Date Published: 06 Nov 2010 2:54pm
Author:Jan Russell
Blue Team had a well earned 'sleep in' on Saturday morning as they didn't have to leave El Arish until 7.00am. Their hosts, Ace and Paul, were very friendly and hospitable and even came out early in the morning to wish the team well as they headed off. Riders Dave and Dick set the pace with strong tail winds which turned into a strong head wind later in the day. Blue team pedalled into Georgetown at 7.45pm and were warmly greeted by the motel staff - and plenty of even friendlier cane toads that had to be constantly chased out of the bedrooms. Rumour has it that an anonymous member of the blue boys kissed the prettiest looking toad in the hope of it turning into a fairy princess. Alas! No such luck...
The landscape continues to change and those in the team who have not yet experienced the glorious outback have been astounded at the beauty of the scenery and the wildlife; plenty of roos, a few emu and a variety of cattle - especially big Brahmin bulls and cows - along road verges and out onto the road itself. The countryside has become drier than over on the coast, but still very green and lush after the recent torrential downpours. The boys came across their first outback cattle grid today and had to dismount and gingerly stomp over it in the bike shoes and cleats.