Stray Tag-a-long Tales: Houston: we have lift off!

Yes we have started the epic journey across our continent, all 118 kms of the first leg.
Nervous tension was felt in the camp early this morning with bags being repacked and thrown into the trailer, (you will see what I mean), or was it the frosty morning that had people on edge. Maybe it was the Adrenalin flowing through the arteries, but everyone was buoyant and ready to roll out of town.

Are we packed yet?

The morning run was 'interesting' to say the least and I'm not talking about the riders, we left them to their own devices to get of Perth with the van people taking to the highways and byways. A few missed turns but eventually we found ourselves out on the clear open road in amongst trucks, cars and other various vehicles.

Now we're packed!

We only had 45 kms for the first break for morning tea but the hill getting there was a real heart starter - (or killer depending how you viewed it) and I am talking about the riders this time. They had to climb about 600 mts in about 5 kms: solid going. No doubt the legs were burning and the concentration fierce as they tested their physical and mental aptitude up this hill but they all made it, even if Nick Stray went sailing past the stop and cruised another 3 kms down the road only to have to turn around and come back.
Maureen the consummate organizer had morning tea in abundance with the lollies proving very popular to top up those energy levels.
On to Lunchtime and once again all was good with the van people setting up a healthy arrangement of different food stuffs for people to choose. Unbeknown to us though the group had a minor dissension leaving the last stop with the group splitting and coming in two different routes; the first group arriving a good half hour before the others. Never mind I'm sure there will be kiss and make up over a stiff drink or two tonight (hopefully).

And we are ready to go!

Onto our last stop and this was to be our home for the night: Northam. Once again poor Nick S, concentrating on the white line didn't see the turnoff to the caravan park so did a 'scenic loop' of the town before arriving into port.
As a side issue (again), no I haven't convinced Ray to use the UHF but I'm working on it "Good Buddy".

Mandy had the first puncture of the trip, so it was a tad frantic on the side of the road changing tubes only to find the second tube also had a hole in it! Thanks to Frank who had also stopped to help out had a spare tube so at least Mandy could continue. There was NO WAY she wasn't ride into town!
Well tea is about to begin so with that I'll post a few fun photos of the day and say adieu for now.
PS - the reference to Houston is to celebrate our token Yank with us - Welcome aboard Robert.