Leaving Laverton

Apprehension describes my mood at the moment. I try not to write about my apprehensions because some people at home are already nervous enough as it is. But that is my current mood. Not that I’m worried I will perish. I’m worried that I’ll be lonely.

I am currently spending a few days here in Laverton, resting. Laverton is the end of Leg 2 of my planned route (finished Leg 2 already? Oh my!). Leg 1 (Perth to Kalgoorlie) has been fun, filled with awe of seeing a new country and having joy in meeting its citizens. It had a more “civilization” feel. Leg 2 (Kalgoorlie to Laverton) turned more desolate as the population thinned out and the towns became tinier and rustic. The scenery became more mundane with less pictures to take.

My plan, at the end of each leg, is to spend a few days to rest, which is what I’m doing now. But beyond that, it is also a checkpoint for my bicycle, where I perform any necessary maintenance to keep it running, check supplies and restock as needed, and reassess the next leg and its riding requirements.

In a few days, I will be starting Leg 3, the longest water-less stretch of my journey. At the end of this leg is Yulara and the iconic rock Uluru. The whole leg will take me close to two weeks, with 4-5 days of nothing between food and water sources. So a careful check of my gear and supplies is in order here.

Wi-fi access had been weak during Leg 2, and I expect it to be worse in the next leg. Even now I am relying on data access through my phone rather than any available wi-fi access point. I will probably be out of internet range for over two weeks, so no news might be coming from me for a while. The only check is the GPS real-time tracking map, so go there if you want any updates as to location.

Physically, I have no concerns about making it through to Uluru in two weeks. The loneliness is what I think I’ll face. Even though I am an introvert by nature, interacting with people gives me the fun in a journey.

But then, this is what a pilgrimage is about about: spending time within yourself. I knew this before I even started. So onward I go. See everyone in a while.