Day 33. Monday 19th January, 2009.

What a day it was today. Mike had a short ride today of only 58km's from Cunderdin to Northam. He had to ride through a thunder & lightening storm to get there though! Fortunately his sister Lois & her husband Dusty live half way between. Lachlan & I dropped in first & told them they better put the kettle on for her soggy brother. It was a nice way to break up the morning, so Mike rode in & we all stayed till the storm passed. Mike hopped on his bike & left first, then Lachie & I headed off after making arrangements to meet in Northam for dinner.
We arrived at the Northam Caravan Park where Beverly had very kindly supplied us with a really nice cabin. From the moment we arrived, we had a really good "feel" about this place. It is very bushy which we like & also very pet (& people) friendly. We don't have any of our pets with us and so we have had fun playing with everyone else's. There is even a pet lamb that follows Bev & her labrador around everywhere. They have a number of permanent people who live there & they all seem to have a pet of some kind. I have enjoyed wandering around the park & talking to some of the residents there. Everyone has an interesting tale to tell. This is a great place to stay.
Later in the evening we met up with Dusty & Lois again at the Northam Tavern in Fitzgerald Street, Northam. Everyone there was also very friendly, by this I mean the staff & also a couple of the regulars who we met. The place is run by Trevor & Sandy Allsop who generously supplied us with a delicious meal. It was really good, but only Mike could finish his as the servings where huge! We have had such a great couple of days catching up with Lois & Dusty. It was actually the first time Lachlan & I have met them, but I feel like I have known them for a long time. They have been so supportive of this cause & just wanting to help in any way they can.
I feel we have so many people to thank today. A huge thank you to Bev & Ian of Northam Caravan Park (08)9622 1620, another big thank you to Trevor & Sandy of Northam Tavern (08)9622 1041 & of course Lois & Dusty.
In between all this family socialising, bike riding & chatting to people in the park, Mike, Lachie & I also managed to fit in a drive to York. What a pretty little country town this was. We had devonshire tea, had a look around & then came back. Well it's off to bed now. Huge day tomorrow. This will be the last day of riding!!! I can't believe it is about to be over, the planning, training & actual trip have been a part of our lives for 14 months. I am feeling a little emotional tonight about the whole thing. I am just so proud of Mike in all that he has done. I never doubted for a minute that he couldn't do it, but I will be glad when it is over as it certainly has taken it's toll on him physically. Mentally he is as strong as ever. Tomorrow one of Mike's other sister's (Margaret) who I have met will meet me just out of Perth to help navigate me to the Perth Town Hall where the Cancer Council team of Perth & also Lisa Scaffidi the Lord Mayoress will meet us. I am looking forward to seeing Margaret again.
So goodnight for now everyone. I guess I will have a big report tomorrow night.

Cheers,

Julie.