Stray Tag-a-long Tales: Wind, 'bloody' wind!

Today was a hard day at the office as the strong northerly came in early this morning and is still with us as I write. Wind top speed I recorded via 'Willy Weather' was 37 kms with gusts up to 55kms! Riders - not so fast today.

Morning assembly at the park - 7:00am Renmark

The bridge out of Renmark. Riders had to go through the middle!

Now sometimes as you will no doubt appreciate we have sung the praises of the wind but alas not today as it tossed riders and support people sideways, sometimes into traffic which was once again an interesting time trying to navigate. Most people were polite, but as we entered Mildura some 'persons' became a little frustrated with all our "car/truck up" calls and told us to use another channel! Why, I ask you when many times all you hear are 'F&^%&ing' swear words between people in those big monsters bearing down on us? We were called 'Cockroaches' today - that's a new one! Oh, the joys of people traveling in Lycra on a main highway!
Our new people came in late last night and joined the troupe this morning. I haven't yet met all of them, but did get the opportunity to say 'hello' to Rod. Maybe tonight I will get to catch up with the others. As they came into Renmark late last night via car, 'Lande decided riding was not her forte today and instead took the more comfortable option of driving the 'new boys' car and in her best Principal voice said "Good morning boys and girls" as she cruised past riders struggling to hang onto their bikes in the side wind.
Maureen and Sally had issues of their own with trying to find safe places out of the main wind to allow our rest stops and lunch for riders. Many times Maureen and Sally were seen chasing lids or plastic bags as the wind whipped things out of their hands and onto the road while trying to setup. Dust storms, although small for this place were spotted at various paddocks throughout the day. Thank goodness for cropping. Rain is predicted tonight here - 90% chance of 10 -15 ml, so I guess the farmers are holding their breath as their crops wilted under the sun and wind today.
Well as you may have worked out we are in Mildura for the night. Birthplace of one very famous individual one - Nicholas Stray! Yes the proud parents of Nick brought him into the world right here in the Sunraysia area. You might remember Nick started this journey with us back in Perth but due to work commitments (and to keep his parents in the lifestyle they have become accustomed, by paying his taxes) had to leave us in Kalgoorlie. Man, that seems like a long time back!
Another state down tomorrow as we leave here and cross the Murray River once again going into NSW on our way to Robinvale, so until then - farewell.