Day 18 - Boulia to Sulieman Creek

Well rested from our stay at Boulia (top marks to a town that has made a real effort on their little village) the team set out for another 110km day at the office. The change to road tyres felt good with less resistance against the tar, and we made good time in the stillness and cool air of dawn. We've all grown to love this time of the day, and spirits are always high as we roll out of towns before they awaken.

Despite the sealed surface, the road is effectively single lane and the dreaded road trains (3 semi-trailers all linked and 50 meters long!) are becoming more prevalent. There's no room for cyclists when these beasts are moving through at 100km/hr. As a result we're more vigilant and no more cruising on deserted roads with i-pods tucked in our ears!

It was also a delight to see the countryside coming back to life. The vast, flat and desolate expanse we've been traveling through is now gradually giving way to some shrubs and trees. The horizon is also starting to be dotted with small hills which we haven't seen since we left the Flinders Ranges some 15 days ago.

Reasonably uneventful riding, but we did pass by an enormous wedge tail eagle that had been hit by a truck. Very sad to see such a magnificent bird killed, but it was an opportunity for all of us to see the scale of these animals up close. The wingspan was about 2.0m across and talons that would certainly look terrifying if you were a small marsupial glancing skyward for the last time ...

A solid 110km day knocked over by about 2.00pm. Alan and Julie found a great campsite beside Sulieman Creek with a billabong that provided a well-earned swim for everyone at the end of the day. The evening was topped off with another delicious meal accompanied by fresh bread cooked in the camp oven over an open fire.