Having had a surprisingly good nights sleep on the gravel out back of the Cockelbiddy Roadhouse, I was up and ready to go under clear skies.

Making my way to the demountable amenities block, I hurried to a cubicle, pausing to nod hello to a nomad shaving, who took my greeting as an invitation for further discussion. Rest room etiquette, as far I as know is that you don’t have conversations with a person in a cubicle. Obviously my new friend took my occasional grunts as agreement.

“Yeah, we are headed back to Coonabarabran, you stay safe now and enjoy your ride. ”

I enjoyed the riding yesterday. At times the limestone outcrops formed geometrical lines as if they were the foundations of ancient ruins. I saw lots of kangaroos and so many birds I couldn’t identify.

About 35kilometers off the Eyre Highway on a dirt road East of Cockelbiddy is The Eyre Bird Observatory and Research Station, where up to 240 bird species have been identified. Now that’s a trip for another time.

The Nullarbor weather is a complete mystery to me. I get snatches of the forecast, but it seems to have little relationship to the reality of what I experience. Rain in the morning or rain in the afternoon? Take your pick: Clouds, wind and rain move across the plain without hindrance.

The highlight of the day was 2kms west of the Madura Roadhouse, Madura Lookout, with a sweeping view of the Roe Plains was quite inspiring, I asked an obliging Nomad to take my picture.

Madura is my last oasis before the 120km run across the Roe Plain tomorrow. I have taken on extra food and water. I’m uncertain as to what to expect, heat, sun, wind, rain or all of the above!