Sunday the 1st
It rained during the night and when we arose this morning I was surprised to see how dry the ground was. Though that was to change for when it rained later in the morning the ground around the camp became a quagmire so the chances of packing up our camp today appear to be remote. We were to drive out in four wheel drive in the Terios and when we arrived at the bitumen you could hear the mud coming off the tyres and underbody.
We drove out to the Quilpie Airport where they have a memorial to Amy Johnson the first female to fly from Australia to England with many stops on the way to refuel etc. The memorial is a series of pictorials placed on four side of a corrugated walls.
It was very interesting though on the sunny side it was hard to read due the cracking and fading of the pictorials. There were only a few small planes at the airport, it appeared to able to take large planes.
We went from there to Mitre 11 though the ground was bit muddy so we stayed in the car so we were not aware of any bargains, maybe next time. We noted that Pelicans were on the banks on the water pond where an excavator had been clearing reeds etc and cleaning around it in general. There were four geese and one duck also on the clear bore water.
Back and driving down the main street and noted on the median strip there are a lot of cut outs of cattle and stockmen depicting the rural flavour of the area.
Back to camp and down came the rain again and it is now a quagmire which made me bring out the generator to charge house and waeco battery's due to lack of sun.
Around 10 am the rain stopped and there were pools of water everywhere and the intermittent bouts of sun and wind will hopefully dry the ground again for unless it improves we will not be able to pack our camp up today including bringing in the awning.
We will go to the Polo Crosse later in the day as long as we can get out. There has been little movement in happy campers no doubt like us are going to wait out the weather for tomorrow is supposed to be a sunny day. We will see what happens. So we will relax for the rest of the day and at the moment Liz is preparing our evening meal in the Dream-Pot. Using this method of cooking produces a good meal though there is a lot of preparation.

Monday the 2nd
What a beautiful morning sun shining no clouds and the ground is drying nicely after our weekend rains. This has bought out the kangaroos and several types of birds feeding on the new growth after the rain. We had our breakfast and then said our farewells to those happy campers we had met over the past few days. A lot are still staying in Quilpie for awhile before they move onto the Big Red Bash out of Birdsville. We put the satellite dish away and then had our breakfast before moving up to the Bakery to get bread and bought two apple sponge pies with plenty of cream for our morning tea. Then around to the fuel depot to refuel with diesel at $1.55.9 cents a litre. The day was great and that made driving easy as we turned onto the road leading to Toompine and our camp for the night. The countryside looked refreshed and the first part of the journey was on double lane bitumen.

There appeared to be no wind though you could see that they had plenty of rain for there was water in some of the creeks and some paddocks by the road had plenty of water still there. Then we arrived at the single bitumen road and when we had traffic coming towards us we pulled off the road and stopped. We could not believe given they had the full bitumen that three camper trailers pulled into the gravel off the road and showered us with stones. Not happy Jan!! We soon put that behind us for the countryside was nice and green due to the amount of Mulga Trees that was feed for cattle and goats. We could no see any grass at all and the sheep we were to see seemed to be in good condition feeding on what we do not know. The cattle of course can reach the lower limbs of the Mulga Trees and that was sustaining them. The cattle we saw were all in good condition. It wasn't long before we arrived at Toompine. There were plenty of happy campers here and those we spoke to are staying overnight on their way to the Big Red Bash. Again with all the room available caravans seem to want to park close to us, we can only presume that they must be lonely. We set up the dish to watch the football show tonight. We went off and used the showers that are available and they were nice and hot. We had a walk around the place and tonight we intend to go in for a few frothy's and wine and have a meal. The rest of the afternoon we will be sitting outside enjoying the sunshine and reading our books.
Kilometres travelled 81

Tuesday the 3rd
We had a good night at the Toompine Hotel last night there were plenty of happy campers as well as some of the local lads off the nearby cattle stations. Of course it had nothing to do with there being a very attractive Italian backpacker serving behind the bar. Oh yeah.
This morning the sun was shining brightly with no wind. Went for a walk out to the nearby creek and was surprised to see water in there though not running. Had breakfast and packed the satellite dish away and it was time to go.
We were heading for Yowah and our next camp. We to see some very arid country with the only thing surviving was the Mulga trees with a few gums in the water courses. It is true to say that station owners like the Mulga Bush for feed for their cattle and sheep. Apparently it is classed as being a weed and if not watched carefully it grows into forests and takes over the land so every now and again they have to cut the bush. We had to travel 80 kilometres to the turnoff off the Thargominda Road and then we were to note the road had changed to just single lane with some of the hills climbing to the plateau were double lane bitumen. Of course we were to strike traffic and all bar a few they slowed and took it easy as we passed, those that didn't of course showered us with stones.
We were to come across a few jump ups as they are called and some near the road appeared to have caves entrances. The day was beautiful and we noted the amount of water in puddles near the road and we noted that one dam was full so they must have had a lot of rain in this area. We finally took the turn to Yowah and were to pass quite a few caravans leaving and they were sensible slowing and us both going onto the gravel without throwing up rocks.
We finally arrived and noted the new signage welcoming everyone to Yowah and then we turned into the camping area. Our spot we were in last year was full so we opted to go onto the concrete slabs across the road. First we said hello to those we knew from previous years and then set up our camp.
We step out of the motorhome and onto concrete which is a change from previous camp sites. The Terios was relieved to have ninety percent of weight removed which included the wood that was up on the roof rack.
We were having a cuppa after lunch and Val came and visited us and gave a rundown on the local gossip and how her Kangaroo's were going in Val's park. Val would have to be in her late eighty's early ninety's and is so agile and a good memory for she called us both by our first names.
We took our time and it took until late afternoon to finish setting up. Gee we are lazy already it is amazing how good sunny warm weather and people visiting slows you down. We are here for awhile so we will see what happens.
Kilometres travelled 117

Wednesday the 4th
We had a beautiful sunrise this morning and it helped to warm me up on my walk. With all this walking I thought I would have lost weight. It must be all those frothy's. The walk was the same as last year and I was to note that not much has changed. The steam is still coming off the Bore Drain as it makes its way through the village.
In Val's park there were still kangaroos there given that Val now feeds them at 6am to allow them to go bush again before the people arrive to annoy them. Val's garden is still good with a mixture of veggies. Then the beautiful Bougainvilleas were in flower and they brightened up an otherwise bleak landscape.
A change is a small batch plant where concrete emanates to the various small slabs etc around the town. Back in camp and it was time for breakfast so lit the fire in the camp fire and then had toast washed down with a nice cup of tea.
After breakfast it was time to finalise our camp for the next few weeks we are here. First up went the satellite dish and then wound the awning in to make some repairs to the top that had sun damage had done to the stitching. Used cloth tape along the stitching so in future rain will not penetrate the inside of the awning and allow us to sit outside without getting wet. Luckily Scotty the local council worker provided the ladder which was great even if it was bit rickety Liz was to steady it whilst I climbed.
Then up to get a gas bottle filled at the local shop and we paid $20 which is $6 cheaper than the last bottle. They charge $5 per kilo of gas. Making a 9kilo bottle cost $45. Needless to say we will only be filling our small bottles.
Then we went to the Library where we are registered and picked out a couple of books to read over the coming days hopefully in the continuing brilliant sunshine. Our days at the moment is on average 22 degrees though tends to be a bit cold at night.
Whilst up town, so to speak we met a few people we have met over the years and we had a chat and renewed acquaintances and picked up the local gossip. The Shop has cut back its Thursday night meal to two courses with the still the same price of $20 per head. The progress association has a barbecue night planned for Saturday night for $20. So needless to say we will meet a lot of happy campers and townsfolk at both dinners.
We headed back to camp and read our books for awhile after lunch and then it was time to go to the local indoor bowls competition at 3 pm and then after that they open the bar for a few frothy' etc. We renewed our acquaintance with Len, Mick and Joe a few other people and the strange thing like us some don't have the full television service and others virtually parked nearby with the same antennas have the full service.
Well time to go off to indoor bowls.

