Mackay to almost Bowen

Not much to report today. I woke up and started packing. The neighbours wanted to have a chat for a while which slowed things down but I managed to pack up fairly quickly. I think I left at about 10:30.

Rode up the highway. Only 150km. It was fairly dull. At one point a massive wedge tail eagle landed in the middle of the road next to some road kill. It probably stood 80 or 90cm tall. I was really worried it would stand its ground until the last second and take off into me but some oncoming cars scared it off.

Heaps of hawks float over the road a few metres above head height. I think they are utilising the road clearing and possibly thermals from the road to hunt in the grass. I worry that one is going to dive down and take my head off.

The weather turned horrible not far into the ride. I didn't bother with my wet weather gear but had to unplug my charging devices. I think I'll get some zip lock bags seeing as though qld insists on raining on me.

I got through the rain and it is sunny again. I was heading for a free camp just south of Bowen. I pulled in where I thought it was and was met with a sign saying "no camping, trespassers will be shot". I bet they won't be. I backtracked 5km but couldn't find the free camp. I'd say it doesn't exist. Google has done me again.

I continued towards Bowen and saw a sign for a farm stay. That's where I am now. The 4km ride from the highway was along a sandy/gravelly trail. There was one section of deeper sand where I got the death wobbles but managed to stay upright. I think I need to be more aggressive. Now I have unloaded my gear I might take the opportunity to practice a bit on sand.

This farm stay seems more camp ground than farm. It is a bit of a green oasis hidden inside the brown scrub. I'll spend 2 nights here and maybe head back to Airlie Beach or Hydeaway Bay for a day trip tomorrow.

The only other thing I was going to mention was that qld has these signs on the highway that state "Ambulance 12km" or "Ambulance 12km back". I find it really weird. The state government seems to find it very important that road users know exactly when they are 12km from an ambulance station. Maybe they are bragging. Unless you are a paramedic or the bus driver for a kids field trip to the ambulance station, I see no use for these signs. Surely the great thing about ambulances is that they come to you.