Our rest day is at an end, and it has to said that our principal activity today has been basking in the generosity and interest of other people.

With no need to be on the road at daybreak, most of us instead got up with the sun. The exceptions were Nick and Leigh, who were up well before the rest of us to climb a mountain and watch the sun rise from the top. Nick is an expert in bugs and reptiles, and came back with a freshly collected wolf spider to show us, which inspired interest and horror in equal proportions.

After some breakfast and a team meeting, we were visited by some physical education students from a local high school and Morgan did her first of two radio interviews for the day, with ABC Port Augusta. Later, the Stuart Rotary Club came and cooked us an outstanding barbecue lunch, giving Leon a very well-deserved break.  Lunch coincided with a visit from Mayor Damien Ryan and local media. We also received an apology from Brian Elmer, chairman of Alice Solar City; Alice Springs is one of a select group of cities taking part in a nationwide program to develop solar power as a key source of household energy…just like our coming solar farm in Ballarat.

Following lunch, we explored the town a little before making our way to Alice Springs Reptile Centre. The visit began with a very interesting interactive presentation, during which we got closely acquainted with some of the local fauna (we hope you enjoy the photos of rode-ragers cuddling with reptiles…see if you can identify which are the students and which are the lizards.)  A big thanks to Rex and his staff for the experience. On the way home we did a live-to-air with ABC Central Australia. Morgan and Lucas gave a slick performance as usual, and several passers-by who had tuned in to the show actually came to the station to look at the vehicle when they heard what we were doing.

We had yet another delicious meal for dinner, this time prepared by president Mandy Hargrave and members of the Alice Springs Cycling Club, followed by a very lively discussion between cyclists on the respective merits of various forms of human powered transport.

We’re back on the road again tomorrow, and it has to be said we’re a bit sad to be leaving the luxury of MacDonnell Range Holiday Park after such an enjoyable stay. We are very grateful for the practical help, but also for the interest and enthusiasm of the many supportive groups and individuals we have encountered throughout the trip. We never cease to be amazed by the kindness of strangers.

View photos here.

GG