Thursday the 5th
We went up to indoor bowls yesterday afternoon and it was great meeting up with locals and happy campers as well as bowling. Our team was to lose one and win one so that was ok. Of course between games we had a cuppa and a biscuit and a chat of course. When the bowls were over they opened the bar and lit the fire drums and we spent an hour or so having a frothy. We were to meet several Tasmanians and others that had visited the island so there was a fair discussion. Then home for our evening meal. On my walk this morning I was to find another of those strange signs that adorn the place and on this occasion all I could see was bush's no prehistoric animals. Then came across two derelict houses that were for sale no doubt they would come cheap. I was to see another for sale with a $65,000 price tag. The problem with Yowah is there is no through traffic once here you need to go back the same way to get out. The people that live here scratch around looking for Opal in the hard rock or are pensioners. Another sunny morning though the wind rose late morning and there was bit of dust flying about which Liz did not like for the washing machine is in action. Though I suppose the clothes will dry quickly. We had to do a few adjustments to the line for the wind was getting stronger. After lunch we drove around and Liz made an appointment to have her hair cut in a couple of days. The rest of the day will be spent relaxing and reading our books and later we will be cooking a chicken in the Baby Q for our evening meal complete with roast veggies of course.

Friday the 6th
Our roast chicken cooked on the Baby Q last night was cooked to perfection and tasted enormous, there is no doubt food cooked in this manner keeps the flavour intact. The walk this morning again was in brilliant sunshine with just a slight breeze and when passing the caravan park it looked to be quite full. Whereas where we are camped people are coming and leaving each day. It has been suggested a few came here for a couple of days before heading off to the Big Red Bash near Birdsville. What we have seen over the past week or so has convinced us that they will be crowded out. Even our friends are going from Townsville will be attending and they have indicated that they will be dropping in to see us at Yowah on the way home, which will be great and we are expecting Patrick and Julie who are at Bribie Island at the moment to join us next week.
We had council workers from Cunnamulla today putting in posts near the shop and placing street pole names in several places aided and abetted by the local council worker Scotty. They were pretty swift in their job and we heard them comment that they had not run over any animals on the way up. We had a chat and then they were on their way back to Cunnamulla. We walked up past Julie's place and there were the Top Knots (Bush Pidgeons) who were being fed and there were plenty of them with quite a few not fitting into the photo.
Liz was to go up to Bingo with Elsie and they were gone for a couple of hours and on her return Liz indicated that she had won a packet of Big M's which no doubt we will consume tonight while watching the football.
We had our lunch and then a bloke wanted a hand to get his satellite dish working and after four LNB's I could not get a signal so for the first time ever I have had to declare that I had been defeated with a smart arse indicating that he needed a satellite technician.
Then we returned and had a cappuccino and then went for a drive to look for Opal on the ground where they had dumped their tailings. Though to no avail so we went over and had a look at the Yowah Golf Club and its greens etc. Well there is not a blade of grass to be seen anywhere just gravel with a different type on the putting green. Then we had a look at the 19th hole and it is only an opened ended shed with plenty of old toilet pans. There was no one playing and it could be suggested that it would not be used much for you could see it would not be good for the golf clubs. The bloke that I tried to get the satellite dish working has just came over and indicated that he has ordered two new LNB's which should arrive next friday. I have indicated that I will have another go when they arrive. Well time for happy hour and then tonight chicken salad for our evening meal for we only ate half of the chicken last night. At the moment sitting around in singlet and trackies no yet game to put on the shorts.

Saturday the 7th
A little colder last night when we went of bed after watching the football. When we awoke this morning it wasn't bad though there was a southerly breeze which is keeping things cooler. The rest of the day was warm, sunny with blue sky's once again. It would rise to 22 degrees celsius. We had our breakfast outside bacon and eggs plus hash browns and toast washed down with a cup of tea. We will now need to do some exercise to work off the breakfast.
Jim was to feed the family birds with pieces of bread and then a few bush pigeons arrived and they joined in the feast.
First of all went out to Mitre 11 and was able to secure a drum given I could not obtain a steel washing machine insert. I cut the drum with my battery operated grinder and whilst I was doing that we noticed a few children and their parents making a cubby house out of the scrap left laying around. The finished product was great even down to chairs and a television set that had been dumped they also made a firepot using bits and pieces and it worked for they lit a fire and then they huddled with Liz inside the shack.
We then returned to camp and set up the drum and then out with the chainsaw and sharpened the chain and fuelled and oiled and we were ready to go looking for the famous gidgee trees.
We found one that suited us and then cut lengths to suit the drum. There is no doubt about this wood it is thick grained thus heavy to carry even in short lengths. It wasn't long before you could feel the chain losing its sharpness and then after around fifteen minutes the chain expanded and came off the chain bar. Whacked it back on and then refueled and back into cutting more. Now, we had virtually unloaded the car leaving only the Waeco in the back section and then we loaded the wood nearly to the roof and then filled the roof rack and back to camp.
Unloaded and Liz then cleaned the bark and dust off the carpet in the back and I then re sharpened the chain for the next load we will have to get. We had lunch and the only way we could clean the bark that had fallen through the roof rack and onto the roof of the Terios was to go for a drive and you could hear the bark falling by the way.
We drove out to the Yowah International Airport as the sign suggested and no doubt they say in mirth for the runway is only suitable for small aircraft like the Royal Flying Doctor Service. The plane was on the parking apron for the doctor is doing the normal rounds servicing the local community and then after about six hours they then took off back to Charleville where this plane is based. The airport is now fenced for in the past the cattle used to stand on the runway and lay on it at night for the warmth. Fencing fixed that problem.
Back in camp and just relaxed for the rest of the afternoon before going up for a barbecue meal tonight and a few wine and frothy's and then home to watch the last of the football before going off to bed.

Sunday the 8th
Last night we went up to the Community Barbecue and the log fire they lit was great throwing plenty of heat. Of course you had to cook your own meat and we selected smoked pork chops. The salad was great and we had chips as well. The pork chop was very nice indeed and then ice cream and home made fruit salad all excellent.
This morning on my walk there were eight kangaroo's hop across the road in front of me and when they stopped to look I noticed on had a Joey in her pouch who was looking about to see what was going on. Today I decided to walk along the Bore Drain on the path that had been built as a further attraction in the town. Having seen the front of the many houses it was different when you looked into their back yards. There were plenty of old cars wrecks of course and a lot of mining equipment none of which you can see frock to camp and lit the fire for breakfast and we were to eat in the brilliant sunshine the only detraction was that there was a southerly breeze which we were able to get out of. from the front. There were palm trees lining the Bore Drain and it shaded the area. Then it came out near Val's Park and there not many kangaroos in there again this morning. Back in camp we had breakfast which we had outside in the sunny conditions, even there was cool southerly breeze we were able to get out of it.
Once cleaned up Liz and I went for another walk along the Bore Drain to go to the Post Office to post off a Sympathy card to our friend whose husband passed away recently. Back to camp and we decided we would go up to the Bluff that overlooks Yowah with a cut lunch.

On the way we dropped into Mitre 11 and we were able to find a heat gauge that will fit a Baby Q and then a few different stove and fridge racks that we can use for our campfire. The lean to that was built by the kids two days ago is still intact and since we had seen the original they had made modifications making it even better.
We then drove up the Bluff where we were going to have lunch and enjoy the scenery that abounds.
We were to note the series of Cairns that people had built over time and then we came across a huge Cairn built in the shape of a pyramid that wasn't there last year. Looking from the Bluff south you could see the arid country and the jump ups in the distance. Looking straight down the ground was bare with only the Gidgee Trees in prominence. We were to remark that there were no goats at all this year so we assumed the farmers and others have rounded them up and sent them off to abattoirs.
When we finished our lunch we determined we would come again in the near future at sunset to have a barbecue and watch the sun go down over Yowah. We took a photo of Yowah nestled in amongst the bush etc.
Then we stopped at the old fossicking site near the Tip and as we thought it had been well done over with just traces of Potch in the rocks that were left. It was an enjoyable couple of hours spent up on the bluff and when we returned to camp we of course made cappuccino's and few biscuits though no Tim Tams we have run out of them.
We will light the fire in the drum later this afternoon and cook our meal and sit by it for a few hours before coming in later in the evening. There have been a lot of happy campers leave today and again we can only assume they are heading for the Big Red Bash at and near Birdsville.

