Saturday the 1st of June
The first day of winter and last night we had it all. Thunder, lightning and heaps of rain, luckily we are dry and cosy and our camp site has good drainage so we did not suffer mud nor puddles. The same cannot be said about our nearest happy camper who is in a hollow and needless to say are flooded.
After breakfast I filled the main water tank with rainwater caught in out buckets over night, as there is little doubt that the solar panels will not be putting any charge into the house batteries today out came the generator for a few hours to charge. On the brighter side Liz is happy that Collingwood won easily last night and we still have beaut views out over the Murray River and the birdlife is still present. There is only one pelican cruising about and the ducks etc.
As we could not go out our neighbor was to get the paper for they have a four wheel drive. On there return they indicated the road was slippery for them and they only just navigated the road back. There is little chance of taking Digger out today to do the touristy things.
Once the batteries were charged off with the generator and then had lunch. Visited our neighbor with an umbrella and had bit of a chinwag and then home to put the generator back on to watch the Carlton V GWS which Carlton won easily. We are house bound today though raining and windy it is still warm.
Had our evening meal and the settled in to watch the Geelong V Gold Coast Suns and then off to bed hoping tomorrow would be better to dry the road out and let us depart on Monday.

Sunday the 2nd of June
Wasn't it great a sunny morning when we awoke which allowed us to light the fire this morning to cook our toast and boil the billy after the wet day yesterday.
It was wonderful to be able to sit out in the sun again, to watch the change on the river with plenty of birdlife. With a little wind we spotted a windmill working across the river. We had not spotted it in previous days for there was no wind, Liz had her Magpie visit for a bit of her toast and a bit of cheese and it walked around our legs with no fear at all as if it was part of the family. There was movement on the river with the usual ducks and ibis. Then there were virtually hundreds of Cormorants flying by along with a few pelicans no doubt looking for their meal for the day.

Given that the day was sunny and warm with a little wind Liz was to do a little washing and with the wind it did not take all that long to dry. I was finally to catch a fish the trouble was that it was only Carp which was left on the bank of the river for it is illegal to return it to the water. We started to pack away a few things and then we thought that it was time to go back to Mildura to buy a few items. Luckily the road out had dried quickly so the going wasn't to tough and Digger measured up to the challenge. Even though it was Sunday the traffic was still heavy going into Mildura. We first filled Digger and then the container for the generator and then went onto Bunnings and then Woolworths to buy a few items. As it was lunch time we called into the bakery and had a few pasties and a pie washed down with a cappacino. Then we returned to Merbein to have a look around and the noticed the many irrigation channels for the citrus and other cropping enterprises.
We returned back to camp and finished packing and getting Digger ready for towing. Before we knew it happy hour was upon us so went over to the camp near ours and sat by the fire and chatted away well into dark. Then back to the motorhome for our evening meal and finalised all for our departure in the morning and after watching a bit of Tellie off to bed.

Monday the 3rd of June
A rest full night and when we awoke early this morning you could hear the drips of water on the roof of the motorhome. This concerned us to the point that we hopped out of bed earlier than normal and upon checking it turned out to be moisture dropping from the near by river gums for there was a heavy dew and a slight fog.
After breakfast it started to drizzle so we quickly tidied up and headed for the road out. Liz was to drive Digger into Mildura for the filling station at Woolworths was tight affair for the motorhome let alone the two vehicles hooked up. There was fair bit of traffic on their way to work and the roads were wet and greasy. Topped up with diesel at $1.41.9 a litre and then Liz went into woollies to buy bread and sausages for tonight's meal. I had pulled to the centre of the road for all parking was angle parking and the centre had a few trees now and again and it was the only place where we could hook up Digger for towing. We had finished and just about to leave when a policeman came over and told us we could not park where we were, after an explanation he put his book away and we were on our way towards Broken Hill.
We first travelled over the bridge over the Murray and then took the turn that would take us towards Wentworth. We were to pass many citrus trees containing fruit that was dropping on the ground and absolutely heaps of vineyards on both sides of the road. The drizzle was now steady and we think if we had not left our camp area over previous days early then we may not have been able to leave for a few more days.
We were to see two substantial brick premises along the way that used to be the receiving centre's for all the citrus fruit in the area now closed up. We were to pass through many small towns and then we turned onto the Silver City Highway towards Broken Hill. It is such a miserable day we have decided not to drive far today.
We were now driving through sheep country that was flat and only seemed to contain salt bush though it must be enough to feed and maintain the flocks, the highway itself was very good bitumen and we were travelling reasonably fast. There was little traffic and no trucks at all along the way. We finally reached the Bunnerungee Rest Area and stopped to look to see if it would be suitable for the night. There are plenty of camping areas along the Darling River which seems to be suffering with green algae and we chose to stay up on the hard pan for it rains we can still get out to the highway to continue our journey.
It was lunch time so we had lunch and then went walkabout along the river and found another camper who indicated all he was catching was Carp so the rod will not be put into service until later.
We spent the rest of the afternoon reading and then as there was no television signal and I couldn't be bothered getting out the satellite dish we will watch a movie tonight before retiring.
Kilometres travelled 117 co-ordinates S33 34 450..................E14 14 521 No mobile phone

Tuesday the 4th of May
We were late out of bed and while Liz was getting breakfast ready I went walkabout and had a chat to a couple of happy campers who had arrived late last night. I noted on their caravan a map of Australia with all the places painted on that they had visited over the years. It lead to some interesting conversations on those areas and their attractions. When I arrived back Liz was a little terse for I had delayed the cleaning of the motorhome and our departure. When cleaned up we went for another walk along the river bank amongst the Coolibah trees the first we have seen for couple of years. We were to spot a lone pelican searching the waterway for fish though it looked terribly green and not to healthy.
The happy campers visited us before we left and we have all decided to meet up at Menindee Lakes sometime tomorrow. It was 10.30 am when we were back on the highway and we told the GPS of our intentions and it then gave us the route to follow.
The going was good for the first part of our trip and the then the landscape changed to arid country with more salt bush and we were to see more Emu's and plenty of sheep plus wild goats in the long paddock as well as in the paddocks. Plenty of saltbush and stunted gum trees with little traffic, we came across a few caravans going in the opposite direction and then we came to our turn off. I hadn't realised that we had to travel over 100 kilometres on gravel roads to get to Menindee Lakes. The first 10 kilometres was good bitumen and again plenty of sheep and goats and then we went over a water way near two working windmills that were close together no doubt dragging water from the great artesian well.
When we came to the gravel road it was pretty corrugated though I thought we would keep going and after 4 kilometres of bone shattering road and some of the things in the motorhome coming into the front cab we made the decision to turn back. We would go back to the Silver City Highway and head into Broken Hill and then down the bitumen highway to Menindee lakes. Even though we could do this today we decided to stop at around 1 pm. Before we pulled up we noticed that there was a lot of low clouds and that the little sun we had this morning has now disappeared. We finally came across a gravel pit beside the highway which we found suitable so we pulled up and had lunch and then I set up the satellite dish to watch a bit of tellie this evening. There were plenty of caravans heading north and a couple dropped in for short while at our gravel pit rest area, then we both had a snooze and read books. Though now very overcast and threatening rain the temperature is currently 20 degrees celsius and quite comfortable though we both have our trakkies and pullovers on. So another easy day though the highway at this point is a bit boring for the same countryside arid though damp after the recent rains.
Kilometres travelled 156 co-ordinates S32 26 907...................E141 33 389

Wednesday the 5th of June
Another overcast day as we headed out to travel the last 65 kilometres to Broken Hill. There was little breeze and it looked like rain in the distance, we are wondering where the sun has gone!
The going was easy with no wind and we were still seeing salt bush plains for as far as you could see and the occasional flock of sheep. We encountered road works kilometres from nowhere along with a set of traffic lights. We were only held up for a few minutes and then slowly drove through the gravel section. The road from here was very patchy and rough in most places. In the distance we could see high power lines and then the silhouette of old and new mine winders in the distance and it wasn't long before we were alongside the mining in progress, it was some seven kilometres from the city centre. We were listening to the radio and they gave the time which did not coincide with our watch's and then we discovered that Broken Hill may be in NSW their time is Australian Central Time thus 30 minutes behind. We have decided to stop in Broken Hill tonight and do just a few touristy things during the afternoon considering we will be back here next week.
The caravan parks are $48 per night with power and the showgrounds are $25 with power or $15 non powered. We elected to have non powered site considering all power would do is run the fridge. We settled in and then unhitched Digger and drove back into the city central first to the chemist for prescriptions for Liz and then we went walkabout. There are plenty of shops of all descriptions and the buildings housing them are very old. Off to the post office and again it is a substantial old building with others alongside. Hotels? well how many do you want there are heaps including two large clubs we came across.
We noted that one street back from the main street was the railway station where the Indian Pacific passes through along with other trains to various places in NSW. On the other side of the tracks are huge slag heaps from the original mines and run for some distance along the edge of the main street. It is obvious that they built the mine and then the houses etc around it. We drove out further and found more old hotels along with the service stations including the Centro shopping complex housing Woolworths and Big W etc along with many small shops. One of those was the Reject Shop which we could not resist going into for a look see and buy a couple of items. Then onto Big W and purchased shoes and wooly slippers for the motorhome at night. Bread Rolls from Woollies and then we drove around the outer areas and admired the many original miners tin houses from long ago. They are not unlike the new tin houses of today. They are very close together and well maintained a credit to the owners for preserving old history.
We returned to the show grounds around happy hour and first went off to shower and it was great standing under very hot water again and not be limited to the amount you use in the motorhome. The happy campers we met at Horseshoe bend campgrounds were to arrive and we chewed the fat as to where we have both been to this point in time.
A late happy hour and a late meal of battered flathead and salad and then outside with other happy campers by their fire chatting away before we headed in to watch the State of Origin tonight on the tellie before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 72 co-ordinates S31 54 48....................E141 28 51

