Sunday 1 June 2014

We're Back!

What a way to start the day off in Kalgoorlie than to have Brad and Sue's photo on the front page of the Kalgoorlie Miner with a superb accompanying story! Feeling upbeat we all headed to the Coffee Club for a large, cooked breakfast before being lucky enough to have a Ken's tour of the Super Pit. Really doesn't matter how many times you visit the pit it's always impressive. The crew parted ways at this point with Brad enjoying the opportunity to enjoy a much deserved sleep followed by a long, relaxing massage by Gracie. Watching Gracie made us all feel very relaxed so can only begin to imagine how good it felt to Brad. 

In the evening we went and watched Railways (the team Mitch played for) play Mines Rovers. It was so easy to see why Mitch fitted in so well into the team with the tough, committed brand of footy played. Brad was asked to toss the coin to commence the game and that was the only win Mines Rovers had for the night! In the coach's pre game speech he asked the players to play with the determination Brad has had to ride across the Nullarbor. The players did not disappoint at all playing with the same spirit and commitment we always saw in Mitch. Railways produced a comprehensive 43 point win over their arch rivals to complete a truly memorable day in Kalgoorlie.

Alarms set we were all set and ready to get back on the road. I'm sure not long in to today's ride Mitch and Brad had a great chat about yesterday's events. Brad would have loved having meeting Mitch's  Railway's mates which he so frequently spoke about. Mitch would be rapt that Brad had included his Kalgoorlie mates in the ride as you would battle to meet a better group of guys. It is so easy to see how Mitch and his family fitted in so well into the Kalgoorlie community.
The 1st of the paparazzi!

Not long into our journey we were tracked down by two paparazzi cars. Jill and Gaye were returning to Mandurah after a weekend in Kal.  Minutes later along came Sue and Mark causing total uproar within The Castle and The Shack! Suffice to say Sue's method of taking photos was eye catching to say the least enough, so much so that Brad almost had his first spill in over 2000 km! The photo of the photographer has now become the official winner for the entire ride even outdoing Ken's prized sunset images!


It was with great sadness that Gracie had to leave the crew in the morning and return to Perth. It is difficult to understand how scheduled train services don't operate out of Merredin on a public holiday! Gracie, you have been amazing in support of Brad not only on this ride but also in the months of training leading up to it. Brad is so lucky to have you as his girlfriend. We now hope you enjoy resuming a normal social life as a couple. Once again, thank you Gracie! 

For a period of time we lost the spectacular Salmon Gums but gained a mob of emus and two oversized ore trays heading eas! Camp was set up in cosy Yellowdine. One part of the crew happy with their team's support, the other not! A campfire was soon cranking and once again we all enjoyed Gracie's Auntie's choc bananas recipe!

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