What a great bush camp that was. Most people are really glad we stayed on the itinerary as we had the best display of stars last night with satelittes and shooting stars. The sky was just so clear and a lovely cooling breeze kept all signs of mosquitoes away. Bob was woken by dingoes fighting around near his tent, Chris didn't hear them but thought it was more likely wild cats but we want to give Bob his dingo story.
This is Robbo's last day with us on this ride as he is catching a train tonight to meet up with his family back on the coast. So needless to say he was up early as usual, packing and unpacking although he is very methodical is our Rob and I'm sure he didn't leave anything behind. We are going to miss him and this will be my first trip that he will not be with us and I will have to set the alarm each morning to make sure the water is boiling as the riders have got used to that service and take it for granted. I will also have to be careful not to cook too much as I have always depended on Robbo to finish any leftovers for me. But I must say we have some very big eaters on this trip so I'm sure leftovers won't be an issue.
This morning was also a partial eclipse of the sun and Peter has come prepared with a special lens or cover for his camera and glasses so we can look at the sun. He was staying behind at camp until the eclipse is finished and then riding on his own unsupported for the day. There were a few grey nomads staying at the rest area and they were very interested in looking through Peters glasses.
The group had a head wind today so progress was slow and when we came up to Theo he was vomiting. He had been feeling unwell for a couple of days and this morning after about 30 kms he lost his breakfast and anything else he tried to swallow. He had broken out into a cold sweat by the time morning tea was over and so we took him into Cloncurry hospital to see if they could help him. He had some bloods done which showed no dehydration but they felt it best to give him some fluids IV anyway just to make sure and some anti-emetics to stop the nausea. He has been admitted but is much better and has a bed for the night. We will pick him up in the morning and reassess his ability to ride tomorrow or wait till after the rest day, Theo wants to ride but it may be better for him to have another day off so he can continue on the rest of his journey refreshed.
The caravan park we had booked also had a name change so there was a little confusion when getting into town. Some complaints about the camping area as the caravan park has mainly been taken over by the mining and most of the camping area has disappeared and they no longer take campers but as we had booked about 12 months ago, they decided they needed to honour the booking. Some of the riders may have preferred we hadn't kept them to the agreement because it originally was looking bleak. Once all the tents were out and the complaints had settled down, then the camp was pretty good. The camp kitchen was great, the showers were clean and the laundry free. The best part was the meal deal in the miners dining area. $25/head for as much as you can eat and we were also able to take salad or hamburger for lunch tomorrow, fresh fruit, scones, etc were all take away. There are a few sore tummies tonight due to over eating. The food was fantastic. I was able to get a children's dinner due to the fact I'm on a diet and that only cost me $10.
I think some of the riders are starting to become tired from being out on the road and I know some are not looking forward to the 3 days of long riding after Mt Isa. We know it's going to be a hard stretch for most of them, especially with nothing being out there and them having to have 2 bush camps in a row. They signed up for this knowing this was the case and we would change it if we could but it's just not possible so we can expect a few more grumbles until they get past this section. THEN they will turn around and think, "Gee, if I can do that then I can tackle anything". I'm sure they will wonder what all the fuss was about afterwards. We will just have to weather the storm with them and try to do the best we can. It just makes it unpleasant for everyone else if they keep dwelling on the same thing all the time.
Anyway, tomorrow is another day of riding and then a rest day. I hope tomorrow's camping ground receives a better response from the few who weren't happy tonight.
What a great bush camp that was. Most people are really glad we stayed on the itinerary as we had the best display of stars last night with satelittes and shooting stars. The sky was just so clear and a lovely cooling breeze kept all signs of mosquitoes away. Bob was woken by dingoes fighting around near his tent, Chris didn't hear them but thought it was more likely wild cats but we want to give Bob his dingo story.
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