Thursday the 6th of June
Another cloudy morning as we went off to have our showers and then breakfast. We are in no hurry today so we soaked in the history of the race course, there were trotters on the track this morning at 6 am which actually awoke us.
It is obviously a historic venue especially the St Patrick's day races wherein people come from all over Australia for these races especially by small planes. It is easy to soak up the atmosphere even with very old buildings and the very old television sets dotted around the the course no doubt giving details of races both within and from interstate races.
We spoke with happy campers that were heading off to South Australia and expect to be in Port Augusta this evening, boy will they be doing some kilometres.
We said our farewells to Ron, Michelle and Brad once again as we do not expect to see them again as they are heading into South Australia tomorrow.

We headed off to refuel and what a headache with both Woollies and now today Coles fuel outlets closed due to work being carried out on the pumps and tanks. We relied on the GPS to take us to the next service station and that was closed also so we did about ten kilometres before we came across one that was open and we paid $1.53.7 per litre. Then we were finally on the way toward our destination at Pamamaroo Lake that we had been told was excellent camping and that turned out to be true.
The going was good with heavy cloud and no wind, the clouds in themselves were a sight to see with high and low level cloud making for some very pretty scenes. The land again was reasonably flat with some hills appearing now and again, there were plenty of sheep with young lambs and for the life of us we wonder what they feed on. It was necessary for us to get wood along the way for our camp fire over the following days and for the first fifty kilometres there was just no wood available only salt bush.
In the distance we could see line of trees which suggested we would come across across a river of creek. When we arrived it was a dry sandy watercourse and it took some time to find dry firewood. We found some dry river gum some 300 metres from the road though we were able to get reasonably close to cut and carry the wood back to load on Digger's roof racks. Poor old Digger he looks totally overloaded with all the gear and now the wood.
We continued on and instead of going on into Menindee itself we turned on the gravel road to our final destination. The road was very sandy and still wet from the recent heavy rains in the area. We arrived at the camp ground though we did not go much on it, so we drove back and found a nice grassed area right on the edge of the lake. We set up for we intend to stay until Tuesday to overcome the long weekend in the area. We noted we have now switched back to eastern standard time. It took awhile to set up for we were admiring the birdlife and at last the sun had broken through and we are down to T-shirts and really enjoying it. Out with the generator and set up the Satellite dish to watch the Marngrook football show on NITV this evening. We met a couple of happy campers from previous camps as the strolled along the lake. At the moment there are no campers set up near us so unloaded the wood off Digger and lit the fire and boiled the billy then out with the rod and on casting the bells on the top of the rod followed the baited line.
Happy hour and the birdlife on the lake kept us enthralled and then we cooked our evening meal on the fire and after sat out in the quietness of the night before coming in to watch the tellie before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 136 co-ordinates S32 18 569..........................E142 29 337

Friday the 7th of June
During the early hours this morning we could hear breaking water not unlike that you would find by the seaside. Upon checking the wind had increased and you had these short waves breaking on the sandy shore to the point that it was undermining the sandy bank.
Lit the fire and boiled the kettle for a cuppa and then cooked the crumpets by the coals of the fire for breakfast, the wind was a little cool so we ate our breakfast inside this morning. We do not intend to travel anywhere today for we have the usual chores to perform. Besides it is such a gem of campsite we will sit back and enjoy it. After breakfast our came the washing machine and set up the cloths line.
It was great to see the sun even though there was a little cloud it did not cause problems. We used water out of the lake for washing and in no time at all the washing was out on the line which was soon flapping in the breeze. It did not take all that long to dry given the sun and the breeze. Before we knew it lunch time had arrived so we enjoyed the bird life on the lake whilst eating, though not the cormorant's. I still haven't caught any fish as yet.
After lunch we just enjoyed the sunshine and then we washed poor old Digger who was showing the days of being towed through rough roads and dusty ones at that. Then a stick was required to dislodge the mud that was encrusted under the wheel arches some from Merbein horseshoe bend.
We had Graeme and Wendy visit us prior to happy hour and we spent a enjoyable hour or so recanting our travels as well as future, bearing in mind that it was on their recommendation that we visited this area. What a gem it is, we do not have a camper in sight all those coming in today have headed for the camping area by the toilets and supposedly the campsite of Burke and Wills travels in previous centuries.
Happy hour arrived and it took four cans of Boags to cook our evening meal of Irishtown potatoes in alfoil on the hot coals of the fire, very large of course. Once cooked we cut them and added sour cream along with bacon pieces, garlic and a coleslaw dish on the side, most enjoyable.
Started the generator and then settled in to watch the football game tonight, Essendon V Carlton it should be a good game.

Saturday the 8th of June
What a glorious morning not a cloud in the sky nor breeze. The Pelicans were just drifting along and the Ibis where walking the shore looking for a meal. Lit the fire and cooked our breakfast as well as boil the kettle. We just relaxed and took in the tranquility of the day, it would remain this way all day no clouds just blue sky no wind and a warm 24 degrees celsius. We cleaned the camp and refueled the generator and then loaded the empty gas bottle and water drum and then we were on our way to Menindee.
The road out to the bitumen is still a little sticky and Digger was to slide and slow down due to this on several sections, definitely a dry weather road. Once on the bitumen we had only seven kilometres to Menindee, We noted the water pipeline which no doubt supplies water from the lakes to Broken Hill. Then we crossed rail lines which the Indian Pacific train from Sydney to Perth uses.
We were to see several caravan parks though one looked very shabby and only seemed to have permanent caravans and they were very old.

We came to the Menindee town boundary wherein they inform you that the population is 980 and one lag has added the figure 1 so there must have a been a recent birth. As is the case in most outback towns midday is when the shops etc close. We went to the information centre and it was interesting to hear the history of the area. He went to great pains to inform us that Major Mitchell originally named the area Laidleys Ponds later to be renamed Menindee. There was a large aboriginal population in the early years and still is today. It would appear that many of the early explorers of the outback came through this area namely Eyre,Sturt, and the famous Burke and Wills expedition. The town is located on the Darling River and the first Paddle Steamer "Albury" reached the area in 1859 and later the captain opened the first store by the punt site. The town just has so much history that you do not recognise it when you first drive into town. The bloke at the information centre is a wealth of information and frankly you could listen to him all day, it is hard to believe that the town had three hotels at one stage. In 1942 the paddle steamer "Renmark" was the last of many paddle steamers to visit this area. The Renmark still operates out of Berri in South Australia as a tourist boat. The history of the area is too large to list here. Outside the information centre is a wheel barrow with a difference. the front wheel and front forks of a motorbike are attached to the tray along with small head lights, saddle bags and complete with UHF radio, very well thought out. Then over to the Aboriginal sculpture which is extremely good carvings from red river gum, unfortunately the camera could not pick up all the detail. We went onto the supermarket purchased today's paper from Adelaide and some wd 40 to help poor old Diggers doors open without creaking as it is annoying. Then onto to get a gas refill and I thought it would cost an arm and a leg, I was surprised when the 4kg bottle was filled and the bloke said that will be $10.80 thanks.
There is so much history that we decided to go back to camp and look at the main weir and come back tomorrow and probably go into the national park as well that boasts among other things that Six millionth sheep was shorn at the Kinchega Station that was donated to the NSW Government in 1967 thus the name of the national park.

We drove back to camp and decided to continue onto the main weir on the Darling River. It is only about four kilometres from our camp and we discovered another free camp site next to the weir along with modern toilets. The weir is large and is only letting minimum water out into the Darling which is why the water at our camp has dropped about 500 mill in the past couple of days. It was funny watching the small ducks standing on the spillway holding their own against the current gathering food whilst in the main channel there were plenty of pelicans and cormorants gathering fish. There were few fishing in the area considering it is a long weekend and there are and there are plenty of people from Broken Hill and surrounds enjoying the area. We then drove back to the Burke & Wills campsite which is large with new toilets and plenty of area taken up by mostly caravans and other vehicles. We took in the signage and the original camp site and then returned back to camp.
It was 2pm when we arrived back and stoked up the fire and then out came the jaffle irons and into the fire and we enjoyed the end product. It is marvelous what a good sunny day does for your well being for the rest of the afternoon we listened to the football on the radio and took in the wonderful views over the lake and the birdlife. We had two happy campers in their canoes paddle past and they were enjoyed the calm conditions which made it easy for them.
We will stay out by the fire tonight and as it will no doubt get cold when the sun drops. It produced some nice scenes when the sun finally dropped over the horizon. We finally came inside starting the generator and turned on our electric blankets to warm up the bed. This camping life is sure tough! Then settled in to watch the football.