Monday the 9th
We stoked up the fire last night and sat outside for quite awhile, the night was clear and there were stars as bright as can be including the milky way. This morning only had to throw two pieces of wood on the coals of last night and then went walkabout.
Daily I walk past the many Opal dealers both buyers and sellers and there are plenty more than these two trying to make a living in Yowah. When I returned to camp the fire was going strongly so boiled the kettle and cooked the toast for breakfast.
Out next door neighbours, so to speak, go out each morning digging for Opal on the official Opal mining area. To dig there you require a licence which costs $10 for two weeks. When they return they are looking to see what they have found for the day. I only looked on one occasion and I did not like to tell them that they only had potch not Opal. One is from Germany and the other is from England and both are on travellers visa's and both nice blokes to talk to.
We burnt a bit of wood last night and we thought we would go out again and get larger wood if we could. Sharpened the chainsaw and fuelled and oiled and we were on our way. The chainsaw is getting harder to start I think this gidgee wood is making it work to hard. When it started I only cut three large pieces and it was blunt again this wood sure destroys chains etc and it also uses a lot more fuel than normal. We will need to cut gum in future for our fires though it is not as hot and does not last as long as gidgee wood.
Today we were going for large logs not quantity so we only filled the back of the Terios on this occasion. Given the bark etc that was on the carpet last time we laid down a tarp which collected all the rubbish.
Back in camp and Liz made sultana scones for our lunch in the camp oven for there was a few coals and heat in the drum. We were to have them for lunch and they were yummy especially when we put honey on them and washed them down with a cup of tea.
I sharpened the chain again and refueled and oiled for the next occasion. Liz was to go off to the see the hairdresser who is coming into town today and Liz made an appointment for 2.30 pm. Then we went out to the 12 mile to set out yabby nets and with a bit of luck we have feed in the morning when we pull them.
We will stoke the fire up again tonight though there is a bit of cloud appearing which may cool things down a bit and of course we will come inside after our meal cooked on the fire to watch the "Talking Footy" Show. We had a few visitors during the afternoon and we gained the opinion that the locals are not all that happy with the way the township of Yowah is heading, they have seen so many changes in recent years that have been to the detriment of the town, so they believe. All we can do is agree with them for what they say is correct. So much so that already we have made out minds up that we will not be coming back to Yowah for many many years.

Tuesday the 10th
A cool night and after my walk this morning picked up Liz and we drove out to the 12 mile Yabby Hole and pulled our nets. We were only to gather 7 for it looks as if the hole has been worked pretty heavily before we arrived. Not to worry we will just move around until we find another hole that hasn't been worked.
Back to camp and stoked the fire and had our breakfast another nice sunny day though that cool southerly persists. After breakfast Liz was to give the Terios a good clean and whilst doing so found a nice Opal on the ground. Needless to say I believe Liz could find Opal in a supermarket she is so canny with stones etc. Then it was time for a cappuccino and whilst drinking we had other happy campers come over enquiring about our fire and especially the wood heap and were they could cut some for their fires.
Lunch time arrived and we were to cook jaffles on the hot fire which turned out a treat. Very enjoyable indeed. Liz was then to prepare a chicken mixture to cook in the camp oven and on the fire.
We then went out again to the Mitre 11 for we needed a few parts to improve the fire drum. We were annoyed by fly's so cut with the angle grinder what we wanted and then back to camp.
Checked our evening meal and then just relaxed in the nice sunny afternoon. The boys in the camp next door have trouble starting their car so they will borrow my battery charger and hopefully their battery is not shot. Happy hour arrived and we had a few frothy's etc.
A quiet day so will sit out by the fire tonight and no doubt enjoy the stars once again.

Wednesday the 11th
Very cool night and this morning even colder the Terios had ice on its front windowscreen. The fire still had coals from last night so threw a few pieces on and went for a walk. This morning I wore a beanie plus gloves to keep my head and hands warm. The sun again was brilliant and no clouds and would stay that way all day and for a change no breeze which made the day very warm.
We went out to check the yabby pots for Liz had set them yesterday and the morning results were due to her efforts. Again the first two nets were empty though the rest caught with us throwing back the very small ones. Liz caught enough to chew on later in the day.
Back for breakfast and we stoked the fire up and boiled the kettle and cooked the toast and sat outside in the morning sun enjoying our surroundings. We had a few happy campers visit us for a chat and we have only met good people to date and no grumpy ones which is great.
Did our normal cleanup and showered then we decided to take back our books to the library plus chose more to read during the rest of the week. They certainly have a good supply. Then onto the shop to buy a few items and at times we find that their groceries are not much dearer than other outback towns. Considering they have to drive to Cunnamulla every Tuesday to pick their supply's up. Whilst in the shop we renewed out acquaintance with a few of the locals that we have met over the years. We made arrangements to visit them tomorrow and friday. We also booked and Paid for our meal at the Caravan Park for Thursday night. Then back to camp.

We had our lunch and had to take of our pullovers off for it was really getting warm. After lunch we decided to take the Opal that Liz had found up the Opal cutter and polisher to see if it was worth polishing etc. His view was that even though it wasn't a good Opal it was worth polishing as a keepsake.
Whilst he was doing that we had a look around the showroom and was amazed at the beautiful Opal and other stones on display though the prices were high on some and reasonable on the smaller Opal. We didn't have a spare hundred or thousands so we just looked.
When Liz was given the polished Opal she was very pleased and surprised how it highlighted the green, blue and red Opal streaks. And the cost of polishing was nothing and he gave us a bag of chillies as well. We were to leave a donation to the Royal Flying Doctor Service. On the way back to camp Liz was to show her stone to other happy campers who were pleased to see that Liz had found a decent Opal.
We read out books for awhile and then washed the Terios which was very dirty from road grime and red dust. It now looks a treat though on the way to set the Yabby Pots this afternoon we have to travel on red dust roads so needless to say it will get dirty again. Tomorrow we will wash the Motorhome. We will relax when we get back and enjoy the rest of the day and who knows we may have a frothy of two and stoke up the fire to cook our evening meal.

Thursday the 12th
Cool again this morning and the walk needless to say was refreshing. Back in camp and picked up Liz and the bucket and drove out near the airport to check the Yabby pots we put in the bore drain yesterday afternoon. This morning we drove in off the bitumen and put the Terios into four wheel drive to cross over the drain, the sun was shining in our eyes so it was a guesstimate as to whether I was driving out in the right direction. Disaster next thing we knew that we had a hell of a lean on the drivers side and the wheels were spinning.
When we checked the Terios had a terrible lean and the front passenger side wheel was trying to claw at fresh air. Had we gone another 300 mm we would have been on our side. Luckily it was hung up underneath and we were not sure what damage had been incurred. We checked the Yabby Nets and found only four small one's so we pulled them in and packed them away.
Then I called Len back at camp and asked him to drive out and give us a pull out. First of all we stacked large rocks where the front wheel was going to go and then Len started pulling breaking the tow rope. Luckily when the front wheel went onto the rocks the Terios was able to come out under its own steam. Then we drove back to camp and on the way there appeared to be no damage. Run up onto the concrete slab and then you could see why there was no damage underneath for there is a baffle plate protecting the sump, gearbox and four wheel drive transmission. The baffle plate went from the front of the car to the back door. There is no doubt that they made the Terios very tough for it will go anywhere though it does not like losing traction on a wheel.
Back in camp and we had out breakfast and news had travelled fast for we had happy campers coming to talk about what had happened and that was to continue to happen most of the day so much so we went for a walk and came back some hours later and had our showers. After lunch we were to throw some old rolled oats out and the family birds came and cleaned it up and later in the day they came again though we did not feed them again.
We noted in some houses the bougainvillea are dying no doubt through lack of water and in another house we noted what we called a front yard swimming pool that had little water in it at all. Well it has been an interesting day so we shall now have a couple of frothy's before going up the caravan park for our evening meal along with many happy campers we have met over the years it should be fun.

