Friday the 1st of July
We cooked our tucker on the fire again last night to a recipe that Liz devised, Which was very nice indeed. It was cold during the night and this morning though there was no frost or ice around. I went for a walk again and because I was later this morning I was able to capture the sunrise which with a blue sky background was beautiful. Along the way I was to see one house with gates depicting the Dolby Bowls Club and the sign indicating that the premises was Cam-Ron Hall. Of course this was the owners names and it was the usual Yowah humour that we have discovered whilst here.
Along further in the same street I noticed an old single room house sitting on 44 gallon drums and the fence was made of Gidgee wood trees.
The fence will disappear in time when the boring ants get into it. This is why the newer houses are made of steel frames and colourbond iron to overcome this problem. I stopped on several occasions to talk to locals out walking their dogs and we had a good old chin wag for they are now used to me walking this time of the morning. I spent time talking to a woman who was walking her three legged Jack Russell and the loss of a leg did not worry him though he wasn't able to cock his leg she informed me without falling over.
Past the caravan park again and the park was full of happy campers though the free camping area has plenty of space left. This will fill when the Opal Festival is on in a couple of weeks time.
Home for breakfast and stoked up the fire from last night and then cooked our breakfast of toast with Liz having cereal with yogurt. We then cleaned up around the camp and the temperature was rising nicely and would reach 25 degrees at 3pm with no humidity. We read our books for awhile and then Liz went along with Dianne to the friday morning bingo up the cafe. When she returned she had won chocolates and a few other trinkets and then it was time for lunch by the fire with biscuits and cheese. Then John looked at our generator and cleaned the main jet and once that was done it sounded a lot sweeter. Packed it away for the solar panels are supplying more than enough power to the house batteries. More book reading and then the happy campers that we spend time with decided to go bush again to top up our main campfire wood. There is plenty of wood about and each year we do not have to travel far to get it.
Happy hour started at four this evening and we have decided to have jaffles cooked in the coals of the fire for our meal tonight and then at around 7.45pm we will go inside to watch the football game before going off to bed. Another good day nice and warm with just a slight breeze.

Saturday the 2nd of July
There were a few clouds in the sky this morning that allowed for a pinkish tinge and when the sun broke through it allowed the beautiful greens on the trees to be highlighted. Again this morning there were walkers about and bit of chin wagging was taking place which included myself. Most of the walkers were from other states and were mainly in the caravan park. As I walked past the caravan park the area was not as full as yesterday and most were hanging to their beds for the temperature was 4 degrees and it only topped out at 17 degrees later in the day. The coldest day we have experienced since the rain.
On the way back to camp I stopped and had a chat to Val who was feeding the kangaroos in her park with pellets and lucerne. She had names for all of them though she was displeased that a dog had attacked the largest and oldest of her kangaroo's and had bitten it on the nose which made it hard for the roo to eat. Val was of the opinion that the roo may not survive.
Back in camp and stoked up the fire and we all sat around boiling our billy's and cooking our toast, some had porridge first and Liz has indicated that we will have porridge shortly though I think I may decline.
Cleaned up around the camp and went on down to the garage sale in the park and looked without buying. Lunch arrived and we had noodles in a cup and just enjoyed the friendship of our fellow campers.
After lunch I prepared the yabby nets and along with Brian we went out to the small creek where I had set my nets previously. We had those rains a week ago and hopefully it has improved the creek for yabbying. I will find out in the morning.
Back in camp and read my book for awhile and just relaxed. I have to say that I am getting very lazy and when we hit the road again in a couple of weeks it may come as a shock.
Happy hour arrived and we settled into have a few stubbies and our evening meal this evening is fish and chips from the cafe by the fire and we will come inside to watch the Collingwood V Carlton game before going off to bed and read for awhile.

Sunday the 3rd of July
Another glorious morning with the sun rising and not a drop of wind. I dropped in to see the kangaroo's in the park and watched Val feeding pellets to them. She was a bit annoyed with the amount of Bush Pigeons taking the pellets as well. Between those on the ground and those sitting on the power lines waiting their turn there must have been at least a hundred Bush Pigeons.
Back to camp and hopped in the car along with Brian and went out to pull the yabby traps. We were to see only three kangaroo's along the way and on arrival as we went around the traps each contained at least a couple so in the finish I ended up with 30 Yabby's.
Back to camp and Liz cooked porridge for breakfast which we had with banana and honey, which was very nice I may have another go at that even though I am not a keen person for porridge.
We then stoked up the fire and cooked the yabby's in the camp oven. While they were cooking people were asking where I caught them, of course I'll tell them when I leave Yowah in a couple of weeks, not before.

We then had lunch and read our books for awhile before going up to the Sunday Market. There were quite a few people and the markets stalls seemed to be doing a brisk trade. Under the sunny blue sky's the Opals that were on display really sparkled and there were quite a few that were for display only and not for sale. All types were on sale from the rough opal to the finished polished opal.
We then went along to the cafe for a cappuccino and then into the library and had a chin wag with some of the locals and then we returned to camp and then read our books in the beautiful sunshine. I decided to check my yabby pots again later in the day and bring them in for awhile for Liz does not eat them at all and I do not want to keep catching them just for the sake of catching them. Happy hour arrived and we all came together and you can bet the fire tonight will be another bobby dazzler.
As there is no football tonight we will sit out a bit longer and watch the beautiful starry sky's before coming into bed.

Monday the 4th of July
A warm night and the sunset was excellent. The fire was stoked up and we had our curried yabby's on rice for our evening meal by the fire. The fire was throwing a lot of heat so we had to move back a little. Later in the night the clouds disappeared and we could see the many stars including the milky way overhead. It was after 10.30 pm before we came inside and went off to bed to read for awhile.

This morning was warm and there were clouds on the horizon which made the sunrise this morning look spectacular, the camera only seems to capture the part of the morning glory. The caravan park this morning was nearly empty though the apartments were full once again. I stopped off to have a talk to Val once again and she was still annoyed with the bush pigeons and family birds consuming food meant for the kangaroo's.
Back in camp and stoked the fire up once again and had our breakfast by the fire in the early morning sun with no wind again. Porridge and banana's were the order on the day and quite nice to.
It was time to clean up around our camp and clean out the two camp ovens that I have been using for yabby cooking etc. Cappuccino and cake for morning tea and then just relaxed reading books in the sunshine. It became a little cloudy later in the day though there was still plenty of charge going into the house batteries.
Liz was to make a damper complete with cheese and onion for our lunch and it was just nice and cooked to perfection with a golden crust and no burning at all. We washed it down with a cuppa and then it was time to get my chainsaw ready for we are cutting a load of wood for a local who has suffered a bit of ill health. The same person that has the keys to the medicine locker which is under the control of the Flying Doctor Service.
Apparently a bloke collapsed at the Artesian Pool and the Flying Doctor plane came into the local airport aptly named the "Yowah International Airport" They were to take him away to hospital for treatment.
Then us happy campers hooked up the trailer and away we went to cut wood and on this occasion we only cut one load with the large logs being unloaded onto our wood heap.
The temperature today peaked out at 19 degrees and there is a chance of rain later tonight and hopefully it is not heavy enough to flood the campground again. Happy hour arrived and today we have elected to have a dry day and we will have only a cup of tea. Tonight we are making Pizza's for our evening meal being cooked on the Baby Q and then we will relax by the fire until the footy show later in the evening before we go off to bed.