Kinchega Shearing Shed

Sunday the 9th of June
A cool night though a beautiful day when we had our breakfast by the fire with the sun shining brightly over our camp and the lake, certainly good for the Solar Panels. The usual cleanup and Liz did a bit of hand washing and then I cut the wood for tonight's fire.
Into Digger and off to visit the Kinchega National Park. We had to travel 11 kilometres from camp and then another 14 off road to arrive at the historic Woolshed. The signs indicated there was plenty of campsites available dotted throughout the National Park and the cost was $7 entrance fee and then $5 for each adult and $3 per child all unpowered and long drop toilets all these around Emu Lake or on the banks of the Darling River.
We walked through the old woolshed that was built in 1890 and noted the old machinery plus presses and the remaining shearing stands that once totaled 62. There was even an old timber jinker with round wooden wheels used to cart timber back to the homestead and shearing shed for building purposes. When the farming property was first settled they had to rely on their own ingenuity for material for bricks and timber both had to be sourced from the area. In all they sheared 6 million sheep in the lifetime of the shearing shed which closed in 1967. The shearer's quarters have been restored along with the kitchen and is now used by visiting parks personnel who carry out remedial work. The old wool presses and other equipment is easily dated back to the 1800's along with the old traction engines and boilers used to power the shearing stands.

We then drove out to the old homestead which is some five kilometres from the shearing shed and its quarters. There is not much left to see for it has mainly been destroyed by floods. The homestead was built on 1850 and was added to over the years. They had their own vegetables gardens and fruit and date trees attended to by the chinese gardener. This person was able to build sluices which bought water from the billabong and later from the Darling river to keep the area green and for growing purposes. There is little of the homestead surviving for the major damage was done in the floods of 1956. We decided to take the river drive back into Menindee and unfortunately due to the road closure further on we had to back track and go by way of the original entry to the Park.
We were to drive around most to the streets of Menindee and look at the old buildings and with the use of the brochure from the information centre it aided us to find most old attractions.
We went to the local take away and bought a couple of spring rolls and chips and then drove down to look at the original Punt site, there we had our late lunch. There is not much remaining of the old punt crossing across the Darling River only the indentations in the both banks and signs indicating the punt site. Apparently a bloke called Turkey Creek Smith operated the first Punt and he had a trained sheep with him used to entice flocks of sheep onto the Punt being moved from each side of the river, old Turkey Creek operated the punt from 1862 to 1882. The State government of the time then took over and introduced their own punt which lasted for two months for the floods came and capsized the punt, they then had to put Turkey Creek's back in action until they had built a more stable punt.
Menindee and surrounding area's certainly have a lot of history and we have only touched a bit of it. Back to camp and on the way we came across a police vehicle with its lights flashing and when were to get closer we noted an Emu with a busted leg. The officer waved us on and as I looked in the rear vision mirror I saw him pull his gun and shoot the Emu.
We dropped into Graeme and Wendy's camp and chewed the fat for awhile and found that they had been up to visit while we were away. In camp stoked up the fire for we a cooking a chook in the camp oven for our evening meal tonight with no doubt enough left over for a chicken salad tomorrow night. I still haven't caught any fish though I continue to try and certainly won't catch whilst the speed boat is speeding up and down in front of our camp, though good on them for they seem to be enjoying themselves.
We had our meal outside and took in the last rays of the sun which was deflecting off clouds and silhouetted off the lake. Then inside and watched a bit of Tellie before going off to bed.

Monday the 10th of June
What a wonderful morning with the sun shining on the lake and no breeze. There was plenty of birdlife this morning including black parrots, small finches eating the seeds from the tree near our camp and the usual pelicans, cormorants and wader birds including the spoonbills . It was interesting watching them move their bill from side to side and every now and again a small fish is what they caught. This morning again lit the fire and boiled the kettle and cooked the toast and then we decided to have eggs and bacon for breakfast. What a life the tranquility of the lake and its birdlife and then a full on breakfast what else do we require.
Today we will be packing up our camp though first it was time to do some maintenance on the the Motorhome and Digger. Oils checked and then water bottles plus radiators and then air filters etc. The house batteries were checked and then we started to pack. In with the awning and ground cover sheet and the usual other items. We only kept the fire going until lunch time to boil the kettle for we had biscuits and cheese for lunch. As the fire had been dug into the ground we placed the sand back over the fire pit, you wouldn't know that a fire had been there. The day was warm so we headed for the bit of shade and read our books until happy hour which was early today. Graeme and Wendy visited us and Liz and Wendy listened to the Collingwood V Melbourne game and Graeme and I looked at our fishing gear especially the gear to use for catching Barramundi. We were to watch the pelicans working together to catch small fish and then the sunset came and tonight there was not a lot of cloud even so it was spectacular with the moon setting in the west with Venus close by which made for a spectacular sight. It was dark before we bid Graeme and Wendy farewell and we thanked them for there friendship and introducing us the this wonderful campsite. As we have packed the satellite gear away tonight we will watch a movie on the memory stick before going off to bed.
Tomorrow we head back to Broken Hill and then we need to decide where we are heading next.

Tuesday the 11th of June
There was an excellent sunrise this morning easily matching the glorious sunsets of past days. Could it be the old "red in the morning sailors warning"? Well it was to be by the end of the day. We were having breakfast listening to the radio and the weather reports for Broken Hill were not good a all with many sporting fixtures for the schools postponed and we could hear the crackle through the radio.
Finally packed and we were on the road by 8.30 am and as we went past the various campsites the happy campers were waving farewell to us. As we went past Graeme and Wendy's camp we blew the horn and waved them farewell. We have enjoyed their company over the past week or so and as we are going in different directions we do not expect to catch up with them again.
We were getting a few spots of rain as we turned on the road to Broken Hill and in the distance we could see rain bearing clouds and more so to the north as well. The road was wet and we were to pass several times past the pipeline that takes fresh water to Broken Hill from the Menindee Lakes.
There was little traffic on the road and we arrived again at the race track around 9.45 am given we are back in South Australian time. Paid our $15 for the night then had nice hot showers then into Digger and off to Silverton.

Silverton is some 22 kilometres from Broken Hill and the road though undulating was not to bad though there were dips in the road all the way no doubt to run off the rain water. Poor old Digger did not like the bouncing motion set up by the dips and we were only doing around 70 kph. We were to see sheep and cattle and quite a few brumbies grazing alongside the road.
We finally arrived in Silverton and the most noticeable thing is the old buildings all standing alone in the various streets. Given that it used to be a mining area which produced silver and lead. In 1883 the town was surveyed and the original population was around 25 building to over 3000 in 1885 and today it has a population of less than 40 people. The area is a real tourist magnet given the old buildings and the museum's that abound some about earlier years of the town and the latest museum is called the Mad Max 2 museum. They shot a lot of the Mad Max movies in this area and at Coober Pedy.
A trip to the pub was in order just to look at the memorabilia of the movies, unfortunately the replica falcon interceptor from the movies is no longer there for the public to see.apparently the owner of the vehicle sold it and the new owner moved it from the area. The good news is they are building another replica of the original interceptor and in the meantime they have this mean looking Volkswagen which they call the "Love child of the Interceptor" and it does not look out of place.
After looking at the memorabilia in the hotel I had two schooners of XXXX and Liz had a lemon squash. We then drove around and had a look at the old buildings and then drove out to the Mundi Mundi look out some five kilometres from Silverton. There are beautiful views for kilometre after kilometre of flat land for as far as you could see whilst behind us was the Barrier Ranges.
We drove back to Broken Hill and then topped up Digger with fuel for the journey ahead and the generator drum. Into Woolworths to top up our food cupboard and then into the Reject Shop then back to camp.
We had lunch at 3pm and as it looked like the weather was going to turn for the worse we packed Digger and connected the A frame and filled with water. At 4.30 the rain came and here it is two hours later and it is still bucketing down. So tonight we will watch Television and read our books.
Kilometres travelled 136 This is for the motorhome only I never list the kilometres we do in Digger.

