Denmark to Walpole - 73kms

A bit of a slow start as I get into the swing of the ride. Did not leave until 8.00am and was going to be another hot day. A nice ride through forest to start with, and then through varied terrain. I stopped off at a great little shady spot with a chicken wandering amongst the cyclist. The chicken ate half my of my peanut butter and jam sandwich before taking off for tastier pickings. It is such a hot day. Lunch was in a welcome shady spot at Tingledale (how cute) and the locals has a fantastic spread. I had an ice cold strawberry milkshake. Unfortunately, my cycle shoes have turned ferral, and everytime I walk in them, they rub my achillies. So I am now sporting two giant red raw spots. Luckily the shoes are fine when cycling, except my feet are losing circululation and feel like they are on fire - a common problem.

The after lunch ride was really not fun. The temp was up to low 30's and lots of open terrain to cycle through. I could feel myself getting mild heat stroke which shivering and nausea, so I stopped in the shade every 5 kms and rested for a few minutes. One woman was badly affected so we hailed the police and the medic to attend to her. Finally at camp - set up the tent in the baking sun and retired to an ice cold shower - I feel human again.

Tonight I am off on an evening tree top walk in the tingle trees - should be fun. Tomorrow, Walpole to Shannon River (a ghost town) 65km so I won't be posting from there!