ha ha ha. The toes actually didn't look too bad because I had a pedicure in the brief time I was in the USA. Had to look good for my arrival in Africa. Ha ha

This is one of those times having a broken bike and being solo worked out. I was just planning on doing a day trip had I gone by bike. Would not have had nearly the (incredible) experience I had had I gone that route. Lucky!

Thank you Donna and glad your are enjoying it. Even though I'm always behind on my blog, it's good all the time and energy put into bring other people happiness. (And the memories and record of it are great for me too!)

Thank you so much! I appreciate that. Definitely one of the toughest days of the whole trip. Any dirt roads after this should be a piece of cake. Ha ha.

What route did you cycle in Australia? I cycled there in 2001 from Cairns to Brisbane and then from Perth to "the bottom." I would love to go back and cycle the Great Ocean Road and would also like to see Darwin.

I think in general cyclists get trusted more than the average person. I mean really, I can't carry off everything on my bike.
Ha ha. They also had someone checking in and keeping an eye on things. And yes, definitely nice to just do some reflection and planning.

I definitely was despite looking like and being a drowned rat! One of those "once in a lifetime" experiences.

Can't remember if I mentioned it in the journal or not, usually I would have sugar coated this experience with her. However, I switched all my plans to come to Africa EARLY to tour with her (and what was suppose to be another lady). It was such an awful experience with her that had lots of repercussions, that I decided to be honest and transparent about the experience I had. It wasn't like she was a person in passing that I met and didn't care for. In the end, it's all worked out for the better except for the direction. The winds have been brutal!

Well, I know you saw how this turns out. Yes, VERY controlling. Had I just gone along with her plan and not asked any questions (which she didn't even want to share the route with me) everything would have been fine. That's so not me! Ha ha.

Thanks so much! In hindsight, it's still unfortunate she couldn't have worked through things because had our friendship been what I thought it was, would have been great sharing the adventure with someone. However, maybe it worked out for the best because I've gone way out of my comfort zone and had experiences and memories created that I wouldn't have had if I was still traveling with her. Africa has turned out to not be as scary as I thought or she made it sound.

It was delicious!

I totally agree! As you read on, you'll see I've had lots of beds because accommodation is inexpensive here compared to US prices. It's worked out for my budget for the most part so I feel very lucky!

I have the Surly Troll. I hate the color though! I initially had an older model that was purple, but the frame had a defect so they warrantied me out a new one. When they told me the colors were black or white, I went with white. It's more like an ugly mayonnaise color. Gag!

Good point. It's been common to have lots of security all through the African countries I've traveled.

As long as I don't crash! Ha ha. Going fast downhill is my specialty. In part, because my bike and I are heavy. One of the plus sides is that I go faster than most people on downhills. I'll take it. Such a thrill although the older I get, I notice I am a bit more cautious than in my younger years.