May 20 - Clairview to Mackay - 139 km

A beautiful sunrise to start the day at Clairview. Fortunately the 1.4 metre crocodile that the caravan park owner alleged was around had not visited our campsite

We again had a tailwind and made good speed all morning. We had morning tea at Carmila after 35 km and then pushed on up the road until Duff Creek where traffic had come to standstill. Doh!!

Duff Creek is where the water comes from for Duff beer for you Simpsons fans.

It turned out that there was an accident involving a tractor and boat. Not something you see everyday. Couldn't see if anyone was hurt. There were police on hand to direct the traffic.


Had a chat with a couple in a car while we were waiting to get through as they were interested in what we were doing.  The lady's uncle was in Europe and was doing a 7000 km cycling trip.  Impressive.


Not much further on we passed this hotel with a crocodile hanging from front. I jumped off to get a photo of Tony passing under it however I wasn't quick enough and Tony hadn't realised I had stopped. I had to jump back on the bike to chase him. Fortunately he dropped his chain a short time later otherwise I would have been chasing him with him thinking I was still ahead.



We stopped for another break at a roadside stop where this motorcycle was parked. We had a good chat to it's owner and to a very tough looking German-Australian with a mohawk and Muay Tai Ultimate Fighter t-shirt. A mean looking guy.  Tony wanted to get a picture of this guy but was too scared to ask.



By lunchtime we had covered 80 km and had reached Sarina. Tony took some pictures of some local artwork depicting the sugar industry. This whole region is pretty dedicated to sugarcane.

This picture is for the Salvos girls.

This truck that parked in Sarina is an example of the monsters we have been encountering on the road.  These are the worst ones because they push so much air in front of them. At one point this morning we were overtaken by a over-sized truck carrying a bucket for a front-end loader used at the mines. It was huge.

After our lunch, another "yardlong" Tony needed a nap to recuperate before we headed off for Mackay.

This friendly local wanted a picture of yours truly. Bit surprised  to find her wandering about the Tourist Information office dressed liked that.  I've always been attracted to women with one long arm.  Don't tell Lisa.