Monday the 1st of July
Another wonderful morning with the birds singing and the family birds hanging around to get pieces of toast thrown to them. After showers and breakfast we have determined that today will be one of leisurely pursuits for we leave in the morning for Toompine.
Liz was to wash a few small items and with this cool sou/easterly for which Queensland is famous for dried the cloths quickly. I delivered our left over wood to another happy camper and then on with the A frame for Digger and hitched up to the motorhome. We had a few more visitors again this morning all who thought we should stay a little longer we explained though we might like to it is time to move on further north.
We had our lunch and then loaded the firepot and other things into Digger and then spent the next hour cleaning all windows on the motorhome including the front windowscreen which was difficult to get to.
Liz went looking for a few more pieces of Opal and returned with very little colour though plenty of potch. Then in with the awning and pack the cloths lines etc away. We filled with water and then relaxed until happy hour.
We are having a few refreshments this afternoon in the main camp along with happy hour. There will be quite a few people in attendance to farewell us I have been told. A few of the locals that we have befriended will also be there.
We are taking over a few potatoes in alfoil to cook in the hot coals of the fire for we believe that we will not really want to prepare a lot when we arrive back in camp. We might watch a bit of television or go straight to bed and read, it will depend how we pull up. There is no doubt it will be a starry night for there are no clouds just blue sky. So with friends we may be able to watch for satellites crossing the sky. No photo's today for I have packed the camera away.

Tuesday the 2nd of July
It was a wonderful evening last night by the big fire and under the stars sinking a few with the friends we have made plus others we have met previously. It was after 10 pm before we went back to the motorhome and off to bed where we read our books for awhile before going off to sleep.
Brilliant sunshine greeted us this morning and a totally cloudless sky which would remain that way all day. That cool Sou/Easter wind is still with us and that reduces the heat of the day. We had breakfast inside today for everything is packed away for our departure this morning.
Before we departed we said our farewell's to the excellent friendship that had developed in the big camp across the road. We exchanged business cards and we received a couple of cards wishing us well in our future travels. All of them suggested we should stay until after the Opal Festival which is some three weeks away. We sadly declined and then after a few more farewells we departed Yowah bound for Toompine today.

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We were back on single bitumen road again and we only came across one vehicle until the turnoff. Along the way the sun was really showing the contrasting colours of the outback and then there were the usual Emu', Cattle and Sheep, We came across a big Wedge Tail Eagle that was feeding on a large road kill Roo. The Eagle took off as we approached and it blended in with the bush, it was an enormous size taking into account its wingspan.
We then turned onto the Quilpie/Thargominda road and it has been rebuilt to two lane bitumen and that made for good going for most to the way with just a few short kilometres of single lane bitumen. There was still not much traffic about so the going was easy especially with a tail wind. The land was changing from flat to more undulating and then we were to come across a few hills that did not slow us.
Then the beautiful Jump Ups appeared and they were colourful with green and ochre being the main colour. We arrived at Toompine a little after noon and found that a lot of work had been carried out in the council area where the free parking is. They have installed a rifle range and children's play equipment which has taken over some of the old camping area.
The improvements are very good and due to the changes we parked by the tennis courts and had free power as well.
This evening we will have our happy hour in the hotel and then partake in a meal and if things haven't changed we will meet a lot of blokes and woman of the many stations in the area who will travel at least 100 kilometres to the hotel and then back to the stations they work on. It makes for an interesting night especially if young female back packers are behind the bar; watching the young blokes preening their feathers, so to speak. It was interesting to see the painting on how the hotel used to look in the horse and cart days. No doubt we will see the many animals come in to be locked up for the night from all the predators both four legged and two legged.
Kilometres traveled 123 co-indinates S27-13-30....................E144-22-05

Wednesday the 3rd of July
What a wonderful night last night. Before we went into the hotel we strolled around watching the many goats coming into the holding pen by the water. Many were to come in on their own with few having to be rounded up. There were many older goats with huge horns and in the main the goats where all white. Jonesey owns the goats and curses when they gather around the gate and won't go in. We had a look at the signs around the area and noted that the signs indicate that you have a hotel with no town around it. It was an old Cobb & Co staging post. There were a few happy campers come in for the night and we all soaked up the free power.

When we went into the hotel it was like walking back in history with the old bottles and other memorabilia throughout the bar and lounge. The door in is really for short people and were to witness a few tall blokes hit their heads on the door. After a few beers and a bit of fun with Jonesey and staff we ordered our meal which was huge with plenty of chips and salad and the steak was cooked to perfection, we both enjoyed the meal and then had a few more beers and wine and talked with the other happy campers that came in for a meal. In all it was a wonderful meal and a pleasant evening with a few people and the bar staff.

Cloudless blue sky's again today, we had our showers and breakfast and packed away the satellite gear and went to say goodbye to the happy campers we met last night. We took photo's of the Donkey and the Mule and then sauntered about looking at the goats that not yet been released from the enclosure.
We then noticed the donkey had befriended a woman who when going into her caravan the donkey followed though it only had its front feet on the step its head was inside the caravan the lady was not impressed and started yelling for her husband. If he hadn't come along there was a good chance it may have gone into the caravan.
We were on our way on the single lane bitumen towards Quilpie and the traffic was light and four vehicles parked off the road and gave us the right of way on the bitumen which was great. We saw a road train coming at us and it was travelling fast so we pulled well off the road and let him use all the road. When passing we noted that his load was sheep. We were to see plenty of sheep and cattle grazing and the countryside had that green tinge about it so we can assume there has been plenty of rain.
It wasn't long before we arrived at Quilpie and we went straight to the fuel depot for a refuel. The diesel cost $1.70.9 cents a litre the dearest yet. Then we unhooked Digger for we had to go on gravel road to our next campsite at Lake Houdraman about five kilometres from Quilpie.

We set up camp in the very warm sunshine which made me sweat and then I was down to my singlet and trakkies. Then drove back to Quilpie in Digger and bought bread and a few cakes for lunch. After lunch we set up the shower tent for the area is excellent with few campers and we had plenty of space for our camp. There was no wind and you could see Emu's by the lake and the birds of many varieties were in the trees singing away. It was so tranquil. Then out to get wood for our fire. I had to get gidgee wood and boy you could see sparks flying off the wood as it was being cut and in no time at all the chain was dull as. I had noticed some gum on the side of the road in which looked a bit green so back and put that on the roof rack of Digger and cut that when back at camp. It made for a good back log. Happy hour arrived and sunk a few more than normal while cooking the evening meal of Pork Chops and steamed vegetables. After our meal we sat out by the fire and ignored the satellite television I had set up. It was nearly 10 pm when we came inside to go to bed and read our books for awhile.
Kilometres travelled 89 co-ordinates S26-35-07................E 144-18-22

Thursday the 4th of July
A lovely morning and I discovered that there were still hot coals from our fire last night so a few dry sticks and it was going again. It didn't take long for the kettle to boil and for our toast to cook. The sun was shining through the trees as we had our breakfast and the emu's were eating something from the lake in front of our camp along with the lone pelican.
Liz did a bit of smalls washing and placed it on the line strung from tree to tree. The happy campers some hundreds of metres away from us packed and left this morning so we have the entire length of the bottom end of the lake to ourselves at the moment.
It was great watching the birdlife on the lake and relaxing listening to the magpies warble whilst we relaxed with our books.

Around noon we hopped in Digger and went into Quilpie for lunch first we went and bought fuel for Digger and the generator. We checked out the play park and found they had nice hot showers for travellers which we will use over the coming days. Then onto the bakery to buy a coupla pies cobber and two apple pies for lunch. We went back to the park and knocked them over and they were great mate!
Next stop was the supermarket which is two blocks down from the main street and bought a few items that we were running short of and as the cauli's were $2.40 each we bought one to add to the variation of vegetables we have in stock and then onto the butchery where I bought two humongous pork chops and sausages plus hamburgers tomorrow night. Liz when unpacking the meat and saw the size of the chops stated " you bought a couple of pork chops look at the size of them!"
We obtained water from the information centre then the paper and we headed off back to camp. We noted the many caravans, camper trailers and motorhome's passing through and I indicated to Liz that was probably why the bakery was sold out of bread and rolls.
We went home via the main street where the cut outs of cattle take center stage in the medium strip along with small shrubs. Nearly back at camp and we noted more Brolga's and a couple started dancing though I was unable to capture them doing this on camera.
As we drove in towards the lake it was noticeable that many had come into camp and there are only a few spots left for the late comers that insist on coming in on dark.
Oh well its happy hour again though only couple of stubbies today will suffice as we sit by the fire in the heat of the day and watch and listen to the many birds and other animals in the trees or in the water of the lake including cattle browsing on the water lily's.
We cooked potatoes in alfoil to go with the sausages and veggies for our evening meal. We will come inside at 7.30 pm to watch the Marngrook Football Show and then out by the fire again for a few hours.

Friday the 5th of July
Out of bed at 7am and stoked the fire into life, it was only a matter of throwing more wood on due to there being plenty of hot coals left from last night. I have to say that an open fire burns more wood than the old firepot. I thought I would have enough wood to last while here that's not the case so out with the chainsaw tomorrow. This morning for breakfast we were joined by 3 Pelicans, 13 Emu's and 16 ducks all grazing and of course the Pelicans diving there long necks under water to catch fish.
It was absolutely great to cook our toast and boil our kettle and watch the day start with so much movement of the Lake. Down the other end those noisy Corella's were screeching as usual. There are a lot of bird watchers who have come out to view the prolific bird life. This morning they frightened off the Emu's who headed back to the paddocks across the lake and then only two returned later in the morning.
We had happy campers who came in on dark last night leave this morning and for the life of us why would you start looking for a camping spot in the dark especially the caravan that had 3 kids on board. The kids saw our fire and demanded their father make them a fire also, they cried and whined until he lit one.
After breakfast we just relaxed in the shade of the trees with a little breeze coming off the lake listening to the wireless and reading our books. Thankfully our books are electronic on our Kindles for we would not have the room let alone be able to carry the extra weight of a hundred or so paperbacks or solid cover.

