The night before as we shared a meal in camp kitchen to ride together to Three Ways where the Barkley and Stuart Highways met. It was also agreed to try and get away by 7:30. A 7:30 start meant a 6:00 rise. We managed.

Everyone was in high spirits. It seemed special. The 24kms to Three Ways flashed by. A hot drink at the Three Ways' roadhouse and it was time to go our separate ways. What a lovely encounter. The rest of the day was as good as it gets.

A strong change came through Tennant Creek during the night and brought with it a howling tailwind. With the the tailwind we were cruising. There were occasional uphills with long fast descents. So easy.

Had a long break at a rest stop about 30kms from Banka Banka.

About 10 to 15 kms from Banka Banka we crossed the Morphett Creek and saw a lot of water. In what was probably our first frivolous activity we stopped for a swim. Fantastic.

Cruised into Banka Banka. What a great day.

Banka Banka is very popular. Nice people running it, supposedly the best water anywhere, and good showers. All a camper wants.

Tomorrow would be short day. A quick ride of about 60kms to Renner Springs. Pierre wants to race there. We will see. Whatever happens it will be a late start.

• 

,,,go to day 26 - June 4

P.S. The country outside Tennant Creek looked lush. Covered in grass and flowers. Several different yellow flowering bushes, but also some red and purple. At one point not far from Banka Banka the sides of the road looked like a garden.

And all the way from Alice both sides of the road, to about 6-8 metres back, have been mowed. No sign of the mowers now, although several were in action south of Alice. Seems like a huge undertaking.

The country is undulating, which at times gives an expansive view. There isn't the sense of being hemmed that was often felt in South Australia as we negotiated seemingly endless uphills.