Friday the 13th
How time fly's when you are having fun. Last nights dinner at the caravan park was well patronised with around 90 local and happy campers from the caravan park and the free camp where we are. We all settled in on table one and started our happy hour before our meal. First of all they had the famous duck race down the bore drain, which raises money for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Ninety little plastic little ducks were placed in the bore outlet and then released down the drain, with the first three to the bottom being winners with prizes made available by locals. Needless to say the main prize was an Opal pendant.
Then we had our meal where Liz and I selected roast chicken and veggies with others selecting beef. Then it desert time and again we selected the meringue pie and I went back for seconds and had banana sponge with cream all very nice.
This morning I went for my walk and met up with Liz coming from the opposite direction and back home for breakfast. Lit the fire and then cooked toast and boiled the kettle and after that cleaned up and then sat in the brilliant sunshine reading our books.
Then Liz and Elsie went up to the library where they were playing bingo. The fellows next door showed me their opal collection they had dug out of the claim area. They had some good samples to show and one had a lot of opal both red, green and blue very nice indeed the camera unfortunately did not pick up the wonderful colours.
Liz arrived back at lunch time and went back to the cafe and purchased hot chips and then fresh bread from the shop. We had chips in bread smothered in tomato sauce. All very nice.
Then we decided to top up our wood heap and today it was not easy for the wood is that tough that after awhile the chain became blunt and then the chain stretched and came off the bar.
Decided to change chains and then had trouble starting the chainsaw so changed spark plugs and away it went and we cut our load of wood. Liz in moving the car rammed a stump and it broke our towing plug which will now have to be replaced maybe they will have one at the shop.
Back to camp and unloaded and we could not believe the day was nearly done. Cook our meal on the fire and have a few frothy's and then go inside to watch the St Kilda V Carlton match which they have listed as the Mockbuster Game and they have even lowered the price of tickets to $13. Another good day sunny and warm.

Saturday the 14th
Cool again on the walk this morning though brilliant sunshine and clear blue sky's. I walk past a house each morning and there is dog that looks out for me running up and down the fence line. Then came across a bloke feeding the birds and I noticed the Pink Cockatoo's were waiting there turn in the tree nearby. There are more people in the caravan park than there is in the free camp. Though there were a few who were leaving so early in the morning. Back in camp and had our breakfast as we were having cereal there was no need to light the fire.
Whilst we were sitting there a small group of cows arrived to eat the little tuffs of grass that were growing due to the water being there. It didn't take long for them to chew their way through and then they left.
We then sat in the sunshine and read our books and had a cappuccino and just relaxed. Right on Midday Patrick and Julie arrived and set up their motorhome just along from us on a concrete slab. We were to renew our acquaintance and discuss what had been happening over the years since we seen them both last.
Before we knew it lunch time had arrived and again we threw some oats to the family birds who seem to squawk all the time and when they departed we had a few bush pigeons arrive and Liz was to give them a feed as well.
Then out came the chainsaw and the chain for sharpening as previously mentioned this wood blunts the chain very quickly. Packed it away and then back to reading my book whilst Liz was to do a bit of cross stitching. Patrick and Julie walked up into the village for a look see and especially the spa baths.
Happy hour arrived and we lit the fire and we sat around it and then cooked our meal on the fire and watched the sun go down. There being no clouds the sunsets were not spectacular as they normally are.
We will go in later in the night to watch the AFL footy game before going off to bed.

Sunday the 15th
What a wild old night it turned out to be last night we had stoked the fire up and were having a few frothy's and wine with Patrick and Julie when both Phil and Paula had arrived in their bus from the Big Red Bash. Didn't they have some story's to tell and it went well into the night.
It was very late when we finally finished up and went off to bed.
This morning was the coldest morning we have had to date and even though the sun was shining bright with the usual blue sky's it was sometime before the day warmed up. We listened to the weather reports from other parts of Queensland and they were reporting even colder weather.
Went for a shorter walk this morning and returned to find that Phil and Paula were packing up and leaving shortly bound for Brisbane for the brother and sister in law have to be there in two days. It was sad to see them go for we had not really seen them for the past few years.
We stoked up the fire and cooked toast and boiled the kettle and settled in to have chat to several happy campers that came over. Today is Arts and Craft show in the pavilion so at 11.30am we wandered up and first of all went into the pavilion and spent about an hour and a half looking at the various items on display which included Opals, Quilts and many other artifacts. The entrance fee was two dollars a head and it was money well spent to see the items on display and for sale.
When we finished there we came outside and went to the sausage sizzle and bought couple for our lunch plus some cakes for afternoon tea. Then went to the outside crafts etc and it took some time to go around all the stalls that were mainly selling Opals in Various forms. Liz was to buy a few items then we walked back to camp with a couple of happy campers so it has been a good day with the Arts and Crafts and seeing again the many people we have met over the years selling their wares.
Next weekend the Opal Festival starts in earnest and then we will see many things on display as well as the meals that will be available.
We relaxed in the nice warm afternoon sun and then stoked up the fire to cook our meal later and Liz was following her Beloved Collingwood. Which I hope wins for her sake. No football tonight so we will sit outside longer dependant on the cold of the night.

Monday the 16th
At last we were able to get a chimney fire going last night whilst cooking our snags for our evening meal, we piled the wood on and sat out looking at the brilliant stars and the formation of the new moon before retiring inside.
A cool morning though not as bad as yesterday, the sun was to warm up the day to 26 degrees celsius by 2pm. This morning it was more comfortable walking with the sun in you face and then your back on the morning walk. My old mate again was running up the fence line though not barking today.
Back in camp and even though we were having cereal for breakfast we still stoked the fire to boil the kettle for the ashes were still hot from last night. We actually had our breakfast in the warm sun and watched the happy campers arriving most had been to the Big Red Bash for you could hear them still talking about the experience. 9000 people at $400 a head and in my calculation is that the organisers raised 3.6 million dollars no bad for a three days concert in the red sands on the Simpson. The strange thing is that sound carries so much here due to the quietness of the day that you can hear several conversations going on. I am sure they do not realise their voices are carrying so far.
Out came the washing machine and the generator and the Liz was into doing the washing that had built up in the last week including sheets and towels. Up with the clothes line and it was all action. No doubt given the weather it wont take long to dry.
After a mid morning coffee Patrick and I jumped into the Terios to go back up to Mitre 11 to return items that we will not use in our travels and of course to check to see what has been thrown out. When we arrived I was to show Patrick the cubby house the youngsters had built a week or so ago and it is still intact. He was surprised to see what they had done with junk and other materials from the tip face.
I was to pick up a children's clock which I took back to camp to see if it worked. Before that we drove up to the Bluff and we took more photo's especially one of Patrick adding to the Pyramid.
Again the views were great due to the day and we looked at the direction clock which showed the kilometres as the crow fly's to places in Australia and other places in the world and of course we checked out the barbecue area that we may visit to cook our evening meal shortly.
On the way back we dropped into see Chris who offered to sharpen my chains on his machine which I will bring up later in the day.
Put a new battery in the clock and the second hand just jumped a little then back. So out with the WD40 and in about ten minutes the clock started working correctly and is now keeping good time. No doubt one of the great grand kids will receive this after Liz gives it a good clean.
We purchased a box of chips again today or should I say that Julie did so on our behalf and we had them for lunch.
Later in the day I dropped Liz off to see Bronwyn and she spent a few hours there chewing the fat I had come back to camp and started reading my book and then the fire was stoked up to cook the fish for we are having that and salad out side of course for our evening meal and then later after sitting by the fire, in to watch the Talking Footy show and then off to bed. There are more happy campers arriving so the grounds will fill up for the Opal Festival this coming weekend.

