A rainy night was followed by a beautiful day. I continued along the dirt track, at times getting frustrated at corrugations. At 12-Mile Beach the track turned into a bitumen road that ran right along the coast. Henrik (from the Bicycle Transport Authority and on holiday with his family) stopped for a chat when he passed me on Springdale Road. We also chatted in the park in Hopetoun where we randomly crossed paths again. The second time he was with Phil, a Swiss cycle tourer I had met on the beach in Esperance several days ago. Phil rides a recumbent. It didn’t take us too long to decide to continue on together. We stocked up on food at the Hopetoun IGA and are now riding through Fitzgerald River National Park. I had my steepest climb yet to get into the Park but the incredible views are worth the effort. This is such a beautiful place. Phil prefers riding with someone else. For me this is the first time I am sharing my time on the road. I really enjoyed seeing another bike ahead of me as it gave me some sense of what I would look like from a distance, rolling through expansive landscapes. It will be interesting to see how the next couple of days go. I think riding with someone could distract me from my writing and video endeavours so I will have to be careful there. I also need to keep in mind that I am under no obligation to change my natural pace. Luckily, Phil is very easy going. I am so happy. The south coast here is a beautiful part of the world. I can easily see myself living down here in a little rammed-earth cottage. I am relaxed and I am sinking deeper into the travelling mentality and sentimentality.

A rewarding view after a steep climb