Day 28 - Southern Lost City to Butterfly Springs - 34kms
This morning I awoke to a misty day. I had a walk around the Lost City. It was pretty impressive seeing all the different rock formations in the mist. The walk took approximately 1 hour, plus a little but extra for photos!
I left the Lost City at about 9am. When I rejoined the main road it was back to its regular corrugation and sandpits. But I only had about 30kms to go to get to my destination for the day, Butterfly Springs. I arrived at the springs before 12pm. I found a lovely shady spot to camp at. I went down to the springs. The water level was low but there was still enough for me to jump in and cool down. So refreshing, it was also great to get some of the dust off I had accumulated over the last few days. I returned back to my site and made my lunch. Another traveller, Ian, came by and offered me a cold beer and some fruit. It was greatly accepted. A little later someone else gave me a couple of mandarins from his garden in Toowoomba. I certainty am not going to starve on this trip. For the remainder of the afternoon I was in the springs staying cool. Along the walls of the springs there were 100's of butterflies. It's going to be hard to leave tomorrow. |
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Day 29 - Butterfly Springs to Towns River - 80kms
Towards the end of yesterday afternoon two government officials turned up at the campsite. They were part of the census count. I was not expecting to see them out here. I got my form and made sure I have been counted.
This morning I was on the road nice and early to try and beat the worst of the heat. The road today was sometimes great and other times just awful. Along the way two different people offered to fill my water bottles. I was already carrying about 8 litres, but as it does get warm and I don't know how bad the road will be I will always accept offers. One occasion I gulped down a litre bottle in a matter of seconds! I got to Towns River camp at 2pm. There are two places to camp here. One is down by the river and the other is about a 100 metres back. I went down to the river and there was not much shade, plus the river is home to some not so friendly crocodiles. So I decided to camp away from the river. It's a nice spot with plenty of shade. I should be able to sleep easy here without fear of a croc having me as a midnight snack! |
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Day 30 - Towns River to Tomato Island - 75kms
This morning was another misty start. I was packed up and riding by 7am.
For the first 25kms the road was very poor. Lots of sand, which sometimes meant I was having to push my bike through sections. At least it was not too warm. But it was slow going. A little later the road did improve a fair bit. There was still some corrugation but a lot more rideable. I've noticed over the last few days the temperature has been rising. Which has meant I've taken a lot more stops to cool down and rehydrate. I arrived at Tomato Island at about 1.30pm. Tomato Island camp is managed by the national park. It has two hosts, Cas and Roger, who keep the place looking amazing. Upon arrival I was offered cold water, coffee and biscuits. I could camp on the lovely green grass. Once I was showered Cas asked if I needed any laundry. I initially said I was fine but she insisted. So I gave her my laundry and now I have fresh clean clothes again. Later on we were chatting and I went to watch sunset down near the river. When I returned I found a sandwich made for me (chicken schnitzel) and some tim tams. Absolutely amazing people. The last few days have sometimes been hard riding, it's these things which make the effort worthwhile. Tomorrow is my last day of dirt road riding (YEAH!). Feels like I am on on the homeward stretch now to Darwin. There's still a fair bit to see though, Mataranka, Katherine Gorge and Litchfield are just some. |
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