Saturday the 1st July
A small walk this morning around past Val's place where she feeds the kangaroo's each day unfortunately the bush pigeons eat the food as well which upsets Val a little. Back home to the fire and cooked eggs and bacon for breakfast and then just relaxed in the brilliant sunshine talking to the locals. Brian and Dianne arrived today and set up and reported where they had been for the past month or so.
Then went with Len around to the bloke who is going to sharpen our chainsaw chain. We felt that outback hospitality when his wife served us with a cup of tea and a beautiful sponge cake coated with raspberry jam. Very nice indeed.
The rest of the day we just relaxed more so Liz who is still feeling the effects of the cold she currently has. Then we went out to the twelve mile and set the yabby nets. Whilst there we were to see the cattle feeding on the Mulga Bush and then we returned to the cafe and had a cappuccino then back to camp.
Whilst there we ordered fish and chips for our evening meal. A lazy day and very sunny though a cool breeze sprung up later that cooled things a little. Happy hour and then watch the football on Television tonight before going off to bed.

Sunday the 2nd of July
Up at 7am and into the Terios along with Brian and out to the 12 mile to check the Yabby traps. We noted last night that other happy campers had put their traps into the same area as us. This morning we only had two yabby's so we gave them to the other happy campers to put with their catch.
On the way back we were to see many kangaroo's and one we nearly hit as it started to cross the road in front of the Terios. Back in camp and cooked the crumpets on the camp fire and boiled the billy. I had honey on the crumpets and they were lovely though they are last in stock. It is marvelous that you sit by the fire and talk to the other happy campers and before you know it it was 10.30am. It was time to get the Baby Q out and cook the chicken we are having for lunch. The webber cooks the chicken lovely and it is as moist as. We put the potatoes and pumpkin in foil and then onto the hot coals. It was a beautiful meal and we washed up and cleaned up and out by the fire again.

I was to give Len a hand to cut two dead trees out of the line of live trees and cut and put by our fire to burn. Then it was time to go to the markets up at the community hall and there was an absolutely the best displays of Opals we have seen for awhile.
They were a bit out of our league especially the one piece of Matrix opal that was priced at $4.500 and another on another stall at $120. We were to buy a couple of books and DVD'S it was then time to go back to camp and join in the conversation around the fire.
Owen came over with his gear given that he is an electrician to see if he could fault find the problem we have with large overhead fan.
We will have an easy meal tonight and then sit out by the fire again for there is no football tonight. The time is going quickly just sitting around enjoying the company of others and sun with no clouds is a real bonus already we have taken a blanket of the bed. Unfortunately they have predicted it will rain by the end of the week. Tonight we will go up to the Bluff and see if we can capture one of those outback sunsets.

Monday the 3rd of July
We had a beautiful fire last night with the logs being hollow allowed for a chimney effect of the flames which looked quite nice and it certainly threw out intense heat. Only Gidgee wood burns with such intensity and leaves only a white ash next morning. Throw a few small pieces of wood on the ashes and it doesn't take long for it to burst into flame. We came in around 9pm for we were experiencing rain drops. We no sooner came inside the motorhome than the rain really tumbled down for around two hours stopped and then resumed around 4am this morning.
When we arose besides the ground being wet the large pink container was overflowing with water from the awning. It was relatively dry around our camp and the fire area though in other parts of the park there were puddles. I drained the rain water into the main water tank.
There was not a cloud in the sky and the sun was shining brightly so it did not take long for the ground to dry. We all sat down by the fire for breakfast and this morning we had cereal for we have run out of bread and it does not come in until tomorrow. It is marvelous what we find to talk about first thing of a morning. The family birds were there near our camp feeding on bread scraps others had thrown to them. They are certainly noisy little birds though you never see them fighting each other they appear to be harmonious.
Out came the washing machine as the clothes had built up that needed washing and Liz spent the next hour or so washing and I put up two clothes lines. Others went to the laundromat to wash there clothes and used our line for drying purposes.
Then I went with Brian who wished to put in his yabby nets in the big pond near the airport. When we arrived it was a bit muddy and the mud stuck to the bottom of our shoes making us taller. In went the pots and then as we came back to the car we were shedding as much mud as we could.
Back in camp it was lunch time and then after we sat around chatting and then Liz and I went up to the community centre to cut my hair and to do this section of the diary. A few of the campers went to the bore baths to soak away their aches and pains.
Around 4pm we went around Brian's pots and only caught a few yabby's so he reset the pots for tonight and we will see how he goes in the morning.
Happy hour arrived and we sat around the fire until it was time for our evening meal and then we will come outside later to enjoy the company and the fire and watch the sunset and the stars later on before retiring for the night.

Tuesday the 4th of July
It was a very warm night so much so that this morning after breakfast the flannelette sheets came off the bed and one blanket. Normal sheets now for the weather is now getting warmer. We sat and had morning tea by the fire with the other happy campers and had another good old chinwag. Out came the washing machine and generator for Liz to do the sheets and a few other items forgotten yesterday. Went out with Brian to check his yabby nets and then onto the Yowah International Airport which is now completely fenced so as to stop the hoons from digging up the runway with their donuts. There is even now solar panels to run lights over the wind socks to all the flying doctor to now fly in late at night if needed. Very modern indeed. Liz is booked to see the flying doctor and the nurse to get her reading done for her INR on friday morning. Hopefully I will get a photo of the new plane they now have.
Back to camp and had lunch and then sat around reading and soaking up the warm sunshine in Trackies and singlet must be close to shorts now. A few went up to the bore baths and soon maybe I may go and sample the mineral water from the Great Artesian Bore. We are having pizza's cooked on the baby Q tonight for our evening meal and then we will be going up to the community hall to participate in carpet bowls once again. We have run out of bread so up to the caravan shop at 4pm to purchase bread plus rolls dependant on price and few other items. Off to happy hour for we have not done to much today other than relax for most of the day.

Wednesday the 5th of July
This morning was an excellent sunrise with the few clouds about it made for a colourful morning. Unfortunately I was a little late to capture the best of the colours. The fire was stoked and kettle boiled and we sat out by the fire for breakfast. We really do not need a fire for the mornings are now warm and even with the cloud cover that would clear it was quite mild.
We had our showers and then at 10am we headed off to Thargomindah for the day. We took the Terios and Brian and Dianne plus Len went in their own vehicle. We headed out and then onto the Blackgate Road which is a gravel road that intersects with the highway to Thargomindah. The first part of the road is excellent gravel and the rest being in another shire council is not so good. Along the way we were to see many people fossicking for Opal and after the rains the other night it may have bought to the surface some Opal.
Twenty kilometres along the road we came across roadwork's where the grader is ripping up the existing gravel coverage and relaying another. In this area the gravel road was very rough though the scenery along the way with all its different colours is a treat to see. We were not to see a goat, emu or cattle and sheep along the road which is abnormal.
We reached the bitumen and it left 70 kilometres to go to Thargominda and along the ways we were to see a few cattle though all the water holes alongside the road were dry as. As we drove past Lake Bindegolly it had no water at all and you could see for kilometres the dryness of where the lake would normally be.
We drove past a cattle and sheep station and there was an old shearer's shed nearly falling down and it was dated 1895 and we wondered if the shearer's quarters would be any better.

