It's July 9 and, after 10 days recovering from COVID, we both realise that it's time to 'get physical' and make a few runs towing the trailers.
Feeling a little energyless as yet, but will make each run a little longer and the trailers a little heavier each time. At least, that's the intention! We'll see how we go!!
It felt as though the tent was about to be blown away! All night long the wind blew strongly - interrupted by a period of rain! Del managed a bit of shuteye but I couldn't, with the tent howling about my ears. By morning the wind had lessened, though still a perishing head wind! We left camp at 6.30am and battled the wind. Discovered our 3rd road kill today. It was a beautiful bird- quite large (pelican size) with lovely plumage. So sad to see. Any ideas what it might be, anyone? I had heard that Cocklebiddy Roadhouse was experiencing water pump problems - no water= no accommodation. I rang them yesterday to check. All good there. Today we arrived at Cocklebiddy around mid morning. Imagine our disappointment to find that there WAS a pump problem and all accommodation, including camping, was on hold! Another unplanned camp out tonight! Trouble is, we were hoping to replenish our stores there and, apart from the restaurant menu, they h...
I completed our NZ Passenger Declaration forms this morning. Then we climbed Hummock Hill, just behind the motel, to admire the views of Whyalla. This impressive sculpture of a scuba diver is just outside our motel. Below, views from Hummock Hill. Whyalla's unique, circular jetty. The foreshore is quite shallow. The sand beneath makes the sea appear pale blue in comparison to the dark blue of the deeper water. Whyalla has a busy steel mill. Steel and iron ore from the Iron Knob mines is barged out to awaiting ships. During WW2, the area was protected by a large, manned artillery gun. Behind the motel is a tranquil park with an aviary and the biggest tree I've ever seen! I forgot to mention that, on the way back, we detoured into Whyalla's main street and shouted ourselves to a lovely coffee and cheesecake! Old habits die hard!
It's Monday 19 September. We have 2 days in which to get Del's bike fixed, get a haircut and stock up with supplies. First setback: The one and only bike shop in Ceduna sells a few bikes but has no bike mechanic and does not offer servicing! Ouch! Second setback: The two hairdressers in town are both fully booked for a month! Double ouch! Solution: The hair can wait but the bike must be fixed. Del's decided that he'll fix the spoke himself - somehow. Firstly he bought a pair of heavy duty pliers. Then he set to, removing the broken spoke and forcing the new one (bending, twisting and tugging with the pliers) until it was in position and secured. Not a perfect fix - but very close to it! (I held my breath throughout the operation!) Just needs a little tuning now. To complete the service, Del degreased and lubricated the chains of both bikes. With careful nursing, the wheel and its new spokes will last until our next bike shop in Whyalla. Fingers crossed! ...
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