Short ride.

Went to bed soon after 7:00pm and somehow managed to stay in bed till 6:00am despite waking bright eyed at 2:00.

Porridge for breakfast and not a lot else. Had a leisurely start which included a coffee at the kiosk. The woman who runs the kiosk has only had it for a couple of months. She is very nice; friendly, good humoured, generous. She liked Pierre.

The ride out was quick in contrast to the slow ride in. The wind was behind us. Pierre didn't even realise when we had made it back to the turnoff. I struggled for the next 35 kms back on the highway. Hadn't eaten enough I suspect. I ate a lot when we stopped just before the 10km to go mark.

When we started again we soon coming across the 10km mark where we stepped it up. We were in Pine Creek in no time.

Pine Creek was bigger than I thought it would be.

Stopped at the general store and met Eddie Ah Toy, who is the son of Jimmy Ah Toy, who knew my father. Eddie recognised I was from these parts when I bought a salty plum and put it straight into my mouth.

Tried to eat up. Biggish day tomorrow. 120 kms to Adelaide River.

It has been quite cold in the mornings since leaving Tennant Creek. I think it is the caused by the winds from the south. Cold even in Pine Creek. I keep expecting the nights and mornings to be warmer. I am still able to use my warm sleeping bag.

Terrain is a little more up and down. Nothing like the Adelaide Hills, but more so than it has been.

Vegetation not as lush as descriptions I've read, but like I remember.

Lots of birds and bats.

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,,,go to day 39 - June 17