We finally arrived at Thargomindah and drove down the main street in the first instance and there were a few new building's especially the shire council building which was quite large. We then drove to the old hydro power plant which is not operational now though it has been turned into a museum. Water from the Great Artesian Basin used to power the plant with Pelton Wheels powering the generators for power. The power of the town now comes for elsewhere. Our next stop was at Mitre 11 though there was nothing of value there on this occasion.
To the Post Office and then around to Foodworks where we only bought a cauliflower to add to our stock of vegetables. The prices for groceries was unbelievable. It was time for lunch so we drove down to the Echidna Cafe. We were to have the special of the day which was lasagne with salad and chips with a cappuccino for $15 dollars each. This was cheap considering and when it arrived it was large and took some eating. We have decided to only have something light for our evening meal tonight.
We drove around to the cafe/service station which only reopened today after closure for the past three years. We topped up the Terios with unleaded at $1.45.9 cents a litre which is 7 cents a litre cheaper than at Yowah.
We headed for home and crossed the Balloo River which runs through Thargomindah and then further down the road we were to see Emu's and to date they have not been a problem though on this occasion the adult decided to charge across the road in front of us and we had to apply the brakes hard to avoid hitting it. Luckily we had slowed and it passed in less that metre in front of us. Had we have hit it would have caused a lot of damage to the Terios.
We were in no hurry to get back so we were able to gaze across the countryside and take in the many hues along with the red soil that abounds in the outback very nice indeed though it is terrible dry country with animals and cattle living on the foliage of the Mulga Bush that is plentiful.
When we reached the roadwork's on the way back to camp they had done considerable repair work and we were not held up at all though it was good to arrive at the good gravel until the road into Yowah.
Back in camp at 3.50pm and we boiled the kettle and had a cup of Tea and then just relaxed. Tonight we have declared alcohol free and will only have a cappuccino before our light evening meal. There is no doubt we sit out by the fire tonight for there is no footy on the television. In all we travelled around 220 kilometres in the Terios today and it as usual performed well.

Thursday the 6th of July
What a beautiful morning no clouds in the sky and it would remain that way until later into the evening. At 8am it very warm even though we sitting near the fire it was the warmth generated by the sun that we enjoyed. After breakfast we chatted away once again with the happy campers until mid morning when it was time to have a cuppa. A bit of hand washing and hung out on the line on the awning. The line broke and luckily I was able to avoid a catastrophe by catching the line and the clothes. Lunch time arrived and we still did not do much other than read our books and chinwag. We had our showers for we are going up to the caravan park restaurant again tonight for a three course meal.
We then went to Chis and Bronwyn's place for a visit. Whilst there we were to witness at least a hundred Gold Finch's in the trees waiting to come down to be fed with seed placed in several feed bowls by Chris. They were fun to watch flittering in and then out for no apparent reason then the Family birds arrived to eat the seed that had been dropped on the ground.

Chris had to go out for awhile so Liz and Bronwyn were chatting away and it wasn't long before we had a cup of tea and date scones. Very nice indeed. I wandered around to the front of the house for over the doorway is two Adzes that I haven't seen for many years and they were in pristine condition. Whilst there I noticed the Ghost Gum in the yard who had one of it heavy limbs held up by concrete in the shape of 44 gallon drums.
The finches were still flittering in and out and the family birds were becoming a nuisance so Bronwyn was shooing them away with a broom. We said our farewells and then returned to camp just in time for happy hour and get ready for our meal tonight. Some of the happy campers were to note that I had finally was wearing shorts and weren't my legs white. This should change if the run of sunny weather and temperature continues.

Friday the 7th of July
Not much to report today though last night was very entertaining in more ways than one. First the Duck Race was on with the ducks dumped into the head of the Bore water and then released with the flow of the water. Along the way they needed the assistance of a rake to move them along out of the back Eddy's. It was dark and the water was illuminated by the glow of the fire's in the drums.

Then it was time for our meal and being on table number 1 we were the first to be served. The first course was soup and there were two selections available namely vegetable and chicken and bacon. Of course I had a helping of each. And unlike last week where there was a difference this week I thought both concoctions were as good as each other and I couldn't pick a choice between them. The next course was Silverside with white sauce and four different type's of vegetables. It was very nice indeed and was not salty at all and the veggies were great including the potato bake. The final course was sticky date pudding with sauce and a dollop of cream and again very nice indeed. Many were to have seconds of the main and pudding though the soup pulled me up thus no extra's.
The rain tumbled out of the sky along with thunder and lightening and we thought at the end of the night it mean we would get wet going over to the Terios. Len was to win two prizes of Opal in the duck race competition which again raised further monies for the Flying Doctor Service. To date this tourist season they have raised $2000 from the duck races. When we arrived home I placed the pink container under the awning before going inside and this morning it was half full.
When we went off to bed there was more lightening and thunder and rain.
This morning the sun was shining brightly and there were no clouds in the sky and the ground was dry and other than the water collected you would have thought there was no storm pass over last night.
The fire was stoked and we had breakfast with the other happy campers and then just relaxed until it was time for Liz to go to the Flying Doctors to have her blood checked and from there she went to Bingo. I came back to camp and picked up Brian for we were going to Mitre 11 to get some pipe to assist him undoing his wheel nuts. We dropped into Chris and Bronwyn's place first and then Chris was able to give us the pipe we needed plus some for the other Brian to use as an extension to his grill plate.
Chris also lent us his rattle gun to try on the wheel nuts. We did not need to go to Mitre 11 so we will leave that until another day.
Back in camp the rattle gun undone Brian's wheel nuts easily though on re tightening it broke Brian's socket and we therefore needed to find another to ensure that on the road he had the socket in case of need.
Lunch time arrived and again we relaxed and for the first time in over a month I had a poppy nap whilst Liz was to continue her craft work.
Liz was then to prepare the meat for a our hamburger and salad in a roll for tonight meal given on Friday's we have an easy meal. Then Happy Hour arrived and then we all came together to socialise and talk about the days events. We were to hear the Flying Doctor Service plane leave the airport around 4.15pm bound for home at Charleville.
Today has been a very lazy day indeed.

Saturday the 8th of July
The morning was a little cold though the sun was rising and warming us up. We once again stoked the fire and we were to cook our eggs and bacon and toast on the fire and of course washed down with a cup of tea. We were to discuss the football last night and were surprised that The bulldogs succumbed so easily to the Adelaide team.
Brian and I decided to set our yabby traps again even though it was cold. We went out near the airport and amongst the cattle we were to set our nets. This is one of the last areas that hasn't been fished excessively.
Back to camp and the birds were coming into the camp and unfortunately I was not quick enough with the camera to capture the beautiful green and red parrots that landed in the trees near us. Brian was to feed some seed to the bush pigeons and they quickly devoured the seed and flew off. They are now becoming used to Brian feeding them seed and he only does so when the family birds have disappeared for they take over.
We had a cappuccino and before we knew it time for lunch had arrived. We had our lunch out in the sunshine and then decided to go for a drive.

We decided to drive up the Bluff and have a look at the scenery in the surrounding countryside. On the way up to the bluff we were to see many rock cairns which had been built by visitors to the area.
The scenery was superb with the differing hues and the blue sky in the background, with the jump ups and mountains. The country can be seen to be arid with no grass at all and the cattle were still existing on the Mulga trees that are prolific. They say the cattle do not fatten on the Mulga only exist until market time and the fattening procedures.
We spent a pleasant 2 hours just taking in the scenery and looking at the area. We will be coming to the bluff next week for a barbecue on dusk to capture the sunset that this area is famous for.
We could see the village of Yowah nestled in the trees from the bluff and it looked great with all the trees and red soil that you could see. We again do not intend to do a lot so we returned to camp and read our books and Liz was trying to get the football on the radio. She wasn't happy for all that could be found was rugby.
Happy hour once arrived and we all gathered by the fire and among other things we talked about was the amount of happy campers that were now arriving in the free camping area. Tonight out by the fire to cook our meal and then around 7.30 pm we will come inside to watch the football before going off to bed.

Sunday the 9th of July
Plenty of sunshine this morning though cloud was to arrive later in the day along with a chilling wind. We were to go out to the yabby traps and I was to get a total of 19 which was great.
Back and stoked the fire and we had our breakfast and just relaxed and have a chat with fellow St Kilda supporters about the game last night that saw the Saints beat Richmond by 67 points.
After cooking the yabby's they were peeled and put away for our meal this evening where we will have pasta and cabonara sauce with the yabby's inserted into the sauce. We had our showers and then decided to go to the Craft Show.
We paid our entrance fee's and noted the excellent differing types of craft that the local woman had made. We bought tickets in the raffle and would like very much to win for it was a gorgeous crocheted Quilt which would look nice on our bed.
There were ceramics painted of course along with nick knacks of all descriptions. A stand out I thought was the painted hand saws which were very artistic indeed though a little pricey.