Around noon we went into Quilpie and to the bakery again and purchased bread rolls for lunch and for our hamburgers tonight. They were two dollars more for a packet of 6 than we were used to paying. that's the cost in outback towns such as this. To the paper shop the post office and then around to the park to indulge in their hot showers which of course saves our water and gas. Of course we lingered longer under the nice hot water and on this occasion there was no smell of bore water even though the town takes their water from the Great Artesian Basin. Whilst there we filled two ten litre drums from the rainwater tanks and then headed back to our camp around 1.30 pm.
We had our lunch under the trees in the shade with the nice breeze. While in Quilpie there was no breeze and the temperature felt like 26 degrees celsius. So the breeze was welcome and there was little cloud and the fire was stoked again to boil the kettle. Boy do we like this type of camping it is only the bills catching up with us which annoys us somewhat.
We had more bird watchers and a couple of happy campers come visit that we had met in Yowah so we chewed the fat for an hour or so and then we thought about setting up for a wash day tomorrow with the washing machine for Liz wants to do another batch of sheets, pillow slips etc.
Happy hour arrived and as yet the camping areas around us are empty that will probably change around dark, silly buggers.
We cooked our hamburgers and watched the birdlife again, I have to be careful I may become a bird watcher without realising it. Then at 7.30 pm we came inside to watch the Carlton V Collingwood football match. After that we intend going back outside and sit by the fire and discuss the outcome. For Liz's sake I hope that the magpies win.

Saturday the 6th of July
This morning hopped out of bed and the fire from last night still had a enough hot coals to just throw a few small bits of wood on and it was away. We had Eggs and Bacon and toast and a cuppa for breakfast and enjoyed the wildlife on the lake. There were only 17 ducks, 3 Emu's, 1 pelican and swallows skimming the water. Those noisy Corella's have worked there way down to our end of the lake and the noise is terrible. I gave the roofing iron around the fire a few belts with a stick and it made enough noise to send them down to the happy campers at the other end of the lake. What a meanie! We were talking over breakfast about the two caravans that came in at 10.30 pm last night. We still can't come to grips with why happy campers are on the road so late given the risk of hitting wildlife etc.
Wash day, out with the washing machine and generator and Liz was hard at it finally hanging out the cloths and sheets. In all it took one hour ten minutes from start to finish then it was time to relax and enjoy the day for we are not moving out of camp today. I needed to cut more firewood and I was able to source that from the nearby paddocks.
After lunch we had a visit from the camp some 500 metres away and we chewed the fat for over two hours in the shade of the trees enjoying the cooling breeze off the lake. They are both public servants from Canberra and they have been coming to this spot for the last five years bird watching.
It was time to check the house batteries to ensure they had sufficient water and all was well in the battery bay. Just a small dose of demineralised water was required and they are getting plenty of charge from the solar panels with the sun and no clouds prevailing.

We went for a walk down to the rubbish bins and noted that a few of the happy campers had departed which left plenty of camp sites . It is noticeable that you should not be here when it rains for the ground turns to mud in a big way. It was obvious that someone had tried to get out in the wet for the deep tracks started at the camp area and went all the way to the road, by the look of the tread marks they were not towing a caravan.
Back to camp and were to listen to the football games on the radio in the brilliant afternoon sunshine and at one stage we sought shade for it was so hot. We did not have a happy hour today just a cappuccino and a few chips. Stoked the fire up for our evening meal which again we will have by the fire until the football starts around 7.30 pm. While we were eating our meal we could hear the brolga's and corella's making their respective sounds which in the close of the day was nice along with the small birds that were twittering near our camp. We came out after the football to sit by the fire and enjoy the stars especially the southern cross which appears to be above our heads and then we went off to bed. A very restful day and we are sure Digger being parked up will pleased not to be subjected to the dust and rough sections in the camping areas along the lake and to the road.

Sunday the 7th of July
Again it was just a matter of placing small sticks on the coals and the fire was away again to cook our breakfast. Of all the time we have been here we have only lit the fire on one occasion the fire has kept hot coals for next morning. This morning our guests for breakfast was 7 ducks with the emu's appearing later in the morning though we do not know where our resident Pelican has gone.
Today is our last day here so we did a tidy up of the camp and gathered the rubbish and our washing gear and went into Quilpie once again to use their beautiful hot showers at the playground. It is a wonderful facility along with all the children's play things it also has an area for adults to use for exercise with modern steel fixed equipment. We didn't worry of course for we do not want to be to fit. We filled all our drums with rain water and then went driving around Quilpie township.
The town is well set out and the first thing you notice is that all houses are off the ground some less than a metre others more. They are either on concrete stumps or the newer houses on steel stumps for there must be a white ant problem in the area.
The yards etc are all kept clean and their are some houses that have bougainvillea growing which is pretty. We drove down the industrial sections and there five different transport depots and all of them had road train cattle or sheep plus they were three trailer long which is over 53 metres in length.

We bought the sunday newspaper and then headed back to camp to get our lunch and get serious about pulling down our camp. On the way we stopped and had a look at the Bulloo River and how any self respecting fish can live in those waters is beyond me. We then noted that there were four pigs heads lined up opposite our entrance to the camping area, they were not a pretty sight. We saw four wheel drive vehicles in town that were set up for kangaroo or wild pig shooting so we supposed the heads were from wild pigs.
Arriving back in the camping area we noted that the area had less than four caravans and at our end of the lake there were no happy campers at all, that will change no doubt late into the afternoon or evening. We had one camper trailer with three children come in last night on dark and left this morning whilst we were in Quilpie.
It was another very warm afternoon with no clouds and after we had a late lunch of just biscuits and cheese we put the table and awning away and hung the ground cover on the line to beat to remove the dust. We have just left enough gear out to cook our meal tonight and in the morning will pack that away along with the satellite gear.
The rest of the afternoon we sat our in the sun and then the shade to read the newspaper plus our books.
I elected to go down by the lake and after a period of time I noticed the cattle feeding on the weed in the lake and then they came down past me less than a metre away one big old bull stopped in front of me and really stared me down as he had his front foot forward I was ready to jump out of the chair and run to the nearest tree. Nothing happened and he along with others walked past and went back into the lake to feed moving further away.
We listened to football on the radio and then cooked our evening meal and then sat by the fire burning the last of our wood before going inside to watch the television or a movie we haven't decided yet. All we can say it has been a wonderful day again and we have really enjoyed our stay on this occasion we seem be more relaxed and have enjoyed the weather, the animals and the birds more so than in past years when we have visited this area. It is becoming obvious that this year we are stopping long at places we like longer than in past years and we hope this continues as we head further north tomorrow.

Monday the 8th of July
On the move today so our breakfast this morning was cooked and eaten inside the motorhome, packed away the satellite dish etc and then checked to ensure we only left footprints and ash from the fire and we were on our way out of the Lake Houdraman camp area.
We did not depart until after 9.15 am and Liz was to drive Digger first. I noticed a caravan about to depart and when he spotted me he accelerated to beat me to the gravel road out, this meant that dust was flying everywhere, all I did was slow down and wait for it to disappear.
We hooked up Digger at the bitumen and checked the lights to make sure they were operational so as to avoid the computer telling me there was a problem with the towing electrical's as it did previously.
It was a cold morning and the countryside started to change to Gidgee trees and a few Gum trees and the soil was an orange colour with plenty of rocks. We spotted a small plane rounding up cattle and it was going backwards and forwards doing so and when he passed us the last time he was up high. We are now seeing dark clouds ahead of us so we are hoping it is not going to rain.

We finally arrived at the Coolardi Hotel in the middle of nowhere, they even offer a caravan park and what we saw of it wasn't to flash. We had traffic coming at us and none from behind with the road being bitumen varying in width. It didn't matter for there was room for two caravans to pass without going off the road. Well that's what we thought we saw two drilling trucks coming at us and the first stayed on the bitumen and wasn't a problem and the second one for some reason headed off road making much dust and then I saw rocks flying and then not a thing for the dust blocked our forward view. The dust may have blocked the view though not the almighty crash of a rock hitting the window screen. For some reason we both raised our hands to our face expecting the rock to come through the windowscreen for it hit so hard. Liz was to point out the shards of glass on the dashboard and then noticed the glass slivers embedded in her hand. What a mess I went to the UHF radio and thanked the truck driver for breaking our windowscreen along with plenty of expletives, as expected there was no reply. Later in the day I spoke to another happy camper who came into the Ward River Rest area around 5 minutes after us. It was the same caravan that had beaten me out of the last camp area he had gone into Quilpie first.
I showed him the damage to our windowscreen and he indicated he had the same problem; first truck ok the second truck off the road spraying rocks and dust though luckily he didn't receive any windowscreen damage just panel damage from the rocks.
We were to see two Wedge Tailed Eagles over about twenty kilometres feed on the road kill and before we knew it we were at Ward River. The only thing was that I had forgot that they had bypassed the camp area with a new road and luckily when I arrived at the other end I recognised the turnoff.
We set up and found large logs near where we camped so cut a few for our campfire tonight and then repaired the windowscreen best I could with white gaffer tape a happy camper stated that if I used finger nail polish along the cracks they would spread no further. Now of course the finger nail polish Liz had was a fluorescent light purple so that is what I used along with the white tape they complement each other. It was a bit hard to set up camp for happy campers were dropping in for a chat which of course we didn't mind.
I set up the satellite dish and then it was happy hour though it was a bit cold with the wind and the sun going behind the clouds.
The fire was lit and we took in its warmth before Liz put together a chow mien for our evening meal. On with the tri pod and cast iron cooking plate and then the meal was cooked from the heat of the fire. There was enough chow mien for two meals though we pigged out and had seconds before stoking up the fire even further and just enjoying the evening. The clouds of the afternoon cleared away and we had that wonderful sky of stars and we noted that the Southern Cross was not in the same position it was last night. Understandable given we have moved some two hundred kilometres from our last camp. After our meal I had another Boags can just enjoying the night, it was 9.30 pm before we came inside to watch a bit of television before going to bed.
Kilometres travelled 202 co-indinates S 26-29-596...................E 146-05-281

Tuesday the 9th of July
Still hot coals on our fire this morning so a piece of wood and it was away again. We had breakfast by the fire with the sun beaming down on a cool morning. We had some well conditioned Jum Bucks (Sheep) visit near our camp this morning and we thought how nice it would be to have a leg of lamb. We cleaned up and then stoked the fire for our return and then we were away towards Charleville. The going was easy with little traffic though when we arrived there were motorhome's and caravans everywhere.
We went to the Chemist for Liz's medications and then into IGA to stock up our near empty cupboards. No Tim Tams though bought a few other varieties and then fruit, vegetables and general grocery's.
Into the back of poor old Digger and then drove to get a gas refill for our fridge etc then onto the the el cheapo Crazy Clarke's and bought a few items. Butchers next where we had them cryovac mince, lamb chops and beef roast and steak for our meal tonight. The only silverside we could buy was far to large thus the rolled beef roast. You may pay a bit extra at outback butchery's though the quality of the meat is heaps better than the supermarkets. Fuel for Digger and then water drums filled and then happy hour refreshments and boy do you pay our here for alcohol. Take it or Leave it as the saying goes.