Tuesday the 5th of July
The pizza's we had last night were very nice indeed and in fact we cooked four and ate three. We dare not take them over to the fire or we may not have had any left when the happy campers had finished. We did not tell them until we came over to the fire and they wanted to know where their's were.
One of the Yowah locals Des was to come down and he played his didgeridoo for us. The didgeridoo has be hand carved by the indigenous people and it looks absolutely beautiful .and Des can play can play it well with many tunes emanating from the instrument. Des was also to use the sticks and other musical instruments to keep us entertained for many hours by the nice warm fire. It rained during the night and I hopped out of bed and placed buckets to catch the rain water for it is more pleasant than the bore water where you can taste and smell the minerals in the water.
This morning I went walkabout and noted the heavy fog which was high up in the sky and driven by a cold southerly wind, which needless to say was blocking the sun. I came across the family birds mixing with Corollas' picking at the gravel, normally the family birds you would only see with the bush pigeons.
By the time I arrived back at camp Les had stoked the fire up and we boiled the kettles an billy's for breakfast. Again I had porridge and banana's washed down with a nice hot cup of tea. The sun was finally blocked out by the fog and later in the morning low clouds appeared and we experienced a sleety rain though not much of it.
Lunch time arrived and we finished off the Pizza cold and the rest of the damper that Liz cooked yesterday. I went outside to the fire though the cold wind and sleety rain drove me and others inside for it was only 11 degrees at lunch time with a high of 15 degrees at 3pm.
The sun finally broke through which put plenty of power into the house batteries and I sat at the back of the motorhome taking in the sunshine and reading my book. I have now finished the two library books making it four since we arrived and tomorrow the library is open again and I will get a couple more out.
I went with Brian to put a few of his yabby traps in and I didn't bother with mine probably next week I will think about it. Because Liz does not eat a lot of them I do not want to catch them just for the sake of catching them.
We will need to stoke the fire up tonight if this cold southerly wind persists or we may have to come inside to watch television. We have not done a lot today due to the weather and those wearing shorts soon changed to jeans and trackies etc.

Wednesday the 6th of July
An extremely cold night and this morning there was frost on our vehicles though the sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky. Even last night we did not stop out long even with the raging fire for the southerly wind was just to cold. Liz was to make scones which all the happy campers liked very much and even though Liz cooked 18 in the camp oven they did not last all that long.
On my walk this morning it was warming up with the sun shining nicely and the wind had disappeared and hopefully for all of the day. Stopped and talked to Val once again and noted the kangaroo's were feeding on lucerne having finished off their pellets. One kangaroo had a joey in her pouch who was busily watching what was going on around it. Whilst there four large bags of pellets arrived and were packed away. Given that Val gets no financial assistance she does a good job. We talked for awhile and then I headed off to camp.
On arrival Mick had lit the fire and had the kettles and billy's onto boil. Around 8.30 we had our breakfast and then it was time to get out the washing machine and Liz was to do the washing.
Lunch time arrived and we sat out in the sun by the fire cooking jaffles for our meal and we relaxed reading our books for awhile.
I went with Brian to pull his yabby nets for we were trialing a new dam to see if anything was there. In the first pot he had 8 yabby's and the next net had a large turtle in it and as it was a snapping turtle we were cautious with our handling of it. We decided to leave it in the net and let the other happy campers have a look and then released it into the bore drain which eventually drains back into the dam we caught it.
We hooked up the trailer and then went back out to where we spotted a log that had a hollow centre and cut it into 3 sections. We will burn one tonight so it should burn up the hollow part like a funnel given that we stand them up. There is no shortage of wood around Yowah and all the locals who experience temperatures in excess of 40 degrees all have wood fires burning at the moment for what is warm for us is really cold for them. They have commented that this is the coldest winter they have experienced for many years and we have to agree with them.
So we are going to sit out in the sunshine reading our books until John and Rhonda arrive later this afternoon having traveled from Bourke in NSW today. They will enjoy the fire this evening no doubt and maybe we will go up the dart competition this evening dependant how cold it becomes.

Thursday the 7th of July
A cool 2 degrees this morning with a high later of 24 degrees with no clouds and a beautiful blue sky and no wind. John was to go for a walk with me this morning and on the way I was able to point out the various Opal selling premises. He was intrigued with the bore water rising from the Great Artesian Bore. Stopped to say hello to Val and we stayed on the road for we did not want to spook the kangaroo's. They are certainly displaying a healthiness bought about by the way Val is feeding them.
Arrived back at camp and lit the fire for our breakfast and then sat around chewing the fat and working out what we would be doing today. John and I went up to Mitre 11 and obtained a few goodies for our future use. The car's have now been stripped of any useful bits and pieces, though John obtained a rear vision mirror and an armrest for his motorhome.
Back home and another happy camper pulled close to us and set up and came over and introduced themselves and when Bella came out, their dog was to attack her which has made no friends in the camp. We have been watching this car sporting dolls busts on it roof circulating around the village for past few days, rather strange indeed and later when it pulled up I was able to take a photo. Strange indeed.
Lunch time was upon us and we decided to go up to the Cafe and have something. Liz had her favourite's of potato wedges and chilli sauce and sour cream and I settled for a hamburger with the lot, which was large and I had to use a knife and fork to eat it. We both enjoyed our meal and so did John and Rhonda, Brian and Dianne and Len.
We then went over to the shop in the caravan park and bought banana's, mandarins and two ice creams which we enjoyed immensely.
Back to camp and we sat out in the sunshine reading our books and it was really nice for it may have us wearing shorts if this keeps up. John was to bait up his yabby traps and I lent him another couple and later in the afternoon we will go out with brian and place them in bore drain and hopefully in the morning we will have a few yabby's for him.
Happy hour arrived so we stoked up the fire and tonight we will have our meal by the fire and then go inside later to watch the AFL football match which I believe is Hawthorn V Richmond. Then off to bed to read again a good day and it was good to have John, Rhonda and Bella catch up with us.

Friday the 8th of July
We had a wonderful sunset last night. It started slowly and changed to spectacular colour as the sun dropped over the horizon. This morning it was only 2 degrees and later in the day the temperature climbed to 25 degrees no wind and a cloudless sky, really what we have been waiting for after all that rain in the previous three weeks.
went walking with John again this morning and his knee's did not give him any problems, we were to see the sunrise at around 7.15am. It was another pleasant walk and as we passed the bore water outlet and drain there was a lot of steam as it clashed with the colder air. We passed by the kangaroo's again and then home to stoke up the fire. This morning Liz and I settled for toast with banana's and we sat around the fire and enjoyed each other company.
With Brian and John we went around the Yabby nets and Brian caught 12 and John 14 after lending John two extra nets. I did not bother to set any yabby nets I am leaving it until tomorrow when I will put the lot in at my favourite spot along with John's.
Whilst at the yabby holes John was to comment how quiet it was and we stated it was always like this in the outback when you go out of the towns.
The silence was broken by the Flying Doctor Plane arriving and after doing a lap of the airport it landed at the Yowah International Airport and were transported to town to conduct their clinic, which is held every Friday before flying out to service other outback towns. The Residents of Yowah to a lot of fundraising to help with the cost of the outback service. And supply the meal to the Pilot, Doctor and Nurse whilst here in Yowah. The people of this area would be in great trouble if it wasn't for the Flying Doctor Service. During the week they landed and treated and took away a miner who had fell down a shaft and broken his leg. They flew him out to the hospital at Charleville.
Back in camp once again and John and Brian cooked up their yabby's
Liz, Dianne and Rhonda went up to the bingo and won many cakes of chocolate and Liz also won a wand.
Liz then went into the Flying Doctor clinic to get her blood tested and for the first time was low in both areas, though nothing to worry about. Liz is booked in again next week for another checkup though there is nothing to worry about.
We had lunch by the fire in the nice warm sun and later read out books for awhile. We then walkabout and looked at the steel statues made from mining bits and pieces and their were Emu's, Wild Goats and others that we were not sure about. One more trip out to Mitre 11 and gained a few more items that we can use around the camp though we will probably leave them behind for others to use.
In the nice afternoon sun we drove up to the Bluff with John & Rhonda, Brian & Dianne. We lit a small fire and had our happy hour with nibbles and hopefully the sunset tonight will be good.
There are plenty of rock totems that have been place there by tourists etc.