We spent some time in the hall and then we went and sat down outside and consumed a couple of sausages in bread with onions of course. We also had a plate of cakes that Joyce was selling. We play carpet bowls with Joyce on a Tuesday night.
We then went to the normal Sunday Market and spent a fair while looking at the Opal and other goods they had for sale. Then it was time to go back to camp and we boiled the kettle and made a cup of tea and ate the cakes we bought at the market.
We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and the sun came out now and again. We had a call from John and Rhonda and we were able to get them to buy a few things for us in Aldi. We expect them to arrive around Wednesday along with Bella of course.
Well, time for happy hour again though today we will only have a cappuccino by the fire until our evening meal and then sit out later. Hopefully the clouds will clear so we can see the beautiful stars before going off to bed.

Monday the 10th of July
This morning was very overcast and would stay that way all day with a cold breeze. First Brian and I went and pulled our Yabby nets and we decided to bring them in for we had fished that area for awhile and the cold weather if it continues would keep them under for awhile. Back in camp we stoked the fire up boiled the kettle and had our breakfast with the other happy campers. We decided that later in the day we would have to start the generator to charge out house and waeco battery.
We had a few things to do which included Liz making pumpkin soup for our lunch the only thing we did not have was crusty bread. We then had our lunch and it was great and then out to the fire again.
On went the generator and and we plugged in to the motorhome to charge the house batteries and then the charger for the waeco etc. Our happy camper mates next door also plugged in for they do not have a generator.
We then along with Elsie went to visit Chris and Bronwyn along the road. The girls to say hello Bronwyn and look at the Zebra Finches and the Kangaroos. Chris was sharpening his chains for cutting wood tomorrow for the old gidgee wood bluntens chains very quickly. After a pleasant couple of hours we returned to camp.
John and Rhonda arrived at a bit after four and set up their camp, everyone was pleased to see them so it looks like a long happy hour today.

Tuesday the 11th of July
What a beautiful morning full sunshine with just a small breeze. There would be no clouds in the sky all day which meant that all our solar panels were working to peak output. After breakfast John fitted a new timber piece in the back of the Terios to keep the waeco in place and the battery as well. Then he shaped a steel piece so to facilitate the new driving lights. The old driving lights were removed and the new fitted with Owen kindly using his gas soldering iron to join the appropriate wires together. Testing time and all worked as they should. Then lent our charger to Brian to charge his agm battery which had fallen considerably in charge due the previous cloudy days. John and I went out to the Mitre 11 and collected a few goodies that we can use in camp especially around the fire. John was to make toasting forks and lifting devices to lift our kettle etc of the hot fire.
Then it was time for lunch and we sat around the fire and enjoyed the company of the happy campers whilst having lunch.
Then it was time to try out the Yowah Artesian Spa. The entry fee is $2.50 and the main pool is heated to 40 degrees celsius, this is water from the Great Artesian Basin. We hopped in and it was absolutely wonderful it was so warm even on this warm day. You are not allowed to put your head under water for it may cause overheating of the head. After 20 minutes we then hopped in the cooler pool which was only 28 degrees to cool off. It was so refreshing that we again hopped in the hot pool for awhile and then hopped under the shower to cool down and then into the change room to change for the trip home.
Back in camp and Brian hooked up the charger and then we decided to go up to the cafe to do the diary today. On arrival the first thing we did was to have a cappuccino whilst whilst I did the diary.
Then over to the caravan park to order and pay for our meal on Thursday night and to buy the fresh bread that arrives today. Back in camp and then along with John we picked up the yabby nets and drove out to set them at the 12 mile. We will pull them in the morning. Tonight we will sit around the fire and enjoy the starry night and the companionship of the happy campers in our area of the park.

Wednesday the 12th of July
We were faced with another wonderful day after enjoying our home made Pizza's last night for our evening meal. We were to relax and then around 11am we went out to cut wood for the community fire. Another dead tree was felled and cut and carried back to camp in a borrowed trailer. This now gives us at least another week of big fires at night with the fire just ticking over to warm our kettles etc during the day.
Lunch time arrived and we were to warm up the rest of the Pizza from last night and it tasted just as good today. We did a bit of cleaning and checking the chainsaw for it really gets a tough time cutting the gidgee wood. The problem is that the cut gives out a very fine dust which tends to clog the breathing of the chainsaw and yourself, we can see now why the locals use respirators when cutting gidgee wood.
John and I in the afternoon went out and set the yabby nets at the 12 mile. We were to go up the creek bed further for the bottom part had been hit pretty hard over the past week or so. It will be interesting to see what we get in the morning. We may have to set again in the bore drain near the airport.
Back to camp and the men decided to go to the Artesian Spa to wash away our aches and pains from wood cutting and carting. The temperature today was only 38 degrees celsius and we could feel the difference between today and yesterday.
There was not as many people at the pools so we virtually had the area to ourselves. After an hour or so we decided to hop out and head back to camp.
Tonight we are going up to the bluff for a fire and to cook a barbecue and hopefully watch the sunset that the area is renowned for. On our return later in the night we will stay by the fire and then come inside to watch the State of Origin, game three. This game tonight will decide the overall winner of the series and resultant bragging rights.

Thursday the 13th of July
Last night we went to the Bluff to experience the sunset and to have a barbecue with the happy campers camped near us. We were to see the goats in numbers down below the Bluff and they wandered off when they saw us looking down on them. The local farmers would be happy for their breeding in the wild will mean more income for them in such desolate country. The cairns/totems looked great in the last rays of the sunshine and Rhonda and John were to construct their own. We were to witness the sunset and it was absolutely beautiful, so much so you did not know which time was best to take a photo.
We then lit the fire and we bought our barbecue plates and then the food was cooked to perfection. Mainly sausages and onions and chicken kebabs all very nice indeed and of course washed down with a few frothy's. We then stoked up the fire and enjoyed each others company for quite a while.
We left late in the night and then gathered around our fire and then into the motorhome to watch the last of the State of origin rugby game. Queensland was to win 22 against 6 for NSW.
This morning the weather again was great with no clouds in the sky and during the day the temperature would rise to 26 degrees with no wind at all. The shorts were worn and we sat out and had our breakfast.
John and I went out to the 12mile and checked our yabby pots and John had caught two yellow belly's and I caught only one yabby. I put it back for it was not worth boiling the water for. Back in camp and we gathered with the other happy campers until lunch time. After lunch we went to Mitre 11 to get some more racks to place over the fire for cooking purposes. The pickings are now getting leaner for there are many campers going there to pick through the junk that is laying around. Back to camp and made the necessary adjustments to the racks and they are now in full service for us.
Around 2pm John and I threw down a few frothy's before going over to have our shower before we go up to the caravan park restaurant for our evening meal. This we will be our last thursday night meal for we are leaving next wednesday after the Opal festival which is this weekend. So in all it has been another great day with plenty of sunshine and much laughter and gaiety.

Friday the 14th of July
We had a good meal last night with three soups and Roast Beef and raspberry crumble very nice indeed.
This morning I went for a walk for the first time in weeks for it would appear I have finally thrown the bronchitis that I have had over the past 3 to 4 weeks. It was great walking in the early morning sun with the temperature at 7.30am being around 10 degrees. There were a few clouds about though it did not affect the morning at all. Whilst walking I was to see a group of Top Knots and family birds all sifting through the gravel looking for food. Then around near the caravan park there is an old building built of bottles, concrete and bricks. The roof joists appear to the home of wood termites and it would mean in the near future the roof will collapse and in the yard is an old brick kiln. No doubt in its time it would have been quite modern way of living in Yowah. I stopped on the way home to see Chris and Bronwyn and had a chat for awhile before continuing on back to camp.
Around Yowah there are several parks some containing a grass cover others just dirt and rocks, Though Jurassic Park contains trees of various types and in amongst the trees there are supposed to be animals from the Jurassic age. I think someone used a bit of open licence. As I came past Val's place the kangaroo's all 26 of them had disappeared and this is due apparently to the amount of people in the town for the Opal Festival that will commence this evening and goes over the weekend.
Back in camp and it was time for breakfast by the fire and then John and I walked up to Chris's place to get some work done. This was not possible for he had an appointment with the Flying Doctor that flew in this morning. It was to get a little cloudy for awhile then it cleared away and made for a nice warm afternoon.
We sat around for the rest of the day doing absolutely nothing just watching more happy campers arrive for the festival. I packed the yabby nets away for this is the first part of packing up for our departure next wednesday. We will cook our meal tonight in the coals of the fire and then pork spare ribs in the fry pan. Tonight is the St Kilda V Essendon footy match so I will watch this whilst the others go up for the opening of the Opal Festival.

