Morning Gift and Farewell
The morning in Port Germein greeted me with a gentle breeze. The warmth of last night’s conversations still lingered in my chest.
“Keep going strong,” the man said before riding off toward the Northern Territory.
Before I left, a neighbor handed me a small piece of fruit, grown in their own garden. Just a simple gift—but enough to start the day softly and with gratitude.
Along the Road
My destination was Crystal Brook, about 70 kilometers away. The road felt calm, with time flowing at an easy pace.
Along the way, I passed a traveler from New Zealand. His luggage was minimal, his speed remarkable.
“I can ride about 150 kilometers a day without a problem,” he said with a laugh.
I watched his back grow smaller in the distance, then returned to my own steady rhythm.
Passing Port Pirie
In the afternoon, I rode through Port Pirie, an industrial town.
🗺 Port Pirie, South Australia — A port city known for its lead and zinc smelters. With a population of around 14,000, it is the fifth-largest city in the state. Its streets carry a distinct industrial atmosphere, a sharp contrast to the quiet countryside.
By the time I reached Crystal Brook in the evening, the air felt different—lighter, calmer.
The Calm of Crystal Brook
“This is a lovely town,” I murmured without thinking.
Crystal Brook carried an atmosphere of peace, with its mix of greenery, red-brick buildings, and quiet streets. It reminded me of a small countryside town in Denmark, and the fatigue of the day seemed to dissolve.
A Caravan for the Night
Tonight was special. My host offered me a caravan to sleep in.
One might imagine creaking windows and an old, worn-out bed. But instead, it was clean, welcoming, with a soft bed waiting for me.
The space carried not inconvenience, but kindness. Wrapped in that comfort, I quietly let the day come to an end.