Wednesday the 12th of June
During the night and early morning the rain just bucketed down, there were no showers just nothing or bucketing rain though this morning the rain had drifted away leaving sunny though cloudy conditions. Over breakfast this morning we discussed our trip to Minindi and the lakes and all in all we both agreed that it was great freedom stop compliments of NSW State Water who have not only built new toilets , with toilet paper, they have small rubbish bins very near each camp spot. It was only the people who ripped the toilet roll holder off the wall that was the downside. So thank you to State Water for such a special freedom camping area one we enjoyed immensely.
We visited the showers again and they were great though a little dilapidated in the Jockeys Room, then I weighed myself on the Jockey scales. Unfortunately they only went to 100 kilograms so I never received a proper reading. Liz registered, what was that? never indicate a woman's weight; Ok!
We headed off to woolworths fuel stop and due to a 15 cent discount docket that Liz found in a shopping trolley we paid $1.36.9 a litre, we had forgotten to buy sweet biscuits so we went into the supermarket and also bought a nice sour dough loaf for our lunch today somewhere on the road.
The sun was breaking through the clouds and it appeared as if we would have a tail wind going up the highway towards Willcania. So we bid Broken Hill farewell and headed out. The outside temperature at 11 am was 15 degrees celsius. As we were going along the highway we spoke of the difference between people who freedom camp and those for instance that were at the Race Course. Those at the race course were not all that friendly and they parked close together as if they were in a caravan park. No coming together in the same manner as we experienced in previous days. We could see mountain ranges in the distance though we seemed to track around those and then when I looked in the rear vision camera there was Digger following along as he should, it was interesting to note the countryside showing in the camera from behind.
The countryside was undulating and the road surface was good. They must be very large farms or Stations for the countryside was green though with no grass that we could see, we saw large flocks of sheep grazing on the salt bush and plenty of cattle doing likewise who all appeared to be Hereford. There were a few in the long paddock though they were not causing problems to traffic. There were plenty of interstate transport trucks with one we noted listed as a road train with only two trailers the rear one was whipping all over the road and another wide load transport that we were ahead passed us by when we pulled into the rest area.
There were more water pipelines coming from the Lakes that we could see in the distance and the train line was also alongside the road for many kilometres before going inland.
We finally arrived at the Spring Hill rest area where we have decided to stop the night before going onto Willcania in the morning. There are three happy campers at the moment and they are very friendly. We had our lunch and had a look around the area and settled in to read newspapers and our books which we will do again this evening for there in no television and I do not feel like putting up the satellite dish for the programmes tonight are probably not worth watching. So a happy hour is in order and then reading before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 138 co-ordinates S31 43 23................E142 41 09

Thursday the 13th of June
Last night we were as snug as a bug in rug, so to speak, whilst the rain and wind battered the motorhome. All this bad weather was taking place as we read our books for we did not bother with television or watching movies before going off to bed.
There were quite a few happy campers who pulled in here yesterday to avoid the inclement weather with many leaving early this morning with most travelling north. We had our breakfast and then it didn't take long to get back on the road for we were only around 70 kilometres out of Willcania. We had a fair wind at our tail and just intermittent showers.
The countryside was showing the effects of rain and it was obvious not to travel off road, the going was easy with just a few small ranges that we had to climb The scenery was magnificent with the various shades of green with the red soil.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Willcania and what a shock to see a town in such poor repair there were more buildings closed and boarded up than those trading. The amount of grills and iron protecting storefronts was enormous. With the day being so overcast with showers it did nothing to make the town bright at all and the hotels were boarded up to keep people out. The only people we saw were indigenous some family's and others waiting for the hotel to open. I was going to top up with diesel until I saw the price $1.71.9 a litre, we were unable to buy a newspaper, we did we have any desire to check the stores out. Though we noted the beautiful old Post Office that is well preserved and hasn't been burnt out like many others. The Post Office is now located in the Road House. We crossed the bridge over the Darling River and saw the old lift bridge used many many years ago to allow the river traffic of paddle steamers etc to. travel with produce etc to and from the area. The road ahead was wet and the clouds were low and there were plenty of interstate trucks on the road and most appeared to be from Western Australia. The UHF radio is worth its weight in gold for we were able to hear the over width and long load transports coming from both directions. For most of them it was just a matter of sticking to the edge of the bitumen to let them pass; though when we heard a 5.25 metre load coming at us we stopped and pulled off the road as we far as we could. Sure enough the traffic controllers indicated it was carrying a 100 tonne piece of mining equipment heading for Broken Hill.
The weather was further deteriorating and it was obvious carrying onto Cobar would not be wise for the road we need to take to our normal camp spot over the years would be probably be out of commission. We pulled into a gravel storage area thirty metres of the road surrounded by small trees and shrubs, we were lucky that the surface is solid and we have parked on an area of metal base.
We are only 125 kilometres from Cobar so we had lunch and then as the Marngrook Football Show is on tonight I took out all the satellite equipment of set up. For thirty minutes I tried to get the signal to no avail, so back inside and had lunch and carried out a few chores.
The problem is that trees will stop the signal being received and also heavy clouds and I believe it is the latter for the clouds were very thick and down low. After lunch the clouds dissipated a little and in less than five minutes had the satellite signal. We watched last night Tassie's news and then relaxed watching the traffic going by.
Kilometres travelled 216 co-ordinates S31 31 437.............E144 32 653

Friday the 14th of June
Not a lot of rain during the night that we heard for we both slept soundly. This morning there was not a lot to do for I had packed the satellite equipment away before going to bed last night. Our camp spot was dry and parking on a blue metal base certainly helps, and the approaches from both ends were reasonably dry and not slippery at all. On the highway towards Cobar and along the way we were to see plenty of water on both sides of the road. The amount of goats you see close to the road over a large distance is enormous and they surely must be in plague proportions. There was plenty of cattle and sheep plus for a change we came across mobs of Kangaroo's alongside the road feeding on the emerging grass from the soaking. They did not cause us any problems at all, we were fearful they may have jumped across the road in front of us.
We arrived at Cobar and went to the day time rest area to unload Digger to go and look at our old spot out by the old town water supply. As we were doing this we were visited by two others from Tassie and we compared notes over the past month for they were on the ferry two days behind us. I left them talking to Liz whilst I checked out the rest area. Other than two boggy spots on the road in I was able to navigate around them with Digger and when arriving found that the camp area used by many was under water and when I checked our previous spot I found it damp though still sound to park on.
So back to pick up the motorhome and head out. Liz drove Digger and as I suspected we were able to get to our old camp ground used in previous years without any drama. Liz was happy with it and stated even if we are rained in for a week or more we have plenty of food and water and happy hour material.
We gathered a bit of wood and then decided to go back into Cobar. We first visited the information centre and then parked up and walked the the main street in the shopping precinct. First stop was Vinnies and we had a good look around though made no purchases and then to IGA and a few fruit purchases and a carton of XXX. Liz bought some buttons and then we had a look around and decided as the day was overcast with a cold southerly wind we go back to camp for lunch and come back tomorrow.
We always seem to having late lunches recently and today was no different and there were relaxing at around 2 pm and then all hell broke loose, so to speak. The hoons had discovered the mud and were churning up the area well away from us near the lake, there were two four wheel drives and two cars. The cars were doing the most damage and as I said they never came near our camp so we just watched them do their stupid acts and as quickly as they came they left. No doubt over the weekend we will have more of this occurring and so long as they do not do it on the road out we do not mind.
The rest of the afternoon was spent making our camp a little more comfortable for the rain appears to have stopped. Whilst in Vinnies the woman informed us that they had 75 mills of rain in the past week, more than they would normally have in three months.
Hooked up the television and we will watch Hawthorn V Carlton football tonight no doubt sucking a few cans etc.
Kilometers travelled 136 co-ordinates S 31 28 755........................E145 51 598

Saturday the 15th of June
There was a cold wind blowing from the south this morning with cloud blocking out the sun. I lit the fire to cook breakfast and as the wood was a little wet it took some lighting, when underway it was so cold and with no coals appearing we went inside to cook breakfast. We were to see the birdlife on the lake from our rear window and the Swans were nearest to us and we captured two through the window without going outside. Liz was to cook poached eggs on toast washed down with a cup of tea.
I went into the bush and was able to push over a couple of dry saplings and dragged them back to camp and cut them up with the chainsaw. After cleaning camp we decided to go and do some touristy things. Cobar is an interesting place especially its past history and if you wish to look at that then the need to visit the Heritage Centre which is also the tourist information centre is a must. First of all we pulled into the rest area and noted that John and Colleen were still there and that two other vans of Tasmanians were present. We all came together and swapped notes and had a good old chinwag for nearly an hour. Then onto the Heritage Centre where their displays of Cobar both old and present are very good.
The Heritage Centre is the former administration building built in 1910 for/of the Great Cobar Copper Mine and the exhibits date from the 1870's up until today and again we spent some time looking at the exhibits both photo and mural. The original Copper mine is located nearly next to to the centre and being open cut before going underground, is now nearly full of water though you can still get an overview of what it was like.
Though in comparison to other open cut and underground mines it is very small. The town of Cobar rely's on mining and pastoral activities for its welfare and needless to say the mines in the surrounding areas provide the bulk of employment and wealth. We then drove up to the Fort Bourke Lookout to view the open cut mine and now the the underground workings. We were fortunate to witness one of the heavy haulage underground trucks coming from the bowels of the earth and winding its way to the top before delivering its load to the processing mills. We were to see a front end loader enter the underground entrance. To see all the colours in the walls of the open cut mine is to appreciate something of wonderment. We could see another mine close by where they use Underground Winders to winch to the surface their bounty. The original mines recovered copper, lead and gold and now most of the mines chase the gold bearing dirt.
The sun was now shining brightly with little cloud and the day was warming though we were still wearing our coats etc. We drove around the town and finally ended up at the weekend market. There was plenty of everything that you could expect at this type of market and Liz made a couple of purchases whilst I was happy just to listen to the music of the one man band which was excellent. Then around to the Bakery and purchased a few items for lunch. It was now 1.30pm so we decided to go back to camp and eat our lunch. It was amazing to see how the ground had dried out since we left with sun and wind. I cut a more wood for there is plenty around even if it is a little on the damp side.
Liz was to go walkabout around the lake and unfortunately stepped where she shouldn't and had to extract herself from a muddy bog. The birdlife has returned and now plus the usual swans, pelicans and ducks we have Major Mitchell's and budgerigars plus other variety's which I am not aware of their names.
We will watch footy again tonight and with a bit of luck if the cold southerly drops we will spend time by the fire though we will still cook our evening meal on the fire irrespective. In the meantime we will just read our books and admire the birdlife on the lake. Isn't wonderful when there is sunshine and no rain.

