By then the riders had overcome the initial soreness and were getting used to the daily routine of coffee, pack up, ride, lunch, ride, set-up, dinner and bed. Having the extra horses meant that they could be rotated as needed to avoid soreness and we also rotated riders and support crew, and had riders join us for short periods as their own schedules allowed. As we got further from home, we were mainly reduced to our permanent team of 5; 4 riding and a driver for our Woop Woop Wagon.
As we headed south, we passed through more and more little towns and villages along the way. The further we went, the friendlier they got and we had a great time meeting many locals along the way. These little towns welcomed us, and our clean water message warmly. When Wollemi National Park was closed due to bush fires, it was local knowledge and generosity, as well as the advice of the trail coordinators, that enabled us to navigate a detour through the Bylong Valley, to Rylstone, then back onto the BNT at Glen Davis. The people we met along the way restored our faith in the Australian Spirit and we made many friends along the way.
The Trail though tough in places, is worth every curse and temper tantrum along the way. With glorious views from high mountain peaks, and hidden gullies that take you back in time, we saw places and experienced things we would never have otherwise. It fills you with awe of this beautiful country we live in and for us also with fear as to what the future may hold if the mining boom is allowed to continue unabated at the detriment of farmland and the environment.
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"Bridge crossing near Georges Junction"
"The Woop Woop crew at Parliament House. Sam Conderman, Mick Franklin Brendon Lavis, Marnie Conderman and Donna Franklin"
Lock
The Gate
To coal & gas companies
Love Thy Horse Magazine 14