Pine Creek to Adelaide River
When Peter rang at approx 6.30pm this evening to give his final ‘on the road’ report, the whole family were assembled to wish him well for the last day of cycling on the Stuart Highway. The phone was passed around, and everyone gave him great words of encouragement. We are all anxious that this great adventure end safely, so we urged him to ride safely into the much denser traffic as he approaches Darwin.
Today was very hot and humid, as Peter road the 117 kms from Pine Creek into Adelaide River. He was really enjoying the very beautiful tropical scenery as he rode along, with lush palms and the mountains off to the left. He said it’s the most beautiful country he’s ever seen. Maybe it is, or maybe it is the stark contrast to the flat, low, brown (boring) scenery that he has spent so many days riding through.
He stopped for a drink at Hayes Creek, and was surprised to see that the petrol bowsers were painted up as Jack Daniels Whiskey bottles!
On reaching Adelaide River, Peter went to the War Cemetery where there are 407 graves, all casualties from World War Two. There is a special memorial to the nine Australia Post personnel who lost their lives in the war. When we get back from Darwin, we’ll put some extra photos up on the site.
Peter said the pub at the back of the motel is magnificent!!! But surely, anything would be looking good, after what he’s been staying in!! After a day on baked beans and dried fruit and nuts, he was particularly keen to order the Barramundi and chips.
Today on the road Peter met four cyclists who were doing the Darwin to Adelaide River return trip in preparation for a new International Cycling Event to be held soon – The Tour de Timor. They thought the heat would help them prepare for the gruelling event.
After another night of not sleeping well, Peter said he really feels though every last drop of energy has been spent. So as we all said to him ‘You can do it. There is coffee and cake awaiting you in Darwin.’ Also of course the family, who is flying up to be there to welcome him over the finish line outside the Darwin Post Office.
Now only 117kms to go!