Then we checked the price of diesel and was somewhat shocked that it was some twenty cents a litre cheaper than Quilpie which is only about 220 kilometres away from Charleville. We had a drive around the streets and noted there was quite a few indigenous people who were well dressed especially their children unlike Willcania. Some of the wattle's in the city centre were starting to bloom and clear blue sky's made for a great view. The day was warm over 20 degrees Celsius for sure and you could spot the locals from the tourists. Locals jeans and pullovers or jackets and tourist's shorts and T- shirts.
We decided to have lunch before going back to Ward River and elected the bakery for pies, salad roll and cappacino. We noted that motorhome's and caravans were still arriving, one old Mazda bus driven by woman on her own was painted a bright pink all over and on closer inspection had been hand painted with a brush. It sure stood out.
We had checked all we wished to do in Charleville including the last stop to purchase frozen prawns for fishing. During the afternoon I threw two opera nets in the river for the local bloke indicated that the fresh river prawns were what the yellow belly were bighting on not the frozen variety. As we are staying another night I will do a bit of fishing tomorrow weather permitting.
Happy hour arrived and a couple of Happy Campers came over and we chewed the fat, they were from Queensland so we were able to get some good information for our use later on.
Stoked the fire up and cooked our tea again on the tri pod and plate and then watched the sun settle in over the horizon. We came in at 7pm to watch the local tassie news on the television via satellite and then back outside until 10 pm before coming inside to read our books whilst in bed.

Wednesday the 10th of July
On dusk last night three caravans and a 5th wheeler came into the camp grounds and lined up as if they were in racing mode. A little later in the night I asked them if they needed a starting flag this morning. They were a good mob so we gave them a bit of wood for their fire.
This morning at 7 am I went around and checked the opera nets and there was absolutely zilch in either one. Since we are leaving in the morning I pulled them out to dry and later in the day packed them away.
After breakfast Liz hand washed a few smalls and then I cut a bit of wood for us to carry with us as well as tonight. Six happy campers left this morning four of them heading for Yowah for the gem festival. The morning was overcast and the solar panels were just working and at the moment it is muggy and there is the likely hood of rain.
Our past experiences are do not caught in this camp ground unless you are prepared to wait until four days of sunny weather arrive. Given this we have packed away all outside gear including the satellite dish and only left the tri pod out to cook our meal if it does not rain.
After lunch we went for a walk out to the road and we found a bit of gravel hard pan and that is where we will head late today or tonight if it rains. We took another walk along the Ward River and looked at the camps across the road which is currently camper free. At the moment there is only one caravan and ourselves left though another two caravans arrived late in the afternoon and headed down river they must staying for a few days or they do not know how treacherous the area is with rain.
We stoked up our fire and sat outside for the rest of the day with Liz running backwards and forwards to the mobile phone getting messages about our new great great grandson that arrived last night.
No doubt the knitting needles will come out again soon and I watched shopping in Charleville yesterday and I knew who it was for.
The rest of the day is just relax enjoy the last of our camp in this area.
Tonight we will watch a movie as there is no local television or we will read our books, we will see.

Thursday the 11th of July
We hopped out of bed this morning and it didn't take long for the fire to re ignite so we could cook our toast and boil the kettle. We farewelled the tassie happy campers that we had happy hour with last night and we were on the road heading to Charleville. The clouds of yesterday had dissipated and left a clear blue sky today with the temperature at 10 am at 17 degrees celsius. First stop the post office to send mail off and the onto the Shell service station to refuel, we read where they had showers so rather than use our water we used the station shower.
The fuel cost $1.53.9 a litre for diesel which was a pleasant surprise, after Quilpie, and the showers were free, what a bonus. Then out to the dump point and then we departed Charleville at around 11 am.
The sun was beating in through the front window and all a sudden the crack in the windowscreen went from bottom to top. The information we had been given to use nail polish or super glue obviously did not work. We were hoping to get back to Tassie before having to replace the window screen though this now look unlikely.
We were going along the highway through pretty heavily bushed sections and we were to see both sheep and goats feeding on the grass in the long paddock. We finally came to cropping country and the fields were green with what crop we do not know.
Turned off the highway and headed into Augathella that we visited some years ago and crossed the Warrego River and pulled into the fishing area complete with barbecues. That will do us for tonight and of course having tuned in digital television we will watch the marngrook football show.
We went for a walk into the town centre and it has changed a lot with many renovations going on and new parks especially the Augathella Meat Ant park. They have the history of this meat eating ant and they state if you throw a carcase of dead kangaroo near their nest it will be only bones within a week. Probably not a good area to use swags to sleep on the ground. Of course the name of their Rugby club is called the Augathella Meat Ants.
They still have the images of Smiley and Chips Rafferty from that great famous Australian movie of last century and they give a running revue of the movie on the wall which was apparently filmed in this area.
We stopped at the supermarket and bought coffee scrolls for our late lunch which we had in the barbecue area near the river. A council ute came in and dumped a load of firewood for use on the barbecues which are old cast iron camp ovens from many many years ago, they still serve their purpose as they still have the oven, you could possible cook a roast.
A happy camper arrived in a caravan and wouldn't you know it they took over the area and using the tables for their own purpose, Oh well some people do these silly things.
The water in the Warrego River is a clean green for a change though we noted from the bridge that it is low to the point of not flowing.
I was thinking of tossing in a couple of yabbie traps though later decided against it. Here it is late in the day and still in trakkies and singlet I do not think that shorts are not to far away as we move north.
Kilometres travelled 114 co-indinates S25-47-535...................E146-35-262

Friday the 12th of July
It was very peaceful camped by the river. Last night we went for a walk along the flood levee and was surprised to see five motorhome's and three caravans camped at the end of town. We spoke to a couple of them and then sauntered back to our camp which we were more than happy with on the river and by the barbecue facilities. We did not use any of the wood that had been supplied by the council for we came inside on dark and watched television.
This morning all we could hear was the noise of the crows I think we would prefer the noisy corella's to those. Liz was worried that all these crows could mean the defeat of her beloved Collingwood magpies tonight by the Adelaide crows. Superstition?
Topped up with water and we were on the road. The going was easy, though there were plenty of 53 metre long cattle trains heading north and 53 metre road trains heading south. The road was good for the first fifty kilometres and then became rough bitumen causing bouncing and is some areas the side of the road was lower than the centre.
We were to see the usual Emu's and cattle and sheep more so when were getting close to Tambo.
The countryside was changing and it was really beautiful with the differing colours and the distant hills. It is obvious that we are now in Central West Queensland where all things change and the people quite parochial referring to their area as CQ.
We finally arrived in Tambo the major sheep area in the central west and the town is built around the old wool scouring plant and the home of the Tambo Teddy Bear. The shops were open and we decided to pull up and have a cappacino and get some rolls for our hamburgers tonight before the football. Well, that was the plan until we saw that the rolls for a six pack was $6.80. We elected to buy a loaf of bread for $4.80 and a couple of pieces of steak instead of hamburgers.
On our way again and we were to come across major road works that slowed us a little and we headed for a rest area for the night. When we arrived there we decided to move on for there were to many trees and the satellite dish would probably be blocked by those. Besides it was a bit early in the day. Back on the road and it hadn't improved any we were certainly bucking and so were the vehicles coming towards us. To travel at 110 kilometres an hour on this stretch of highway would be really foolish.
We came to another rest area 8 kilometres short of Blackall and we decided to pull into that for the night subject to obtaining television which we did. We are sitting beside the main road so it could be a bit noisy. We had our lunch and relaxed and watched the traffic especially the amount of empty cattle trains heading north and most during the afternoon came past in the opposite direction full of cattle in their three trailers.
The weather is great down to a singlet again though wearing trakkies. Liz keeps hinting I should be in shorts. Read our books for the rest of the day until happy hour and then maybe light a fire and then into watch the football at 7.30 pm.
Kilometres travelled 216 co-ordinates S24-27-34.............E145-33-00

Saturday the 13th of July
We slept well last night considering all the road trains and cattle trucks, a few came into the rest area and their motors were going for quite awhile. We must be conditioned because we were not sleep denied.
I spoke to one truck driver this morning and he was hauling around heavy equipment for the road gangs. We were on the road towards Blackall driving into a gusty south easter wind. It wasn't long before we arrived in Blackall and we pulled up and walked the main street. All the shops were open though there were plenty that had closed. The centre strip is nice with large palm trees. We went into the supermarket and bought banana's for $1.99 a kilo, tomatoes $1.49 a kilo and broccoli for $2.79 the cheapest we have seen for a month or more.
Back on the road the going was good pushing into the wind and the nice blue sky's and greenery of the countryside looked beautiful. We came across hundreds of cattle in the long paddock grazing along with around 20 horses grazing for the stockmen who were tending the mob. They were traffic wise for they were grazing on the verge of the road and were not phased by passing traffic. We were to see plenty of Emu's and a few mobs of kangaroos plus dead pigs and other road kill the hawks and crows were cleaning up.