Sunday the 16th of June
It was a bit chilly last night we really snuggled up under the doona, this morning when Liz hopped out of bed the temperature was 6 degrees. I hung to the bed and Liz hopped lit the fire and I hopped out of bed when it was time to cook breakfast. The sun was shining brightly and there were no clouds about, given the the day was warming quickly. As we ate our breakfast by the fire we were able to see our resident Pelicans sunning themselves on the bank of the lake and other bird life was coming into the camp. The small birds are so hard to catch on the camera for they are to small and fast in their movement.
As it washing day out came all the gear including washing machine and up went the clothes line and in no time at all, or it seemed that way, it was all completed and on the line to dry. We have decided to have a hot lunch today and so we cooked the silverside on the fire, we had it so it was just simmering for about three hours which is hard to do when you are trying to keep the fire going. We estimate that we will just have enough wood to complete the cooking.

I left Liz to go into Cobar and buy a paper etc and then rang my dear old Dad in Queensland who will be 88 years old this year. He is in fine health and inquisitive to see where we have been and our future plans of travel. In relation to the latter we do not know for we always keep our options open given that we have travelled intensively in Queensland and NSW. I was to see John and Colleen from Tassie pulling out from the information centre to move onto Bourke today, I just blew Diggers horn and waved farewell. We wont be far behind them for we leave Cobar in the morning. I pulled into the information centre to get water before going back to camp
Back at camp and started to pack by putting the towing gear on Digger and a few other items.
I found the anti flapping device that I thought I had lost somewhere along the way and packed the washing machine and other washing items away.
It was now lunch time and what a lunch the silverside that had been simmering on the barbecue plate and the vegetables were cooked to perfection. The silverside was absolutely melt in the mouth along with the white sauce and seven vegetables. We had potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, whole onion, carrots, cabbage and parsnips. Much more vegetables than usual due to having to use up the veggies before they deteriorate.
After lunch we relaxed and rearranged some of our gear on the front bed and then outside in the warm sunshine to put awnings away etc. We definitely like our bush camping as they call it especially freedom camping where you can have a fire and not be worried by neighbors and again we were on our own for the weekend given that many travellers do not like getting there vehicles dirty. We are the opposite if means getting dirty to pull into to a good camping spot by a river or lake then so be it.
There were a few four wheel drives appear during the afternoon and they cannot help themselves; into the water holes and revving and spinning their wheels and all they had after this fun was dirty vehicles, anyway there is probably not much else for them to do in the surrounding areas.
The Collingwood V Western Bulldogs in not on television so we intend to listen to the game if we can find an appropriate station on the radio, given that most stations only broadcast rugby.
We will watch the two movies on tellie tonight and then off to bed and no doubt read our books before going off to sleep.

Monday the 17th of June
This has been the coldest night to date even though we were warm in bed; when we hopped out it was 6 degrees in the motorhome and outside was 1 degree. When I looked at Digger he was iced up something fierce and it didn't end there. There was fog on the lake and the birds were nowhere to be seen though the sky was crimson colour amongst the blue. After breakfast we prepared to leave by packing away items and then it was time to drop the television ariel down on the roof for travel. Good luck, you need to turn the mechanism into the closed position before you can drop the antenna, one problem the mechanism was frozen solid and we had to wait a further 30 minutes until the sun started to defrost the thing and then with a little pressure it broke free and I was able to wind it down.
Into Cobar and fueled up at $1.52.9 a litre and we took plenty on due to not refueling in previous towns at a $1.71.9 we had made the right decision. Then we were on our to Bourke and along the way we were to see mobs of Kangaroo plus the ever present goats. The land was undulating though very good bitumen all the way. We saw sheep and unfortunately a burnt out refrigeration semi trailer in one of the rest area's that the Bourke shire council was removing into bins for cartage way.
There were plenty of caravans on the road and even though I was sitting on 90kph some passed me as if I was standing still. I still marvel at the way this motorhome travels over hills without dropping off in speed, no wonder we have nicknamed it "Speedybago".
Some 20 kilometres before Bourke we came across huge paddocks that were ploughed and had water channels around them and by the look of the cotton still on the roadside they must farm cotton in this area.

We finally arrived in Bourke and parked up. Given that we have been here before it was interesting to note that the town was a lot cleaner though they still had those roller doors on every shop in the main street. We first walked down to the old Bourke Wharf and lo and behold we came across John and Colleen and we had a chat once again and compared notes.
There is still a paddle steamer that does trips twice a day for one hour periods on the Darling River at 9 am and 3 pm. They have restored the old wharf area though the old original crane used to unload/load the paddle steamers cargo has been removed though the various landing platforms for passengers are still there, which took into account various levels of the Darling River.
Then onto have a look at the old stationary steam engines that apparently were originally used to generate power in Sydney and transferred here to do the same last century. They are still in working order and are run for 15 minutes at noon each day for the benefit of tourists. Whilst there we had a cappacino and when ordering I was being a bit cheeky to the woman and one asked me my name and I said last name "Wright" and I said, guess my first name as they were unable to guess I stated my first name was "Always" that bought a bit of laughter from those present in the shop.
We walked the main street and had a look in the shops and especially the one where we bought our electric blankets for the old motorhome 3 years ago. Then onto the post office to buy stamps and then the newsagents for the paper. There is flood mark from 1910 on the Post Office which some 400 mill above the pavement.
We went into the IGA Supermarket to buy more bread for sandwiches for lunch for the rolls are far to dear for what you get. Whilst there we stocked up on veggies given they were so cheap compared to other areas.
When we arrived at the check out I noticed a bloke wearing a security vest, I recall some years ago after this supermarket was built the young aboriginal children would run in grab a hand full of lollies from the counter and run out again. Now I noted there are no lollies near the check outs. I was paying for our goods when the security bloke came over and stated that I should take hold of my camera for if not then as quick as flash I would lose it to the young children around the supermarket. When we came out I noticed a lot of young and not so young children hanging around outside. I just said hello to them and they returned the greeting.
Into the motorhome then we drove out of Bourke to a rest area that we have stayed at before some 5 kilometres from the town. We had our lunch, late of course, and then unhooked Digger and drove down to the camp grounds nearby which is on the Darling River down by the old Bourke bridge.
There is no one parked down there at the moment though it gave us a chance to look at the old bridge made of both wood and cast steel riveted of course.
We have decided to stay where we are for it is good wet weather surface which allows us to get to the bitumen and on to the highway if it rains, who knows these days when it will. The camp area on the river is comprised of black soil and once wet you bog and go nowhere. It is also good fishing on the river though we are not looking to stay only for the night and then moving on. Needless to say we hooked Digger back onto the motorhome and watched the traffic go by whilst we read our books.
Kilometres travelled 175 co-ordinates S 30 03 406.............E 145 57 424

Tuesday the 18th of June
We had a motorhome come in last night and they asked could they park close to us for they needed security, We had no problem with that so they parked behind us. I gave Ron assistance when the grand vitara he was towing wouldn't start and my instruments indicated that the battery had died. This usually happens when you do not check the water levels in the battery occasionally. Ron was 84 and still travelling and had been doing so for four or five months each year since 1984 and what a nice old bloke to to talk to, he indicated that they normally arose at 5.30 am and were on the road by 7 am. Though this morning he was waiting for the automobile association to bring out a new battery for him.
We strolled on the highway until we came to the new concrete bridge and took a photo of the old Bourke Bridge. The paddle steamer from Bourke sounded its whistle though we were nearly back to camp so we did not get a photo of it doing its daily trip on the Darling River.
We said our farewells to Ron and his wife and then we were on the road at 9.30 headed for Cunnamulla or a camping area before the town. There had been another frost this morning and Digger and our roof was covered in ice, though on this occasion I lowered the television antenna last night. It was a nice sunny day with a few white clouds in the distance and the road wasn't all that bad for the first 100 kilometres then it it became very bumpy for the next 20 kilometres quite uncomfortable.
We appeared to be climbing and there was plenty of sheep and cattle along the way. Many sheep had escaped the fencing and were feeding on the new grass on the long paddock. We were to see five sheep all told that had been run over and supplying a good meal to the many crows who would fly off as soon as we came close.
The sheep again were those with black head and neck and white body we must find out what breed they are. The usual goats, emu's and the first dead pig on the side of the road that no birds were interested in eating. We finally arrived at Barrigan the last town before the Queensland border and it boasts among many things as being the last hotel in NSW.

