Day 20 Poochera to Kimba 170 kms (Mileage in question)

Cold morning again today which seems to be the norm the closer we get to Melbourne. I was once again lovely and warm in bed with my cheap $6 blanket under the Donna with me. Theo and Mark seemed to be the first up this morning with Theo beating me to the water boiling duty. It was lovely of him to take on that job for me this morning. The camp kitchen soon became very crowded so I moved myself and Collis out into the cold so the riders could stay warm at least while they have their breakfast. The day looked as though it might turn out to be pretty cold and wet all day.
We quickly packed their bags into the trailer and truck before they got too wet as the rain started pretty well straight after the last rider took off. It wasn't all that heavy as the wind was very strong and blustery.
You couldn't judge which way the wind was blowing up till morning tea as it was all over the place. We parked the car in a position so that the riders would be protected from the wind as much as possible while they had their break. Everyone found the morning ride difficult due to the wind strength and changing direction.
A few stopped at Wudinna for a coffee, as recommended, but some couldn't find the coffee shop so kept going. The ones that did stop enjoyed the break. The wind direction improved and was mostly behind them up till lunch with just a couple of light showers at this stage. After lunch the wind was definately behind them and very strong but the rain became quite consistent with a few heavy downpours. The farmers would be pleased but not so the riders. There was very little we could do for them but feel for them.
We arrived at Kimba in the middle of a downpour and everyone decided they certainly didn't want to camp tonight and everyone upgraded. They were coming in dribs and drabs so we unloaded their bags under shelter and I sat with the baggage to ensure they were safe until each rider came in looking like drowned rats. At least their belongings were dry and they were able to have a hot shower in a warm room and have a hot meal and feel so much better.
I was getting quite annoyed that the riders kept accessing the back of the truck for their food boxes and not bothering to close the back and therefore everything in there getting wet. I closed the flaps about three times within an hour only to come back to the car once the final riders were back in just to find the back once again open and our mattress soaked. I know it is only water and it will dry off but it is the thoughtlessness of it that got to me. Collis has requested at the briefing tonight that the riders no longer access the truck or trailer without asking permission first once we have unpacked. Gee I can be a pain in the arse at times.