtknSvGf0/s1600/DSCN4275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBWhiYtbJVHqXEym48S3sxsOOG_Kv1fJSMr78H1cXkV_4CicH48RyASaTsxTWu4VjfpcuveqfftODBuTmuRN8WfIf00dm_PME5exp8xMela0GqhUi6d9mlYbSUY1UFROYeRXXYtknSvGf0/s320/DSCN4275.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn_W7in2sYqt2tc4AKcYVSaKeega-QAr5Ib24bkkBzLsJDfCUEUsvVzRNT0GrDwMHl4wD7S4HKvjBt3_veYT1nPlFzzLeWHeUGznzcilu-jISqGTxTlRwlFJ35FT1mzoE877pncT5oOSf/s1600/DSCN4274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgn_W7in2sYqt2tc4AKcYVSaKeega-QAr5Ib24bkkBzLsJDfCUEUsvVzRNT0GrDwMHl4wD7S4HKvjBt3_veYT1nPlFzzLeWHeUGznzcilu-jISqGTxTlRwlFJ35FT1mzoE877pncT5oOSf/s320/DSCN4274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We set up our tents and rode over to the small café we’d
passed on the way in. All I wanted was
quick, simple meal and to get to bed early.
It didn’t quite go that way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We decided to sit outside. Ian noticed the mosquitoes first. He also noticed the basket of bug repellants
provided by the café. Being the friendly,
helpful guy that he is, Ian shared it with a couple at another table. From there, a conversation started that lasted
about three hours. Al and Nat were a
hoot! We relocated to a table for four
and talked and laughed about everything under the sun: bikes, biker bars, road
trips, what to see / avoid in <st1:country -region="-region" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Australia</st1:place></st1:country>,
the exploration of Mars, quilting, and on and on. Al decided to change the name of our adventure
from “A Lap Around Australia” to “The Death and Mayhem Tour.” (We’re still hoping for very little mayhem
and absolutely no death, Al.) They
invited us to continue the conversation at their nearby home but we really
needed to get some rest. Ian has a photo
of all of us that I’ll steal and post later.</span>Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-74596809802691909032012-08-16T02:21:00.002-07:002012-08-16T02:21:58.109-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The latest news as of Thursday, 16 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re stuck in Katherine in the <st1:state w:st="on">Northern Territory</st1:state>, often referred to as
NT. I’m told NT also means, Not Today,
Not Tomorrow. Which leads to the reason
we’re stuck.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian’s new belt, installed 12 days and about 4,000km ago,
broke on Tuesday about 65km north of Renner Springs. He got towed to Elliot while I followed
behind. The car mechanic was able to
remove the Kevlar threads and fluff remaining but unable to go further. Our road angel, Allen Drysdale, arranged to
send replacement belts to a motorcycle repair shop in Katherine where we were towed
Wednesday morning.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Allen sent a text on Wednesday morning saying the belts were
sent by overnight mail. That seems to be
a misnomer and the reason NT = not today, not tomorrow. The fellows at the repair shop here in
Katherine, the folks at the post office and pretty much everyone else says we
won’t be getting the belts tomorrow (Thursday).
And maybe not Friday. If not
Friday, then Monday… maybe. So why, if
it takes nearly 5 days, do they call it “overnight mail”?!?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We’re safe – that’s the good news. The scooters will get serviced in <st1:place w:st="on">Darwin</st1:place> as soon as we can
get up there. It’s only about a 4 hour
ride but we can’t get underway without the belts. And we can’t do it here while we’re waiting
because they don’t have parts or the correct sized tires. *frustrated sigh* At least there's been time to update the blog. Will continue to do so as WiFi allows.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-79315012035678992982012-08-16T02:14:00.000-07:002012-08-16T02:14:49.329-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday, 04 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 7 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We both got up early and planned to be on the road
early. It didn’t quite work out that way
though. I went to the common area
kitchen to see what was for breakfast.
Harry, a Sunset Safaris guide, was still wearing the pink, spikey-haired
wig and visor he had on yesterday. His
group was just finishing and he offered me a platter of pineapple, honeydew and
grapes. He also gave a jar of Vegemite.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN0KsheWRX_jWYHZ73hcEbUGTI5JA_yCqxkQ5tqxKiGRleNTqCG9i2VUEPSEnXLZhnDc3nAMk9DzXo36QovvlGFyszhjBBsVZfUUE5aAuN5fy75F2at6ytj-U8weCcadEXDjsRC0aTObr/s1600/DSCN4267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAN0KsheWRX_jWYHZ73hcEbUGTI5JA_yCqxkQ5tqxKiGRleNTqCG9i2VUEPSEnXLZhnDc3nAMk9DzXo36QovvlGFyszhjBBsVZfUUE5aAuN5fy75F2at6ytj-U8weCcadEXDjsRC0aTObr/s320/DSCN4267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p>Harry told us the story of how as an 11-year old German
immigrant, someone offered to make him a Vegemite sandwich. It looked like Nutella to him, so he eagerly
said yes! And slathered it on. Then he
took a bite. Yuck – it’s nothing like
Nutella. I was glad for the warning and
took a very small bite from the corner of toast Ian had thinly spread with the
brown goo for me. Harry was right; it’s
not Nutella. But, unless you’re
expecting chocolate-y, hazelnut-y sweetness, it is pretty good. Kind of salty, kind of tangy. I wouldn’t eat it every day but I wouldn’t
mind having it again.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It was getting late and we needed to get on the road. As we checked out, we chatted a bit with the
receptionist. She was also German,
although I couldn’t tell from her accent.