We finally reached the Queensland Border and the welcome sign was there for all to see, boasting "Where Australia shines". We hope that is the case for we welcome sunshine for a change which today is great. Again alongside the highway you can see long puddles of water and where some have pulled off the bitumen for some reason and become bogged in the wet ground.
The next sign indicates that we are on the Mitchell Highway and spells the many towns and cities ahead and the kilometres to each. The road width dropped in size and was again rough bitumen. The land was flat and all pasture with a few trees dotting the horizon, emu's, kangaroo's, cattle and sheep with the road kill mainly Kangaroos which the crows once again were feasting on. There were plenty of caravans once again passing us even though we were sitting on a steady 90 kph, we do not intend to go into Cunnamulla today so when we came across the Tuen waterhole where we camped several years ago we pulled in and set up camp for the night.
There have been changes the waterhole was bone dry and they have placed a 44,000 litre plastic tank on the top of the bank and tapped water from a bore which then feeds into the many water troughs close by. This is a pity for I wished to drop my yabby pots into the waterhole to see if there is any movement. We are watching now after lunch the many caravans and motorhome's going by though I suppose later in the day we will have a couple come in probably on dark.
There is no television or phone service so for the rest of the sunny day we went outside and sat in the sun reading our books, though the sun was that warm I dozed off in the chair.
So we will have a light happy hour later soaking up the last rays of the sun and true to form you can bet as darkness falls it will get cold, no worry just turn on the heater before going to bed.
Kilometres travelled 181 co-ordinates S28 37 619...................E145 40 231

Wednesday the 19th of June
A chilly night, though seeing stars shining brightly and the sunshine next morning is something to behold. This morning we were back on the road towards Cunnamulla at 8.45 am. No breeze and just a few clouds that were not blocking the sun. We had the heater going in the motorhome so it was nice and warm as we travelled along, in the first 20 kilometers we had three road trains come at us all towing three trailers and given the roughness of the bitumen the last trailers were snaking on the road. A cattle road train came at us and you could see the urine coming from the trailers and of course we copped a fair bit on the motorhome.
The road kill was enormous with plenty big red and grey kangaroos the main kill along with a few wild pigs and sheep. We were seeing more kite hawks and crows feeding on the dead carcases. Unfortunately we were to see several cats crossing the road with one that had been run over.
It didn't take long before we arrived at Cunnamulla and the first action was to refuel at $1.58.9 a litre and then drove into the town to have a look around. We parked at the information centre and then went walkabout.

The first photo was of the Cunnamulla Fella which is a photo take is mandatory on visiting this town. The rose gardens were dying off though those surviving looked a treat. Into the pharmacy and then strolled down the street to the supermarket for we have decided to go to Yowah to allow Liz to look for Opal. In past years Liz has been successful and there is nothing to say that success will not continue. Due to this with limited shops at Yowah we had to stock up with bread and buy cryovac meat for the days ahead. Steak, Pork chops and sausages were bought to supplement our frozen food.
We were able to buy yesterdays paper so walking around further we noted the noisy Corella's in the gum trees near the information centre. Back on the road towards Eulo where we intend to camp tonight. The going was great with no wind and the road is in good condition we were to see road kill again along with plenty of Emu's along the way. We arrived in Eulo around lunch time and as we drove through the town, as small as it is, we noted there is a new church and a new general store to replace the old store that was burnt down some years ago. The new store looks nothing like the old store that held some very old historical paraphernalia.
We set up camp near the weir and bridge on the Paroo River just out of town and in the other camping area there were plenty of happy campers set up. After lunch out came the satellite dish and again the trees were making it difficult to obtain the signal, with a few moves I obtained the signal so we will watch the State of Origin match this evening.
Liz decided to put on her back pack and work back into Eulo and look around the shops etc, she has taken my camera so I expect to get a few good photo's The rest of the afternoon as it has clouded over I stayed indoors and read my book, or should I say my seventh book since we have been on the road.
Kilometres travelled 149 Co-indinates S 28 09 675................E145 02 184

Thursday the 20th of June
We never watched the state of origin last night for it is next week fool! It was overcast this morning so I went walkabout to speak to several campers we met last night from Tasmania. It appears that most of the happy campers here at this camp are going to Yowah this morning. We had a couple of other Tassie's come over and we chewed the fat for some time and they are going to Yowah tomorrow. So we are expecting a fair crowd for the weekend. By the time we had breakfast it was nearly 10.30 am before we were back on the road.
For the first twenty kilometres it was duel lane and then it swapped to single bitumen lane only. We were lucky we only came across one caravan coming towards us and as we both slowed considerably there was no gravel pitched up from the verges. We saw the old Dancing Brolga's around ten or so though by the time we pulled up to get a photo most had gone back into the bush, we photographed four of the beautiful birds. They may be the emblem of the Northern Territory our past experience is we have seen more in Queensland.
We took the turn to Yowah and Quilpie etc and came across the sign saying G,DAY AND WELCOME. We still had overcast weather though it was warm and the going easy due to no wind. We came across many cattle grids in the road and were to see many Kangaroos hopping across though to far in the distance to get a photo. We are know in cattle country and they appeared to be the Saint Gertrudis breed with their rich maroon skin.
Due to the narrow road we stepped up our speed to 95 kph in an endeavor to hopefully miss those happy campers coming from Yowah and Toompine or Quilpie. Given this we only struck one caravan who pulled of the road well before we came to them to allow us passage.
About 25 kilometres from our destination we stopped and cut wood in lengths and place them on poor old Diggers roof racks and then we were on the road again. We finally arrived at Yowah and went straight to the freedom camping area and found that not much had changed and there were about fifty happy campers spread out in the very large area supplied.
We were lucky that those concrete slabs near the amenities had no one on them, we set up on the block we used a few years ago when we were last here. Unloaded the wood off Digger and then out came the chainsaw to cut to length for we are going to use the firepot while we are here.
We then had a late lunch once again and then went of to use the hot showers. They have no cold water just water from the bore which is very hot. The secret is to shower early in the morning before the very hot water from the bore comes to the surface. You can really smell the calcium in the bore water though so what free showers what more could you want saves us using our shower water and gas.
We were able to get television here so no need for the satellite dish and of course the Marngrook Football Show once again tonight. We read our books during the afternoon and then come happy hour we went visiting uninvited of course.
Kilometres travelled 92 Co-ordinates S 27-58-018..............E 144- 37- 953

Friday the 21st of June
It was warm last night and you could see small campfires burning throughout the camping grounds, we only came inside later to watch the football show. This morning lit the fire to cook breakfast and noticed the sun was breaking through the clouds and later the clouds would disappear and then clear blue sky's.
After doing our usual chores we went out to check Mitre 11 for specials and we found plenty of wrecks mainly ford and the rubbish site was not large at all. There were around 15 whistling kites and a few crows picking through the rubbish. I indicated to Liz that she should climb down and get something for our evening meal, the reply was terse.
We went then out to the Fossicking area for awhile and noted that there no other persons trying there luck so we headed of back to camp. We plan to do absolutely nothing today other than rest and read. Boy have we read some books since leaving home.
We had a couple of Tassie's come over for a chat and then the people that we have met on previous trips here also came over so we were able to catch up with what has been happening in years past.
After lunch we sat out in the beautiful sun and now we are down to T-shirts though still not game to put shorts on just yet. The temperature in the afternoon reached 23 degrees and it was great.
Happy hour arrived so we are going over to the Hawky's camp before coming back to cook our evening meal on the campfire and then later into watch the football Hawthorn V West Coast Eagles.

Saturday the 22nd of June
We were awaken this morning by the crowing of a rooster something that we haven't heard for awhile so up out of bed at 7am and lit the fire or should I say put wood on the embers from last night. So the fire was away and we cooked eggs and bacon plus toast for breakfast washed down with a couple of cups of tea in the brilliant sunshine. At 8am it was 12 degrees with no wind, over breakfast we had a look at the photo that was taken last night at 5pm of the moon rising even before the sun had set and it was spectacular to watch the sunset and the moon rising.
After breakfast our came the washing machine to do the sheets, towels etc. That occupied a couple of hours and then I went over and helped an older bloke start his diesel motor, it was due to a low battery once recharged it started no worries at all. I noted from afar that Liz's washing machine had attracted a group of woman who were no doubt interested in its operation. A good talking point it would appear; bring out the washing machine and then a few happy campers are attracted.
I had a chat with a few campers that I remember from previous years and they all indicated they are here for at least 3 months or more especially for the Opal Festival due in about a months time.
I was sitting in the motorhome and noticed cattle outside the window and Liz called me outside and there were a couple of cattle walking through the washing though on the empty side of the line.
Before we knew it lunch time had arrived so stoked the fire and boiled the billy

Then we decided to go up the village cafe and have a cappuccino, when we arrived we felt a little peckish so we had a plate of chips and a couple of dim sims. We spoke to a couple who had travelled up from Cunnamulla for the day and the bloke indicated he paid $56 for a carton of beer and there was not much choice in the way of carton beer.
We then drove down to find the back road to Thargominda for we intend going for a drive sometime next week and then onto to look at the Yowah State School that has an attendance of three children only and next year that will back to one. On the gate there is a sign indicating that " Kangaroos are not permitted to enter school grounds" The roo's in this area must be able to read!
Back to camp and we dropped in to have a chat with Hawky and then in came the washing stoked up the fire and then read our books for happy hour is nearly upon us. It has been another relaxing day with plenty of sun and just a few clouds in the afternoon and tomorrow if it is sunny and warm again the shorts may come out.