We came into Barcaldine around 11 am and we refueled at $1.61.9 then parked up and walked the main street. We couldn't believe the amount of caravans that were lined up in the main street. The tree of knowledge even though dead due to poisoning some years back has the trunk of the tree and limbs preserved and a wooden structure built around the tree complete with wind chimes. With the wind the chimes were a pleasure to listen to.
We checked out the Worker's Heritage Centre and then bought Liz a cask of wine and sauntered back to the motorhome via the supermarket where we bought rolls for lunch at $2.70. A bit different to the $6.90 they wanted down the road.
We returned to the motorhome and headed to the rest area two kilometres from the town centre where we met up with Garry and Genevene who we haven't seen coming off the ferry some months ago. We had lunch and caught up with where they had been since we last met. We were sitting out in the sun and watching the caravans and a couple of motorhome come into camp. We are not used to see so many people parked like you would at a caravan park. Though I suppose we will have to get used to it in the coming months.
Hopefully we can have our fires again shortly and sit out amongst the stars. Happy Hour arrived and we were still having a good old chat before cooking our evening meal and then later coming into to watch the footy game tonight. We will not know which teams are playing until they run onto the ground.
Kilometres travelled 123 co-ordinates S23-33-09............E145-18-26

Sunday the 14th of July
We have decided to stop another night in Barcaldine before moving on towards Emerald tomorrow. After breakfast and showers we spoke to a few of the happy campers still left and one of them is a real jokester who keeps you laughing with some of the jokes etc. He is a wealth of knowledge in relation to freedom camping spots around the western part of Queensland. There was plenty of traffic passing the camp area and we were to see the " Spirit of the Outback" passenger train from Brisbane to Longreach that operates twice a week. The amount to carriages was very large and the last of the rolling stock was a car carrier for passengers cars.
Unhooked Digger and Liz and Genevene went into the shopping centre and among other things bought pies etc for our lunch today. It is warm and down to singlet again though still resisting shorts. We had our lunch then hopped into Digger and decided to go out to the Lloyd Jones Weir for a look see.
It is about 15 kilometres out of Barcaldine with the turn off from the Landsborough Highway. We were to see plenty of Kangaroos and Emu's prior to arriving at the weir. On arrival we were gobsmacked at the amount of caravans and motorhome's in such a small area. They really were tent pole to tent pole, so to speak, packed closer together than you would see at a caravan park.
It was obvious the way some camps were set out that they had been here for a long time. There was little water in the approaches to the weir with the spillway some 6 metres higher than the water on both sides. Some blokes were catching yellow belly fish on the downstream side of the weir in a big waterhole.
We drove around the whole camping area and again were surprised how so many people were squeezed into the area. When we were leaving there were more caravans arriving and we do not know where they are going to fit. We were pleased to leave the area for there is no doubt that they would have many differences of opinion.
Back on the highway we decided to drop into Mitre 11 and were surprised at all the good children's toys and games that had been discarded including a Tassie Devil moppet that we ,among other things, kept or should I say scavenged. Liz even found two dollars.
Back into Barcaldine and checked out the Freemasons building which could be best described as unusual and picturesque then onto the main street and stopped at the huge windmill and found that it was one of the first windmills used in the area to extract water from the Great Artesian Bore. Then we ambled off back to camp and found a few more happy campers had came in and by the end of the day the area filled up again.
We have met some nice happy campers in this area and during the afternoon we spoke to many before settling in to just relax for the end of a good day. We noticed that there were some very large Kangaroos feeding on the green grass of the Cemetery, which is close by, other than look up now and again we did not seem to phase them at all. We had a dry happy hour today the fellow next door entertained us with his jokes and then inside to cook our meal for we have not set up a fire for cooking purposes. After our meal we were entertained for some hours by the bloke and his guitar and he was really great with his wide repertoire of songs and it was great sitting listening to the music and looking at the stars overhead. The Southern Cross was prominent again even though there were a few clouds around. It was a great evening for the wind had dropped and it was very warm before we went inside around 9pm to watch a bit of television.

Monday the 15th of July
We were out of bed early this morning and out saying farewell to the early departures of happy campers with most heading towards Longreach and beyond. Our guitar playing mate from last night regaled us this morning with more of his one liner jokes, he appears to have an unlimited supply. It wasn't long after breakfast that we were to farewell Bev and Des and they were on their way towards Longreach. We filled with water and then we were heading east towards Jericho, we were told that it was a popular camping spot by the river and only a donation on your departure is required.
The highway was remarkably good and the going was easy given that we were pushing into to a head wind. We came across road works that held us up for 15 minutes and then we were on our way again. We noted that the beautiful Ghost Gums were appearing beside the road and they were very nice indeed. We were concerned with the cloud appearing and they look as if they contained rain. A couple of kangaroo hopped across the road in front of us and we did not have the camera ready to take a photo.
We arrived in Jericho and drove down the main street and then turned off into the campgrounds which are huge. There were plenty of happy campers here and the lucky ones were parked along the river front. We stopped and had a walk around for a suitable spot for the there are plenty of trees and some would completely block out the sun for the solar panels. We chose a site against the fence and near the toilets even if it is a bit sandy. We pulled out the awning and bought out the chairs and then Gary and Genevene arrived and set up beside us.
We had lunch and then Gary and I went out along the road looking for wood for our fire tonight, we found plenty and soon we had a heap piled on Diggers roof racks and back to camp to cut into shorter lengths. We were able to get a back log from across the fence and it took the two of us to carry it. We then all relaxed for awhile and then had a walk around the camp area and noted that there were four other Tassie's camped here and during the afternoon most came to visit us. Then there were others that we had met previously and we all had a good old chin wag and settled in with only a cappuccino for happy hour.
Around 4.30 pm an old bloke came into the area and people told us that he is known as the "Birdman of Jericho" for he comes in the morning and afternoon to feed the many Major Mitchell Galahs. We had noted the large amount sitting in the trees and didn't take much notice of them until someone told us they were waiting for the Birdman to arrive to feed them.
When he arrived there was a cacophony of sound form the birds and when he reached the area where he feeds them they came down out of the tree along with a few bush pigeons and they were quiet as they ate the seed that he feeds them. He had four bottles of seed and then once he had ran out the birds returned to the trees.
It was an exciting half hour and we are looking forward to him feeding them again in the morning.
The fire was stoked up and we had an easy meal this evening and then the washing up and sat around the fire listening to the radio before coming inside to go to bed. There was no stars to be seen just clouds that threaten rain. In case it does we have taken steps with our gear so it and we are protected should it rain.
Kilometres travelled 89

Tuesday the 16th of July
A warm evening where we discarded the Doona and just slept under a sheet. Out of bed at 7 am and had only to throw a bit of wood on the fire and it burst into flames which allowed us to cook our breakfast and boil the kettle.
Spent time filing down the rakers on the chainsaw and then a re- sharpen which is necessary if you are cutting gidgee wood. It burns beautifully and leaves only white ash which is deceiving for you think there is no heat in the ash and then you find it is still red hot under the ash.
We had a chin wag with a few of the happy campers that are staying for a few days including the old bloke that has a set of wings on the top of his motorhome and the rest in a towed trailer which makes up his ultra light plane. Since he jammed his hand while changing springs on the trailer he hasn't been able to pursue his hobby, he tells us that he augments his income on occasions by rounding up cattle on the outback stations with his ultra light. Age? no problem only 82!
Around 15 happy campers left this morning and there has been a steady stream replacing those. It is a very large camp area sponsored by the local township and the shire council, The population of Jericho located on the Jordan River which is only 10 kilometres from Lake Galilee is 170.

We strolled up to the town centre around 1pm and noted the houses where mostly built on steel stumps to ward off the white ants. We stopped by the entrance to the camping area and I posed by the Mural that looked a bit like me leaning on a shovel and then walked up by the school that has a attendance of 14 pupils, not bad for a town of 170 persons.
We passed some excellent flowers that are surviving the drought though a few of the Bottle trees are losing their leaves fast. There are a lot of shops closed though as you would expect there is a hotel and several take away places though we did not see a supermarket. We went and had a look at the outdoor Drive In complete with canvas seats for those not having a vehicle to sit in. Tomorrow night they are showing the State of Origin rugby game and are advertising sausages and hamburgers along with a donation for attending.
We have decided to stop another day for we believe it will be a novelty sitting out at a Drive In picture show, we will even have burgers for our evening meal there.
Talking of hamburgers we had one each for lunch and then looked around the main street and took in the excellent displays depicting the old days and of course given the name of the town a religious display.
We then came home for it was time to cook the pot roast in the camp oven and I hope I do not make it tough or burn it for Liz will not let cook again, I hope!
Happy hour came and the Birdman of Jericho came again to feed the galahs and bush pigeons. He attracts a large crowd of campers who must stand back at least 15 metres or the birds take flight, they only trust him.
After our meal we relaxed outside for it was warm still, the temperature of the day was 26 degrees with little cloud and then off to bed, Oh and I didn't burn the pot roast it was just a little tough so Liz hasn't barred me from cooking. Oh well them's the breaks.