Saturday the 15th of July
We were to hear rain on the motorhome during the early hours of this morning. In fact I was able to pour four buckets full of rain water into our main water tank. This morning the clouds in the sky seemed to be very disturbed and it was threatening rain. The sun was not shining and we remarked we may have to run the generator to charge batteries etc.
We were to have breakfast by the fire and there were fewer rain clouds appearing so the sun was able to break through and really warm the place up. At the end of the afternoon it would be 26 degrees celsius though later the cloud cover came over again.
We were tidy up and then it was time to join in the festivities of the Opal Festival. There were plenty of people around with the camp grounds being full and the Council Dongers were being used for accommodation. There were a lot of children running around enjoying themselves. We drove up the market stalls and were surprised by the amount of stall holders who had set up their displays of Opal etc. There was plenty of traffic around and we found it difficult to find a parking space. We spent the next two hours looking at the stalls and what they had to offer. We were to note the overseas buyers looking at Opal in the rough with their jewelers glasses. There were a few buying the different lots. The dearest Opal we were to see was priced at $7.500 something that could not afford though Liz was to buy some lower priced pieces and I only bought new socks. The sellers were courteous with me using the camera on their goods with the exception of one stall holder who objected to me using a camera on their stall.
These stall holders, in the main, have worked hard to mine and polish the Opal they had for sale. As we were walking around you could hear the Salvation Army Band playing all types of music and it sounded all very nice.
We then walked over to the SES and Fire Brigade display where they gave us two show bags for Ollie and Lucas our grandchildren in Melbourne. Then up to the cafe with a couple of our happy campers where we had a cappuccino and a natter about the Festival to date and what we could expect tonight at the festivities. We then walked back to the private displays in the community centre and boy what can you say the private collections of those of Yowah residents absolutely made the stall holders items look less than quality Opal.
What wonderful displays and we were to vote on the craft centres members items made from silver and then we went back to camp. I put a few things away for we will be away from the motorhome tonight for about four hours so we do not want to tempt anyone looking for things to pick up in our absence.
Ian and Des arrived and set up and we had a good old natter for they had arrived from Eulo when they camped last night. During the rest of the afternoon they renewed acquaintances with others from previous years.
Time for happy hour before going up the to the festival tonight which will include a meal. Then we will probably come back to our fire for awhile before retiring for the night.

Sunday the 16th of July
Last night we went to the festival at the community centre. We were to be entertained by a country and western singer in the early hours of the night and then a woman with a fine voice singing the old time favourites from the 60's to the 90's. All very good. We were to stand by the festival fire which had just been lit and was catching quickly and warming all and sundry. Then it was time for our meal at $20 a head. There were many selections from salads or vegetables and the different types of meat plus fish and chips if wanted. My plate looked large even though it was taken up with duck that was very bony and with little meat. The roast lamb and gravy was great and if required Dessert for an extra $5.
We came home around 9pm for the music was really loud and sat by the fire. We could still hear the music though it was easier to listen to so far away.

For some reason I packed all our loose gear away last night and this morning the happy camper next door awoke to find that one of his caravan mirrors had been stolen. We did not check with other campers in the area for further loss's. This morning there was sunshine galore with no clouds. We gathered once more by the fire and had our breakfast and after that we again went up to the festival market. There very few people around and some of the stall holders were packing away their gear and heading off. Some of the stall holders were reducing their prices in an attempt to reduce their stock size to cart back from whence they came.
We were to note some of the fine opal and other stones on display and we especially liked the Yowah Boulder Opal that was not for sale. The Salvation Army Band once again were playing their music and again today it was great. When we called it quits Liz posed by the Kangaroo and Joey beside the New Age Caravan that was on display.
Back by the fire and we had a late lunch and then wouldn't you know it along came Mr Whippy and it would have been remiss if we did not buy an ice cream, which was very nice.
The rest of the afternoon was just about sunning ourselves with Liz doing her craft work again and me reading. Ian has invited us for a meal tonight of roast pork and vegetables all done in the camp oven and Liz is making a sticky date pudding. So once again today we are over eating. We sat around the fire after our meal and watched the countless stars overhead and occasionally seeing aircraft flying very high overhead. Then off to bed after another good socialising day with friends some who are leaving Yowah tomorrow.

Monday the 17th of July
Another wonderful morning when I went on my walk. The sky was cloudless and the sun shining brightly. At 8am the temperature was a warm 10 degrees rising to 26 degrees later in the day.
Back in camp and Liz wished to do the last load of washing before move out on Wednesday bound for Toompine for the night and hopefully a good meal in the hotel.
Carried the water for the washing machine and out came the generator and the cords run to the waeco, washing machine and motorhome. We put up another clothes line especially for the sheets. We had a cup of cappuccino for morning tea along with a biscuit or two. I washed the drivers side and back of the motorhome where the rain marks were evident. Then time for lunch. After lunch we relaxed and started to pack our things away for our future travels. To say it was a lazy day is an understatement for after these few chores we went and filled two gas bottles up at the caravan park and then packed those away.
We then took in the clothes and folded up the clothes lines. Needless to say there was no ironing of clothes just putting them away. We then sat outside in the sun and enjoyed the company of the happy campers once again and talked of all and sundry. Happy hour has arrived so whilst cooking chicken fillets for our salad we dropped a frothy of two. Tonight we will come in and watch Talking Footy and then out by the fire for the rest of the night before going off to bed.

Tuesday the 18th of July
Walking this morning and I was to see the beautiful sunrise with the cloudless blue sky. Some of the Art work that is in peoples yards is quite good. Like the mine winder and the stainless steel Lizard, All very good.
We had our breakfast and then it was time to go to the Christmas in July celebrations at and in the community centre. When we walked in there was santa to greet us and then steer us towards the morning tea table. The spread was great with sausage rolls, spring rolls, pancakes of different varieties and scones with jam and cream.
After morning tea we all participated in the games that were being provided. First there was ten pin bowling, sit down netball, darts and butterfly races. It was done in a funny way therefore there was plenty of laughter. In all by the time the games were completed the Christmas Dinner was ready to be served. The event was conducted and sponsored by the Healthy Ageing Group of Cunnamulla.
Everything was free and donated by various business's in Cunnamulla and Toowoomba. The meal arrived and was served to us and the meal was very nice indeed and plenty of it and those present were asked if they wanted a return, a few took up the offer which included me. Then the traditional Christmas Pudding was served with ice cream and it was a treat also. After the meal prizes for the games were handed out which included medals etc. The raffle was then drawn and both Liz and I won a prize and then the lucky door prize was drawn and I won that as well.
Everyone at the event was given a Christmas gift and they were all very good gifts that can be utilised for every day use. All good things come to an end and at around 2pm we thanked everyone and we then went to say our farewells to Chris and Bronwyn. We spent a pleasant hour there and also Val came in and we bid her farewell as well, though she indicated she would come and see us in our camp later this afternoon.
At 3.30 pm we started to pack our camp up in ernest and that will take until around 5pm. Then our last happy hour will occur and we will say our farewells to the happy campers before leaving in the morning.

Wednesday the 19th of July
We awoke to another beautiful morning very sunny and clear blue sky's. I went for my last walk in Yowah and only did a short distance before returning to camp. We both went for our shower given that it is water from the Great Artesian Basin. The strange thing about the shower is that you turn on the cold water tap and if the water is to hot then you turn on the hot water tap to get the right temperature, strange indeed. We had our breakfast in the motorhome this morning and after that we started our last pack up in earnest.
We then went and said our farewells to the many happy campers that we had met over the past three weeks.
Most of them indicated they would see us again next year though we doubt it for it is time to move on to other areas of Australia. We visited the dump point and the hooked on the car to the motorhome and we were on our way.
We said our farewells to Yowah and we were on the road again heading north. We can only hope the weather stays fine and sunny this time, last year we were flooded in and camping on boggy ground before heading south into even colder weather.