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Saturday the 9th of July
We were to take some good photo's from the Bluff where we went for our happy hour today along with a few of the happy campers that we know. It did not take long for a fire to be lit for there is plenty of firewood laying around the ground. Brian had bought his chainsaw along and in no time at all he had cut manageable lengths. As it was gidgee wood it threw out a good deal of warmth.
We had an enjoyable couple of hours at this excellent lookout at the bluff and we ventured further down to catch the sunset. unfortunately there was no cloud so the sunset we were expecting did not eventuate. When back at camp we stoked up the main fire and then placed a large log with hollow centre which later provided a huge chimney with heat forcing us back.
Awoke this morning to a fog, though not all that thick, we hadn't experienced this before in the Yowah area. On our walk when the sun rose the fog quickly dissipated and a nice morning appeared with sunshine and again no cloud in the sky. It looked a bit eerie walking past the building that the Cafe, Library and On Line centre and tourist information centre.
The Kangaroo's were back in Val's Park given that they were chased into the bush by a small dog. Val was less than happy with this occurrence and is now feeding at dawn so as the Kangaroo's can go bush early.
Back in camp and kettles and billy's etc were placed on the fire for breakfast and this morning Liz had health food whilst I had four rashes of bacon in toast washed down by a cup of tea.
Liz was to do a bit of hand washing and I cleaned the camp ovens and a bit around the camp before doing a stocktake on our food supplies that has not be topped up to any degree since we left Melbourne some time ago.
Then out and read our books in the sunshine and Liz was then to make Pea and Ham soup from the last of the leg of ham we had. We were to have some for lunch and it was nice.
Later this afternoon I am taking John and his yabby nets out to my favourite spot along with mine of course and tomorrow we hope to have a few to chew on. On our return to camp we then cleaned up a bit for the local school is having a sausage sizzle with soft drink to raise funds for the school. We will all go up to this and help with the fund raising.
Back home we will have a bowl of the soup and sit by the fire until it is time to come in and watch the AFL football and then off to bed. It has a been a very good day with a few more happy campers coming into the camp grounds. We noted this morning that the caravan park was not all that full with less than a week to go before the Opal Festival.

Sunday the 10th of July
We went to the Yowah School Fair yesterday afternoon. The main reason was to assist in raising funds for improvements to the school oval which is very large considering there is only five children enrolled. The school itself is very modern with every imaginable teaching aid and the class rooms are well stocked and very clean. There are two teachers. The children were demonstrating there playthings with gusto. All looked good in there school t-shirts, even in winter they wear these cloths. The Carp fishing competition in the afternoon raised 88 dollars for the Flying Doctor Service with no Carp being caught. We think there are no Carp in the dam it was just a fun afternoon raising funds.

The school as part of its fund raising had a sausage sizzle and they raised quite a few dollars for there were about a hundred people present not including children. It all went well and we came back to the fire and had little food for our evening meal.
This morning we went and pulled our yabby nets and I had 6 and John caught 12. I donated mine to him and we reset the nets for in the morning.
Back in camp and it was time for breakfast around the fire and this morning I had porridge again. It was another wonderful day with clear blue sky's and it was only after 2pm that clouds appeared, not of the rain variety thankfully.

At 10am we went up to the craft fair in the community hall. There were all types of craft on display and for sale and there is no doubt there are many woman in Yowah who are able to produce quality craft items. They had a sausage sizzle raising money once again for the Flying Doctor Service. Liz and Rhonda were to have morning tea complete with sandwiches and cake whilst John and I elected to go back to camp and relax and read. We received a phone call and John was to take up a table to the afternoon markets where Rhonda was to sell her range of beanies and other items. We came back later in the day and had another look at one of the stands that had beautiful Opal fitted into lovely dark timber which was only for display, other smaller pieces were for sale.
John and I then went for a cruise around the streets and was surprised at the amount of houses for sale some good others not so good. Then out to the Yowah International Airport where the big jet engines roar, so to speak, and we admired the first class lounge with seating for two. Given we are in the outback of Australia the runway though gravel is in excellent condition used mainly by the Flying Doctor Aircraft. We are not sure what is inside the shed section given that it is only small. I believe there are no scheduled airlines operating in the area.
Back in camp and finished my book in the lovely afternoon sun and then up the Library to do this section of our diary. Given the small amount of cloud we may get a colourful sunset who knows.
There is no doubt we will sit around the fire again tonight with other happy campers before going off to bed.

Monday the 11th of July
On our walk this morning we were to see a most glorious sunrise. So striking in fact; it reminded me of the old Sailors warning " Red in the morning Sailors warning". In fact it did not rain it became humid and just cloudy with enough sun to charge the house batteries through the solar panels. We had our breakfast by the fire and then showered, cleaned up and we were on our way at 10am bound for Thargominda.
We were accompanied by John and Rhonda and of course Bella their puppy. We turned up the Blackgate Road which is 30 kilometres of gravel road that meets up with the Thargominda Road which leaves 81 kilometres to travel. We came across many herds of goats foraging and eating the tips of the Gidgee wood tree. After the recent heavy rains there is plenty of water in the small dams and along the roadside. The gravel road was in good condition so in no time we were to reach the bitumen.

Once on the bitumen the going was easy with no traffic so to speak, though we came across two four wheel drive's towing camper trailers who went off into the rough edges of the road spraying rocks. Every other person we passed remained on the bitumen and were to pass easily for it was not a single bitumen road. We were to see two Brolga's by the side of the road and they took to the air and they looked magnificent and also we were to see plenty of Emu's along the way. When we arrived at Thargominda we went first to the bore water hydro generation shed and had a look though the machines are only in operation for tourists at 4.30 each day. Then over to the Mitre 11 and picked up a couple of grids for the camp fire.
We went to the Echidna Cafe where we had chicken schnitzel in forcasia bread washed down with a cappuccino each which was very nice. We sat and took in the ambiance of the town and listened to the locals chattering away.
After lunch down to the old house from previous centuries and looked at the way they used to live in those days and again looked at the old truck that used to ferry cargo and cars when the roads were in flood. The suspension was lifted at least 700mm's.

Then onto the shop and bought a couple of chocolate heart ice creams and then drove down to the Bulloo River and relaxed under the Coolibah Trees and ate the ice cream. Since the last occasion the water of the river was flowing over the weir and in typical Queensland fashion the water was a orange coloured.
After sitting for awhile it was time to head back to Yowah. Again we were to remark how some of the countryside was growing very green grass and there was plenty of wildlife around. We had two Emu's bound across the highway in front of us and the third went to run and luckily I had applied the brakes so it crossed just in front of us. We thought we were going to hit it. We were to note the temperature had risen and it became humid so we had windows down rather than switch on the air conditioner. Many Kangaroo's bounded across in front of us though they caused no problem though there was plenty of road kill on the road.
We turned onto the Blackgate Road and a little way in we stopped to look at what we thought was an old abandoned Opal Mine. This wasn't to be the case so we spoke to the owners for sometime and then back on the road.
The girls wanted to look at an abandoned house that was falling down so we pulled off the road while they looked. John and I were to note five rams rutting with one doe and they were constantly at it so we can assume there are kids on the way. Further on John was to drive up a steep incline and then down the other side. The photo does not do it justice for the hill was steeper than it appears.
It wasn't long before we arrived back in Yowah and around to the caravan shop to book in for a evening meal on Thursday Night.
Then home for happy hour after a very good day and even with the evening cooling it did not worry us at all by the fire which was well under way.

Tuesday the 12th of July
Very overcast this morning and looks like it may rain later in the day. We walked past a dutch barn that has been fitted out as a house, looking very good indeed. Then near the caravan park there is an old mower that had been fitted with various items to make it look like a strange animal. Then had look at the caravan park's Artesian Baths with no roof of course it uses water from the Artesian Bore.
Back home and had our breakfast and then sharpened the chainsaw for a group of us are going out to cut wood for the drum fire's for the forthcoming Opal Festival. When that was complete we left that trailer and came back to camp and then re sharpened the chain and refueled ready to go out for our community campfire. We then decided to go up to the cafe for lunch.

John and Rhonda were there so we joined them and we had a very large plate of Wedges complete with sour cream and hot chilli sauce, washed down with a cappuccino.
Back to camp and went out with the other blokes to cut wood for our community fire. We fell a large tree then cut it up and loaded it onto the trailer, we only left small stuff behind. That should keep the fire going for the next week for most of the blokes and their wives are leaving after the festival.
We sat out and read our books for even though overcast it did not look like rain and some power from the solar panels was going to the batteries.
Up to the library where I surfed the net for awhile before going back to camp.
Today is take it easy day after wood hooking and tonight we will sit by the fire and join in the various discussions. We had a family from Denmark visit us last night and they are in Australia on a Opal buying quest for they cut and carve suitable pieces. We will have our meal by the fire and then go in and watch the tassie news for Liz and I am going up to the bowls night in the hall.