Tuesday the 17th
Another nice morning and day reaching only 23 degrees. I noticed that there were more happy campers at the caravan park this morning on my walk. I am really starting to enjoy the walking even though there is little change from morning to morning. Back in camp and stoked the fire from last night into action and boiled the kettle and then cooked the toast and of course enjoyed it sitting in the sun. After breakfast we had a few happy campers come over and we chewed the fat, so to speak, then cleaned up then I went up Chris's place where he made some alterations to the chainsaw bar and sharpened the chain after that we all had a cup of coffee and a natter and I headed for home.
Liz in the meantime had taken Julie out to Mitre 11 to see the kids cubby house and then they went up to the bluff to take photo's etc. The photo's above are those that Liz snapped.
We sat outside and boiled the kettle and then had our lunch and how time had passed quickly. We were to note that there were a lot of happy campers arrive no doubt for the Opal Festival. Then it was time to repair the broken electrical plug. Well what a circus old plug off new plug on and then time to test that all worked. Two hours later and a lot of searching we were able to get the current to go to the new plug and all the tail lights and brake lights on the Terios worked in conjunction with the motorhome lights. Of course I had many come along to give advice how it should be done. It was a case of to many bulls in the paddock. When they all left Patrick and I fixed the problem. I couldn't believe it took so long and it would appear that we did not do much today and that was not the case it just took us so long to do it.
Emptied the ash from the drum and reset the fire for tonight and then it was time for happy hour.
We will cook our meal on the fire and possible sit outside to enjoy it of course at some stage tonight we will read our library books before going off to bed.

Wednesday the 18th
Another nice night with the fire blazing away yesterday. We attracted a few happy campers who joined us by our fire and we had a good old chat. Once again it was great hearing their travels to date. We stayed out late last night and we were to witness the Flying Doctor Service plane come in late. The plane was well lit up and it did a couple of circuits of the town waiting for the fire brigade to arrive. They are unable to land until the fire brigade is present in case of accident. They were only on the ground for around 30 minutes and then back in the air. Maybe tomorrow we will hear the local gossip as to what happened that required their presence.
Off on my walk again and noted that the noisy Corella's had arrived though there were only a dozen or so and maybe they will go away. The land out this way is so arid that it would not attract many of these pests. Around past the community hall where we will play indoor bowls later this afternoon. Attached to the building is the huge dish that brings television into the town for distribution plus the Telstra tower for mobiles, there is no local phones in the houses with the exception of phone box's near the Post Office. Back in camp and stoked the fire up and had our breakfast once again in the brilliant sunshine.

Whilst having our breakfast we threw out a handful of oats which attracted the family birds and the bush pigeons. We then cleaned the camp again and then sat out enjoying the company of a few happy campers and then read our books until lunch time. After lunch we went for a walk along the bore drain and then back for showers for we are going to the Carpet Bowls Competition at 3pm at the community centre. I decided to have a break and Liz was to play this week and it was good to see how much she has improved since last year. Liz was on the winning team and helped it to be that way.
At half time we all had a cup of tea and a biscuit and then met more of the locals plus happy campers that had arrived in Yowah. After the bowls we stayed behind to have a few frothy's and wine for the woman. Len was to join us and we had a good old chat. Len has been coming to Yowah for 16 years and he indicated that he would be leaving for home in Victoria next Wednesday.
We all walked back to camp in the dark and the fire was stoked up and we were able to get another chimney going which warmed us up. We did not watch television at all tonight for the company and the clear starry night was enough. It was quite late when we went off to bed.

Thursday the 19th
The weather is definitely getting warmer for there is no need for gloves or beanie on my walk this morning. The dog was there to greet me again running up and down the fence line you never know I may well pat him one day.
On the way around I stopped and had a chat to Val who tells me she will be glad when the visitors leave Yowah for her kangaroo's are being fed at dawn and then going back into the bush. At the moment she is paying $21 dollars a bale of Lucerne and plus pellets that she gets delivered by the truck load. At 86 she is a spritley person who can get cantankerous easily especially if someone upsets her kangaroos.
Back in camp and stoked the fire up to cook our toast and boil our kettle, this morning is a lot warmer with those clear blue sky's once again, though there is a wind that is blowing a bit of dust around the camping area. We had another top fire last night and I believe this to be the best chimney fire we have had for quite awhile and as usual we attracted a heap of happy campers to enjoy the heat. Evening get a little cool so the fire brightens things up especially with the clear blue sky's and plenty of stars including the moon getting larger. Liz informed us that towards the end of the month we will experience a red moon and possible eclipse.
Liz and Julie walked up to the shop and Liz bought banana's and mandarins at good prices considering where we are in the outback. The temperature has reached 26 degrees Celsius and is warm indeed.
We had lunch and then went walkabout along Matrix Drive first of all stopping at a stall advertising Opal nuts for $1 each. Well we were not to see any opal at all so it is a case of buyer beware. Along further they had jars at various prices up to $50 and you could not see any Opal only potch.
We came across a lot of Opal sellers and we noted the ground was barren with plenty of small rocks not a blade of grass to be seen. I would suggest you could not start a Lawn and Hedge cutting business here unless you wanted to go bankrupt.
We walked along the road as far as we could and there were cattle seeking shade and the last house showed that its future longevity depended on how quickly the white ants devoured the timber work.
Back in camp and we sought the shade under out the awning for the temperature was rising quickly. We will still have our fire tonight. Though we will be having a cold chicken salad for our evening meal no doubt eaten outside in the shade. We will come in later to watch the Marngrook Footy show and a couple of other programme's before going off to bed. No reading for me tonight for I have finished the two library books I obtained the other day.

Friday the 20th
Awoke this morning to a fog, though the sun was trying to break through. Some were to suggest that it was dust with the majority agreeing on fog. It made the walk this morning a bit eerie watching the sun attempting to break through. It was after 9am before the sky's were blue again and the sun was warming though there was a southerly making things a bit cool.
Given the chill of the morning we decided to have our breakfast indoors then out and stoked the fire up. Liz was to rake the bark up for us to burn so on it went into the fire. We again had some happy campers come for a chat and we were to note there were more happy campers arriving.
Borrowed a ladder and checked the solar panels on the motorhome and they were putrid. So whilst Liz held the ladder steady I cleaned the panels and was surprised at the amount of dust etc. When that was completed we did the solar panel on the Terios for good measure.
Then we sat and read our books for awhile and then decided to go up to the library to return books read and to take others out. We were to go by the bottom road to the shop and on the way Liz was to stop and have a look at more rings and necklaces and pieces of opal. Then into the shop and bought a few pears and stamps for posting of birthday cards.
We were to meet Patrick and Julie over at the Cafe though first into the library for returns and took out another two books. I have to say that sitting in the sun and reading and watching the goings on around us is great and not boring at all. Then we all had a cappuccino and joined in the small talk from around the tables around us.
It was time to head for home and a late lunch. On the way we stopped at Chris's place to show Patrick and Julie the feeding place they have set up for finches that come in each morning and late afternoon. There were only a couple of finches though this is the only place you will find them in Yowah.
Chris was to show us his Yowah Nut that is empty inside though the outside polished up shows Matrix and many coloured Opal all very nice indeed. We slowly walked back to camp and again the activity in the town increased with some stall holders now in place though not allowed to start selling until tomorrow morning. Tonight they have a music concert up at the hall and a meal is available. We have opted to remain in camp today and watch the St Kilda V Richmond football game this evening.
We had a late lunch and then relaxed for the rest of the day with us opting to have savaloys in bread for our evening meal along with a few frothy's and wine for Liz until the footy starts. Information to date tells us that he caravan park is booked out so people are coming down to where we are or if they require power are camping by the fire station. Oh well off to stoke the fire up for tonight.