Sunday the 23rd of June
What a wonderful sunset last night at 6pm with the new moon also showing in the eastern sky. Lit the fire again this morning and then we had breakfast whilst the birds especially the Major Mitchell Galahs, by the nearby water tap, and the bush pigeons in the tree near our camp watched us eat.
A couple of happy campers came over again and we spoke of the markets to be held in the community hall at 10am. There was to be a display of many artifacts and also other items for sale.
We elected to walk this morning and passed by the beautiful Grevillea and then we arrived at the community hall. The first thing to greet you is the many items of smoko and lunch items as well as refreshments.
We had to pay two dollars to go into the hall which the ticket gave you the chance to win a lucky door prize of two bottles of wine. There were many items for sale from knitted products to opal and wooden products all from the local area.

There were many quilts hanging on the wall either for display and few for sale. The pictures painted or by pencil were on view with most for sale with what I thought was high prices. After an hour inside we came out and bought a cup of tea each and a plate of cakes etc.
We sat at the table and then others sat and we found some were also from the camp grounds. So the discussion was where we had all been which allowed us to gather information for later and before we knew it 12 noon had arrived so we had a couple of sausages and onions and another cup of tea before we departed. Liz in keeping with her luck has picked up opal around the camp ground that others have discarded either unaware or having no knowledge of what they had.
We went back to the market later in the day for the draw for the raffle and lucky door prize. The woman said they would keep drawing until they found a winner for the lucky door prize. The first ticket out was number 22. Guess who had that number, Liz of course so she won two bottles of Merlot packed into a pink basket along with two hand towels. I think they were a little disappointed for they thought the draw would go on for awhile not the first ticket out. Liz also bought a scarf while there and we had a look at the opal display though there wasn't a great deal there. So we headed off to camp given the sun was still shining through the few clouds that were about.
Out came the the camp oven for we are having roast chicken and roast vegetables for our evening meal and whilst that was cooking we went for happy hour today over to the big fire and people that we have met here before. We spent some time there coming back now and again to check the camp oven and our evening meal. When we came back to camp the meal was nicely cooked along with the baked and steamed veggies. We came in to eat our meal this evening and watch the Geelong V Brisbane Lions football game. After that we stoked up our fire and sat out enjoying the cool evening with the moon lighting up the camp around us. Later we came in and watched a bit more tellie before going off to bed, another good day.

Monday the 24th of June
We were having breakfast this morning in the early sunshine and were sharing it with the Apostle Birds who we would normally call family birds. They are funny to watch and they definitely have a pecking order and when one steps over the line they all turn on it and squawk something terrible. Whilst having breakfast the sun was rising on a clear blue sky and you could still see the full moon setting in the west. Very nice indeed.
We were to watch many happy campers depart this morning and later in the day they were replaced by new comers. After breakfast we washed the motorhome for it had plenty of road grime in its surface and then we washed Digger as well. After the washing a few of the happy campers that we have happy hour with came over and chewed the fat, so to speak and most have visited Tasmania in the past so we were able to understand what they were talking about and when an area name eluded them we were able to help out, a few indicated that they would be coming over again in the next couple of years. Especially those that live on the road full time.
Liz went for a walk up to the shop which is located in the caravan park and purchased a can of beetroot for our salad for our evening meal and we won't talk about what it cost.
We had our lunch and then went out to the edge of town to gather sticks to light the fire of a morning and then when unloaded we went for a drive to look at the origins of the Artesian bore. It is located nearly in the caravan park and it supply's all the water to all the houses and the freedom camping area of Yowah. I took a photo of the sign indicating that that the town water came from the Artesian Bore. They do not seem to tap the flow with the run off going down small channels to end up out of town where it cools and the cattle are then able to drink the water. Again you can smell the high amount of calcium in the water. Even the brass tap near us though looking new is showing signs of corrosion by the bore water.
We found it interesting and we followed the flow of the run off bore water through the town with the many gardens they have established with the help of the run off water. So in an arid landscape you have these patches of greenery which is fenced off to stop cattle grazing on the grass. A small community that looks after the town and act so friendly to visitors whether in the caravan park or the freedom parking area. We find they lean more to the freedom camping and are really strongly apposed to the push by council and the caravan park to close the camping area.
Well the boys have been out and gathered two full loads of wood for their ongoing fires and we will again join them for happy hour this afternoon before coming back to our camp for our evening meal. We will stoke up our fire to sit outside until it gets to cold. With a full moon and no cloud the night is well lit and you do not need lights or torches outside at all. Another good day in a little bit of paradise and Liz once again has picked up a bit of opal though not enough to cut and polish. Will watch a bit of television and then off to bed. Lately we have been going off to bed around 9.30 pm or later though not before.

Tuesday the 25th of June
Another gorgeous day with not a cloud in the sky and it remained that way all day. This morning of course cooked our food on the firepot and then ate in the sun with only trakkies and a singlet, though warm I am still not game to wear shorts yet.
After breakfast we had our showers and then cleaned up and as we decided to go to Thargomindah today we were in overdrive mode. We said farewell to a couple of happy campers who were leaving the area this morning and then we headed out of Yowah at 10 am.
We are not taking the long way around on the bitumen we have elected to take the short route down Black Gate Road which is 25 kilometres to the bitumen. The first 15 kilometres has been re-sheeted with gravel and was easy going other than the wash outs which you had to go back into first gear. The last 10 kilometres you had to be alert for it was bit rough and the wash outs were upon you before you realised. Liz had to get out twice and open and shut gates along the way.
We were to see old abandoned Opal open cut mines along the way plus heaps of goats and emu's.

We arrived at the bitumen which left only 63 kilometres to go to Thargomindah. Our first stop was at Lake Bindegolly National Park and at the first look out the lake is dry as a bone and the first walk is 2.5 klm's though I found a track that took us in 3 klm's to the gates in Digger. Then it was a further 9.5 klm's walk to the bird watching area which we baulked at and drove back to the main road.
The information board indicates that the lake dry's out once every 10 years by evaporation and seepage. At the moment it appears more than half empty given that they have had large amounts of rain recently.
Along the way there are small depressions by the road that cattle and emu are drinking from; though we saw one water spot where both the cattle and emu's where standing in the water. They took off before we could take a photo. Though we were able to catch two of the three that run across the road in front of us.

We came to the Bulloo River that looks like a mud hole just before Thargomindah and in no time at all we were driving up the main street which is very wide with a centre break with small shrubs and other flowers all looking very nice. We stopped to look at the historical house and there were no notices to tell you why. We then drove out to the old bore that was in full operation and it was that hot that steam was rising from the outlet pipe. It was going into ditches to help cool it down and then onto holding ponds on the other side of the road where the final cooling was taking place to supply the town with their water. Needless to say you smell the calcium again and at the bore the steam had that sulphur smell and taste about it.
This bore was the original hydro power station that supplied power to the town, the water from underground used to power the Pelham wheel that in turn turned the generator to produce the power. They have very good signage to inform you off the historical nature of the place. Of course their power is transmitted in by power lines today. We drove around the town and everything is neat and tidy and the flower gardens are still showing a little colour. We then went to Mitre 11 and found a few items that will be useful to us and of course the price was right.
Back into town and the take away where we ordered fish and chips for lunch and bought a few touristy items, then up to the nice picnic area at the old bore site and just relaxed taking in the sights and enjoying the sunshine. We judge the temperature to be around 20 to 22 degrees Celsius at the moment.
Back into town for I had forgotten to buy prawns for fish bait and wouldn't you know it both stores had sold out of all fish bait and only had ice. We strolled the main street and came across three old vehicles from the 1920's era that were towing camper trailers and when I spoke to the blokes they indicated that they intended to do the various outback tracks. Good luck to them I say for having the courage and commitment to undertake the journey that they envisage, I hope their cars hold together for them who knows the camper trailers may be the one that gives them trouble.
We were to see a few finches in an old tree and we were alerted to them by their incessant chirping. At 2.30 we headed for our camp and along the way we still had cattle and emu's plus goats crossing the road, and for some reason there where plenty of whistling kites just sitting on the road.
We turned off onto the gravel road to Yowah and we were able to travel a little faster for I had memorised the bad parts and the washaways. We arrived back in camp just a bit after happy hour so we went over to the happy campers across the road and joined them before coming home to cook noodle soup for our evening meal for we were not hungry due the large lunch we had in Thargomindah. In all today we enjoyed out trip and there were plenty of questions from the happy campers especially how far away was from these camp grounds. Well, in total there and back it was 178 kilometres with 50 kilometres being gravel. Old Digger handled it easy though it caused some consternation when two semi trailers passed us on the bitumen on the way back, I could feel their draft pushing us off the the road. When they passed I told them on the UHF that they shouldn't bully the poor old digger and we all had a good laugh.

