Day 230
Preparing for a long day, we ate our breakfast under the morning star and were packed by sunrise. We weren’t sure how we would feel so we decided to play it by ear. If we got to Threeways and were exhausted then we would stop at the roadhouse, but if not we would continue the extra 25 km to Tennant Creek so we could restock. The wind continues to blow from the SE and we were wary about what we would be heading into when we began heading east. Nevertheless the wind was in our face all day, but a little aerodynamics and air in the tires goes a long way. Cher’s achilles was beginning to ache and although we were tempted to stop at Threeways, we were more motivated by the prospect of affordable fresh food. It had been a while since our last big town.
We stayed at the Tennant Creek Caravan Park, and went to the Red Rooster to get a “snack.” The young man behind the counter was surprised when two of us ordered the family size fish and chips. We devoured it. It’s best not to grocery shop hungry. We walked to “The Food Barn” and were not disappointed. Their local brand Black & Gold was cheap and delicious. When we left the grocery we each had enough to fill our panniers, if we took out all of camping gear.
That evening Cher wasn’t feeling great from our heavy greasy meal, but I finished it off by eating 3/4 of a cheesecake for dessert. With a big breakfast planned the following day and heaps of calories within easy reach we settled in for a much deserved rest.
Since Australia’s states are so vast we have broken our trips down into water holes, rest areas, caravan parks, roadhouses, towns, and cities. Tennant Creek was a mid-point for us before the crossing a vast ares with very few towns. With big meals and rest days to look forward to, it makes the vastness more manageable and so far we haven’t suffered too much.