Saturday March 8, 2014

Although we were up at 6:00 am we still didn’t get going on the road until 8:45 am.  We did chat to a fella for about 15 minutes, but it seemed along time to break camp (2.5 hours).  If we want to do longer distances and get our ride done before it gets too hot then we have to get going earlier.  However, once we were on the road we motored, 61 ks in 3 hours – pretty quick for us.  Of course on our road bikes that would be pretty slow, but you go with what you have.  Todays ride was good.  The scenery was different from yesterday, although not stunning.  There was a pull-out with a camera on the sign indicating that this was a good place for photos – judge for yourself!  Maybe we have been spoilt by New Zealand.

We had three options for camping today, Policeman Point (50kms), Salt Creek (61kms) and Chinaman Wells (79kms).  Policeman Point was too early. We stopped at Salt Creek for something to eat and to ask what camping facilities were available at Chinaman Wells.

Stuart told us that to get to the campsite it is down a dirt road for about 3 kms and the campsite was very basic, which means that there are no hot showers, possibly no potable water and only a long drop for a toilet.  If we had gone on to Chinaman Wells, it would have been another 18 kms, very manageable and would have made tomorrows ride 69kms.  However, we need to have water. We decided to stop at Salt Creek, which will make tomorrows ride 85 kms but we will be able to get fresh water and start early.

We have chosen to stay in a cabin tonight, which means we can be up and on the road at first light – 7:00. Fortunately checking the weather forecast we should have a tailwind.!!

Salt Creek is a very small place.  However, at Salt Creek there had been some exploration for oil – none was found.