Wednesday the 26th of June
What a wonderful evening last night was. We were invited to join a few of the happy campers and a few of the towns folk for an evening of indoor bowls. I assisted by sweeping the bowls carpet and liz assisted in the kitchen and was introduced to all the ladies present.
We were a little concerned for we had never played bowls before let along indoor bowls and our firs few bowls went all over the place until we became used to the bias on the bowls and heaps of tuition from the regulars.
It was and interesting game and there much laughter and goodwill being displayed and when the first nine ends were completed there was tea or coffee and biscuits for half time, so to speak. Then we played the last nine ends with the teams changing around. Luckily we were both on the winning teams. There is no doubt that we forged some friendships which will probably make it hard when we go to move on. The people have been so friendly both townsfolk and happy campers more so than in previous years. Any way all good things come to an end and we said our farewells at 10.30 pm and then back to camp and gathered around the fire and stoked it up before going to bed around 11.30 pm

We hopped out of bed around 8.15 am and showered then lit the campfire and cooked our toast and boiled the kettle for our cups of tea. Whilst doing that we scrunched up some bread crumbs and the bush pigeons joined us and they were not the least perturbed by our presence.
Liz was to do little washing and I put up the clothes line and then we relaxed until a couple of happy campers came to visit and we chewed the fat for around an hour. Before we knew it lunch time had arrived and we only had a light lunch and then we went for a walk up to the shop in the caravan park for bread. The bread doesn't arrive until 5 pm so we wentvia the cafe where we had a cappacino and I ordered a plate of hot chips that Liz didn't know about until they arrived on the table. Liz was less than happy though helped me by eating a few.
Back in camp and we needed wood so out near the airport and cut dry gum ignoring the gidgee wood for that really destroys your chain on the chainsaw. At some stage we are going to have to cut gidgee wood for it has plenty of heat and burns to white ash. I cut it four foot lengths and then loaded it onto Diggers roof racks and then came back to camp and cut it into manageable lengths for the firepot. Then back into Digger and out to do a bit of fossicking for Opal and again Liz was more successful than me by finding small pieces of Opal though not big enough to cut, polish and set. It was 4.20 pm before we arrived back at camp and Liz started our meal off in the camp oven before going over to join the others for happy hour. Then off to the shop to buy bread and a 4kg refill of gas. The bread was $4.50 a loaf and the gas was $14.
We had our evening meal and the day was still warm so we stoked the firepot up and then sat outside until the State of Origin Rugby match between NSW and Queensland before going off to bed.

Thursday the 27th of June
We had a little rain during the early hours of this morning, though not enough to wet the ground. 8 am out of bed lit the firepot and had breakfast by the fire in my singlet and trakkies for the sun was very warm and would stay that way until the clouds came later in the day.
Went and borrowed a ladder and then cleaned the Solar Panels that were very dirty with dust and grime and then returned the ladder and had a chin wag with Jim who is still waiting for a power steering box for his old Bedford bus that is fitted with a 235hp Cummins Diesel. He was to show me his battery bank of two charged by seven solar panels that lift up by hydraulics on his roof to chase the sun. The battery boxes are like the Telstra batteries being of 415 amps each bank, needless to say he has plenty of power on hand.
We then went fossicking for Opal and found some nice pieces though there was a lot of potch amongst it. Then returned home for lunch of cheese and biscuits. Liz had several ladies come and look at her washing machine and were impressed with one taking details for she has decided to purchase one also.
Market Johnny arrived with all his merchandise to set up for the Opal festival in three weeks time. We had a good old chat for around an hour and half and then he went off to set up his camp. We had a walk around the streets and had a look at the many houses for sale with one looking good with large barbecue area and large air condition unit for it reaches 45 degrees Celsius during the summer months. The price they were asking was $65000.00 and I am sure that is negotiable.
We are going rest up for the rest of the afternoon and then go over to the main camp later for happy hour and then back to pull out the jaffle iron for we have decided to have an easy evening meal and then inside to watch the football game tonight West Coast V Essendon and then off to bed.

Friday the 28th of June
Awoke to very overcast sky's and a chilly morning. The fire was lit both for warming and to cook our breakfast, given that it was a bit chilly we still sat outside to have brekky. We had a few visitors and watched five happy campers pull out to move on to other areas.
It wasn't our intention to do much today and that was to be the case. To spot Opal you need to have sun to see the various colours sparkle for you, so we did not bother to fossick. We moved between camps and had a good old chinwag whilst watching newcomers trying to pick a spot, it was funny really watching people going around not just once on average at least three times before they picked a spot. There was plenty of room and I think the problem was to much camping spots to choose from.
Out with the camp oven and Liz was to cook bread rolls for lunch and for our hamburgers tonight. They were really great and weren't burnt at all just nice and fresh plus being very tasty.
After lunch we went walkabout and walked many streets and looked at the houses with some nothing more than lean to's and others substantial brick construction with a few built from local rock. A couple we saw had trees growing through the roof so we were wondering whether they had earth floors like at Lightning Reach.
Liz was to go and buy grapes, apples and a few bananas which to be expected were a bit pricey and as they say either take it or leave it.
The rest of the afternoon was spent reading our kindles and then we went over to the big camp for happy hour. Most of these happy campers come to Yowah every year and so there are many locals who know them drop around to the happy hour as well.
Tonight the happy hour went a little longer and it was 7 pm before we arrived back at camp to cook our hamburgers which we ate outside watching the beautiful star filled night which included the milky way. The moon is losing its power so the evening was a little darker which made the star filled sky look a little more spectacular.
We then came inside to watch the Sydney V Carlton football game which was well underway, after which we went off to bed. What a lazy old day with plenty of friendship taking place.

Saturday the 29th of June
What a beautiful morning once again, Liz has actually donned the shorts though I am not game yet. Cloudless sky as we poached eggs on the firepot for breakfast and boiled the kettle for cups of tea. Liz was to do the washing this morning and I couldn't believe that the washing machine would attract men to see how it worked maybe there will be a few new purchases and maybe we should we take up a franchise on the machines.
I wandered around a few of the camps to say G'day and already there are some that arrived yesterday that are now leaving for other places, we have now said we will depart Yowah next Tuesday for Toompine for a couple of nights.
Liz had cooked scones in the camp oven and we had them for our lunch along with blackberry jam they were really great. We are not moving out of camp at all today so Liz was to do a little knitting whilst listening to the football on the radio. I and a few others spent most of the afternoon helping Market John assemble his gazebo's and in general just lazing about. The afternoon became cooler with a cold southerly wind and clouds appearing that looked like rain. They were to hold off and the rain is mainly nearer the coast at the moment especially in NSW.
Happy hour arrived so we went over to the big camp across the road where they are sheltered from the wind. Whilst there we were to feed the birds both family birds and bush pigeons, apparently they go from camp to camp around this time of night.
It was getting colder though still daylight at 6 pm so we decided to go inside the motorhome for our evening meal and then watch television and the football game tonight before going off to bed.

Sunday the 30th of June
This morning was another nice day with blue sky with a few clouds later in the day. The downside was a southerly wind blowing into our camp which cancelled out the warm sun.
Given this we still lit the fire and whilst the kettle was boiling we went and had our showers and then back for breakfast. I put up a tarp to thwart the wind and it helped a little. Liz did a little hand washing whilst I carried out a few odd jobs that needed to be done. There was an exodus this morning of caravans heading out and just as well for where they were camped was getting a lot of red dust blown in that direction.
A few happy campers came over to have a chat and before we knew it lunch time had arrived. Today is market day so after lunch we sauntered up to check it out.

There were quite a few opal stalls and they had prices ranging from five dollars to two thousand dollars. I for one cannot see the value in these opals though there must be for what the market can stand. I just took a photo of a tray of opal that you could buy for between four hundred and four hundred and fifty dollars each Opal.
Most of the market holders where those I recognised from a few years ago.
I was to help Market Johnny out on his stall and I sold a few items especially led lighting and led butterfly's. It is amazing the range of goods he has and the bulk of them have still to arrive from Dubbo over the next few weeks for the Opal Festival next month. It is a good way to meet the local people and the happy campers from the freedom camping area and the Caravan Park.
The market went for about four hours and then it was all over; some stall holders were happy and others not so. We then drifted back to our camp and relaxed with books and Liz with her knitting before happy hour arrived.
There was a fair bit of chiacking going on today and no one was safe including Liz who had to cop a bit of flack due to Collingwood losing, though Liz took it pretty well.
Back to camp to cook our evening meal on the firepot though we ate inside to get away from that cold southerly wind.
Tonight we intend to watch a movie and then off to bed both us saying it has been a good day with the exception of the wind.

July