Wednesday the 13th of July
It was rather chilly this morning when John and I went for our walk. The sky was very cloudy not allowing the sun to break through and it did not look good with the breeze coming from the direction it was. Our walk was uneventful though we did notice that the caravan park had more customers than normal. We were to pass the kangaroo's being fed by Val who is still down on the local and visitors dogs who are frightening her pets. To the point there are a lot less kangaroo's than normal in the park.
Back to camp and stoked the fire for our kettles and billy's for breakfast. The temperature was only 9 degrees and would only climb to 14 degrees, in all it was a cool day.
The fire was piled with wood to the extent we had to move back a little, it was beautiful being warm whilst eating our breakfast.
Liz wanted to do the washing so out came the washing machine and the generator to power it. John was to watch as the machine did its thing and was surprised the way the spin dryer did its job. At the same time the battery charger was used to top up our house batteries and phones etc.
Before we knew it lunch had arrived and again we had a sandwich by the fire and a cup of tea and then read our books well rugged up. We had the cattle visit us again to eat the vegetable scraps that a few of the happy campers place by the bore drain. The cattle in the area look very skinny for there is no grass and the only other thing they eat is the leaves of the gidgee tree. The Gidgee tree is" generally speaking" devoid of leaves for the first two metres due to the cattle and goats reaching up to the lower branch's to graze. In time when the animals cannot reach the leaves the farmers will knock a few trees to the ground for feeding purposes.
The sky's are still a dark blue and whether this means rain or not we will have to wait and see. We are now reading our books at a quicker rate for they have to be returned to the local library by friday. Needless to say we read for most of the afternoon and then lit our own fire to steam our vegetables and cook the rest of the meal.
Due to the coldness we are really going to crank up the fire tonight before we come inside and watch a bit of television before going off to bed. A very lazy day indeed.

Thursday the 14th July
Last night we decided to go up to the hall and meet locals and visitors and watch the State of Origin rugby match between Queensland and NSW. NSW won a close fought game. Another cool day as we once again had our breakfast by the fire, only toast and a cuppa. We have decided to clean up the camp and then go and do a bit of 4 wheel driving up in the bluff area. First Liz went off to have a haircut and was away for around two hours. On her return her hair had been cut rather short which may be better in the warmer weather, however the temperature today is only 12 degrees with a cold southerly wind.
Back by the fire, it then it was heaped with wood until the coals were glowing red letting off a lot of heat as the happy camper sat around discussing all and sundry. Liz was to cut sandwiches and then we then took off towards the bluff.

The road to the bluff is not improving given all the traffic that is using it. When we arrived at the summit we then headed down a track which we thought would bring us out at water holes suitable for dropping in the Yabby nets. It is that cold that no self respecting Yabby's would be moving thus no catches.
We started off down the hill on a rather rough track that wound around many wash outs that had us engaging 4 wheel drive. The track had narrow steep dips and poor entry and exit berms.
We came across a few wild goats some with kid's though again the ground being so rough there was no grass growth at all. Though rough ground the different green's of the bush's and trees were great. We finally came back onto the road to the bluff so we stopped at the picnic area and had our lunch. It was so cold we did not stop long for John and Rhonda were feeling the cold as much as we were. We took them to an area that had a few loads of rough rock from mining leases where they did fossick and find a bit of rough Opal and then back in our vehicles and headed down another rough track and found ourselves coming out near the Yowah International Airport.
Liz and Rhonda took a few photo's and then we came back to camp and read our books for awhile. Then shower time for we are going to a three course meal at the caravan park this evening. Then back by the fire for awhile and then inside to watch the AFL game. We are hoping that Sydney will be the victors.

Friday the 15th of July
Last night we went up to the Caravan Park dining room for our evening meal. The sunset was brilliant as we sat around chatting with other happy campers and local people. They raise funds for the Flying Doctor Service by conducting a duck race in the Artesian Bore. Tickets are sold and then the ducks are placed in the bore and then released and away they go. The winner is the first at the entrance to the drain runoff. There were three prizes and we were not successful. Then the fire brigade had a raffle for two opal's set in pendants and we were not successful there either.
We were to get a three course meal for $20 per head and we had the choice of three types of soup and then Beef with veggies for the main course and apple crumble for desert. The soup was that good I had seconds.

In all the meal was great and the fires and people made the night something special. This morning we went for our walk all rugged up for it was only 2 degrees celsius and overcast and would remain that way for all of the day. The temperature would only rise to 14 degrees and the weather forecast is for showers tomorrow. We have never experienced the cold in Queensland as we have this year and it is widespread over the state. We passed Val's park where she was feeding the kangaroo's and noted the vegetable garden that she has. All types of vegetable's that would not grow this time of the year in Tassie.
We stoked the fire up and had our breakfast and sat around before Liz went up to see the Flying Doctor, who had just arrived by plane, the outcome is that her readings are now back to normal which is good. After seeing the doctor the girls went to bingo where Liz once again won a few games with chocolates being the prizes
Lunch time arrived so we had jaffles cooked in the red hot coals and Rhonda was to make her first ever damper a savoury type and then a sweet damper all turned out good cooked in the camp oven.
We sat again by the fire and we had the luxury of the Miss Daisy bus arrive and we had soft serve ice cream and then the fire was so warm I dozed off for a short period. The Opal Festival has now arrived and stall holders are setting up though they are not allowed to sell any items today. The festival is officially opened this evening and entertainment will be supplied which we may walk up to for a look see. Tonight we have ordered fish and chips for 5.30pm which we will eat by the fire. Hopefully the rain that is predicted for tomorrow does not arrived and put a damper on the festival as a whole. Tonight we will come in later and catch the last of the football game before going off to bed. I have run out of books to read and in all I have read 6 library books since we have been here.

Saturday the 16th of July
We had a nice fire again last night with the old boys all rugged up for it was very cold. We had our fish and chips which were very nice indeed with the glow of the beautiful sunset in the background. This morning we went for our walk and it was heavily overcast so their forecast for rain today may be true. As a matter of fact we were experience a few spots of rain. When we reached the caravan park we noted that it was full with vans no doubt for the festival. Ian was to stop for a loaf of bread which cost him $6 and it was only a white loaf.

Back at camp and we stoked the fire up and I had a cuppa while Liz had a shower and then it was eggs and bacon and toast for breakfast cooked in the fry pan on the fire. With toast and a cuppa it was good. I was not to finish mine for the rain started which sent us inside. It turned out to be just sprinkles just enough to be a pain in the jumper. Our diesel heater would not operate correctly last night and we are hoping that it is nothing major for the temperature at 10.30am was only 9 degrees celsius.
Every thing need charging Phones' Wi Fi, Camera, Tablet and this computer so I came up to the service centre where they have been very good to us and allowed us to use their facility and our wi fi connection for the time we have been here.
We will need to go up to the markets for with the rain, the stall holders are already packing up and leaving. The generator will need to utilised to replenish the house batteries this afternoon. It is such a terrible day and so cold that we will not venture much outside the motorhome until we go up to the festival dinner tonight. They have entertainment and we heard the band playing last night and they sing some good music. So there is not much going into the diary today and three more sleeps and we will be bound for Toompine.

Sunday the 17th of July
What a wonderful night last evening, with a raging big fire which could be felt from 15 metres away so long as nobody stood in front of you. The entertainment was great with no need to fill your ears with cotton wool. The music was country rock to modern rock with a few hopping up to dance. The three course meal was really great and plenty of it, well worth the $25 per head. We only headed back to the motorhome when it started to rain. Luckily we made it back to the motorhome before the rain set in for the rest of the night.

