Day 7 - 23 May - Old Laura to Hann River Crossing - 83 km

6.00 am Tony says "I'm bored" so out of bed and packing up. As we headed out we went and had a look at the old Laura homestead.  It might be hard to tell from this angle, but I think the old car in the foreground is an SLR 5000.

On the road by 7.30 am. reached New Laura Ranger Station (25 km). Had a banana and pushed on. Met Head Ranger also Tony on road. Had a quick chat and he was happy for us to proceed past Lakefield even though that end of the park is shut.

Rode on to Lakefield a further 33 km. The head office for Park was a very nice set up. 

We helped ourselves to water as no-one seemed to be around and left a note for the ranger. We sat on the verandah in the shade to have lunch when a female Ranger turned up. All the rangers we met were very helpful. We has a good break here and set off again at 1.00 pm.

 The riding had been dusty and dirty, as can be seen from my feet.  One for you Dave S.

 The Lakefield track was closed to all traffic because the rangers did not want cars and motor bikes chewing it up.  They said we could ride through because we would have minimal impact.  Great to get on a road without cars.

 We saw a sign to White lily Lagoon and went and had a look.  Glad we did because it was one of the hightlights of the trip.  As we went on we saw a number of similar lagoons with lilies in the middle on nowhere.

Hann Crossing was another 25 km, quite a slog. took 2 hours as it was hot.  Hann Crossing was a welcome sight and we were happy to wade in the cool water keeping an eye out for Mr Crocodile.  Big river crossing at Hann River and there is a croc there although we were happy not to see him

Did see a goanna that allowed Tony to get up close to photograph.

Stayed the night at the Hann River Crossing toilets.  Great to have some steps to sit on and a real dunny seat.  For dinner we had spiced pumpkin soup, sardines in red sauce and Continental Pasta with Sour Cream and Chives.   

Road surface was mostly gravel and clays, there were patches of rocky surface and sand but generally very good. It was also flat all day so we were able to make good progress. Musgrave tomorrow!!