Wednesday the 17th of July
A cloudless sky after a warm night and we lit our last fire for this area we have enjoyed over the past few days. After breakfast Liz gave old Digger a wash and I washed the motorhome it was really dirty with road grime and dust on the back end. This took up few hours and the old bloke with the ultra light plane came and we had a good chinwag, he like us is leaving in the morning. He is heading for a caravan park at Barcaldine so as they can give him continuous medical attention to his injured hand. We are leaving in the morning heading for Sapphire and whether we drive straight there we will determine in the morning.
Time for lunch and after that we went to the dump point at the showgrounds and whilst there we had hot showers thus conserving our own water. They were really great and there was no need to conserve water so we both spent sometime under them. We left a small donation for the use of the showers.
Back in camp and it was time to start packing away the awning and those items that poor old Digger has to carry.
The Birdman of Jericho once again arrived to feed his beloved Major Mitchell Galah's and Bush Pigeons. A fine gentleman who having had a major accident wherein the doctors said he would never walk again uses his three wheel trike to dispel that theory. He is the only one who can get close to the Galah's. Anyone else even placing a shadow will send the birds into the trees. What a marvelous sight and he pays for all the Sorghum that he feeds them. He attracts plenty of happy campers at feeding time both in the morning and in the afternoon.
Before we knew it happy hour had arrived so we only had a couple for we are going to the open air Drive in picture show tonight to watch the state of origin between NSW and Queensland. Our evening meal was a salad using the last of the roast beef and it was nice and tender and very enjoyable. It was nice to know that we cracked it right in the cooking department and no doubt I can see another roast further down the track.
We arrived at the outdoor Drive In and there were plenty of children there given that it is a fundraiser for the school. We sat in one of the nylon seats and noted that there were a few cars pulled up by the speakers. There were many happy campers there watching the State of Origin rugby game and they likewise were in the stand in the seating provided, they were a little difficult to get out of though comfortable. I purchased a bucket of pop corn and we munched on those and acted as if we were in a picture theater. It was a good game though we came back to camp at half time and continued to watch the game on our television. We had a Milo and watched the game until the end wherein Queensland won and then went off to bed. Another good day.

Thursday the 18th of July
It was very overcast this morning and it certainly looked like rain in Jericho. We had our breakfast and said our farewells to those happy campers that we had befriended over past days including Gary and Genevene who are going into Emerald today.
We filled with water carried out a rubbish dump and then hooked up Digger and left the camp grounds that we thought were very good.
On the road and the going was easy though I felt we were gradually climbing, there was plenty of farmland and we were to see plenty of Brahman cattle along the way. Termite mounds were starting to appear and they certainly take over the land big, small and those just starting off. We came across a huge amount of goats feeding off the trees they would place there front feet on the trunk of the tree and then reach up and feed. We are not sure how the smaller and kids were feeding for there is no feed on ground level.
We came across a sign that indicated that we were crossing the Great Dividing Range though the climb was ever so gradual. The train line is still going alongside the road though we were not to see any only the one that went past our camp area this morning around 7 am.

Arrived at Alpha and went into the business area and headed for the bake house for bread. Whilst there I had a cracked pepper pie which was a dollar cheaper than other areas and I have to say it was that good I was tempted to have another.
We then had a walk around looking at all the Murals in the streets and they were great. We stopped at the information centre and had a chat to the locals and found that there were more Police in the town this morning than usual due to a hanging and someone being stabbed as well. After this information we thought it time to depart the town.
We came across wide loads just leaving and we parked up to let them go. There were two loads of mine dump trucks less the wheels on the back of trailers with many, many wheels and being towed by two trucks each, one pulling and one pushing. There must have been plenty of horsepower involved, there were the normal escorts plus four police cars in the convoy. You would need to get off the road all together for they would need the entire bitumen road.
We finally came across the Drummond Mountains and the climb was more steady and we dropped into the rest area where there is a lookout that gives excellent views to the East and all the mountains. By now the cloud was disappearing and the morning was registering 21 degrees at 11am and would get hotter during the afternoon.
When we came out of the look out area there was a sign indicating that we were in the Central Highlands of Queensland. The decline was steep and went for some kilometres which required braking and lower gears to get down to the bottom.
We have decided to park up today and go into Sapphire tomorrow. So we pulled into Bogantungan for the night. It is about a kilometre off the road and there is parking around the old railway station. There looks to be only two residents in the town with other houses boarded up. They have a small museum that depicts the days of steam and the old water towers and a small railway station has been preserved. I was setting up the satellite dish when Gary and Genevene pulled in for lunch and were somewhat surprised to see us. We had our lunch and they headed off to Emerald. After lunch I had a chat to one of the locals about the game last night and for the rest of the afternoon we just relaxed and read our books after having a good look around the railway station and walking around the village. Tonight with the satellite dish we will watch the football show before moving on in the morning.
Kilometre travelled 133 co-ordinates S 23-38-907....................E147-17-378

Friday the 19th
The train passed by at 1.30 am this morning so the happy campers told us, both Liz and I slept through it and didn't hear a thing, we must have been tired.
This morning we went and had another look at the railway museum and noted on the other end of the building the history of the railway and township. We were somewhat surprised to read that there had been 28 hotels in the town in previous years. Today no hotels and just two residences lived in and both residents old bachelors. We bid a few happy campers farewell and then we headed off to Sapphire. The road was good though we were climbing some pretty steep hills and there was plenty of fog around though it was high and didn't effect the driving vision.
There was much more wattle blossoming along the way and the land was heavily forested with some farming taking place on the flatter sections.
In no time at all we pulled into Sapphire and expected the freedom camping area to be full. There were only four happy campers and we had no trouble finding a good spot. The area has been extended and on one side there is now a modern swimming pool and a nearby SES building which in the past was a camping spot. The fog was starting to lift so we had a cuppa and then out with the awning and off loaded Digger.
We had our lunch and then set up the table and chairs and the fire place we will use over the next few days. The temperature had risen to 26 degrees celsius and I do not mind admitting that even sitting down I was sweating.
I then went looking for the television signal in the area and no matter how I directed the antenna I could get all digital stations with the exception of SBS and Southern Cross. The latter is required to tune into the football this evening and the match between North Melbourne V Carlton.
I finally had to get the satellite equipment out and set up this will ensure that we will receive the football game. We sat outside watching the happy campers come into the freedom parking area and tonight there are 22.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just taking in the sunshine and talking to the happy campers that passed by. It is interesting to listen to their travel tales and somehow it moved on to the washing machine and in no time at all we had attracted a few more to look at our washing machine and to compare it to others that were being used. There is no doubt that happy campers will drop in and look at the machine when we pull it out to use in the morning.
We had a cold meat salad outside for our meal this evening and then watched the colourful parrots and the noisy Corella's flying in the last rays of sunshine.
We came inside when darkness finally came around and we adjourned inside to watch the television and the football game.
Kilometres travelled 65

Saturday the 20th of July
After we watched football last night we went off to bed and then we heard a few sprinkles of rain on the roof. Then it came down heavily and the rain stayed that way until around 6am. It was still warm after hopping out of bed and I was only wearing a singlet and trakkies needless to say the wood that had not been covered was very wet so a breakfast fire was out of the question.
We had poached eggs and toast for breakfast cooked inside and we consumed it along with a cup of tea outside. We had parrots, galahs and bush pigeons join us for breakfast. A few of the colourful parrots were hanging off the awning tie down.
The sky had cleared a little with some sun, so out came the washing machine and cleared up the back log of washing. Hoping that the rain would stay away.
Looking around the campgrounds those on the flat had a lot of water lying about their camp and the same with those over the hill, we were fortunate that we decided to park on blue metal and not grass. Our experience to date is if you park on dry grass then you walk it inside which means more sweeping. We only attracted one happy camper to the washing machine and he took the measurements to ensure that it would fit and if so they will place an order for a Wasser. The washing was out to dry with a slight breeze and the rain stayed away to allow drying to take place.

We hopped into Digger for Liz remembered we had hot showers when here last at the showgrounds. Liz was right and we had very hot showers once again saving our water and gas. Then we drove down to the river bank to see if anyone was fossicking for Sapphire. There were many holes where the fossicking was taking place and we came across a couple who were trying their luck. He was doing the washing and his wife sorting looking for Sapphire. Old eagle eye Liz was spotting sapphire that they had missed so for about a half hour she helped them and they gained a few small stones.
About to drive out of the river bank and felt for the keys for Digger and they weren't there. Where were they? in the ignition of course with all doors and boot locked. Liz went up to the caravan park and borrowed a screwdriver and a coat hanger. Five minutes later we recovered the keys and then we powered out up the hill back onto the bitumen.
We went to get a gas bottle refill at the caravan park though they were to busy so we walked out and up to the shop and bought a paper and two pieces of fish and chips for lunch.
Back in camp and we had the fish and chips washed down with a cappacino. There were more caravans coming into the grounds and it is a case of to much parking area for they have trouble settling for a spot. What we find difficult to understand why they tend to parks close to others just like in a caravan park when there is so much room.
Mid afternoon and we found a few spots of rain were falling so it was a race to take the clothes and sheets down before they were wet again. All was dry with the exception of the shower towels etc which we hung under the awning.
The rest of the afternoon was spent talking to other happy campers and Liz was to listen to the Collingwood V Gold Coast Suns. I lit the fire and then cooked our meal of lamb chops and steamed veggies for our evening meal. Later this evening we will watch the Port Adelaide V St Kilda on the television and then off to bed.

Sunday the 21st of July
Very overcast this morning while setting the fire to cook our toast and boil the kettle for breakfast. There were a few birds around this morning especially the Guinea Fowls and Sulphur Crested Parrots. There were a few happy campers departing and those places were quickly filled with new campers same as yesterday crowded together with still 70 per cent of the camping ground still vacant. After cleaning up we were of to the Sapphire markets, which wasn't to far away from where we are camped.
There were plenty of stalls most of which were selling Sapphires in many forms such as rings, pendants, ear rings and just straight stone if you wished. The problem is that you are relying on the honesty of the dealer as to what is true sapphire and what is just coloured stone etc.
We made a few purchases of a few things for we were just not sure of the sapphires and the prices ranged up to $6000 for rings. There were plenty of coloured stone which is cheap along with polished stones that look very nice. The usual second hand tools and plenty of books and cakes etc.
We spent a pleasant two and half hours just looking and we started to go around again until we realised that. Back camp for lunch and then back on the road to Ruby Vale.

