May 25 - Guthalungra to Ayr - 72 km

The weather deteriorated overnight and we woke to to find that the wind had shifted and our tents were being battered. We quickly packed up in the wet and wind and retired to the Service Station next door for breakfast while we waited for the rain to pass. 


While we were having breakfast Tony read a copy of "The Highway Evangelist - The Voice of the Christian Trucker - Transport for Christ Australia".  A fascinating read particularly the article "Gods hand on the wheel". The wind became less wild but the rain continued, so we eventually got on our bikes and headed for Ayr.


The 72 km passed quickly and we arrived in Ayr soaked through and set about finding accommodation so we could wait out the bad weather. We visited 2 Tourist Information sites where we were "helped" some very nice but clueless people. One moment of disbelief was Tony being asked if we were travelling by car. We were stunned that the woman thought Tony was choosing to dress in lycra as a fashion statement!







After researching some dodgy options we settled for the Burdekin Hotel as it was least dodgy. It was pretty basic and had some interesting residents (most without teeth) but there weren't many other options and we needed to get warm. Apparently it has been the coldest May up here for 22 years. During the afternoon it got down to 13 degrees but the wind and rain made it feel much colder. Being in the tropics no-one has any form of heating and the locals get around shorts and sandals year round.


The weather was still abysmal so after hot showers and warm clothes we headed down the main street for lunch. We found a noodle bar which was just what we needed.


We dried our wet clothes and spent the afternoon in the municipal library reading and blogging before heading out to dinner at the Commercial Hotel.


The highlight of the day was the Karoake Night back at our accommodation. Although we declined invitations to sing ourselves (we didn't know any Kenny Rogers or Kasey Chambers songs) we did enjoyed watching the locals some who could actually sing and some who were just enthusiastic.  I loved the guy singing and boot scooting as well.


Funny old night in this rough QLD bar with the rough locals.  None of this boutique beer or choice on tap, just VB, Carlton or XXXX.  And what was with the massive Esky behind the bar.  Everyone helpful and friendly though and everyone having a good time.