Denham - 7588kms in the Bank.

Dearest Intrepid Reader,

People have opinions, they have their world view shaped from their experiences. I love to hear them, I welcome the alternate view point. I like to let it stretch my thinking.

Some thoughts have been, we are doing this to quickly. We are still working so we have responsibilities that only allow a certain timeframe and guided our planing for this trip. We also miss our dog very much.

Our experience thus far, has been that our pace brings a certain magic and wonder to the experience. Before our eyes the country side changes, the days get shorter, the weather gets hotter then colder. We were just there and now we are here. The experience for me is bringing understanding of Australia. How vast it is and how it all links up and fits together. We push on each day, because this is about riding around Australia while we still are able. We study the flat map at night to plan but also to understand where we have been and where we are going next. That’s not easy for me. I am very geographically challenged and sometimes I get lost even when I am following the MOTH. I don’t get put out in front of the group very often.

Our pace seems right to us right now. We are learning about ourselves, about our bikes, about riding and about Australia. Mighty fine!

We have now passed the, Tropic of Capricorn, twice on this trip. Once at Rockhampton Queensland, and today just out of Coral Bay in Western Australia.

The Tropic of Capricorn is one of the five major circles of latitude, marked on maps of earth. Its latitude is currently 23.4361 degrees south of the Equator. It is very gradually moving north wards at a rate of 15metres per year.

The Spire marking the Tropic of Capricorn in Rockhampton.

The road sign marking the Tropic of Capricorn out side Coral Bay Western Australia.

Are we halfway? Geographically, looking at the map, that may be so.

Measuring by the number of the kilometres, maybe not quite. Either way pretty cool. For the Loveliness and I and for Jenny and Rubilicious, this is now already our longest ride. The MOTH and John have both ridden further.

We left at 7.32 this morning from Coral Bay. It was a very cold pack up in the dark at our unpowered site at the Ningaloo Bay View Caravan park. We did feel grateful to have a site, as once again many people were waiting to go into overflow areas after 3pm. We were very warm even with no power, as our bed is in its own canvas bag inside the camper. So once we are inside the canvas bag it stays warm. However any more camping does have to be at a powered site. It’s time for the fan heater and electric throw rug.

I also used my heated gloves and merino glove liners this morning, so my hands did not freeze. It was 9 degrees, however my belief is that it feels 10 degrees colder on the bike.

Our first stop was of course a road house. Miniliya Roadhouse. They had great coffee and a confused Peacock who was showing his stuff to a few Guinea fowls, who could not have cared less about him.

We are now in the Gasgoyne Region. This area includes the Coral Coast and two world Heritage areas, Shark Bay, where we are now for two nights, and Ningaloo Reef.

Shark Bay

We called in on Carnarvon, I was actually so happy to see bananas growing. It made me feel not so far away from home.

Carnarvon Space and Technology Museum . Celebrates the role Carnarvon played in the early Space Program. This includes the NASA, Gemini, Apollo and Skylab missions.

We crossed the 26th Parallel twice today, and remain in the North West tonight.

The 26th Parallel is a line of latitude that divides Australia from east to west. It is 26 degrees south of the earths Equatorial plane. It begins at Shark Bay in Western Australia and becomes the boundary between South Australia and the Northern Territory.

We are now at Denham, the most Westerly Point of our journey. We can not get out to Steep Point, as it is not a suitable road for our beautiful rides.

We are all sharing a two bedroom apartment on the water for two nights. We will have a rest day tomorrow, catch up on washing and also visit Monkey Mia.

Jenny and I prepared pasta bake and vegetables for dinner. We were all very hungry after 580 cold kilometres. The MOTH, poured the drinks, he is far too generous.

It was great to sit around the table at our home for the next two nights, share our experiences on the road today and plan again for the next few days.

As you ride out to find the way, the way will appear.

Until next time,

MOTH and LOL

Fuelling up at the Overland Roadhouse before turning to ride down to Denham.