Good bitumen road and you pass plenty of mining leases and open cut mines with some using heavy equipment to dig for Sapphire. Some of the houses are merely tin sheds with caravans and some are good looking homes all in amongst the bush's etc.
We were heading for the bucket sales at a place we visited many years ago however they are now closed. We headed back and found another place that sells the buckets and they are $15 dollars a bucket with all the necessary equipment supplied.
We found ourselves a table and then I proceeded to wash the stone wash, as it is called. Having two sieves one course and the other fine. After washing the fine sieve normally holds the sapphire. It is strange for the washing method brings the sapphire to the centre of the sieve and therefore the sapphire is easy to find.
I was sorting the course material and Liz the fines for she has a better eye for it than I. We are never sure whether these buckets are just salted with slithers of sapphire or they are as they are dug.
I spoke to the owner about his mine which is alongside his house. He indicated that he goes mining at 2 am in the morning for the lighting underground is better to spot Sapphire than trying to use natural daylight. He is a wealth of information and it is easy to see that he sells in excess of 50 buckets a day. Liz was to find a bag full of sapphire slivers though we doubt if there is any large enough to make rings maybe just large enough when polished to make earrings. Liz was a bit excited when she found a pink sapphire so maybe we will do something with that.
We then went for a drive around to the Big Bessie fossicking grounds wherein you purchase a miners right and can fossick in designated areas. There were plenty of mine leases in this area though none were open cut. Again the housing is probably not up to standard though a few were tidy and nice with the gardens etc given that the plants were mainly cactus and other dry ground plants.
Back home and it was time to pull in the awning and pack Digger for we are leaving in the morning bound for Emerald. We were back in camp in time for happy hour and we just relaxed watching the late happy campers arriving and again parking very close to those already here. Then over to the water tap where you pay 10cents for 20 litre's of water, there was a council worker working on the tap system for someone had broken the on off handle. I gave him a hand to hold spanners etc and he filled our drums to ensure the system still worked. I have never worked for 10 cents per hour before.
We do not want any washing up tonight,just relax so at 5.30 pm we went over to the shop and purchased fish and chips for our meal for we thought those we had yesterday were very nice and plenty of them. We had a few parrots join us for our meal though we did not feed them.
We will watch a bit of tellie tonight and then pull down the satellite dish etc and pack it away before going to bed which will give us an early start in the morning.

Monday the 22nd of July
We had cattle in the camp last night along with Guinea fowls and parrots enjoying the left over coffee. This morning cattle again who were leaving their calling card, so to speak and the Guinea fowl running all over the place again and as soon as I threw a crust of bread out the parrots arrived and were attacking the seed of the multi grain bread. The parrots were attacking other birds that tried to get a feed as well. We had breakfast inside and then we started off towards Emerald.
The highway was good and for the first 30 kilometres it was pretty hilly with cattle grazing and as we neared Emerald the cropping country came upon us. The soil was black and there were several crops that we could not identify though the wheat was easy to see. They had large water channels along the way though we were not aware where their water was from. Before we knew it we were arriving in Emerald to overcast sky's with no sun at all. We received a few spots of rain and it was humid so we expected rain later in the day or night.
Gary & Genevene were here and told us that they had heaps of rain the previous day and we noted that there were plenty of happy campers in the area. We waited for a space to become vacant and in the meantime Liz went off to make an appointment with the Doctors for a blood test and then booked for a haircut both later in the day.
We finally set up on the bank and getting a level spot was a problem (As I type this the "Spirit of the Outback" train is going past blowing its horn) we are looking at the train lines beside our camp.
After setting up we went across to the shopping centre and into Coles to do a minor restock. We were somewhat surprised to see Broccoli at $1 per kilo and bananas at $2.20 along with capsicums and potatoes plus Wombuck all with very low prices.
Back for lunch and we had fresh rolls with tomato, cheese and lettuce all nice and very tasty. After lunch went looking for a place to fill our empty gas bottle and this was the dearest yet at $20.
We were to speak to a few happy campers that we had met previously and a couple in the shopping complex from Launceston who we haven't come across for years, needless to say we had a good old chat.
Later in the afternoon we had a walk through the botanical gardens and then drove over the bridge to the new shopping complex and went into the Reject Shop and Big W and purchased a few items.
The late afternoon is looking awful and if it rains we should be able to get out of here ok. Well, its happy hour so we went and joined a few happy campers and spent a delightful hour or so chatting away and having a few drinks.
We have disposed of a bit of cash today and more to be spent for I am running out of beer. We will be here for a couple of days for Liz does not get her results until wednesday morning. A good day though the weather is not the best. tonight a bit of television and then into bed to read our books.
Kilometres travelled 57 S 23-31-18 .............................E 148-09-59

Tuesday the 23rd of July
It rained for most of the night and it was a pleasure hearing the rain fall upon our roof as we we snuggled up in our doona. This morning it was overcast so I was a bit worried that our house batteries would not get a good charge today. Though later in the morning the sun broke through and the rest of the day was sunny with no cloud just clear blue sky's with a slight breeze/
We had a freight train during the morning and then we hopped into Digger and went to the show grounds where we were to use their nice hot showers fill our water and drop off our rubbish. We then went in search of our bank and it was difficult to find for they had moved from the city centre. After several kilometres and with the help of the GPS we finally found it. Then onto Crazy Clarke's for a couple of buckets at one dollar each and then into Super Cheap Auto's for fuses.
The next stop was important for I had nearly run our beer and as they had XXXX on special for forty six dollars we bought two, what a mistake for the next hotel had them for forty four dollars, as I often say them's the break!
Back to camp for lunch and then we sat our in the glorious sunshine and then Liz and Genevene went over to the shopping complex just our to town and we were not to see them for the next three hours. Gary and I sat and watched the traffic go by and I couldn't believe it was so interesting to see the cattle road trains, heavy equipment and trailers full of Cotton be transported to who knows where. We were to see many happy campers come in and set up with a few leaving obviously the area is not to their liking.
The woman finally arrived back and showed us their shopping purchases and my dear wife bought me a new pullover. We were then to watch the golfers across the highway play their game only blocked by traffic and the we noted the pink toyota motorhome that had signs showing they were collecting funds for cancer research into breast cancer. They were two country and western singers and their plan is to travel Australia playing concerts and collecting funds.
Happy hour arrived and we all came together and enjoyed the last rays of sunshine before going inside for our evening meal. It was getting colder and they are saying there will be a frost overnight. So we will just pull the doona over us to keep warm and see what tomorrow brings and another good day in our travels.

Wednesday the 24th of July
It was a chilly night and after breakfast we took another walk through the botanical gardens it was strange to see no birds at all in the gardens and as we walked there were a couple of palm fronds that dropped in front of us. This made us look to the sky to make sure that nothing was going to drop on us. When we came out of the park there were two bush pigeons or as they call them in Queensland "Top Ups" who were going through a love ritual. Liz went off to the doctors surgery to see if she could bring her appointment forward which will allow us to leave Emerald today. I made Digger ready for towing and made sure the tanks were full of water and the drums as well; for there is no drinking water where we intend to go. Off to the supermarket for bread and a few other items. Liz had returned from the doctors and luckily enough they gave her an early appointment. All the results from the blood tests were great and it is for sure that she is healthy as can be, which is really good to hear.
We went off to refuel at $1.54.9 cents per litre and then back to hook up Digger and then we were heading towards Blackwater and then the Bedford weir for a few days.

We were pushing a head wind and the road though reasonably smooth was quite hilly in places. We came upon the township of Comet who's housing seemed to be along the highway and the main centre of activity was the Comet River Hotel. A very tidy small town nestled in the hills and close to the Great Dividing Range. There was a fair bit of traffic on the road especially road trains and caravans and as we were travelling beside the railway line which is Electrified for coal trains we came across once again the "Spirit of the Outback" passenger train heading west.
In the distance we could see huge hills of coal overburden and many of the heaps had grown grass and small trees and if you didn't know better you would have thought they were large naturally occurring hills.
Before we knew it we had arrived at the turn off to the Bedford Weir. Along the way we were to pass the Curragh Coal Mine and you could see the large coal reclaim shovels working and the many dump trucks travelling the mine road.
We eventually arrived at the Bedford Weir and hasn't it changed. We were here last in 1999 and even though we could recognise the old fishing club buildings and the weir we were taken back at the large rest area that has been made available to the grey nomads free of charge. They only ask for a donation which isn't bad given that the camping is free along with hot showers and toilets though no drinking water is available. We chose a open space to maximise the solar panels use and unlike other areas you do not have to park like a caravan park.
You are able to stay for a seven day period if you wish. First you have to register with the caretaker who informs you where you are able to park though there is nothing regimented.
We set up during the afternoon and due to no television coverage we pulled out the satellite dish and no open fires allowed out came the fire pot. We had a few fellow Tasmanians come visit us and by the end of happy hour we had people from Scottsdale, Devonport, Burnie, Deloraine and Hobart come over and chew the fat. It seemed to be a back to Tassie week. Gary and Genevene had arrived earlier and found a lot of these people were related to people from the Smithton area.
We cooked our evening meal on the fire and came inside to eat for it was getting really cold so I suppose we can expect a frost in the morning. We watched television for awhile and then placed an extra blanket on the bed and then off to read our books after a very enlightening afternoon. Tomorrow we will re-acquaint ourselves with the area we visited and stayed overnight in 1999.
Kilometres travelled 102 co-ordinates S23-22-21......................E 148-50-20

Thursday the 25th of July
A chilly night and it justified the extra blanket we placed on the bed last night. When going outside to light the fire at 7 am there was a frost on poor old Digger and the motorhome. Combined with a small breeze made it cold around 5 degrees. It didn't take long to light the fire and stoke it up to warm up by. We are not allowed to have a fire on the ground so it was the fire pot that was used to cook our crumpets and boil the kettle for our breakfast. We moved our table to a sunny spot out of the wind and it was nice watching the bird life flying around. We had a few noisy apostle birds join us for breakfast though we did not feed them for they can become a real pest.
We had our shower in amenity building and I was to note the sign over the toilet stating "Please close toilet lid after use to keep out frogs and snakes" We I mean I was real cautious opening the lid for I did not want to be confronted by a snake!
We bought to new buckets yesterday in Emerald and Liz wanted to do a little smalls washing so over and filled up the buckets and proceeded back to the motorhome and bang I couldn't believe both handles let go at once and the buckets hitting the ground burst into pieces. Needless to say in the wheely bin they went and the two wire handles I pitched in after them.
Water was then gathered in a strong plastic bin and a few people commented on the way the buckets exploded and we all had a good laugh for you could see the funny side of it.
I went down to visit Tony who we had met back down the road somewhere and we chatted for awhile and then on the way back to the motorhome I heard a loud crack and before I turned around I knew it was an awning breaking up. They make a distinct sound when they let go.
unfortunately the owners had just left for Blackwater so another woman came along and between us we were able to pull it out and rewind the awning back into the van. The main arms had snapped and they were really bent badly.

