7th & 8th May 2025

7th May 2025

All uphill today but only around 40km worth. A strong easterly has kicked in for some entertainment so decided to fortify myself with a cooked breakfast. It seems the modus operandi these days is for cafes to do everything they can to change what is essentially a good and simple breakfast, ie poached eggs on toast. Today’s offering was ruined because they decided to deep fry the toast, the fat of which tainted everything else… disappointing. Anyhow, needs must, and my stomach seemed happy enough to convert my breakfast into energy.

Flinders Ranges

Flinders Ranges

Flinders Ranges

Well into the Flinders Ranges now. Like the rest of South Australia, everything is very dry and barren, but the scenery is still compelling and holds one’s interest. As a side note, I’ve noticed how everything is dusty. My clothes, shoes, bags, bike, and skin. There’s a permanence about it that’s unsettling. I imagine if you lived in these parts, it would be the norm, with the land permanently imbued in one’s being.

Cazneaux Tree

Plenty to stop and look at, though the light’s never quite right for that perfect photo, but in these modern times, it’s nothing AI won’t be able to sort out, when I get around to editing😂😂

The dirt road to Rawnsley Park Station was well corrugated and bony. With no rain, impossible to grade, and I assume, the tracks north will be much the same… not nice.

I ended up camping about a kilometre away from the amenities on account it was near impossible to find a flat site, and it was there I finally succumbed to wearing a fly net. The irritating buggers were everywhere, relentless in pursuit of my bodily fluids, and swatting seemed to strengthen their resolve.

I had hoped to go for a bit of a walk, but by the time the flies decided it was time to call it a day the sun had set.

8th May 2025

Enjoying the sun and Hard to get the parrots to stop for a photo

Very short day today, just 26km, enough to arrive at Wilpena Pound. Beautiful scenery and a good place to stop for a few days and enjoy the ranges.

All the space available and.......

5th & 6th May 2025

A lot of ruins between Melrose and Quorn

The weather forecast was for hot, strong northerlies and having noticed the wind generally picks up later than forecast I left Melrose in the dark, with only the little red light flashing on my helmet to indicate my presence. I need not have worried, as over the course of the 67km stretch only a dozen or so vehicles passed me 😂😂

Top L: Kanyaka Ruins enroute to Hawker, Bottom L: Old Ghan Station Masters House, Right: More Ruins

The terrain changed from generally, arable farming, to not much at all, not helped by the current drought. The occasional ruin drew my attention, as, while sad, they are aesthetically pleasing. Many of the ruins are what’s left of the original Ghan railway that ran between Adelaide and Darwin. Unfortunately, it was poorly located across flood prone arears, with bridges constantly washed away at great cost to replace.

Coffee and Quandong Cake

The wind picked up for the last hour of the ride and was brutal… I was very happy to arrive in Quorn and stopped at the Quandong Café for a large coffee and slice of Quandong Cheesecake. Just what the doctor ordered!

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santalum_acuminatum

My bed for the night

As the small campground was fully booked, I treated myself to a bed at the Austral Hotel and after my usual fare of bread and cheese.

I went and watched the projections on the Quorn wheat silos. Apparently, silo art has become a big thing and people go on tours across Australia to see them….

6th May 2025

View of Melrose from Mt Remarkable Track

You would think, after treating myself to a decent bed for the night, that I would have had a wonderful night’s sleep. Sleep be buggered! I simply could not fall asleep, no idea why… Sod’s law at play, I’m sure.

Wind Graph

Well, I was awake, so took the same option and left Quorn in the dark. I’m glad I did, as it was all up hill, and with a constant northerly breeze.

Typical of most sites - my lonely tent

Wild Emus

Very open country with lot’s more ruins, which is what I needed as they gave me an opportunity to rest the legs… can’t believe I had never indulged in energy drinks previously, they are a Godsend!

Chicken Netting Sculptures

Another 70km slog and very happy to arrive in Hawker, though there’s not much here. But, importantly, tomorrow I will hit the Flinders Ranges, where I intend to take a few days off and explore the region.

Really starting to get that 'Middle of Nowhere' feeling

3rd & 4th May 2025

With head winds forecast I was on my way in the faint light of dawn, on a very quiet road. Cool again, so happy to pump the legs to get warm. Passed Stone Hut, where I enjoyed a pepper pie yesterday.

Through Wirabarra, then a break at Murray Town. Water and a Mars bar.

Break at Murray Town

Wind picked up but Mount Remarkable was in site… all too easy… and perhaps a little pedantic with the planning🤣, but wind can be my best friend or my worst enemy.

Murray Town's Pub has seen better days

Melrose, though still early, was packed with middle aged men and their mountain bikes. I noticed a fair few were ‘E’ bikes. Of course, the largest cohort was outside the coffee shop. Thankfully, not wearing the flash gear, I didn’t feel part of the ‘wanky’ crowd. Besides, when does one stop being middle aged and become old? The way my legs felt, I classified myself as old!

Should point out that Melrose is a hub for mountain bike trails on Mount Remarkable.

Campsite is cheap, only $16.00, but that’s because everything is on a slope, still, the unpowered area is empty so managed to find a relatively flat spot. Having only come across one Mawson Trail rider it’s clear that most people seem to adventure during the day, then stay at pubs, hotels, AirBnBs, and the like… how adventuring has changed. Wish I was staying in pubs, hotels, AirBnBs and the like!!!

Newspaper and a Pint

Wandered around town and succumbed to another coffee, then treated myself to the Saturday paper and a couple of pints at the local pub… it’s election day after all😊

Live Music - Melrose Camsite

Late afternoon and the campground laid on a small ‘blues’ concert and a food van. So, I mingled with the caravanners, and enjoyed a bit of live music, and a Southern Fried Chicken burger and chips.

Very windy overnight.

04-05-2025

Labour victorious. I’m okay with that, nothing wrong with a bit of stability. Interestingly, Labour were successful at home, be keen to see if that helps or hinders the Island.

A long, windy day stretching ahead with a bit of maintenance planned, beard, ears, and nails trim😂

Very small supermarket here so, tea’s looking a bit bleak. Will try the Beef Jerky I bought in Adelaide with a left over tomato, some Brie, and Ryvita… yum, yum.

200 Year old Gum in Melrose

Quiet Beer in Melrose