We were heading along single bitumen roads and the countryside was dry and arid though the trees were still maintaining there greenness. We only had two vehicles come at us before we reached the turn off to the Thargomindah road. On both occasions we pulled off the road and gave them the bitumen.
When we made the turn it was obvious that the land was more arid and the ground being mostly rocks had not a blade of grass upon them. We were surprised to see two mobs of sheep and we did not know what they were feeding on. We struck a couple of caravans though it was the four wheel drive towing the camper trailer that showered us with rocks given that we had given up the full bitumen for them to travel on. We are remiss why these vehicles have to travel so fast in the gravel spraying rock and dust everywhere.
We came across one Emu who appeared a bit jumpy so we came almost to a standstill in case it decided to run across in front of us. Further up the road we were to see a couple of Emu's that had been run over and the crows were feeding on them plus a few kangaroo's.
We came across our first jump ups and the were beautiful to look at though no grass or other feed on the ground and when we came across the few Emu's Liz was to remark what are they feeding on. Once again we slowed in case one decided to tear across the road in front of us.
We finally arrived at the Thargomindah turn off and we were on our final journey to Toompine. Again the land was arid and there were a few jump ups and small hills we had to climb though this was done with no effort by the motorhome. When I looked in the rear vision mirror I spotted both Ian and Des who followed us from Yowah.
We finally arrived at Toompine and one of the happy campers suggested we should not camp where we pulled up and move to another spot then another so called happy camper went off his head carrying on to Liz so much so that though I could not hear them I jumped out of the motorhome to see what was going on. The bloke then done runner with his can of beer.
We set up with Ian and Des and then we decided to go over to the pub and check the menu for tonight and after three stubbies of Great Northern for me and two stubbies of cider for Liz at $5 a stubby we came back to the motorhome for lunch.
We have taken our menu for tonight so this afternoon we will sit out in the brilliant sunshine to relax etc until we go over for our meal tonight.
Kilometres travelled 116

i

Thursday the 20th of July
Last night we went over to the hotel for our evening meal and to have a few frothy's and enjoy the country friendliness that abounded in the bar area. We were to have a fisherman's plate each for our meal and it was beautiful with salad and chips. Then Liz had a few wines whilst I had a few more frothy's and listened to the bloke playing his guitar. It was a good night and we retired for the night around 9.30pm and read our books in bed.
On awakening this morning again to a clear blue sky and plenty of sunshine. I sat outside in the sun and started to read until the hotel dog came along with his rubber ball and dropped it at my feet. After 30 minutes throwing the ball I gave it away and came inside to get away from the dog. Wouldn't you know it he dumped the ball at the door and barked until I came out. Ian, Des and Liz and I went over to the hotel for the previous evening the owner had invited us over for coffee before we departed Toompine. He made one of the best cappuccinos that we have tasted for awhile and it was free. We departed about an hour later after having a good chin wag and indicated we may see him again next year. He stated last night that he remembered us from last year.
On the road and there was no wind to speak of just double lane bitumen again for quite awhile on the way to Quilpie.

Again the rugged beauty of the countryside was on show and we were to see plenty of cattle, emu's and road kill. The crows were once again making short work of the road kill. We were lucky for we came across caravans and other vehicles on the double bitumen and when we came to the single bitumen all travelling south pulled off and gave us the road. It was a change, for yesterday we were pulling off for oncoming traffic.
We came to jump ups again and the colours were magnificent and we were surprised to come across a farmhouse and outbuildings so close to the road. There were cattle close by and they were eating the trees for there is no grass to seen anywhere and when we came across the sheep we did not know what they were eating at all. Then around 20 wild brumby's appeared out of nowhere and they looking in good condition. Liz was to remark they could probably win the Quilpie Cup on race day.
We came across roadwork's where they were doing a cutting to lower the road height and then before we knew it we were making the turn onto the road into Quilpie. We drove through the town and then into the camping area on the Balloo River.
We set up camp and then set the fire for tonight though we do not expect to have the same type of fire we had at Yowah. We then hopped in the Terios and drove into Quilpie to the chemist to top on medications and then across the road to the Bakery. They remembered us from last year so there was a lot of chiacking going on. I had a pie and Liz had a salad roll washed down with a cappuccino.
We then drove around to the Friendly Grocery store and had a look and bought some hash browns for our evening meal and sweet biscuits to replenish our stock. Then to the Butchery and again they remembered us and they asked how the Terios was going and we bought a heap of meat to last us over the next month. We came across the Foodland grocery store so we went in and it was noticeable that the groceries were much cheaper especially the fruit and vegetables. Then we decided to do the bulk of our grocery shopping there and then.
Back in camp to pack and freeze everything and put away and then we decided to go for a drive to the other camp areas and we will come back for happy hour and cook our meal on the fire tonight.
We are hoping this weather remains the same for at 3pm it is a comfortable 25 degrees celsius though we can expect a cool night.
Kilometres travelled 80s

Friday the 21st of July
It was a chilly night though this morning it was rather cool, we had again a cloudless blue sky and bright sunshine. Before breakfast Des was to leave us for his electrics had failed in his motorhome so he is on the way back to Griffith in NSW. We sat around the fire and had breakfast and Ian was to then to cut a standing stump which has plenty of chimneys which should give out spectacular flames tonight.
Liz was to do a bit of hand washing and up went the clothes lines between trees. We had a few kangaroo's come visit and we do not know what they are eating for the ground looks quite bare of green grass. I was only able to take the photo on the long range lens.
We then gathered our shower gear and decided to go into Quilpie to do a few things.
First to the Information centre to see where the Mitre 11 was. We then drove out of town to the refuse area and on the way we were to see very nice hills in the background with the usual different shades of green and red dirt.
Arriving at Mitre 11 we went looking amongst the old fridges for the slides, so we could use them on the fire of a morning to cook toast and boil our kettle. The only ones we could find were covered in plastic so we gathered them up and we were then to find lengths of reo that we could cut down to size later in the day.
Off to have our showers and they were beautifully hot and we enjoyed them immensely. Whilst there I expected to fill the drums with rain water out of the tanks. Though to no avail for some kind person had turned the tap on and left it on and all the water had saturated the ground over a wide area.
We then went to the fuel distributors where we filled the Terios and the generator drum with unleaded fuel at $1.36 cents a litre. Then back to the tourist information centre to fill up with water from the Great Artesian Basin. The water in the drums was hot enough to wash dishes etc. They do not appear to have a cooling station for the water when it arrives at the centre or surface.
Then to the Post Office to get more funds for our future travels and around to the Foodland grocery store to do our final shopping for further into our trip.
It was 1pm so we drove around to the bakery and bought a pie and sausage rolls for our lunch. Back to camp and stoked up the fire and then enjoyed the food before just settling in and enjoying the sunshine which should brown our legs soon given that we are now wearing shorts. Again today the temperature is a warm 26 degrees though there are plenty of fly's buzzing around. We sat out in the sun and then into the shade prior to happy hour arriving.
We will eat out by the fire tonight enjoying the stars in the clear sky and then probably come inside to watch the football then out by the fire again. We are both enjoying this camp spot and the weather that is accompanying it.

s

Saturday the 22nd of July
We sat out by the fire and had our meal last night and then stood up a hollow log which we call a chimney log for it burns from the inside out. This way it lasts for many hours and throws out considerable heat. Which assists when the cool of the evening descends on us. Just on twilight we heard a Train arrive at the level crossing and were somewhat taken back for we have never seen a train in this area before. The train rails looked if the were redundant though this was dispelled when we saw the single engine and ten cattle trucks behind.
We were surprised to see it again after about ten minutes and it was obvious that it had turned around and was slowly heading away from Quilpie. We could only surmise that he was going to pick cattle or goats from one of the stations in this area.
It was very chilly in bed last night and I put an extra blanket on to keep warm. This morning the same as yesterday clear blue sky with the sun quickly warming up by the fire.
Ian was first out of bed and he only had to throw a few sticks onto the coals from last night. Out came the racks from Mitre 11 and we boiled the billy had a cup of tea and then stoked up the fire further and had eggs, bacon and hash browns for breakfast all very nice indeed.
Still soaking up the morning sun Ian and I went up to the bakery and bought bread and whilst there also purchased two vanilla slices and a huge lamington. On the way back we went for a drive on the opposite side from us and came across a river walk and the dirty brown Balloo River.
Back in camp and boiled the kettle and made a cup of tea and around 11am we had the treats from the Bakery. Come midday both Liz and I only had a mandarin for we didn't feel like a sandwich etc. Ian was the same.

