Day  35                                  Side of road 110km north of Coen to Moreton Telegraph Station (185m)

Distance:                             75.88km

Av speed:                            13.7 km/h

Total Elevation:                  205m

Calories:                             2008 per person

Weather:                             Warm 30*c

Knowing that we had a *shortish* day ahead of us, but that two very tough and long days into Seisa followed,  we made an early start with the hope of being able to use the afternoon to get some R+R.

As we rode past the Weipa turnoff a little after 830am, we saw the two other cycle tourers whose tracks we have seen in the sandy roads the last few days. It turns out they are Austrians, one of whom lives in Mount Garnet (we passed through there about 12 days ago now.... so long ago!) and theyre also riding up to the Tip... albeit at a much more leisurely speed!

Today’s terrain was much like the last few days, with red gravelly roads and light timber forests. Interestingly, we passed through a few burnt out areas today, some of which were still smouldering. We’re unsure whether they were planned burns, however, we’re glad they weren’t blazing when we were passing by!

The only real moment of interest of the day came when Jon spotted a ‘big 1m lizard’... shocked that such things exist! Fortunately, Chris put him right on all things Monitor Lizards... just another Aussie creature that can give you a nasty bite!

About 1pm we arrived at the Moreton Telegraph Station, where our hosts have spoilt us with a comfortable permatent and promises of Spaghetti Bolognese for dinner! If only all our stops were like this!!

Tomorrow we head off to tackle the Old Telegraph Track, a well known 4x4 mecca and one of the toughest roads to navigate in Australia. It will no doubt be a huge challenge, but we hope the thought that we could be in Seisa within 48 hours will give us the energy and willpower to get the job done in just two days!