Saturday the 21st
This morning was not as cool as the past mornings and it was pleasure once again to walk this morning. Around past the caravan park and it was full which included the non powered and powered sites. As I walked past Jurassic Park I could see all the market sites were all full including the SES and the local Fire Brigade.
Back to camp for breakfast stoked up the fire and then cooked eggs,bacon and hash browns and toast. Cooked all in the fry pan on the fire and it all tasted a treat washed down with a cup of tea.
The morning was sunny and again a few happy campers came over and as we did not go up to the festivities last night they were able to inform us that they had plenty of fires and the food plus entertainment was good. We didn't have to ask about the music and band for we could hear the music in the camp it was very loud. Tonight we are going up for a meal and to enjoy the entertainment etc.
We sat out for the rest of the morning to read our books which was hard for someone was passing by would stop and have a chat, we do not mind for you get to meet new happy campers.
We had our showers and wandered up to the festival site and the market stalls. There were plenty of people there and the stalls were mostly selling Opal either in the rough state or cut and polished and made into pendants or rings or stand alone.
The displays could only be described as tremendous and they had gone to a lot of trouble to display their wares. We spent around two hours just looking and we did not get to see all the wares. We will go again tomorrow and will probably buy a few small Opals.
We came away from the main area and had a coffee and a chat to those we knew before going over to the look at the SES and Fire Brigade displays, whilst there they gave us a couple of show bags full of goodies and then Liz was to have a go at winning a pendant necklace and on the second attempt was able to do so. Liz was happy for it went with her new Opal ring.
We decided to go back to camp for a late lunch and then sat and read our books again before getting ready to go to the Festival tonight. Liz is currently listening to her Beloved Collingwood playing North Melbourne with her team in front at the moment. Another good sunny day though the locals have indicated they would like rain for they have not had a good downpour of rain in four years.

Sunday the 22nd
What a night last night was. When we went to the festival site there was already one band playing and that was Cockatoo Kenny who was a one one man band with a sound operator. His Cockatoo was either on his shoulder or near the sound operator. He played his guitar and at times used a didgeridoo plus drums played with either foot. It was great and as the night progressed we had the Who Killed Kenny band a threesome who belted out some excellent music and Liz had them play "Give me some of that old Rock and Roll Music" There were many festival attendees who where dancing to the music. We had a few frothy's and wine whilst taking in the music by the embers of the very large fire that was throwing plenty of heat in all directions.
Then it was time for our meal and you could have four types of Thai food or roast pork and sweets for $22 dollars a head. Liz opted for the Thai Chicken and I for the roast pork with baked spuds etc plus gravy. Liz was to indicate that her meal was great. I couldn't believe how much food was on my plate plenty of pork and veggies plus gravy all very nice. We opted for cheese cake for our sweets which were great and the meal overall was worth the price.
The music restarted and we then went to the fire with Liz and Julie up dancing. They then announced the winners in the arts and craft competition with Chris from carpet bowls winning in two categories then the major festival raffle prize was drawn of course it wasn't won by us. Then home and caught the last quarter of Geelong V Melbourne game which was tight with Geelong being winners in the last 30 seconds of the match by four points. Into bed and off to sleep after an exhausting day.

Up at 7am and walking and along the way was to see the sun coming up over the horizon to blue sky's and no breeze this morning it was great. Back in camp and didn't bother emptying the ash out of the drum or lighting the fire for we are having cereal for our breakfast plus a cup of tea.
Went walkabout and visited some happy campers nearby and found that a few were leaving today and others tomorrow. Back in camp and reading our books in the morning sun whilst having a cappuccino. I was supposed to get wood today so out with the chainsaw and fuelled and then filled the oil reservoir and put back into the car for use.
We had a few visitors who had been up to the festival and indicated that a lot of the stall holders had packed up and left.
We decided to drive up and have a look at what we had not seen yesterday. It was true there were very few traders left and the prices for their Opal was still to expensive for us.
We went into the hall where there were Opals on display though none of them were for sale and they came from private collections in Yowah. They were a delight to see and they must be worth many thousands of dollars they certainly sparkle. It was hard to capture all of the opal colours for the best were on turn tables which gave different reflections of the various colour of the opal.
Given they were only for display there were buyers making offers and I heard one make an offer of $20,00 for one Opal and it wasn't all that big either, it was refused.
It was to much for us so we went up to the cafe for a cappuccino and had trouble getting served so we came back to camp for a very late lunch.
There were plenty of happy campers leaving and a few new coming into camp.
Spent most of the afternoon in the sun with Liz doing her cross stitch and me reading. Now and again we would have people dropping in with one giving us the remainder of their wood which we will burn tonight and go out tomorrow and cut a load.
Cooked our me all outside on the fire and caught the last rays of sunshine as we ate it and then sat by the fire looking once again at the stars and watching the moon grow in size.

Monday the 23rd
Last night I thought I would go for a walk before our evening meal. I went to the bottom of Matrix Drive and then onto to the gravel road that would bring me out behind the free camp area, or so I thought. I left camp at 5pm and then walked along the bore drain and ended up at the Airport. I then thought I would take the short cut. Well that wasn't the case I seemed to walking in a semi circle and finally I came across the old Helicopter Pad so I knew I was not far from the road back into Yowah from the Bluff. By now it was getting dark and I was starting to dehydrate. Wouldn't you know it when I reached the bitumen I could feel a corked thigh coming on. I dare not stop and it was getting worse the nearer I came to our camp area. I arrived back at camp at 6.50pm and boy did I drink some water. It just goes to show that take the wrong road/track and you could end up anywhere in the outback. My savior was the street and house lights that showed the way as the night fell. I did not worry about an evening meal I was to stuffed.
This morning it was cold and I was to sore in my thigh to go for my usual walk. Just cleaned around the camp and had breakfast. We think that 8 degrees first thing in the morning is cold and the day would rise to 26 degrees celsius. Up to the caravan park to get gas bottles filled both for Patrick and myself and then out to Mitre 11 for some aluminium plate to fashion a stopper to keep the handle up on the kettle save us getting burnt.
Back to camp and had a coffee and then out to get wood for we are getting low. Again this gidgee wood was to blunten the chain and as there was more dust than chips coming off the log means that the rakers need to be taken down. I will take the chain around to Chris and have him use his tools to sharpen and set the rakers. We were to cut and carry only two days supply in the Terios. In our absence the girls were to gather wood from camps that had pulled out today which added to our stock.
Alex and his mate have once again flattened their falcon battery so with the approval of Scotty we are using one of the Donga's to charge up over 12 plus hours to give it a good charge.
Time for lunch and we were to cook sausages and bubble and squeak and it was tasty. After lunch we just lounged around and then hopped into the Terios to check how far I walked last night.
An easy evening meal and the by the fire then into watch Talking Footy and then out by the fire once again before going off to bed. It has been another good day with Ian indicating he would arrive on Wednesday with friends.