We then went back over to the tree stump and cut two more chimneys for our fire this evening. One is so big it will take the both of us to put it on the fire and it should burn most of the night. We sharpened our chainsaw chains and then packed them away. For the next hour we read our books and then decided to go to watch the Polo Crosse competition up at the showground. On the way we stopped at the St Finbarr's Church to admire the the alter and side lecterns that were covered in Quilpie Boulder Opal. First look and you think it is all potch though closer inspection reveals the lovely opal colours.
We arrived at the Polo Crosse which had no entry fee and we sat near the grand stand and watched the game. The teams competing were Quilpie, Cunnamulla, Eulo and Thargomindah. The first thing you notice is how quick the horses are from standing still to full gallop. They create lots of dust as they mill around for the ball and then they are off towards the goal. The skill of the riders and of course the horse is unbelievable. The competition was was very good to watch, which we did for nearly two hours. The umpires kept a strict control of the chukka's and tolerated no nonsense. Whilst there we had a small snack and then we decided to go back to camp and relax for the rest of the afternoon. The town is shut and the only movement is the happy campers arriving or those who are heading out.
We stoked the fire up again to create hot coals for our chimney fire tonight. I suppose I will go inside to watch the Sydney V St Kilda game this evening and then come out to the fire again. Another nice warm day though there a few fly's about to annoy us.

Sunday the 23rd of July
A much warmer night and had no worry's stoking up the fire for breakfast this morning for the coals were still red hot from last night. The day was great again no breeze and blue sky with brilliant sunshine. After breakfast we started to pack a few things away then settled in to enjoy the day. We had this area to ourselves virtually until last night and today there have been 15 caravans and camper trailers arrive and set up. We had smoko and then read our books enjoying the warmth of the sun and now I am wearing shorts my legs are starting to brown up. You can see when I take my socks off that the foot area is white and the rest of the leg is going brown.
Lunch time arrived and we only had a sandwich and then we went into Quilpie and enjoyed the showers that are available to travellers. Then we went down to the showgrounds to watch the polo crosse again.
They were playing hard and at one stage a rider was dislodged from her horse and it was great to see the other horses actually jump over her no doubt they are trained to do this. Watching the horses doing their thing is a sight to behold the way they turn and block other horses in the competition. It is finals day and Charleville is playing off with Quilpie with the latter winning easily. The girl rider that fell appeared to be alright though she was replaced with another horse and rider. We are sure the commentator must be an auctioneer they way he calls the event. We were to see a young girl walking her horse and no doubt she would need assistance to get in the saddle, she was walking the horse up and down though she is not part of the competition.
We were to see a group of youngsters line up to the shop to buy lolly's and they looked Great in their cowboy boots and cloths.
We then left and filled our drums with water for the trip ahead and then to the shops that are closed during the afternoon on weekends so back to camp and noticed the amount of caravans that were set up since we left. Checked the oil etc on the motorhome started to put of our camping gear away that we do not need. We have another chimney log for our fire tonight and we will sit out under the stars after we have our evening meal. The potato and corn plus pumpkin will be wrapped in alfoil and cooked on the coals and our Bratwurst in the fry pan on the fire which should all be good.

Monday the 24th of July
We had some happy campers come and join us last night, for our chimney fire had two outlets and was throwing plenty of heat. It looked spectacular under a starry sky once again it wont be long before the moon starts to light up the countryside for the weather forecast for the next week is more of the same. Today the temperature at 3.30 is 27 degrees celsius. It would be true to say that we are both browning up and getting sun burnt at the same time.
The fire was still going this morning so a few pieces of wood and it was away allowing us to cook our toast and boil the kettle for breakfast. We have been amazed over the past few days the amount of cattle road trains that have been passing our camp. Most have been three trailers long and others a trailer plus a b/double as well. Whilst we were having our breakfast the Rex passenger plane was landing at the airport dropping off the paper, Passengers and cargo before flying onto Thargominda. Without this flying service the outback would be in a bit of trouble given the kilometres from the main city areas of Queensland.
It was time for Liz to go to the hospital to see the doctor due to her high iron levels etc. I was to sit in the car for a least 90 minutes before Liz came outside. I was reading a book to wile away the time.
Liz was to tell me that she has to be at the hospital at 7.30am for blood tests to be taken so as they can effect a venesection in the morning. This means that we are here another day and maybe until Wednesday dependant of the test and what they can do.
Around to the Foodland Store for a few more items and then onto the baker to order bread for tomorrow. They only sell the sliced bread and I have put in an order for a full loaf of multigrain which they will keep for me.
Back to camp and noted that 9 caravans had pulled out and by 4 pm another five had pulled in and set up. Given all the space available we cannot understand them parking so close together.
We had a late lunch and then decided to cover up a bit rather than get burnt further and suffer peeling. We pulled out the awning on the Terios just to air it and supply a bit of shade for we do not have the awning out on the motorhome.
Happy hour arrived again and a few of the happy campers joined us and will do so again after our evening meal to sit by the fire. There have been plenty of fuel road trains arriving to fuel the outback stations and the service stations in the various towns across the outback.
As it has been warm during the evening we expect to sit out under the stars rather than watch television and we can only wait to see what the day brings for Liz tomorrow which will determine when we leave for Windorah. All in all it has been another good day and it will be sad to leave such a good camp area.

Tuesday the 25th of July
We were out of bed early this morning for Liz had to be at the hospital at 7.30am for blood tests. I returned to camp and had breakfast in the brilliant sunshine and warm morning. Then back to the hospital at 9.45am to pick up Liz. I was only in the waiting room for about ten minutes before she appeared. Liz was a bit shaky for they had performed a venesection and then found that her blood pressure had returned to normal. I bought her back to camp for she felt a bit weak and then she showed me the bruises on each arm for they were not able to get blood with the first needle thus they then penetrated the other arm with a larger needle to drain off blood. So again Liz was right in determining whether she needed this treatment or not.
Liz had breakfast and we read for awhile before going up into Quilpie to use their showers once again. How nice it is standing under the shower for as long as it takes and not to have to worry about water consumption unlike the shower in the motorhome.
After this and filling a water drum we went to the Bakery once again and had a pie for me and ham and cheese sandwich for Liz washed down with a cappuccino each. We said our farewells for we will only be dropping in for a loaf of bread in the morning and back on the road now that Liz is ok.
We came back and instead of walking we drove along the Balloo River Walk for as far as we could and on one section we had to engage four wheel drive. It was all very pretty though the river is not running and the pools of water are a dirty brown.
Back to camp and read again in the nice sunshine before hooking the Terios onto the a/frame and then onto the motorhome for our departure tomorrow morning. We have wood so we will have our last fire tonight and the happy campers that joined us last night pulled out this morning.
Again we will not worry about television just enjoy the star filled sky and surely the moon must appear this evening. We will come inside around 9pm and off to bed to read before turning the light out. Another good day in Quilpie and we can only hope that the weather hold for the rest of our journey.

