Day 4 Chigwidden Dam turn off to Hawker,  41.48km, 2.46:47, max speed 38.16, 247m descent, 295m ascent, 17.8 degrees C 2kmh NNE wind, left at 9.33am

The clocks went forward an hour overnight so that why it appears a late start. Plus we had to drive to Hawker 26km then another 26km ish to the drop off point. I'm looking out for the old railway mound where I had lunch yesterday and the hill formations to make sure we have not driven past. Once I see the mound I ask my brother to slow down and soon enough i see the track. It would be so easy to miss if you didnt know what you were looking for. 

Off I ride and 100m along is the first gate, star tof many but most are open today. I stop off at the dam and check out closer the ruins that were there. From there its mostly flat dirt track past water tanks for the sheep(I think as I dont see any though). Along way up closer to Mt Little a group of 4wd are on a tag along adventure. I pull over to allow them to pass and they all ask RU alright, Yes is my reply. I see a couple of cyclist who I thought were doing the Mawson but they turn off without gear towards Elder Range to look at some ruin or dam or something. The Elder Range has been on my left the whole way today until it stops at Mt Little and the Mayo Gorge/creek/river.

I enter the station, another gate and head up climbing on two legs a hill to get some drone action and photos. You follow some markers every 30m or so but its very steep. I could have gone further but decided I have had enough exercise and head down. 

Off again on the bike I pick up spped and go past the turn off on the left, I read the sign Mawson Trail but not the arrows telling me turn left. I check out the GPS which is useless and the maps before heading back to the sign and seeing what its all about. Sure enough its telling me to go left, through another gate to Wonoka Station. The track follows the power lines and then becomes rough and steep. I have to hikerbike this until the top. Once on top its fairly flat and the landscape has changed quite differently to a barron treeless plain. So far I have experienced the trees and bushes but up here its different, I think overgrazed but it appears it might not get as much rain as other parts.

Some drone action again then some more gates then onto Wonoka Station road. I check out the rubbish dump of old cars but no HR Holdens there to spot. On a few more dirt roads occassionally coming close to the main road it seems like I'm coming into Hawker the long way. Off to the Caravan Park to meet up with my brother and wife. I set up the tent and hungry as head to the cafe for it to close its kitchen at 2.00 so only an iced chocolate. The shop is also close don this public holiday Monday so walking back via the petrol staiotn I pick up a can of baked beans for tomorrows breakfast.

The CP has a great kitchen and as we are right next to it I get all the electricity for the gadgets and have plenty of cups of tea. I sort out my bag system on the bike as I'll be taking everything and I sort out the food. It takes all the afternoon and evening to charge up everything and even the morning.