Tuesday the 24th
Nice and warm this morning and we had our showers early for we were going up to the hall to have Christmas in July. On the way we stopped to see the finch's coming into feed and then onto the hall. We were welcomed with a plastic Santa Claus and the tables were set to give a christmas feeling. Our host was to welcome us there and Chrissy invited us to have morning tea. It was a very good spread and we wondered how were were going to fit in the traditional christmas dinner.
They were to have a few games and I won a prize among many others. Julie and Liz was to help out in kitchen preparing our meal etc. Then the woman were invited to have a foot massage and others opted for the nail manicure. In the finish there were different coloured fingernails in the room.
There was plenty of food and when the main course was finished they held the lucky door prize and Liz among others were the winners. Then the raffle and we didn't win though a few others on our table won. Then as a surprise all those who hadn't won a gift were given one.
Then the traditional pudding was served and it really filled the stomach to breaking point. Before we knew it 3pm had arrived and we all drifted off after by acclamation thanked the organisers for the wonderful job they had done.
I felt off colour after awhile back at camp Liz arranged for me to talk to a doctor from the Royal Flying Doctor service who thought it may be a heart problem so up to the clinic where the local first aid bloke took my blood pressure and gave me a spray under my tongue. The doctor rang and indicated that she wanted me to go to the hospital in Cunnamulla for a check up. They arranged for a ambulance to meet us along the way. I rang the doctor back and indicated that due to the blood pressure and heart beat being ok there was no need for me to go to hospital therefore the ambulance was cancelled we will wait and see how I feel in the morning

Wednesday the 25th
On my walk this morning and I was feeling a lot better though I was to shorten the distance I walked. With the sun rising to another warm day you could see dark clouds in the distance that looked like rain. They remained in that area and did not come near us and the day reached a warm 27degrees even so we sat in the sun until later in the day.
As we were going to carpet bowls this afternoon we decided to have a hot lunch so Liz prepared a chicken casserole which was cooked in the camp oven on the fire. In the meantime out came the chainsaw and we cut the long wood that we bought in the other day.
Time for lunch and then off to our showers and sat around having a chat with those over in the camp area. We were to say farewell to Len who is returning home to Victoria and the cold, he indicated he would arrive home on Sunday in time for a roast dinner with his wife.
Ian was to arrive with his friends and they set up and settled in whilst we made our way up to the carpet bowls venue. Both Patrick and Julie and Liz and I were to play though the contestants had reduced due to happy campers leaving after the Opal Festival. Of course at half time we had a tea and coffee break and then we changed teams and rinks the team that I was on never won a match though we enjoyed the friendship and the laughter at some of the bowls that had a mind of their own.
When the games were finished and the gear was put away we adjourned to the bar and sunk a few frothy's and wine. Ian and his mates joined us for they had finished setting up camp. We walked home in the dark and Liz was to make us salad sandwiches for our evening meal for we were not hungry and then the fire was stoked up and we had a good chimney fire going which kept us warm until we retired at 10.30 pm. Of course we were to hear where Ian and friends had been and they indicated that they drove two 300 kilometres days to arrive here. No television tonight we went off to bed having enjoyed a good day and the company.

Friday the 26th
Another beautiful day with the locals indicating that the hot weather will hit earlier this year. They say it is nothing to have day after day of 50 degree celsius weather and they do not get rain during the summer period.
Declined the walk this morning just stoked the fire up for a quick cup of tea before breakfast. We finally cooked toast over the fire and then just relaxed knowing that today we would have to go and replenish the wood supply to last through until next Monday the day we depart.
We had a cup of coffee and then readied the chainsaws for the task ahead. We headed off down Matrix Drive and into the bush and travelled a couple of kilometres until we found a good patch of Gidgee wood that had fallen. We were lucky that the white ants had not started into the trees that we cut, as usual it did not take long for the chains to blunten so changed chains and started over again.
Ian and his crew came with us and it did not take a lot of time to get our load and then back to camp and unloaded.
It was time for lunch so we came inside for the sun was getting really hot and there wasn't much shade. We read our books for awhile and then it was time to have our showers and get ready to go to the caravan park for our evening two course meal. We will sit on the same table as other happy campers we know and as usual we will enjoy their company for the meal and the duck race etc.
We will walk back to camp and stoke the fire up and sit outside drinking a few more frothy's before going inside to watch the Marngrook Football Show and then off to bed another good hot day.

Friday the 27tth
Last night we went to the caravan park for our evening meal along with Ian, Carol, Liz, Graham, Patrick and Julie plus myself. First we had pre dinner drinks and then it was time for the Royal Flying Doctor Service Duck Race. The ducks were placed in the pond and then released down the bore drain. When they reached the end the winning ducks were set aside and the others placed in a bin.
Time for our meal and we had the choice of lamb or roast chicken with baked potatoes and veggies plus gravy. Liz opted for the lamb and I had the roast chicken very nice indeed. Then the winners of the duck race were announced. Then the owners dog was let out and the duck bin was placed down amongst the crowd and the dog then went and selected a duck and returned it to the owner. In all 8 extra ducks were pulled out and each of those numbers had a prize awarded.
We had a choice of two sweets and each had a dob of cream on top all very nice. When we had finished we walked home and sat around the fire with a few more frothy's and wine before going off to bed.
What a wonderful morning with the sunrise reflecting off the clouds and giving a red sky .Though the day was to remain cloudy it became overcast and muggy reaching a top of 27 degrees celsius.

We cooked our toast on the fire after I returned from my walk this morning and of course boiled the kettle for a cup of tea. It was nice out sitting out under the cloudy sky having breakfast and just taking it easy. Ian came over and we talked about going out to Mitre 11 to have another go at getting the washing machine bowl that has stymied us for the past four days. This time we took the truck with the generator and Ian used his grinder to cut away the housing and then the gear box to get at the inner bowl which will make an excellent fire pot. After an hour and much hitting and cutting the bowl was finally cut free.
Back to camp where legs were cut to size from the material from the washing machine and then bolted onto the bowl. We removed our old fire drum and then set up the new fire pot.
Paper, firelighters and then sticks and wood and it was away and the first thing you noticed was that the bowl drew better than the drum and in no time at all the heat from the fire pot was hotter than the old one. We put the kettle on and had a cup of coffee. We had a few visitors who remarked how the firepot was constructed which is a recognition of the contribution made to bring the project to life after four days by Ian.
We couldn't believe the steady flow of people coming to inspect the project. We will be leaving the drum behind and taking the new firepot with us.
The woman had gone up to the Bingo game at the cafe area and were not aware of the construction of the project. Liz for once was not to win at Bingo which was strange though not a problem.
We decided to meet them after bingo to have a cappuccino at the caravan park cafe so we walked up and grabbed a table and enjoyed a cappuccino each plus a slice of fruit cake very nice indeed.
Back to camp and had a late lunch of sandwiches and a cup of tea and then sat out in the hot weather talking about all and sundry. Tonight is our easy night and we are having sav's in bread with a few frothy's etc. We will sit by the fire and then come inside to watch the AFL Footy Game later in the night. It again has been a good day with the pleasant company of happy campers and a few locals.

Saturday the 28th
We had intermittent rain during the night and at one stage due to wind I had to hop out of bed and check the outside of the Motorhome. Back into bed and off to sleep and arose at 7am. The morning was overcast and the clouds were forming though there was enough sun to power up the solar panels.
Speaking to those camped nearby they indicated that there was a blood moon at around 5.30am this morning, well cant help bad luck we were to miss the event. This morning is washing morning so before breakfast out came the washing machine and generator and strung up the clothes line. Whilst we were having our breakfast the load of washing was on, spun dry and up on the clothes line.
The wind had picked up considerably and there was a lot of airborne dust blowing, luckily it was not blowing in our direction those on the other side of the road were really copping it. Most were to put their awning in which included Patrick as well.

When the washing was completed and hung out we had morning tea with a few of the happy campers around us. The wind and dust was to pick up and luckily again it did not affect our washing though it did not take long to dry. Julie was to help me get the washing in whilst Liz was using clean sheets to make the bed. The day and night are warming up so we have shed a doona and I wouldn't be surprised if we are only sleeping with sheets on us tonight.
Before we knew it, dinner time had arrived and we elected as others did to have that inside though we used the hot water from the kettle on the fire to have our cuppa's. My grinder battery has thrown a tizzy and so we tried to re charge with no success so we bought out the other battery charger to see if that works.
mid afternoon we elected to go for a drive in the Terios to have a look at the Opal fields of Yowah. We were somewhat surprised to see how small the workings are with some opting for open cut mining and others for underground. The underground appears to be most popular. Compared to other Opal fields in NSW and Queensland these are very small indeed. There were winders everywhere bringing the spoil and opal bearing rock to the surface and then this was placed in trammels to separate the opal bearing eggs etc away from the dust. We noted the entrance to an underground mine where others came straight from the surface. There was old tractors and excavators plus trucks from a another age in operation.
On the way out I made a mistake and had the window down and needless to say a dust storm arrived and filled the car Liz was not happy for she had cleaned it yesterday. It would appear due to the level of wind and dust the barbecue at the Bluff has now been cancelled though we will probably go and use the barbecue facilities near the shop. Back to the fire and will go in and watch the football again tonight. We have started to pack things away for our departure on Monday. The temperature at the moment is 28 degrees and me thinks that they are in for a hot summer this year.