Wednesday the 26th of July
What a beautiful sunrise this morning, it was just one band of cloud which was moving away and by the time we were ready to leave camp it had moved well away leaving blue sky's and sunshine. It didn't take much to start the fire again this morning. We were to boil our kettle and cook our toast and watch the mob of Emu's near our Quilpie camp. We counted 20 in all though we could not capture them all in the one photo.
A big old Kangaroo was sitting watching us also have our breakfast and did not leave the area for some time.
After breakfast we put the last of our gear away and then cleaned the area we had been using and then extinguish the fire. We had a few things to do so around to the supermarket and bought a few items the main being alfoil for we have used so much at this camp cooking potatoes, corn and pumpkin. I have to say cooked in alfoil on the red hot coals gives food that certain nice taste.
We needed to top up with water and then around to pick up fuel at $1.34 cents a litre for diesel and bread. All this done and it was around 10 am before we left Quilpie and we have to say that we have enjoyed our time here for many of the residents remember from previous years and Liz was able get treatment for her high iron level. There was no breeze so the going would be easy today and for many Kilometres the road was double lane bitumen and then we struck the dreaded single lane bitumen.

We were enjoying the countryside again with its rich green shrubbery and red soils. We were to come across a mob of sheep feeding on what ever knows and then we came across three Dingo's strung up in a tree. It was not a pretty sight for they had decomposed, no doubt the farmers take this action to protect their sheep. We would also see cattle spread out along the way.
After about 100 kilometres there was a sharp change in the countryside with the ground being greener which means they have had good rains recently and then we came across the red sandy hills which lets us know that we are close to desert country. We were to strike a lot of traffic such as caravans and camper trailers and we were surprised to have the majority pull off and give us the bitumen. We were to pull up later on and allow other traffic to have the road. We were not surprised when the most of the camper trailers still went off into the gravel and shower us with stones and rocks. I have a feeling that they do it on purpose for they do not even slow down when passing.
We were to see a lot of road kill along with plenty of crow's feeding off the kill. We were surprised to note that there were more Emu's dead than Kangaroo's. The sun was beating down into the motorhome and we had to stop and remove our pullovers and then back on the road.
We have decided not to do the full distance to Coopers Creek near Windorah today we will set up a bush camp and then in the morning have only about 80 kilometres to go. We were rather surprised to see a lone female cyclist riding towards Quilpie with all the packs etc attached to the bike and of course she was wearing high visibility gear.
It wasn't hard to find a suitable bush camp for there were plenty of places that suited our needs for wood etc. It was a bit after 12 noon when we pulled off the road and set up our camp site. The first thing we did was to gather wood and light a fire to boil our kettles for lunch. We were to have noodles in a bowl and they were nice for a change.
After lunch we just sat out in the shade for the day was getting quite warm and at 3.30 the temperature was 28 degrees. This probably means we will have a cold night.
The rest of the afternoon we sat and read our books and talked of things in general and watched the traffic go by. There is no phone coverage so it may be a few days before I am able to load this section of the diary onto the internet.
Kilometres travelled 156

Thursday the 27th of July
We cooked our pasta wraps and sauce on the fire last night and after our meal we settled in to take in the beautiful starry night. In all we were to see six three trailer cattle road trains go past our camp site. One was late into the night and it was ablaze with lights especially the driving lights that lit up the highway as if it was daylight. They were all going very fast and there is no doubt animals crossing the road in their headlights do not stand a chance for these road trains are so long they could not take evasive action.
Where else can you awake to the sounds of silence with only the chirping of the birds and clear blue sky's other than the outback we are sure. We were to witness once again the sun rising heating the land against a background of blue sky's. No wonder Liz and I like the outback of Australia so much.
This morning we were to witness small flowers close to our camp and the earth they were springing from looked desolate so we do not how long they will last in this heat and no water. We only had to throw a few pieces of wood on the coals and the fire was going this morning and we were boiling our kettles and cooking our toast. This morning I opted for sardines on toast washed down with two cups of tea.
We cleaned up the area and then packed away our chairs and we were on our way to our next camp on the Cooper River some 10 kilometres short of Windorah.
Back on the road and wasn't long before we were encountering traffic both caravans and camper trailers and plenty of cars, most were to give us the right of way and then when we spotted the three trailer Road Train coming towards us we drove off the road to give him the bitumen for there is no way known they can manoeuvre the hundred foot long truck and trailers like we can our small vehicles.
We were driving through a changing countryside once again and now we had a mix of Ghost Gums, Gidgee wood and Mulga trees that the cattle and goats plus other animals feed on to keep them going. We could hear the goats last night though we were not to see them.

We came across the sign warning us that the next 500 metres was an emergency landing place for planes and helicopters there were wide white lines indicating the middle of the road to assist them with their landing. It feels strange driving on this section of the highway for we were not sure if a plane was coming in to land or not. Further on we were to come across the spinifex grass and small bushes. We were still experiencing a lot of traffic heading in the opposite direction and finally we arrived at Cooper's Creek and pulled in to check out the sign before crossing the bridge and turning into the road to take us to our camp for the next few days.
We found a suitable spot for both ourselves and Ian, we set up on one side of the road and then took our chairs etc across the track to sit in the shade and enjoy a coffee. Then it was time to set up the satellite dish for the football shows commencing tonight and onto saturday.
We thought we had experienced fly's before today though nothing like there is here and it is the only thing making a good camp site into a lesser one though we have to say at dusk they disappear for the night. We set Ian's satellite dish up to no avail we even swapped lnb's and co-axe cable also to no avail finally setting his up next to mine and that did not work so it must be the satellite dish itself.
Lunch quickly passed and we relaxed for the rest of the afternoon having a chat to other happy campers as they passed by. At 3pm it is 30 degrees celsius so we are seeking shade though we can not park the Terios or the Motorhome in the shade for the solar panels will not work.
Tonight we will sit out by the fire for we have a few chimney logs to burn that we bought along from Quilpie. We will come inside to watch the Marngrook Football Show and then out to the fire again. At the moment I am down to singlet and shorts and Liz is in her shirt and shorts.
Kilometres travelled 86

Friday the 28th of July
Late yesterday afternoon we took a drive to the other side of Coopers Creek and were to see a whole heap of Galahs feeding on seed and we then drove down to the sandy section near the weir and noted the houseboat near the bridge over the Coopers Creek. We were to set our yabby nets and this morning after a cup of tea we then went and checked our nets. Ian had placed 6 nets in the creek and I did the same amount.
Ian was not to catch anything and I caught only one it being the biggest red claw I have ever caught, it was huge. I was dodging its claws for they were large and no doubt would take you finger off no trouble at all.
We stoked up the fire and placed our kettles on again to boil for breakfast. It was another of those outback Queensland days with blue sky no clouds and a bright warm sun. Today the temperature would reach 28 degrees singlet and shorts weather again.
The reflections on the Cooper Creek were very nice indeed and given there is not a breath of wind the reflections were only disturbed by the four Pelicans who are searching the water for fish. They were to come in close to us when we pulled our yabby nets.
Whilst having breakfast we were to hear the chirping of the birds in the trees close by and we were to see a pair of Eastern Mallee Ringneck. We were able to establish this when Liz bought out her bird identification book.
After breakfast I boiled the billy and the red claw just fitted in to cook. We were to just relax and decided to go into Windorah for a shower etc rather than use our water in the motorhome.