She told me where I could see live kangaroos (since I hadn’t seen one
yet). She also gave a recommendation for
a nice hostel in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Emu</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place> and even called to
make sure there was room for us tonight (since we might be competing with the
car rally participants again). There was
room for us (whew) so we said our good-byes again and headed north toward
Gladstone and Rockhampton.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS2XF-L4JFFZ1fJdGQHMPfwyQ-da20ki2AjDMg6HjVIEyDJ_bL3GwUdIlzAuql1fn5A64thdmCQfvfGixCXe1ci-ThvVapDo8IjoEBihVxj2Qzm741TeyUUR33jCfH_DBI8Y31alD_tgw/s1600/DSCN4268.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmS2XF-L4JFFZ1fJdGQHMPfwyQ-da20ki2AjDMg6HjVIEyDJ_bL3GwUdIlzAuql1fn5A64thdmCQfvfGixCXe1ci-ThvVapDo8IjoEBihVxj2Qzm741TeyUUR33jCfH_DBI8Y31alD_tgw/s320/DSCN4268.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ian is a good travel companion and sets a comfortable riding
pace. (He leads, I follow.) But there were a lot of construction delays
which made for slow progress. And I was
coming down with a cold, too. Ugh. Makes for less than enjoyable riding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we arrived at the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Emu</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">Park</st1:placetype></st1:place>
hostel, the soft-spoken German (why are they all German?) receptionist said they
were having a 30<sup>th</sup> birthday party that night and it might be noisy
until around midnight or so. I figured
I’d be asleep long before that with the help of a Tylenol PM tablet. As it was, I was weary and rested for about
an hour before dinner.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They served a nice barbeque with fish, steak, sausage, pasta
and a fresh crisp salad. And loads (or
should I say loaves) of white bread.
I’ve seen this just about everywhere and don’t understand it. What’s up with Australians and soft white
bread (like Wonder bread)? I forgot to
take photos. Must be the cold taking a
toll.</div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9205634397902403906.post-37999429068677766502012-08-16T02:05:00.000-07:002012-08-16T02:05:56.150-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday, 03 August 2012</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Day 6 riding</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The wild parrots I thought were so colorful and lovely
yesterday turned out to be loud and pesky this morning. Both Ian and I slept poorly due to the highway
noise and the cold. (He’s worse off than
me, I think, since I had my heated jacket on.)
The tent site was nice, though.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiqm2t85xatVMHAcjYPUsYpx6TSHolx9kuOHuUHVieB0cTkZ4exhCMWhgG2UqF_BZPirUD2PPS4JljZTwQ3GqqIFGOfWhlW2CH4fBa1mEgP5iSMbqOyn2L1DfcR3ViWjMDM4oRVTqh4ki/s1600/DSCN4246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiqm2t85xatVMHAcjYPUsYpx6TSHolx9kuOHuUHVieB0cTkZ4exhCMWhgG2UqF_BZPirUD2PPS4JljZTwQ3GqqIFGOfWhlW2CH4fBa1mEgP5iSMbqOyn2L1DfcR3ViWjMDM4oRVTqh4ki/s320/DSCN4246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
We took time this morning to eat breakfast since we’d
skipped dinner last night. That combined
with getting fuel and checking the oil level and tire pressure added up to us
getting a late start.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed through Maryborough and on to Bundaberg. Ian suggested we go to the rum
distillery. I’d seen signs for a quilt
show in the <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Civic</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Center</st1:placetype></st1:place> and thought that
sounded like fun. (The Australians have
a great reputation in the quilting world and I wanted to see their craft work
in person. I learned later that Ian
thought I was joking.) Anyway, we ended
up at the distillery. I have to admit,
