Murchison-Lyall Nov21-24/08

Our day starts on an unusually straight road that gradually descends for approximately 8KM. We carry on on a windy rolling road.

At 28KM we stop for lunch at the junction and a rest spot. It is a lovely spot. After lunch I chat with 4 cyclists (Kiwis) that our touring for a week. They recommend a motorcamp in Murchison.

It is generally rolling most of the way into town. As the motorcamp is just beyond town, we set up camp then ride back to pick up supplies.

We end up staying here 3 nights as the forcast is not promising with rain and wind.
I visit the museum which is quite big with many antique items and information on the 1929 earthquake which devastated the area including a huge rock that crushed one house.

Although one day we stay the weather is not bad, we hear that it is pouring south of here. Although there are a number of caravans in the motorcamp, people keep to their caravans.

I chat briefly with one American lady, they are pleased with the election of Obama as the first black president.

Despite the forcast, we leave Murchison. We decide to take the more direct route to make up some time. It isn't too bad until we turn off on the junction, then it rains steady. Our rain jackets get a good trial. Fortunately it is rolling so we don't get cold on descents and get to warm up on the ascents.

It is too far to continue beyond the DOC campsite, so we have to spend the night there. The saving grace is that there is a small 3 sided shelter with a bench around the inside.

Once we have the shelter to ourselves we set up our tent inside it, there is just enough room for the tent and for us to sit at one end on the bench. We change into dry clothes and have some tea to warm up.

The rain is continuous, it would be difficult to set up our tent outside in these conditions (and the ground is soaked). That night the wind comes in huge waves of gusts, it sounds like it is 60-80KM/hour. Although the winds buffets our tent it is nothing compared with if it was exposed in the field.

Day 32 cycling 67KM
Day 33 cycling 35KM