Trish & Phill's Tandem TransAmerican

Tour 2003 

Jun 13 Newton - Sterling 62 mi

This morning the sun was shinning as we left camp about 7.15am  We found a bit  of a short cut on the map that gave us about 4 miles off the ride today.

We stopped at Buhlah for pancakes at 9.30am.  Every time we enter a town the Tandem attracts conversation instantly. People want to know where we are from where we are going and all points in between so when we sit in a Cafe we are open targets. It's often difficult to have a moment to yourself because the people are so interested in our story. I particular enjoy watching kids look as we ride by seeing a bike for two with a trailer in tow. These kids would not see too many of these such arrangements.

We had a tailwind that pushed us along nicely and got into camp about 2pm. The camp is another city park. This one is located next to a man made lake and there is also a swimming pool, I had a swim in the pool for about 15 minutes, it was so refreshing to cool down to the core.

The Cotton Wood tree is in flower now small seeds similar to dandelions seeds are blowing everywhere and the air is full of what would look like a snow storm to a drunken man who's lost his glasses.  

I chatted to a guy who was fishing off the jetty and watched as he caught a Channel Cat Fish, he offered to give it me to eat but we don't really have the facilities to clean and cook such a thing as wet fish, It was a good size but he thru it back in!

We cycled into town to visit the Library, whist Trish did some e-mail stuff I went and had a hair cut. WOW it is a serious hair cut. The lady wanted to keep me there chatting so just kept on snipping away. I thought I might have to take the scissors offer if she didn't stop. She really enjoyed hearing our story and I replied to her questioning as fast as possible with the briefest of replies but she came back with another question, Snip, Snip.

 As I left she gave me a box of iced donuts to take back to the camp for everyone, I got to the library and the woman said "ah you must be the guy who just had the hair cut" - I'm not sure if the town folk knew my business or the hair cut gave it away.

As I'm typing this at the park pavilion a guy walked over the road from his house and introduced himself and of course wanted to know all about our journey. He said the other night there were very strong winds and if they occurred again tonight we can just go over to his house and let ourselves in to take shelter, he will leave the front door open for us. Incredible generosity.     

Page owned & maintained by Trish Collins email to  trishphill@aapt.net.au.  Last Updated 28/07/2003