it was pretty interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fIalhVCYBFlTYmRTpQmdXAm7PM2tRDy2GUDcbOhJg5XEcoJhwgmNYFtd1ayxPUPLrx5KqcafSYeLtgG2VHY396lqAJpaMJQisAvlvFnYJY0o3GU4VQdjZ9No0FVL9_hCFcV-Kr7gm796/s1600/DSCN4263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-fIalhVCYBFlTYmRTpQmdXAm7PM2tRDy2GUDcbOhJg5XEcoJhwgmNYFtd1ayxPUPLrx5KqcafSYeLtgG2VHY396lqAJpaMJQisAvlvFnYJY0o3GU4VQdjZ9No0FVL9_hCFcV-Kr7gm796/s1600/DSCN4263.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We didn’t have time for the formal tour as it was getting
late in the day. Nadine gave us a mini
tour and lots of great information on the history of the distillery and their
products. I particularly enjoyed hearing
about their marketing and logo progression.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhypp8gHmCsoII2-by0kzszvFbk7ojtaZ6egDi32rnTZmPUJFfjGRRRRkYJOE6Iu-g1ULo7qivgstWYwk0ENBwYcb8kLdiByVqmoLzvkxhSVynu8ToX7seQxgnBciaRR6NJZ2_3Xxf5JT/s1600/DSCN4249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvhypp8gHmCsoII2-by0kzszvFbk7ojtaZ6egDi32rnTZmPUJFfjGRRRRkYJOE6Iu-g1ULo7qivgstWYwk0ENBwYcb8kLdiByVqmoLzvkxhSVynu8ToX7seQxgnBciaRR6NJZ2_3Xxf5JT/s320/DSCN4249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB1ObB2M8T63aUwmqr-jMhquALSIPAoWKh4gpCbgifCrLXmjF_lXFIUSiAhtFtHdtLxnEicxyriZ2-8mTjrOJQ3n8md0-6-vgY7-tmB1Jr4amlosAnUp1vUr-1MLgwfywfNQBy5rG5U7Z/s1600/DSCN4252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNB1ObB2M8T63aUwmqr-jMhquALSIPAoWKh4gpCbgifCrLXmjF_lXFIUSiAhtFtHdtLxnEicxyriZ2-8mTjrOJQ3n8md0-6-vgY7-tmB1Jr4amlosAnUp1vUr-1MLgwfywfNQBy5rG5U7Z/s320/DSCN4252.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bunny even got in on the fun with the bartender / sample
provider, Roz. We had to pass since we
were still riding.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWAxDtUkaINfUqkwhIR0KPAXPYTp5l5QAJBLN5WqyYwf3pVJImk5G0PTIXdoQgVndJUpJ-vKAJR-Y8g8MX5756617EiSR0rFuld7HCPAE5qr501mUxo62eCC9riWV0WBR8RLbMyNqHNro/s1600/DSCN4260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZWAxDtUkaINfUqkwhIR0KPAXPYTp5l5QAJBLN5WqyYwf3pVJImk5G0PTIXdoQgVndJUpJ-vKAJR-Y8g8MX5756617EiSR0rFuld7HCPAE5qr501mUxo62eCC9riWV0WBR8RLbMyNqHNro/s320/DSCN4260.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk-9FvVtFqRS5VKqlkTGNlQV3M8ZoVNvZNMxx1MWArx4iw-GwGwYUFXHZRfjlgjuUA0FueRDi-TNnoa5gdfSUDtnrToWGenjbLOKC1Xqfk4wEQGrNvrowBEl8dhhg6ajWljQjtSdjusTU/s1600/DSCN4261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtk-9FvVtFqRS5VKqlkTGNlQV3M8ZoVNvZNMxx1MWArx4iw-GwGwYUFXHZRfjlgjuUA0FueRDi-TNnoa5gdfSUDtnrToWGenjbLOKC1Xqfk4wEQGrNvrowBEl8dhhg6ajWljQjtSdjusTU/s320/DSCN4261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We talked about spending the night and taking the tour in
the morning. Actually, Ian was thinking
of taking the tour. As interesting as it
was, I was more tempted to go to the quilt show in the morning. We passed on both and settled instead on the
photo op with the oversized bottle.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy36LftG06_k_CyRKmka5QQ4K1uSFkMoq61SY4p0XjCNrLeAtzO1vfxtWqwn0nnbCpss0kxy_hKXvPCw4qmQqIlXeZUS4MPYdcom4uVTB_T8Nz-yEJ1o8DO0n-ztJy99pBjV4156KbaJbS/s1600/bundaberg+bottle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy36LftG06_k_CyRKmka5QQ4K1uSFkMoq61SY4p0XjCNrLeAtzO1vfxtWqwn0nnbCpss0kxy_hKXvPCw4qmQqIlXeZUS4MPYdcom4uVTB_T8Nz-yEJ1o8DO0n-ztJy99pBjV4156KbaJbS/s320/bundaberg+bottle.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">It was getting late and we wanted to get to the town
of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Agnes Water</st1:place></st1:city>
before dark. (Riding at dusk / dark can
be dangerous if the wildlife is out and about.)
The receptionist at Freckles Backpackers (hostel) showed us our room and
gave a great recommendation for dinner to a restaurant called The Tree. There was a shuttle so we could enjoy an
adult beverage. The shuttle driver told
us most of the caravan parks were full because the Camp Quality Variety Bash was
in town. It’s a car rally / fundraiser
with a lot of colorful participants so we were lucky find accommodations. The driver also gave us a few recommendations
for our dinner order. The Tree was more
up-scale than I expected, the scallops were fantastic and wait staff was very
friendly. What a delightful way to end a
good day of riding.</span></div>
Scooter Wanderlusthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08138788945082490162noreply@blogger.com0