I got this ex-library hardcover from Better World Books. I've enjoyed a number of "extreme travel" books, from attempts to go from the UK to Australia by land to hitchhiking the length of Japan. Here, the author has decided to cycle around Australia, starting from Sydney, mostly sticking to the coast but occasionally dipping into the empty interior. Doing this on a bicycle seemed both impressive and foolhardy, but the author managed pretty well - though he did take his time, with the entire journey taking 40 weeks and covering some 10,000 miles. He took some time out to go fishing with new-met friends, to work on sheep ranches for a bit, and - late in the journey - to recover from a nasty accident that could well have put him in the hospital long-term. He doesn't minimize the hazards of the journey; there are parts of the country where the staffs of the few roadhouses are actively hostile to strangers, and some where the heat and wind were so severe that he couldn't even coast downhill against it. He managed not to run out of water - though he had a close call or two - and in general described a fascinating mix of gritty anecdotes, enjoyable discoveries, long periods of dismal and/or boring scenery through which he had to keep on pedaling, and spells of delicious beauty. I admit this book does not make me want to try a similar trip, even on a smaller scale, but I did enjoy reading about his adventures, good, bad, and squicky!

I left this book in this lakeside Little Free Library on this lovely day; hope someone enjoys it!

[See other recent releases in NH here.]

*** Released for the 2019 You're Such an Animal release challenge. ***