May 4, 1997

TABLELANDS

The weekend was spent being part of a race support crew with Paul. We were the spectators as Henneke and Colleen rode in a three stage road cycle race in Atherton Tablelands. Its always great to be on a winning team with Henneke taking first place. The real hero was Mom for enduring the pain over and above her limits and placing a respectable 16th.

May 10, 1997

TRINITY BEACH

I have been relaxing with the Geysens in Trinity Beach. My itinerary has changed considerably. The Aussies have been too good to leave. I now intend on staying in Australia until early November. The reason for this sudden change is I have accepted a part in a 68 million dollar movie. The job is as an extra in "The Thin Red Line,". It is a World War II film starring Sean Penn.

The journey is about where you are. So, I will give daily updates from behind the BIG screen. Hopefully, I can provide the readers with some inside information on life in the movies. Other than autograph seekers I am welcome to input-leave me an e-mail. The film is due to begin in early June.

Stay tuned for more details. G'day, Tim.

May 16, 1997

CAIRNS, AUSTRAILIA

Chilling with my dive buddy, David Biggelaar, in Cairns. Doing some R and R in town. Tonight I will go party at the Woodshed with my dive class. See ya.

May 17, 1997

MAREEBA

I actually rode my bike today. The Geysens have allowed me to store my gear at their house. After another enlightening conversation with Colleen, I packed my bike and rode up the Great Dividing Range towards the Tablelands. This area is not visited by many, however it has a unique beauty. The Tablelands are the start of the outback in Northern Queensland. Basically, the outback extends from this plateau to the other side of the country. I intend on visiting some small outback locations over the next week. I set up camp in Mareeba in the Botanical Gardens. A few locals advised me of this SWEET spot. The Gardens have a nature walk lined with native trees and information...and on this night one bike rider. BACK ON THE ROAD AGAIN!

May 18, 1997

DAVIES CREEK

I explored two waterfalls and flowing creeks outside of Mareeba. The first was Emerald Creek Falls. The Falls were accessed by 10 km of rolling unpaved territory followed by a 2 km hike to the top of the falls. The view was worth all the effort, a spectacular panoramic vista of the Tablelands. The second stop of the day was at Davies Creek National Park. This would be my resting spot for the night. I camped along side the rushing creek for a relaxing nights rest. The water in the creeks make for some mighty fine drinking water. Some yuppies pay big money for it. Remember, give a hoot and don't pollute.

Happy trails, Tim

May 19, 1997

DAVIES CREEK/DIMBULAH

In the morning I went for a skinny dip on the top of Davies Creek Falls. The crystal clear water had a strong current. With some caution I enjoyed my morning swim. Then some tourists arrived. Good Morning! I spotted the intruders coming and prepared myself.

By dusk I had cycled some 70 km in the southwest direction and found myself in the town of Dimbulah. The town is populated by 500 and elevated at 450 meters above sea level. A couple working at the Shell station offered me some evening tea. The chow was some hearty spilt pea and ham soup. WOW! I had gas that could have powered a NASA Space Shuttle into orbit. The couple did provide me a location for a free campsite adjacent to a creek. Luckily, the park contained a outhouse. Sweet Dreams, Tim.