Left Karratha at daybreak - together with all the workers heading for the nearby industrial estate and the local mines and quarries. Luckily there was a cycle lane which took us 7km to the turnoff to the North Western Highway.
From there we saw little traffic at all.
Passed hectares of grassy prairie and the occasional mine and quarry tucked into the hillside.
No termite mounds now - or boab trees - or bush for that matter!
The rare straggly tree stands alone in a sea of golden prairie grass.
Cycled through the hills of the Helmsley Ranges on a flat road with a developing tail wind. Had a peep of the sea for a while.
At 53kms we climbed over the range and into a barren landscape where grass had given way to a plain of low lying scrub.
Crossed several rivers and creeks - all dry except for the serene Maitland River and lovely Fortescue River which was next to the small roadhouse.
No double rooms here so we took two adjacent dongas - in a sort of trailer housing 5.
So tiny - like living in a cake tin! Somehow managed to carry the trailers and bikes inside.
The people who operate the bar apparently didn't turn up today, so no wine for us tonight - just a quick salad tea, then an early bed.
Only two other couples here, in their caravans, so should be a quiet night.
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