Day 32 Ingham to Innisfail around 145 kms

Second to last day for this stage of the ride. Everyone was feeling a little low this morning but as usual keen to get out on the road. Robbo had gone out in a car the night before and sussed out the road for us. He had come back with some scarey news of lots of roadworks, steep climb, no shoulders and lots of traffic. He had everyone in a bit of a panic but it is best to be safe.

We found because of the roadworks and so much control of the traffic around the works that it was a much safer ride for the riders. A couple of times the traffic was stopped and the riders were escorted through the working area. It also limited the traffic amount and the speed at which they could drive in that area. The road was rough in parts but ridable. They all managed the Cardwell Ranges without a problem due to their increased fitness levels.

Another issue arose with roadworks also occurring in the town we had planned morning tea stop, which was Cardwell. There had been a bit of damage due to one of the cyclones so they decided to redo the whole town by the looks of it. We were fortunate that a cafe allowed us to set up camp at their tables and they got a bit of business from us in return. Peter was missing the whole day today and ended up doing around 200 kms sightseeing en route and a few side trips. He keeps us informed of his whereabouts on a regular basis via phone and text.

Lunch was at the information centre at Tully. The ladies there were very helpful with information for our trip into Cairns tomorrow.

We arrived early afternoon at the August Moon caravan park- another park outside of town but with lovely big grassy area for us to camp on. Most of us decided to go off to the RSL for dinner with 6 of them having the RSL courtesy bus come out to pick them up. Really nice meal tonight and then John, Annie and I went croc spotting in the river that runs through the town. We saw lots of the buggers with the torch- we could only see their eyes.

First Million (Woody)
This southern gent will never fail ya
He'll always turn up in Australia
Where he likes to spend his days
Cycling K’s and K’s and K’s
Every yard of sweat and gears
He’s logged each night for 40 years
With ageing bones and hide reptilian
No one doubts to ride his million
It'll be a feat quite without par
And they all create a plaque in Canada
By Jerry