This morning the rain had stopped and on going outside for the morning walk I noticed the sky was a dirty gray with high winds, I was fearful it would rain so only a block was covered. Back home and even though the fire was stoked we had breakfast inside the motorhome due to the coldness of the day.
After breakfast we decided to pack the Baby Q and then the satellite dish and stand etc away. In all I emptied three buckets of water of rain gathered overnight. Cleaned up around the camp and then decided to go up to the festival which finish's today.
First we went into the Opal display in the hall and what a treat to see so many different Opals, none were for sale for they are Yowah people's private collections. The Fairy stone Opals were excellent as well as the boulder opal which many were made into items of jewellery.
We then went to the markets though unfortunately a lot had packed up and left the area due to the inclement weather and lack of customers. We noted last night that the numbers were down at the dinner and also much fewer happy campers in the free camp area.
We came home for lunch and had nice hot soup and a bread roll. After lunch we decided to drive out to the 12 mile creek mainly to get warm with the Terios heater going flat out. We were surprised that the ground was not wet so they must have not had rain in this area. I showed Liz around the area where I had caught the yabby's and then we headed back to camp and we first drove around the village noting that there were a fair few houses and caravans on blocks for sale.
We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon reading books that we had purchased at the markets with enough to keep us going for awhile. The day became brighter around 3pm though the cloud cover did not clear at all. Queensland generally has received a lot of rain in the past few days and it is forecast for a few more days ahead. This may make our travel plans differ for the next week or so.
We may go out by the fire later dependant on the weather though I may have to run the generator to charge up the house battery's

Monday the 18th of July
Hopping out of bed this morning we were surprised that there were no clouds in the sky and it was quite warm. I went for a walk with John and Ian and even though it was early morning the sun had yet to arise over the horizon. There was little breeze and as we passed the caravan park we noted that it had emptied out somewhat since yesterday. Stopped off to say hi to Val again and she appraised us of the kangaroo's in the park.
Back in camp and I had to shed a few clothes and by 9am I was in trackies and singlet for it was 22 degrees and would rise to 28 degrees later in the afternoon. You would not think it possible given the cold and rain over the past week or so. A lot of happy campers had left yesterday and more again today for the rumour was that the road at Eulo would be flooded later today thus blocking the highway to Cunnamulla.
We had our breakfast by the fire, porridge once again and then we started to pack up our camp. That was until Liz announced that she wanted the washing machine out to take advantage of the weather today and in case it rained over the next few days. I was to pack up the gear into the Terios and fit the A-frame for towing, for we are leaving tomorrow bound hopefully for Toompine and the with a bit of luck and fine weather we will end up at Quilpie the day after.
By the time I packed up the car it was lunch time. We were to have lunch in the motorhome and the inside temperature was 27 degrees with the sun streaming through the back window. We washed the car mats and mats we had outside our door to keep the mud from indoors. We were surprised how quickly the ground was drying out and later in the day we will pack away the tables, chairs and awning. We may remain in the morning and join in the Christmas in July celebration up at the hall which goes until 2pm, it will be dependant of the weather.
We were to return our library books and say farewell to those in the cafe and thank them for their assistance for the period we were here in Yowah on this occasion. We indicated that we may return next year for the Opal Festival dependant on a series of matters. We were to say farewell to a few happy campers that we have met on this occasion as they left for other areas and there were a few that arrived today that we have met in previous years.
The rest of the afternoon was spent soaking up the sunshine and then happy hour arrived and we spent time around the fire before coming inside for our meal and to watch the Football show before going off to bed.

Tuesday the 19th of July
Last night the sunset was again excellent and the special treat was watching the moon rise before the sun had finally set. We watched this whilst enjoying our last happy hour with a group of happy campers. This morning the three of us went for our morning constitutional and were to witness the glowing red sunrise. Back in camp and we had our breakfast in doors for everything has been packed away in the Terios. We hooked up the car and thirty minutes later we left our camping area after saying our farewells to the many happy campers we have met over the fast four weeks or so. The bonus was six in all, locals came down to bid us farewell and invite us back again next year. We were really touched by their friendliness and them making the effort to come down and farewell us.

We were finally on our way to Toompine for the night some 119 kilometres further north. On the road and we were surprised that we did no see one kangaroo or emu on or by the road. We could only put this down to the feed after the recent rains was plentiful further inland and they had abandoned the road side feed.
We were to see cattle again feeding on the lower branches of the Gidgee tree and not the gum tree's as you would suspect. As we passed the creek where we caught all our yabby's I foolishly thanked them for the fine bounty that we enjoyed. Before we knew it we turned left towards the Quilpie Thargominda road. We were to come across several caravans and we slowed and passed each other on the single bitumen without spraying each other with stones and rocks, which is more than I can say for the four wheel drive towing a camper trailer when even given the bitumen still sprayed us with rocks etc without slowing down.
We were to cross many cattle grids and some were fine others a bit bumpy. We could see that they have had plenty of rain in this area for the floodways all contained debris where the water crossed the road. Only last week the road to Quilpie was closed due to floods.
We finally arrived at the intersection and took the turn towards Toompine. The road was good two lane bitumen and we had no problem passing vehicles coming towards us. We were to see to dead Emu's and several Kangaroo's that had fallen foul of vehicles of some description. The sides of the road were all now containing water and the grass and other weeds in the warmer weather had sprung to life. We were to pass our first Jump Ups this trip and you could see caves in the sides of them, who used them who knows and we were not stopping to check.
We finally arrived at Toompine and parked up and hooked into the free power supplied by Council for travellers use. The area looks a little boggy where we have parked on previous occasions and if it rains then we may have to move onto bitumen or be prepared to sit it out.
We intend to go over to the hotel for our meal tonight along with John and Rhonda so it should be a good evening. We will still have our happy hour at 4pm and say hello to the happy campers already here.
Kilometres travelled 119

Day break this morning

Water on side of road

Driving through water on road

Wednesday the 20th of July
We had a lot of rain again last night and we were a bit worried this morning as to whether we would get out to the bitumen. We were to watch a four wheel drive and camper trailer make the attempt and he was out with a minimum of wheel spin. We went for a walk though we did not go far for it was to muddy along the tracks. We were to witness the dawn breaking and the pinkish sky. Back home for breakfast and then our showers. We packed up and we drove out to the bitumen and on the way to Quilpie our next destination.
The road to Quilpie was closed two days ago for water was across the road and had some depth. We were to see plenty of water along the way and the countryside was just a carpet of green where in previous years the land was dry and had been in drought conditions for the past five years.
We were to cross many water course's and in some places the water was gushing across the road and luckily it was only 100 mills deep.

The closer we came to Quilpie the greener the countryside and in places was water logged we were to see plenty of road kill mainly Kangaroo's and one big black Pig on the road. The Hawks and the Wedge Tailed Eagles were having a good feast. We finally arrived at Quilpie drove through the main street and parked the motorhome down by the river and then with John we went in the terios to check out Lake Houdraman for our next camping site.

We discovered there was bitumen all the way out to the turn off into Lake Houdraman and we both thought we may be able to get the motorhome's in no worry's at all until we came to a culvert where the four wheel drives had churned it up. There was no way we could get our motorhome through that quagmire. We ventured on in the Terios and found five happy campers all set up in the one small area which was relatively dry.
Whilst there we witnessed cattle in the lake itself feeding on the new growth of water lily's, we noted that even the cattle on dry land were in good condition. Two Brolga's were walking away from us and I was hoping they would do their dance though it was not to be.
Back to the motorhome and we came to the conclusion that camping at Quilpie was not going to happen due to the state of the ground and the likelihood of more rain on the way. We discovered that John had a flat rear tire so he went off looking for the tyre service which is attached to the hardware store.
Liz went off to the chemist to fill medical scripts and I went over and renewed my acquaintance with the people on the Bakery. We went around to the tire service and John had to get a new tube for the tyre and on checking the drivers side discovered that another tyre had blown out which had to be renewed.
Liz was to drop Rhonda off in the shopping centre and then we went to the supermarket and restocked in fruit, vegetables and groceries and around then to the butcher and had sausages, chicken, Mince and schnitzels cryovaced for our future journeys. We then went back to the Bakery and had a pie and mud cake washed down with a cappuccino for lunch all very nice indeed.
Time to refuel and we had to pay $1.31.9 cents per litre. taking on 69 litres.We filled up with tank water and then made the decision as it started to rain that we should return to Toompine and hook into power and not take any more risks than we have to. For all reports were not favourable further up north with many roads closed and more expected storms.
It was raining on the way back and where the water was over the road on the way up it was now deeper so it was a wise decision to return to Toompine. The cattle were now standing on the road and on two occasions they were not moving until we dropped to first gear and just walked our way through them. The hawks and Wedge Tailed Eagle's were still feeding though they took to the air before we could get close enough to take a picture or two.
We finally arrived back at Toompine and the same people were still there. It was obvious that they had plenty of rain while we were away for the area was a little boggier in some places. We pushed our way through the mud to the positions we had last night and hooked into power and had a long overdue cup of tea. We will spoil ourselves again tonight going over for a meal and few frothies.
Kilometres travelled today 164

Thursday 21st of July
This morning we had a very thick fog mixed with wet ground, which we will need to power our way through again this morning. Needless to say the motorhome and car will be covered in orange mud again. We went on our walk staying on the bitumen and the further we walked the foggier it became. We were to see two Kangaroos sitting on the road and as I closed the camera a mob of about 20 bounded across the road near them.
We were to note the cute sign advertising the Toompine Hotel as we walked. Returning to camp and then off to the showers for after today we may have to use our own. We had breakfast and then on the road towards Cunnamulla and hopefully into better weather conditions. At the moment the sun is trying to break through the fog and just maybe when the fog lifts it may be a good day. We left Toompine at 9.15am after driving through the mud and slush.

