Distance: 151.82 km
Ridetime: 07:24:42
Average: 20.3 km/h
Total distance: 13476 km
Along Stuart Highway you will find rest areas every 70-80 km. Sometimes just a bench and some shadow. In the outback even a proper place to sit down feels like luxury. After a night of wild camping I was instantly offered a cup of coffee from a friendly Australian couple when I stopped at one of the rest areas for my morning break. Together with two big bowls of oats I was ready to face the day. I love oats – pure rocket fuel for a cyclist!
The goal today was to reach the outback pub in Daly Waters – the oldest pub in Northern Territory. After another day with strong head winds I reached the settlement just as the sun was setting. I was expecting a place with a local feeling to it, but quickly realized that all the guests were “Gray Nomads” – a tellingly name used to describe the many elderly people touring around Australia in their camper vans once they retire. Especially at this time of the year they seem to be leaving the winter in southern Australia heading up north towards the tropical climate.
Every night the pub runs a show branded “Chilli’s Reflections of the Aussie Spirit Show – 100% Outback Stralian”. I enjoyed half of the show before going to bed early. Tomorrow the road is calling again.
