Got going early as hoped and made fast time to Wauchope; pronounced walkup according to the guy who owned the place. But the name was a nuisance. He wanted to change the name of the place to Devil's Marbles Hotel. the Devil's Marbles were about 18kms north of Wauchope. The proposed name was already registered.

What a contrast to Barrow Creek. Neat and tidy, almost flash. Espresso machine even. The gardens were well cared for. Nice table and chairs in the dining area. Tables were set.

The owner was in his 40's and he thought Barrow Creek was a disgrace. Lowered the standard of the whole highway. He knew the owner of Barrow Creek and said he'd had it for 20 years. Reckoned he was going to make him an offer for it next year.

It was a generous breakfast.

Slow going after brekkie. Bad road surface and it felt like the wind had turned around to be in our face. Then just as quickly things changed again. Tailwind and good road surface and speed was up.

Rode past the Devil's Marbles without stopping. Interesting enough and more of them than I realised.

Made good time for the rest of the day, although my feet were quite sore for the last 30kms or so.

Making Tennant Creek in 4 days felt like a significant achievement.

Booked into a caravan park on the northern edge of town. Got a cabin for two nights. Luxury.

As well, the two trikers we had been hearing about and expecting to see on the road for the last couple of days were camping there. We saw their trikes, but they weren't around. Had showers and went across the road for tea. Came back and the trikers were outside the cabin checking out our trikes. It was agreed we would get together tomorrow.

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,,,go to day 24 - June 2