The road along the way was showing results of all the rain with many washouts and creek beds altered with the rush of the recent rains. We were to come across a Grader that was restoring sections of the road side that had suffered in the rains. The Grader driver was busy though his offsider in the ute was sound asleep. Though cloudy the fog had lifted and the green countryside looked beautiful though sections of the narrow single lane road was very rough given that it was bitumen.
We passed a fair bit of traffic and for once everyone slowed so not cover each other with stones or rocks we were to see many kangaroo's and a bit of road kill that the hawks were enjoying.
We arrived at Eulo and crossed the Thompson River that was in flood and you could see the free camping area was just a messy bog. We were to stop at the Eulo shop and had a cappuccino toasted sandwiches and a pie.
We were to take a photo of the famous Diprotodon Optatum which looks strange though we do not know what it represented. We met Des and Rene both from Yowah with Des just returning from Toowoomba and Rene on her way with husband to Charleville. We bid them farewell and we were on way to Cunnamulla.

Along the way we were to drive into rain and then it would cease so it was in a way just passing through like a funnel. Plenty of cattle and we were to see plenty of Emu's feeding on the lush pastures a result of the rain. It could be expected that the breeding season for Emu's and Kangaroo's will be prolific this year.
We eventually arrived at Cunnamulla and went straight to the tyre service for John had another puncture which required a new tyre and tube and on enquiry they had two tyres to fit our motorhome so over the four back tyres we selected two of the best and the two new ones went onto the passenger side. I will still need to purchase two more tyres somewhere down the road.
After that was done we parked behind the hotel in Cunnamulla for the night and had a happy hour before going off to bed for the night. That is of course after watching the Marngrook Football Show. At the moment the sun is shining brightly and there a few clouds about. Hopefully the weather will pick up over the coming days.
Kilometres travelled 230

Friday the 22nd of July
A peaceful nights sleep and this morning went off for a walk around a few blocks at Cunnamulla. It was interesting to see the moon as bright as it was setting in the west just before the sun arose at 7am. The rose's especially the white one's are still in bloom and they looked nice and then when we passed one of the brick buildings you could see Swallow like birds building and nesting under the eaves. They were fluttering around the entrances to their nests and they looked very nice indeed
We had our breakfast and cleaned up then over to the IGA for final groceries and food for tonight before settle in to watch the Collingwood match. I went up the street and refilled the motorhome with diesel at $1.20 cents per litre and then back hooked up the Terios and then we were on our way to Bollon our next overnight stop.

We left Cunnamulla and headed on the road to St George with the wind on our side, though bitumen the road in patches it was very rough not unlike corrugated gravel. The countryside was very green and we were to see more gum trees and Cyprus Pine with a smattering of Gidgee wood. There were plenty of sheep and we saw two that had been hit by traffic which the crows were enjoying. There were plenty of goats and their kids. At last we had blue sky's and the outside temperature was 25 degrees. We passed many temporary billabongs with plant life and then before we knew it we had arrived in Bollon. As soon as we came to the outskirts of the town we recognised that we had been here before and then we turned off the road and went down to the camp area by the river. We noted they have built the road and levee's higher and though there has been plenty of rain the river has not burst its banks. There were plenty of happy campers set up and there was plenty of room left.
We set up camp and out came the awning tables etc and then the satellite dish was set up for the football tonight. After lunch we then went and had showers in the middle of town and then returned to camp for it was now happy hour and this will be our last with John and Rhonda for they are pushing onto Lightning Ridge in the morning. We have enjoyed their company for the past week or so. We will be here until Monday which will allow us time to clean our gear and vehicles and hopefully the rain has ceased for awhile.
Kilometres travelled 186

Saturday the 23rd of July
As John and Rhonda were moving onto Lightning Ridge today we went with them last night for a counter tea at the Bollon Hotel. I had the pork chops and veggies with peppered sauce and Liz had the beer battered Flathead with salad and chips. I was unable to eat all of my meal it was that big and ended up taking a pork chop home for supper. We had a few refreshments to round off the night. Liz was to buy a few tickets in the card machine and won herself $25 which she was pleased about. Then back home to watch the football with Collingwood soundly defeated by North Melbourne by 40 points. Needless to say Liz was less than happy.

This morning the sunrise was spectacular and the clouds were to clear away mid morning. Along with John we went for a walk along the Wallem Creek Walking Trail and we were to note that the creek itself is not far from breaking its banks. It would explain why the caravans parked alongside the creek are all still hooked up to their towing vehicle.
We had our breakfast and then we bid John and Rhonda farewell and happy travelling on their way to Lightning Ridge, which they hope to arrive at later this afternoon. We may catch up with them later and if not when we get back to Tassie.
We cleaned up and then had a chat to a few happy campers near us and found that most had been here for over a week or more, which explains why their vehicles and caravans are so clean.
First I took the Terios over to the tap and washed the mud and road grime off and now it looks a treat again. Then the Motorhome and boy was that dirty with road grime etc so now both vehicles look just like when we left Tassie two months ago.
Then we drove into town and had a cappuccino at the cafe and and food bar and then back home to lunch.
After lunch we cleaned up the camp area which really did not need it and then hooked the Terios onto the motorhome for we wont be driving it anymore in Bollon. We then walked along the walking trail by the creek with our shower bags and now we will used the town shower and back home for our evening meal. Today we have declared and alcohol free day and we enjoyed late afternoon sun before coming inside the watch the football tonight. Another good day and it is good to have another day with no rain. The outside temperature was 23 degrees at 3pm.

Sunday the 24th of July
A very cool night and we wished we had not discarded the blanket yesterday. This morning the walk was into the town of Bollon and down to the weir which is keeping the water level high near the camp area. Of course this is where the town takes its drinking water from. Went and had a look at the historic Post Office that was built in 1889 and as advertised has not changed in all that time up until today. On the way back to camp you could hear the Brolga's calling which is very loud and indeed they start around 5am every morning. Saw a large mound of clay and one of the locals tried to convince us that it was a termite mound.
Had our breakfast and then said goodbye to the happy campers we had met over the past couple of days and then cleaned up and up to the dump point.

The road to St George was classed as a highway and it was very rough indeed given it is bitumen, every now and again there would be signs warning of rough road ahead. What a joke.
The land was changing and though we saw a few kangaroo's along the way they were small and luckily there was no road kill. The trees were mainly gum and cyprus pine and there were plenty of sheep grazing on the green grass after what looked like heavy rain. There were pockets of water on the land all the way and the closer we were to St George the greener the land became.
We arrived at St George and drove across the weir with its many barriers which can be lifted of dropped dependant on the river level of the Bollone River. We came into the town and as we have been here many times before we turned onto the highway that would take us to Lightning Ridge in NSW. We went into the BP Service Station and refilled with diesel for $1.17.9 cents a litre. then we were on our way. Moving down the highway we were to see paddock after paddock of wheat and Rice and Cotton and the farms at one stage had cattle and plenty of them and then we noted a flock of sheep there must have been in excess of 1000.