We then went for a walk down to the Bedford Weir and we recognised where we camped so long ago and the changes that have been affected to the area all to the good to make the area one of many recreational pursuits for the locals and visitors. The signs tell us that the weir is stocked regularly with barramundi, yellow belly and redfin. We haven't seen to many caught.
Back for lunch and a few Tasmanians stopped by for a chat and this time they were from Burnie and had worked at the old pulp mill before its closure. The day was warm and all I have done is pulled my trakkies up and boy are my legs white which raised a few laughs.
A council bloke came in and kindly cut some wood for our fire for we are not allowed to use chain saws in the park area which goes over a wide area. There were many happy campers leave this morning after their seven day stay and they are unable to come back for another month. Thus the registration when you arrive. Later in the day they were replaced with another lot of happy campers.
We went for a walk down to the front of the weir and on the way we were to see pelicans and ducks with some ducks being very large. We came across a memorial cross closed off with wire fences with butterfly's around the outside for a little girl who drowned in the weir when she was five years old. Then grave of a person deceased in 1900 the stone was so weathered you couldn't read the name of the person or what they died of only the year of death.
Well, happy hour has arrived and we have decided to to only have coffee today for which we took a bit of chiacking from the other happy campers though it did not worry us at all.
Tonight we will watch the Marngrook football show once again, boy doesn't a week go quick when you are having fun. Then no doubt off to bed to read our kindles after a lovely sunny day with just a enough breeze to keep things cool.

Friday the 26th of July
Given that we had rain clouds last night we awoke to one of those clear blue sky's with little wind this morning. The early morning sun was spilling over our camp as I lit the fire to cook the last of our crumpets and boil the kettle. Whilst I was doing that Liz went over for shower and hopefully get the hot water before it run out. Liz indicated that as she was finishing the water turned cold. It looks as if you need to be there at 6 am to get the hot water.
We had our breakfast in the early morning sun and it was lovely except for the noisy Corella's and Crows. There were a lot up and about and by 10 am four happy campers had left our area though by noon those spots were filled. It is good to see that the caravan park mentality is not in vogue for there is plenty of room throughout the camping area.
Mid morning I went fishing with Gary whilst Liz was to clean the windows of the motorhome.
We spent a couple of hours over by the weir which must be a popular spot for there is plenty of empty prawn bait packets littering the area. I targeted Murray Cod, Yellow Belly and Barramundi changing from the various baits required and then using the lures even my favorite for catching the elusive Barra.
It was all in vain for I never had a strike or bite. Though it was pleasant just sitting on the bank in the sunshine watching the swallows skim the water and the Pelican swimming about and it wasn't catching fish either.
Going back across the weir face we noted the bird standing so still looking for fish and we watched it for about five minutes, it didn't look like catching anything.
When we returned to camp a few happy campers enquired where were the fish I had caught and I replied they are in the fish trap keeping fresh. I took awhile for them to wake up that the fish trap was the waters of the weir itself.
Liz made scones cooked in the camp oven for lunch and we shared them with Gary and Genevene with Genevene supplying the cream and us the blackberry jam. There were a few ladies come over when they smelt the scones and enquired how Liz prepared and cooked them. We can see a few camp ovens coming out cooking scones shortly.
We finished off with a bowl of apple crumble and heaps of custard, how decadent.
We then sat out in the sun and my legs were turning pink and forward was feeling burnt so we had to opt for the shade. The wind had risen so let the fire go out for the wood unless it has a good flame under it smokes terribly.
We will light it later to cook our hamburgers and onions for our evening meal. Friday is our easy night for cooking so as we can have a good happy hour and then settle in to watch the football which tonight is Hawthorn V Essendon and we are expecting a good game. After that off to bed or re stoke the fire it will depend on how cold it gets. Another good day with the friendship of many happy campers in an excellent freedom camping spot.

Saturday the 27th of July
We had late comers into our area last night. The first was setting up his satellite dish and as he was having problems I used my gear to help him. He had just purchased the equipment and they had only given him a compass and sheet of settings and nothing else. The second came in at 10.30 pm looking for a spot and all they did was annoy other happy campers looking for a spot.
We had a later than normal happy hour last night and a late evening meal before watching the football which Hawthorn won easily.
This morning was fine and sunny again and the fire pot was lit and we cooked eggs and bacon plus toast for our breakfast and boiled the kettle. We had Galahs near our camp as they foraged for their meal. After breakfast we had our showers and walked down to the weir recreational area and sat and enjoyed the sunny weather. A few people were fishing and a few boats were launched though we did not know if they caught anything. To date we have not heard of anyone catching fish or yabbies.
We came home for lunch and then we sat out in the sun getting sun burnt and good heavens I have finally decided to wear shorts and aren't my legs white. It didn't take long before I had to get into the shade for it was getting very warm.
Today we have not had the energy to do anything other than relax and read the paper and our books. A couple of happy campers are bringing their television over and I will set up outside the satellite gear to allow happy campers to watch the Geelong V St Kilda match this evening. Based on performance I do not expect my team to beat Geelong and no doubt I will take a bit of a Chiacking during and after the match.
Liz cooked our evening meal of bolognaise in the camp oven and along with Fettuccine the meal should be tops. Oh well, not much today its time for happy hour and just relax and enjoy the company of other happy campers.

Sunday the 28th of July
Well didn't St Kilda take a hiding last night losing to Geelong by 101 points and didn't the Geelong supporters stick it into me about the loss after the game. When we awoke this morning we had gale force winds though the sun was shining and there were no clouds in the sky.
We had our shower then lit the fire and cooked the toast and boiled the kettle for the tea and given the wind and it being so cold we adjourned inside to have our breakfast and that's where we remained until lunch time reading the paper and our books. At times the motorhome was really rocking though I wasn't to worried about the awning for it was well anchored. We noted many pulled their awning in.
After lunch we went for our last walk along the weir and noted the ducks which were quite large swimming in the large pond created from the weir overflow. The weir with the spillway and a blue sky behind looked really great. Whilst there we noted a few fishermen though they were not catching anything that we could see.
Back to the motorhome and started packing the fire pot away for we will cook inside tonight and then the wood we had left over we put into Digger for our next fire down the road.
In with the awning and table and all the gear we had been using over the last few days and later tonight I will pack our satellite dish away and that will leave only showers in the morning, have breakfast and then hook on Digger and then we will be on our way towards Blackwater.
Happy hour and we went over to the Tassie group and said our farewells and found they were all leaving tomorrow including Garry & Genevene who heading back to Emerald and then down to Roma.
After television we will head off to bed and read for awhile having enjoyed the day, given the high winds, and then off into dream land.

Monday the 29th of July
Hopped out of bed and went to the showers at 6.15 am and they were great at this time of the morning for there is plenty of hot water. Back and cooked our breakfast inside the motorhome this morning for everything is packed away for our departure.
We said our farewells to the few happy campers that we have met over the past days and especially to Gary and Genevene who are taking a different road to us this morning. Once underway at 8.30 am we were on our way towards Blackall. Along the way the huge piles of overburden and coal waste looked much larger in the morning sun and coming upon them in the opposite direction. Before long we arrived in Blackwater and the first thing we did was to do a top up of water and then parked up and had a walk around the Japanese Gardens that are quite extensive. The gardens were mainly built by Japanese celebrating the sister cities programme with Blackwater. It was very tranquil walking around and the only noise was from the Mining Museum next door. When we were here in Blackwater last the museum was not built and the Japanese gardens were being built.
Next stop was to top up with diesel and the consumption was heavy due to the high winds we pushed from Emerald.
Then onto Woolworths and topped up with a few groceries and then headed back to the highway and on the way to Dululu for the night. About 20 kilometres out we came across another huge coal mine, open cut of course, and a very large stockpile of coal being pushed into the coal loader which crosses the highway. There was a coal train whose wagons were being filled. We noted that there was one locomotive in the centre and two at the head of the wagons. This train was electric getting its power from overhead power lines, in all we counted 123 wagons of coal.