Sunday the 29th
The wind dropped last night and the dust settled so we cooked our sausages by the fire and Liz did the veggies inside where we ate our meal. The sunset was the best we have seen this trip though not the best we have seen in Yowah in past years.
We came outside and the moon was full and lit the camp area up so we stoked the fire and we all sat outside until 9pm when we all retired. We watched the second half of the Sydney V Essendon game which Essendon won.
Awoke this morning and the wind was non existent and thankfully no dust. Stoked the fire up and then went for a walk and on my return the fire was really underway so we had breakfast outside in the sunny conditions for there were no clouds, so today the solar panels will work really well for our batteries.
We cleaned the area around us and then transferred the fire from the firepot to the Drum and then boiled the kettle and had another cup of tea. Time to dismantle our camp so Ian came over and loaded a lot of wood onto his truck and we loaded the roof of the Terios and lashed it down. We had another cup of tea with other happy campers that came over for a chat. I think they thought we would leave the wood for them they were in for a shock.
In with the awning with the wind starting to get stronger and packed away a few other items and then relaxed for we are not leaving until later in the morning tomorrow.

Chris and Bronwyn visited us and invited us to go for a drive which we accepted. They were to drive down through the camp area and headed into the bush and immediately the countryside changed with more ironstone and there were plenty of gullies formed by wash outs in previous flood times in the past. It was all very pretty for the changes happened in a short period time. We were to come across a structure that someone had put together with one end lashed to an existing tree and the rest of the double story structure built around it. On the smaller shed there is a couple pieces of corrugated iron still attached which has been attached by wire and not the usual roofing nails. We reckon this would make a good holiday rental for it is well air conditioned for the hot season they have here. I couldn't get over how well it was constructed it even had wired beams and supports not a nail hole to be seen.
Chris was to drive further into the bush country and again it changed with the many shades of greens and the gnarled shape of the many gidgee wood trees. Liz and I agreed that the area was beautiful and we bet the locals would like to see water again flooding this area through the many gullies and washouts.
We have always made fun of the fact that the airport has signs indicating that it is the "Yowah International Airport" for all we have seen is the runway that the Royal Flying Doctor Service uses. There is another North/South runway that is around two kilometres long which you do not see for the landing spot on the runway is actually lower than he other runway and part of it runs up hill. This is to allow large planes such as jumbo jets to land in cases of emergency and be able to pull up going uphill. So there you go after all those years at laughing at the signage the joke really was on us.
Then the drive went over to the Opal fields and Chris's Black Matrix mine and he explained more again of what we had seen yesterday. We were to go back to their place and Bronwyn was to make us a cup of tea and Chris was to give me the sharpened chain for my chainsaw. We had a discussion on what we had experienced which really made our visit to Yowah really great. Bronwyn was to give Liz a crocheted rug which took Liz by surprise and we both thanked her and Chis for the rug and their hospitality.
Back in camp we were to have a late lunch of chicken breasts and plenty of veggies and then had a cuppa with Ian and discussed our journey tomorrow. Then the pack up was in full swing only leaving chairs out for tonight with every thing packed away in the motorhome or the Terios.
Late today we are having a happy hour with Patrick and Julie, Graeme and Carol and Ian with just a sandwich or something later in the night by the fire. It has been a most wonderful day with plenty of surprises. Thank you Chris and Bronwyn.

Monday the 30th
A chilly night though the sun was shining as I went walkabout this morning. Past my old mate the barking dog and then back into camp and started the fire for our breakfast. We elected to have toast and a cuppa again today. I was to note that sheep were walking the streets of Yowah looking for food. Took a Photo of the rug that Julie and Liz held up that was given to Liz by Bronwyn with many thanks.We had our breakfast and few happy campers came over to say farewell to us this morning, though Patrick and Julie are staying on for a few days and then heading south on the way to the boat and home. Then off to the showers and to continue our packing after that. Stoked the fire up and then had morning tea with a group of people and then it was time to put the A Frame on the Terios and hook onto the Motorhome for we are heading to Toompine for the night. We cleared the outskirts of Yowah and met a few caravans on the way in and they were great slowing and we passed each other without throwing up rocks etc.
After 25 Kilometres we made the turn onto the Thargominda Road and along the way the countryside was to change dramatically. We were to see a few goats and a couple of emu's and mobs of Kangaroo's near the water holes. The countryside was beautiful with the many greens etc. We were to come across the welcome sign for the the Quilpie Shire and then the Jump ups started appearing. The Thargominda Road became two lane bitumen which was great. Many areas of the countryside are so arid and the only meal the cattle were getting was by eating the lower branch's of the Gidgee and Mulga bush's there was not a blade of grass to be seen anywhere.
We had a cattle truck ahead of us and he was throwing up dust and when we spoke to him he indicated that he would be pulling into another station in couple of Kilometres so we held back to that happened.
The last run into Toompine was great though again barren flats and plenty of wash outs where they had plenty of rain many many years ago. Finally arrived at Toompine and set up the satellite dish to watch the Talking Footy Show tonight. We had lunch until at 2pm and for the rest of the afternoon we will take it easy amongst the many fly's that are about at the moment. We will go over to the pub for a meal and a few frothy's and wine tonight before going off to bed and rising in the morning to push onto Quilpie..
Kilometres travelled 117

Tuesday the 31st
The night again was chilly though we had a good meal and a few frothy's and wine at the Toompine Hotel last night. There were many happy campers there with us and a couple sat with us and we were surprised to hear they had travelled 600 kilometres to get here, this morning they would be doing the same or more to get to Bourke in NSW today. We came on home and watched the Footy Show and then off to bed.
Hopped out of bed at 7am and then went walkabout taking a photo of sign saying that Toompine is simply unique. Then along the way a kangaroo was watching me walk along the road. Back in camp and Ian had boiled the kettle so we had a drink of tea in the brilliant sunshine before we had breakfast. A few of the happy campers had departed and as we had our breakfast we saw the happy campers leaving for Bourke at 9am. Breakfast and we enjoyed the sunshine and we did not depart Toompine until 10.30 pm for we are only going to Quilpie today.
On the road and again we were strike a few caravans coming towards us and we both slowed and passed without showering each other with dust or stones. We were lucky to come across a four wheel drive and camper trailer on a wide stretch and he did not slow at all he would have been doing over100 kph.
We were going up small hills with no problems and the land was absolutely dry of any vegetation. We were to see a cattle station in the distance and its land was arid. We were to see a few mobs of kangaroo's and a few Emu's one of which we were worried about for it may run across the road in front of us.
We finally came into Quilpie and decided to stop for lunch at the Bakery and order logs of bread for tomorrow. I was to have a bushman's pie and Liz a sausage roll washed down with a cappuccino each.
The owners have remembered us from previous years and again they sat down with us and had a good old chat catching up with what has been happening since we were here three weeks ago.
Then out to the camping area and we set up and had another cuppa after that and then off to the Mitre 11 to see if we could get new legs for the firepot for I am taking the other home. Ian then cut and shut the new legs to suit and then the fire was set for tonight. We had Graeme and Carol came down to visit us for they have been in the caravan park:
Tonight the happy hour will only be a cuppa for we have had enough frothy's etc.
Kilometres travelled 79

August