We noted plantations of small bush's in rows that are used to feed stock in times of drought though they probably will not be required this year given the amount of rain. This is the coldest and wettest weather that we have experienced in Queensland in the past ten years of so. The temperature today only rose to 14 degrees after a very cold night. We drove past Cubby Station and noted the dam walls that seemed to run for kilometres in all directions. Of course they produce Cotton that is a very water thirsty plant. We now appeared to be in cattle country and there were no Brahman in sight mainly Hereford and Black Angus. There were plenty of happy campers heading north and we hope the weather picks up for them. We finally arrived at Dirranbandi "Land of the Croaking Frogs". We stopped near the Croaking Frog Bakery and Cafe and bought a cappuccino and a sausage roll for Liz and I opted for a pepper steak pie. All very nice indeed for we were to sit in the park next door to the bakery and noted the monument to the person that first established Cubby Station and introduced cotton growing to the area in 1988. There is a statue of an Aboriginal who won the Stawell Gift many years ago and the prize money of $1000 went to his trainers.We were now back on the road heading for Hebel and looking for a camp spot for the night. .

We finally arrived at Hebel and though a small town it is supposedly steeped in History. On the corner where we turned towards Lightning Ridge there is a very old hotel and it looks like it is falling down. We did not stop and pushed on and finally after leaving Hebel we crossed over into the state of New South Wales and so we bid Queensland farewell for another year as we head south and eventually home.
We were only around 50 kilometres from Lightning Ridge when we found a suitable spot to camp for the night and as is located on an old road we are parked on bitumen so if it rains tonight we will still get out ok to the highway. Tonight we will read for we have decided not to put up the satellite dish to receive television.
Kilometres travelled 303

Monday the 25th of July
It was a cool evening and this morning it was very crisp at 10 degrees rising to 21 degrees later in the day. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and would remain that way all day. I walked this morning around the weir which is the water supply for the small township of Opal some 1 kilometre up the road. The weir is called the Angeldool weir and has a history associated with Mitchell the early explorer and land governor. The Major Mitchell Parrots bear his name for he was the first to discover the birds in his foray into the outback looking for suitable land for farming and rivers to sustain that farming. I walked then along the road and then back into camp for breakfast. After we cleaned up we were on our way to Lightning Ridge. It was 9am when we departed and as we had only 50 kilometres to travel it took no time at all to arrive at the turn off into the Ridge. Past the welcome signs and then we were in the town of Lightning Ridge. The first thing we did was go out to the Artesian Bore Water Pool.

When we arrived and parked up straight into the shower, which you have to do prior to going into the pool. I would have been in the water for no more than 10 minutes soaking up the very warm bore water when the attendant indicated that the bore would be closing whilst he added chlorine to the water. He indicated that the baths would be closed for two hours.
Back at the motorhome and we were to see Dianne from Yowah drive in and we had a good old chat about all and sundry. Dianne indicated that Brian had gone with Wayne fishing and did not know when they would return. We caught up with the latest gossip of the town and we unhooked the Terios and went looking for John and Rhonda who are staying at a caravan park. They were not home so we went and collected the motorhome and parked up at the information centre after refueling at $1.24.9 cents per litre.
We then went out onto the mining leases looking for people we had met some years ago. Their shack is still there though they have moved on. We went out as far as could go an had a look at the memorial to the bloke that found black opal back in 1904 and started the rush to the area of miners. Lightning Ridge is reputed to have the only black opal in the world and as such is in high demand with high prices of course. Whilst out there we were to see a bloke with a divining rods looking for Opal for they say that the black Opal is found close to water underground.
We were to see many mulloch heaps the result of searching for the elusive black opal. Back to the main road and went into the town and went to the elcheapo shop and then went looking for John and Rhonda again and we caught them just as they were preparing to hop onto a mining tour bus to go out onto the leases. We indicated that we would not be staying and would be moving on. So again we said our farewells.
We went to the Cafe and had a cappuccino and then hooked the Terios on the motorhome and headed out to our rest area some 8 kilometres down the highway.
When we pulled up we noted the Gypsy Van against the fence with the saddle's sitting on the draw bar and the owner was washing down the two draught horses that were pulling the Van.
Back to set up for television and unfortunately could only get the ABC channels so later I will set up the satellite dish to watch the Talking footy show tonight.
Kilometres travelled 65

Tuesday the 26th of July
It was a cold night with us putting the blanket back on the bed. This morning I looked out the back window and the solar panel on the Terios were frosted over. Went for a walk and along the way I took a photo of the larger than life Emu that has been constructed from several Volkswagen cars and their bonnets plus the ears ears are two very large satellite dishes. I certainly stands out and must be at least 100 metres high.
Today we have decided to stop for another day in the area and with John and Rhonda we will be going into Grawin to try our luck for Opal noodling of course. We headed off and it was about 56 kilometres inland though mostly bitumen and it was better than the main highway.
Along the way we were to see plenty of goats, Sheep and cattle. There were several very large paddocks that had been ploughed for some sort of crop. We finally arrived at Grawin and as it is some years since we have been here we had ask directions to the mining spoil dump. We were to pass a rather ornate house that had been built of rock only and it looked a treat. The rest of the building on the leases were like shanties made mostly of tin. We arrived at the dump and found that it had been closed off though this did not deter us. We walked up to the top and started noodling to no avail so we came back down and had lunch which Liz had packed for us. We noted two official people looking over the dump and taking photo's and they finally came to us asking questions and before we answered we asked who they were. They were wearing the uniform of the Mining Department and stated that it was a finable offence to be on the mulloch heap and the fine was $200 for each occasion. It would be true to say that we were lucky not to be caught. As we were having lunch a couple of local people came along and indicated they would allow us on their lease to look for Opal in their rubbish heap.

We took them up on their offer and it wasn't long before the Mines Department people were checking to see if we had gained permission. Once satisfied they left us alone though we all felt uncomfortable so after 20 minutes we called it quits with us only getting nice blue potch with a smattering of black as well.
We then went looking for the Sheepyard Hotel which was burnt down a few years ago and is now called the Sheepyard Inn. It is made of corrugated iron both inside and out and they have built up another lot of new memorabilia. We had as couple of stubbies of beer and cider for the girls and then we were on our way back to Lightning Ridge. We stopped first at the Sheepyard Community War Memorial at Lake Beard. The memorial is well set out and is a credit to the community especially the ends they have gone to to also remember the Vietnam War Veterans for a few of those who did not come back from that war were from this area.
On the way out we were to see a large drilling rig being set up to drill test holes and then bore a three metre shaft based on the drill test.
Some of the gravel roads were rough even though a grader had gone over it earlier in the day so we were glad to arrive back on the bitumen. Along the way we were to see literally hundreds of goat grazing and we are not sure if they are being farmed for sale or they are just wild, they were mixed up with many sheep and cattle.
We arrived back at camp and said our final farewells to John and Rhonda for they are travelling north and we are travelling south tomorrow. As it is only 4pm we have decided to drive into the Artesian Bore Baths in Lightning Ridge and have a shower and then into the nice hot bore water. Tonight we will have an easy tea and then watch television for awhile and in the morning dismantle the satellite dish.
Kilometres travelled today in the Terios 130

Wednesday the 27th of July
Chilly again this morning as we pack to continue our journey south. It was only 5 degrees and would only rise to 14 degrees when we arrived at Collie Rest Area later in the afternoon.
We were to say farewell to the happy campers around us and then we were on our way towards Walgett with a cold southerly wind we were punching into. The fuel burnt was pretty high. The countryside had changed again with plenty of grain crops and what looked like wheat plants as far as the eye could see in the paddocks. Needless to say there were plenty of large silo's along the way. Just before we arrived at Walgett we were to see this strange monument of a bloke with a boat cradled in his arms. We are not sure what the significance of this is maybe it reflected the amount of rain of recent times who knows. We arrived at Walgett and we drove slowly through the town centre and out the other side for we have some bad memories of this town and others along the way.
We arrived at Coonamble and decided to pull up and have a cappuccino around 10.30am. We went to a cafe and had our coffee and then we walked along the town centre, that is the one on the southern side of the bridge. Back in the motorhome and we were on our way and again we were to note the amount of water lying in gutters beside the road and the creeks and rivers had plenty of water in them.