Further down the highway we noted many trains in sideling's awaiting there call onto the main line to be filled with coal and return to where ever. We came across a coal train and in all it took us seven minutes to pass from rear to the front. At times we were not matching its speed and we were getting along at 85 to 90 kph. We noted this train was a diesel with the same configuration as the electric trains, wagon and engine wise.
We were steadily climbing though the going was easy. Being hilly we were to pass many farms with Brahman cattle and a few paddocks sown to crops. The nice blue sky was starting to disappear and the heavy looking rain clouds appeared. We were still pushing a head wind and though maintaining our speed we were still holding trucks up, we had done over a hundred kilometres before the first climbing lane appeared which sorted out the traffic.
We came through Dingo which is a railway town though not all that large. We were starting to notice that the countryside was greening up and there was more water around especially in the creeks. We came across many wetlands and in one there must have been at least 150 Magpie Geese and wouldn't you know it there was no place to pull off to get a photo and due to traffic I could not take a photo out of the window. There were plenty of cattle eating the green grass and the there was also plenty of greenery along the long paddock.
We arrived at Duaringa and noted the large area put aside for happy campers, we pulled in and used the dump point and then we were on our way again. The clouds were getting heavier and it definitely looked like rain. We were only 50 kilometres from Rockhampton when we made the turn off to Dululu our rest area for the night.
It was now hilly country with plenty of cattle and a few crops of what variety we are not sure. We finally arrived and wouldn't you know it the roads had been changed which the GPS not recognising the new entrance to the rest area. We were lucky we could see the rest area and so in we came for the night and lo and behold there were two happy campers that we had happy hour with last night.
We set up and hooked into power and searched for digital television and we were to get 26 stations all told some of them duplicated. We had a chat with other happy campers and Liz went for a walk down to the small town centre which really is only a hotel. I went to the hotel with two other happy campers and had a round before coming back to the camping area. There were many coming in and the area was filling up quickly.
Come happy hour we came together again and it was a long one especially when an elderly couple came in with a very long wheelbase Ford fitted with a chev engine plus a very very long caravan. What is unusual about that you may ask. Well when hooked into power they started pouring beer from a tap. On investigation they had two barrels of home brew in an old freezer converted to a fridge. They make their home brew from Morgan home brew only available in Queensland. I tried a glass and it was hard to pick that it was home brew it was that creamy. What can I say it has been the most unusual happy hour we have had for awhile. It was good coming together like this for we are all on the road again tomorrow each going different ways to us. When talking later in the night we recognised that when we turned off the highway to Rockhampton we were in fact on our journey south and on the way back home. We will need to set up a few bush camps for we have around five weeks before we board the ferry for home. We watched a bit of television before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 205 co-ordinates S 23-50-54..........................E 150-15-40

Tuesday the 30th of July
We awoke during the night to rain drops or should I say large drops of rain. We were parked under trees and the water was coming off the leaves making a loud plopping noise on our roof. We both wondered what it was first, it was so loud.
When we hopped out of bed we decided, by the look of the day, we would stay an extra night for it would be less than suitable conditions to be on the road given that we have noticed the many road trains going the way we are. We had our breakfast and then used the local shower which was great for the water was really hot. We spoke to the other happy campers who we had happy hour with last night and they indicated they would be staying an extra night as well. They will be going off in a different direction to us in the morning.
Though the morning was humid it didn't entice me back into shorts, it was very overcast and we thought we might bring out the washing machine and then decided against it for we couldn't be sure that we could dry the clothes. We then decided to go for a walk and see if we could find the history of Dululu for there are around twenty houses along with a community hall that was built in 1923 in the old small corrugation tin style and the hotel which was built in 1928. We first walked along the back street and found some well established gardens in around houses and in one we were to see a Banana tree with fruit.
We can only guess they do not have fruit bats in the area or you would think the banana's would be covered. One house had a Light House complete with light on the top amongst the flowers and it looked unique being so far from the sea.
We finally came to the Dululu Hotel that was first built in 1928 there are many photo's around the wall of the hotel though nothing to tell you the history of the place and we were unable to found the heart and soul of the area let alone the history. We did note that the Post Office consisting of one letter box was right in front of the beer garden of the hotel, something we haven't seen before. So we headed back to camp and had a chin wag with a couple of happy campers. Someone had locked the toilet door and no one had a key thought the other Tassie Charlie devised a way to gain entrance and unlock the door from the inside.
Liz was to give me a haircut, a number 4 and then we just relaxed and read our books and watched other happy campers come in. It was absolutely full last night with a few unable to find spots and no doubt it will be the same this evening.
We were to see a 5th wheeler come in and I wondered where he was going to park for it was extremely long. It pulled up outside the Community Hall and it turned out to be the travelling library for the Banana Shire.
Mid afternoon and I read my book again with Liz doing her craft work for there was no sun just overcast though we did not have any wind at all. The only birds that were making noise were crows with a few other birds just warbling in the back ground.
Oh well it time to get happy again so off to visit a few other happy campers after a restful day. Other happy campers are still arriving so we will be full again tonight by the looks of it.

Wednesday the 31st of July
It was a cool evening and this morning there was a slight fog with many spider webs highlighted on the tennis court wire in the early morning sun. Into the shower and then breakfast and prepared to leave Dululu. We said our farewells to Stuart and Michelle and Charlie and Shirley who we will leave at this point as they are heading to the coast and we are heading into the outback. They have been real good company over the last few days and there has been some funny happy hours.
We had made the right decision in staying another day in Dululu for today was sunny with no wind and the going was easy when we gained the highway to Banana. There are many roadwork's in progress along the highway following the floods that washed roads and bridges away.
The highway was very smooth except the damaged parts. Even though we were going through mainly flat country there were mountains in the background which we did not have to climb. We were now in cattle country once again for there were plenty of Brahman cattle along the way. We finally came across the township of Wowon which is small though the buildings and the surrounding grounds are well manicured.
We were really enjoying the nice blue sky which gave a nice blue haze to the mountains in the distance. We were to come across fields of wheat that stretched many kilometres and contrasted with the other colours on display. We came across a large paddock with Brahman cattle standing on the skyline which looked really great, unfortunately the photo did not do it justice.

Before we knew it we had arrived in the township of Banana which is at the crossroads of the outback and the coastal highway. It would not be same if we did not stop and take a photo of the famous bullock "Banana" who legend has it was the lead bullock of the team that conquered the outback in this and surrounding area's. The township was named after the bullock and the shire council is also called the Banana Shire.
We moved on and decided to go to the Dawson River rest area where we have been before which we thought was great to revisit. It meant that we detoured off our intended track by 28 kilometers. We were now seeing large man made mountains of coal mullock. There were several that had been regenerated with grass and small trees and really it was hard to believe that they were indeed mullock heaps. We came across a few gas extraction plants located in amongst the coal mines who no doubt are extracting the methane gas for general consumption. So we arrived in the township of Moura whose fame is its many coal mines in the district along with many large farms and cattle stations.
The town is quite large with all the services including a Mitre 11 which we will no doubt visit in the coming days for we will stay here for a few days soaking up the warm weather, which is 24 degrees celsius at the moment with no wind.
As we expected the grounds were full of happy campers and we noted they have extended the grounds. We chose a near level site close to the highway and set up. Out with the awning and relaxed in the sun for awhile before going up the road to cut some wood for our fire which we will have in the firepot.
After lunch I had a poppy nap and then we hopped into Digger and went back into Moura to obtain water for the washing machine tomorrow, bought the paper and bought some oranges from the supermarket and strangely that's all we purchased and then headed back to camp. We could not believe the amount of happy campers who had arrived whilst we were away. A lot of them were parked closer than a caravan park and we picked up a few bad vibes from some that had been here for awhile.
I am late for happy hour and I am looking out of the window and seeing sixteen happy campers in their chairs in the sun being entertained by a country and western singer who has a camp next to ours. Where do you reckon Liz is? Over there with her chair and wine listening to the entertainment. So I had better finish off now and go over for it is nearly 5 pm and it looks like another late happy hour for I noticed a few near us have gone out and cut wood for a large camp fire tonight.
Kilometres travelled 110 co-ordinates S

Saturday the 3rd of August
We sat out last night by the fire until the football started. What a glorious evening no wind and the stars were bright as could be, the Southern Cross was easy to find being right above our camp. We were to see a couple of satellites cross the sky and they were bright and really moving fast.
This morning around 6 am I heard the fridge trying to light itself and sure enough the gas bottle had run out of gas. Out of bed and changed the bottles over and it wasn't worthwhile going back to bed. Lit the fire and noted clouds on the horizon though they cleared later in the morning and left us with a very warm sunny day and little wind. We had our usual Saturday fare of eggs and bacon plus toast washed down with a cup of tea. We just relaxed for an hour or so reading and then out came the washing machine as Liz decided to change the bedding and wash the sheets for it may be awhile before we get another opportunity to do so. I had a walk around the camp grounds for I noted two vans arrive that we recognised from the Barcaldine camp grounds. Sure enough we had met these folks before so we had a good chat about all and sundry.
We were feeling really Lazy so we read books in the brilliant sunlight and again the shorts and singlet for me was the dress standard now. Charlie and John came over and we had a lively chat about politics in a most jocular way.

We had lunch and after a bit of a tidy up and packed away the washing machine etc. Then we decided to go down to the river and just relax in shade. I took my rod and lures to do a bit of casting and liz her craft work and it was great for the temperature had risen to 25 degrees Celsius and there was a drauft coming off the river cooling things down.
I cast for around an hour changing lures with no success so I laid down on the grass and nearly went off to sleep. I was awakened by noise that sounded like an outboard motor. In fact it was a model racing boat going like the clappers throwing out a lot of spray behind. I was sort of memorised for the turns and the speed held my attention for the hour plus it was going with couple of refuels of course. It did not frighten off the wood duck nearby and I was able to walk pretty close before duck looked like flying away.
We were to note the swallows building their nests under the bridge and on the concrete decking. There were fifty or more nests and as many birds were flying down to the rivers edge to gather mud and they are so small that it is hard to photograph them coming and going.
I have to say it was really pleasant by the river on the grass and a few locals were fishing and others were using the facilities for a picnic lunch with the children running about.
We returned to our camp and noted the heat of the day so we sat on the rear side of the motorhome in the shade.
Charlie is going to bring out his music and entertain us again today at happy hour. We are going to miss him and his music when we leave here.
We were to have noodles for our evening meal for we ate far to much for breakfast and lunch.
We will come inside again tonight to watch the Brisbane V St Kilda game and if it remains warm out by the fire and watch the stars and satellites going over again. Another great day though we have not been into Moura at all today.

August