Day 7: Riding 4 Amp Camp – Mackay to Clairview

A late start was the order of the day as we had been advised we would be facing thick fog in the morning. The prediction was correct as the whole of Mackay was thickly covered to the point the airport was shut down. Departing at around 9:00am, we entered the fray of the Bruce Highway and our seventh day was underway.

Initially, there was a gentle breeze which provided a nice tailwind allowing for the first 30km to be covered in good time. We made the decision that we would stop at Sarina and have breakfast. Unfortunately, it was at this precise time that the wind changed and we were now in for another day of fighting the head and cross winds. What started with hope was quickly dashed.

The terrain was generally flat with areas of rolling hills. Beside the road, the majority of the flora was natural bush with gums or cane crops. As the hills increased, the bush became denser and the creeks that were being crossed became deeper. When looking down from the bridges, it was incredible to see the dry beds with occasional pools and knowing, should big rains come, these will flow with significant force. Looking into the ravines that have cut into the landscape, shows the force of the torrents that flow through here.

Today I was greeted on the road by a small black snake who really was not interested as I rode past, turning his head slightly, otherwise not a movement. There were occasional movements in the grass on the side of the road but no clear identification of the beasts within. Road kill out here is ever present with the majority being wallaby’s. Included in this mix have been Echidnas, Possums and a rat the size of a cat (also known as ROUSs to Princess Bride fans). The rat has become our bench mark of proof that they breed things big in North Queensland! Even writing this now we are laughing at the size of the thing. It was, as Grant says, “HUGE!”

I had a personal interaction with an eagle today. My first knowledge of it was the silhouette it cast on the road beside me. When I looked over my shoulder, I could see this beautiful creature about 20 feet above and intently looking at me. This continued for around five kilometres and I was only interrupted when the eagle would swoop around me then, out of nowhere, pluck something from the road before flying above me again. It was an amazing experience and I was in wonder of the power, control, grace and majestic movements of this predator from the top of the food chain. Eventually, it left and I last saw it soaring high on a warm current of air.

Today I saw my first Croc. It was not as exciting as I thought it would be. It was there, just sunning itself on the side of the road without a care in the world. Much smaller than I thought and not nearly as fierce as I had been led to believe. I noticed a waterhole nearby but didn’t think to usher it back to the water and away from the road. Instead, I tentatively approached it and snapped a few photos before returning to the road and on the bike again.

Okay, so it wasn’t a crocodile but, hey, no other Croc has come out to be seen so far.

Grant said that on arrival to Cairns he realised he forgot his thongs and needed to purchase some. Whilst still in Cairns, he discovered the perfect pair, the old-style foam surfer thongs with the tractor treads. Unfortunately, he didn’t buy them when he had the chance. However, on one of his daily recce’s of the road ahead, he was stopped waiting for me to arrive. There on the side of the road, waiting to be discovered, were his new black thongs, complete with diamantes. They are brand new, perfect size and he just loves the diamantes. Clearly ladies’ thongs but, hey, Grants not complaining.

Tonight, we are at the Barracrab Caravan Park in Clairview, situated on the beach with a very relaxed environment. We arrived in time to take a few photos of the water as the sun-set. A great feed of Barramundi for me and beef casserole for Grant. We would recommend this site as a stop between Mackay and Rockhampton. Very simple setting, but comfortable.

Tomorrow we are off to Marlborough, approximately 110km before heading to Rockhampton on Friday. If you are not linked to @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page, we recommend you link in there as well to follow some of our day’s events. A big thank you to those who have donated and we greatly appreciate your support. For those reading the blog who would like to donate to this amazing program for teens living with amputation, limb loss and limb difference, please go to our donation links on the home page of www.go-mad.net or via @Riding4AmpCamp Facebook page.

Until tomorrow,
Mike and Grant