We were to see our first crop of Canola this year and it was growing well no doubt due to the rain and then we were to see other grain crops along the way with plenty of sheep along the way plus cattle. We were to note the many Galah's made of corrugated iron which depicted the area of Gulargambone. I have trouble pronouncing this name so I left it alone. It was after noon so we pulled up and noted the galah mural on the local toilets and everything seemed to be pink and grey. Into the cafe and I had a meat pie and Liz had a salad roll and we both had a chocolate heart ice cream. We sat in the warm sun and noted in the distance a lot of cloud.
When we left that place we were to see flocks of Major Mitchell Cockatoo's and one unfortunately ran into our windscreen and it was killed instantly, We were to see many more on the way down.
We travelled through a few small towns and then we were coming across many road trains and B Double trucks along the way. We came across an area where there were at least 500 cattle feeding in the long paddock. We had to travel in second gear for the kept just walking onto the road with no warning. They were scattered over a two kilometre stretch. Once we cleared them we soon came up to speed though that did not last long for we run across road works which on two occasions we were stuck on red traffic lights for some time until it was our chance to get underway again. Then before we knew it we arrived at Gilgandra and pulled up in the main street to purchase a gas heater to no avail. Brian and Dianne went past us waving farewell once again. We went to the Caltex Roadhouse and refilled the tank with diesel at $1.20.9 cents a litre. With the head wind we had consumed more than normal. Then we dropped around to Mick and Todd's mechanical works to renew our acquaintance once again. We chewed the fat for about thirty minutes and then we were on our way to our next rest area at Collie for the night. No television so tonight we will either watch a video or read our books before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 314

Thursday the 28th of July
It was very cold this morning and there was lot of fog around our camp area at Collie Rest Area. We were underway at 8.30am heading towards Condobolin, we were not sure we would make it today or not. When we turned off at the Collie Hotel it was obvious that the fog was taking its time lifting and it was only 9 degrees and at the end of the day would only rise to 11. Need I say more.
We were to see many paddocks flooded and near rivers they had blown their banks and unfortunately the wheat crops were mostly underwater though in the higher ground the Canola plants were faring much better. Farmers were out inspecting their crops and cattle and sheep and at one crossing the water was really boiling through the pipes. If the fog would lift it would be a nice day for in between the fog the sun was shining brightly.

We came across a section of road where the water was laying across around 400 mll deep. I drove through very carefully and then we were back in top gear and on our way. We decided to drive through Albert and not stop at the Rabbit Trap Hotel for there were plenty of caravans pulled up. Further down the road the paddocks with grain were flooded again so we are not sure whether they will lose their crop.
I made a right hand turn instead of left and the small donkey/ Mule started baying and I think it was say "IDIOT" We turned and then back on track with only 55 kilometres to Gum Bend Lake and our camping area. We are sure that there will be a mess with the amount of water they have had over the last fortnight. Sure enough when we arrived there were only 6 Happy Campers with another 3 arriving later in the day. We picked a spot and set up and then unloaded the wood and the campot and then decide to have lunch and not put the awning out until we were sure of what is going to happen in the next few days.
We then went up town to look for a gas heater to put on the gas bottle to no avail and the called into the RSL and had my photo taken for my two year membership of the club and then made provision for the courtesy bus to pick us up tomorrow night and we will have a meal there and a bit of liquid refreshment. At the moment I am suffering with bronchitis and it is really a pain in the suitcase.
Lit the campfire and now on the way to cook a chook in the camp oven and have a stubby or two bugger the cold!!!!!!!!!
Kilometres travelled today 254

Friday the 29th of July
There will not be much on the diary today for I am totally off the planet with this bronchitis is certainly knocking me about. Liz as usual is fussing over me more than ever. We went to the doctors surgery and found they only had a 30 minute and they thought that would not be enough for I may need X-rays etc. So I was sent to the hospital and after 1 hour 40 minutes I spoke to them and they said the doctor was tied up with an emergency. They did not know how long it would take so I left and they said they would ring when he was free. The call came so back to the hospital. When I went in he decided I did not require X-rays. He stated that I losing the weight to fast and at my age I needed to slow down the weight loss regime. I stood on his scales and could not believe that I had lost 11 kilo in that short period. His advice was to slow down and lose weight a little slower especially in the cold weather other than that I was ok and only needed a short course of antibiotics
We came out and went to the pharmacy to fill the script and I do not mind staying in bed later of a morning. Then off to the bakery where we had a cappuccino and a slice of vanilla slice. Staying away from the meat pies
Then back to the motorhome and started the generator and switched on the diesel heater at the moment it is 17 degrees celsius inside and about 9 degrees outside.
This is the shortest section of the diary I have ever done and quite frankly it is a mess normally I would not correct error etc though on this occasion spelling and grammar is terrible. Though guess what I could not give a damn. Tonight the bus will come down from the club and pick us up and return us later in the night. So that's all there folks I reckon I am going to bed for a couple of hours.

Saturday the 30th of July
It was not as cold this morning, though I have still suspended my walking until I am through this bronchitis. I lit the fire and stoked it up to get some heat prior to us boiling the billy and cooking our toast. The sun was trying to break through the fog which today was very high and the sun did so around 10am when brilliant sunshine once again was to visit us.
We cleaned up around the camp and said hello the other happy campers we have met since arriving and they all enquired on my health plus Liz who is coming down with a cold.
We decided to go into town and the IGA for they have corned silverside on special this week end. As we have not had any for awhile we are looking forward to it. We need to go early for in the past they have sold out of the special when we have arrived there in the afternoon.
We were to buy the silverside and a few other things as well as two casks of wine for Liz to keep her stock up. Neither of us should need to buy any more alcohol until we get home.
We were to go to the dump point and then went for a drive out along the road to Cobar which we haven't driven before. We were to see plenty of crops of wheat growing and after about 25 kilometres of taking in the countryside we turned around heading back to camp.
We decided to have a look at the wheat storage depot on the outskirt of town and as we turned the corner we came across a harvester who was taking up the full road. We just followed until we arrived at the wheat silo's. There was a train being loaded so we watched that for awhile.
Then we saw another harvester taking up the road coming towards us, each was towing their cutting blades. Now the funny thing was as we waited for them to move on we were to hear them talking about what they could see in cars watching the girls. Quite funny and very amusing and maybe wishful thinking.
We were to come back to camp and had lunch and the sun was blazing away to the point we had to start shedding a few clothes. Then I dropped off to sleep in the sun and the temperature had risen to 19 degrees which is a lot better than yesterday. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading and we were visited by those happy campers we went up the RSL last with.
Liz has made some nice minestrone soup for our evening meal along with cold chicken from last night. Tonight we will watch the AFL football before going off to bed. We are expecting a frost in the morning.

Sunday the 31st of July
Here it is another month nearly gone and things have not improved weather wise. We are thinking we could have stayed home and enjoyed the cold by a wood fire. Though we can't complain given this is the first time in all our travels over the years that we have struck such adverse weather conditions. The sunset last night was great and it augured for a good day today though early morning clouds blocked the effect of the sun's warming rays for a couple of hours.
When the sun finally broke through around 10 am it was to get much warmer and at 3pm it was 18 degrees. I lit the firepot and had bacon and eggs for breakfast and that was an effort for I do not have my appetite back as yet. Liz is still struggling with her cold.
Around 10.30am out came the firepot and in went the roast of lamb for we decided to have it for lunch today in case it came over cold in the afternoon. In went the spuds etc and then out came the washing machine and in putting up the cloths line between the trees it broke, thankfully there were no cloths on the line.
We had our happy camper mates come for a chat and of course they could give me all the instructions on how to cook the lamb, in a friendly laughable way of course and as the smell of the cooking meat became greater they then drifted away to have sandwiches for lunch. We just laughed.
It was a very nice lunch and we put the awning out for the first time since being here for the weather forecast over the next few days predicts rain for the area. After lunch we had our beautiful hot showers in the amenities building and I had the water that hot that my congestion should have disappeared. We then went for a drive into town and being a Sunday of course everything was closed other than the supermarket of which there is two in the town. As we walked past one building I noted up on the wall a series of number plates though the one that attracted my attention was the one "Dilligaf" and I couldn't help myself I had to take a photo.
Finally back at camp and group of happy campers invited us over to the fire which we declined for we still trying to shake off what we both have though I have to say the antibiotics appear to working.
Pulled down the cloths line and packed it away will need to buy more new rope and completely renew the cloths line's. Well that's it for this month and we had a call from people we met at Yowah who were enquiring as to our whereabouts and we each wished each other well of course. Tonight we will settle in to watch a bit of television and of course the diesel heater will be going for awhile.

August