The road into Windorah was all single lane bitumen and we were to see a motorbike push an oncoming caravan off the road, something we have not seen before. We were to see the large round discs of solar panels that rotate automatically as the sun moves across the sky. They had one disc turned off and the information indicates that the panels produce enough electricity to power all Windorah during daylight hours. They have a diesel power station next door that is only used at night if required or during a breakdown in the supply from elsewhere. On the way out of town we noted that the dish's had moved as the sun moved west.
Our next stop was the information centre where we had a cup of coffee for it is also a driver reviver stop. We were to look through the museum out the back and found all sorts of memorabilia from many years ago. We were intrigued with the old cast steel boat which is put together with hot rivets in all the seams. The information indicates before the bridge was built over the Cooper Creek it was used to ferry people and goods over and back and could carry 96 sheep in one load. It would appear that you could put it straight on the creek today no worries at all. We had a good discussion with the woman about the museum and she was to inform us where we could get a shower. Another woman came in and gave us a rendition of country music which was very good indeed.
Next we went to the Mitre 11 and we were in luck for they had just dumped a whole lot of goods and other stuff from a deceased estate and we spent a good half hour sorting through the goods. We were to keep quite a lot and once again where are going to store it all.
There is a council caravan park and they are building a new one across the road with powered sites and a beautiful ablution block. The floors were marble type material and the water was very hot no doubt from the Great Artesian Basin. We were to stand under them for awhile washing as well as our hair. We left a gold coin donation.
We then decided to head for our camp and on the way we stopped and chopped a whole heap of dry wood though unfortunately there were no chimney logs available. This should keep us going for the next couple of days and beyond. Back in camp we had a late lunch and stoked the fire up. We sat in the shade for the rest of the afternoon Tonight is an easy cooking night and we will have chicken kebabs and a couple of hash browns and a few frothy's and wine no doubt. We intend to sit outside and take in the sunset and listen to the many birds plus stoke up the fire with our last chimney log and will come inside to watch the football at half time and then off to bed. Another interesting day and we will see what tomorrow brings.

Saturday the 29th of July
I have posted two more photo's of our visit into Windorah yesterday the first was an old very small house owned by a hermit type of person who was very hard to talk to in fact after awhile he hopped out of his chair and went inside. The second photo is an early style of house built from timber slabs with a tin chimney attached for their cooking this is in the museum attached to the information centre. Liz did not want to move in as her abode when I suggested it.
We had a wonderful camp fire again last night so much so that this morning there were enough hot coals to simply place wood and it was going once again. On went our kettles and then we went around our yabby nets to no avail. The large red claw that I caught yesterday must have committed suicide for their were no more this morning.
We had our breakfast in the shade by the fire for the day was getting warm and the fly's were coming around again.
After breakfast up went the clothes lines and then the generator and washing machine were set up and Liz set about washing sheets etc. There is a breeze at the moment so the clothes were dry in no time.
Lunch time came around and I ate the red claw and it was very nice indeed with plenty of meat so to speak and then we relaxed again in the shade reading our books. We had a few happy campers come by and we had a chat finding out where they travelled from and their future journeys.
We decided to defer the Nature Drive this afternoon were going to do until tomorrow. Just tidy up and split the wood into smaller logs for we are down to our last chimney log. So today other than the washing it is just a lazy day where we enjoyed the bird life and watched a big old kangaroo bound across the front of our camp site.
We will sit outside again tonight after our evening meal of course cooked on the camp fire and then later we will come inside and watch the AFL Football and off to bed after another sunny cloudless sky. The weather forecast for next week is predicting rain for this area and for Judah our next camp spot on the way to Longreach.

Sunday the 30th of July
A warm night and we hopped out of bed at 6.45am this morning stoked the fire up and had a cuppa. Then Ian and I went and collected our yabby nets which had nothing in them with the exception of one of mine which had a river prawn, which would have been good if I had the fishing rods out. It would have been good bait for Yellow Belly fish.
We put the nets out to dry and then stoked the fire and cooked our toast and boiled the kettles for our breakfast. There was a bit of a breeze about and we were visited by both galahs and the mulga ring necked parrots. After breakfast we cleaned up and then decided to go into Windorah to have our showers and then onto the pub for lunch.
We were to note six pelicans taking in the morning sun on the opposite bank of the Cooper Creek some were sleeping we believe and the others were watching the creek for movement of fish. We packed our gear and water bottles to refill in Windorah plus our cassettes for the dump point.

We decided to drive via the Nature Drive which is 12 kilometres long. The first thing we noted was the amount of happy campers there were along this stretch of the creek. Soon we were on gravel roads some twisting and others straight and we were to note that they had sign posted the names of the various trees that are in this area and we still think the Grey Ghost Gums are the prettiest along with the Flowering Gums. Even the old Gidgee Wood gets a mention along the way. We crossed Dead Horse Crossing which is rather deep with a steep exit point. All along the way we were to see no wild life at all including birds. This we found strange for many years ago we saw plenty of bird life and mobs of Kangaroo along the way.
Out first stop was the dump point and then we drove past the water treatment plant for Windorah does not use water from the Great Artesian Basin. As a matter of fact they take there water from Cooper Creek which water is very brown indeed and pump it the ten kilometres to the treatment plant. We stopped in the town centre to visit the Windorah Outback Store to look at what they had on offer, though they were closed and do not open on a sunday.
As we had a bit of time to kill so we went once again to Mitre 11 though we were disappointed for they had dozed all the goodies into the ground. We drove back to the shower complex and enjoyed the hot water and the non smelling water unlike the bore water that other towns use.
We then drove down to the Hotel and The Sandhill Grill and had a really good lunch. With Ian and I opting for a fisherman's basket each and Liz for crumbed fish and chips with salad. They were huge meals and in fact I bought a fair portion home to have for my evening meal. We enjoyed the meal immensely with Liz having a wine and Ian and I a couple of frothy's.
We were just finishing our meal and the police walked through the hotel and the outside dining area that we were using. We thought oh no! the breathalyser will be used on us. We left and the police were still there and we then drove back to camp with no worries.
We put our awnings in and started to pack the equipment we were using away. The temperature at 2.30 was a very warm 29 degrees with plenty of fly's so we had to use our fly nets to ease the pain of the those testy things.
We then sat in the shade reading our books and a cooling breeze was coming off the creek and heard plenty of bird life and saw one very large Kangaroo bounding across the paddock. This is the last day in the Cooper Creek Camp for we are moving on tomorrow to Jundah which is not very far away to set up camp for a few days or until the rains come and then we will be heading for the bitumen if that happens.
Another warm and excellent day and this is a camp that we have enjoyed for all our meals have been cooked on the camp fire, steamed vegetables and all.

Monday the 31st of July
A warm night once again and we finished our packing this morning and then had breakfast in the motorhome for we had let the fire go out overnight. We have really enjoyed our stay at Coopers Creek and of course the township of Windorah which is only 10 kilometres away from the Creek. We hooked the Terios up to the motorhome and we were on our way after saying farewell to the happy campers near us.
The road to Jundah is only 5 kilometres before the township of Windorah and we turned and then drove off the road to wait for Ian who had to drive into town to fill his 5th wheeler up with fresh drinking water for the trip ahead.
Back on the road and we were to notice many flowering gum trees that looked great with the backdrop of clear blue sky's and plenty of sunshine. It was good to be on double lane bitumen and the going was easy with a tail wind this morning. We were to see many herds of cattle grazing and the first lot we saw were all skin and bone. We are always surprised with the diversity of trees and shrubs along the way and at times I tended to wander on the road a bit whilst enjoying the many colours and sights that appeared. We were to note that we had left the black soil on the Cooper to where now the soil was red. We were to come across another mob of cattle that were slowly crossing the road as we approached. They appear to be road savvy for as soon as they saw us they stopped and watched us go by.
Unfortunately we came across three dead angus cattle later that were laying dead beside the road. No doubt they may have been laying on the road last night as they do when they were run down. We thought other than a road train the vehicle involved would have sustained plenty of damage if it hit the three of them.
The road was now crossing many creek beds and they were dry and at one occasion we were to see new green growth which allowed us to think that maybe they have had rain here in the past week or so.
There was plenty of traffic on the road and there was no problem for there was plenty of room to pass without going off the bitumen. We had never come this way before and as we approached the Thompson River I missed the turn off into the camp grounds along its banks. I had driven into Jundah and on the outskirts a Kangaroo hopped across the road in front of us and then we saw the Welcome to Jundah sign. We drove through town and then onto the highway towards Longreach, some kilometres later Liz was to indicate that I had driven to far.
Back we came and then into the camp area along the Thompson and found a suitable spot and we camped up and out came the awning and all the other gear we would be using for our time here. Later will put the yabby nets in and see how we go.
It is now 3pm and the temperature is 27 degrees with a warm northerly wind blowing. Lit the fire so we can cook our meal outside tonight and not warm the motorhome up. Well it is nearly happy hour so needless to say I am off outside with all the fly's to enjoy the rest of the day just relaxing.
Kilometres travelled 108

August