Back at Narrabri showground and paid for 2 night which amounted to $16! how cheap is that...
Anyway my plan to head out to the Compact Array Telescopes is put into action. I first make a call to request to stay for a few hours after closing time of 5pm but no one answered the phone.
I arrived there just before closing time, made a cuppa and waited, the place was empty except for a late visitor and the occasional movement of people way over at the buildings. A short time later a lovely lady walked over to me from those buildings, she may have been one of the scientists, I don't know but I explained I was hoping to stay for about 2 hours before the moon rose before 8pm, to take light photos with a torch on the Array's and she agreed that it would be ok 'if I was responsible for my actions' and to drive slowly out in the dark as there are hundreds of Roo's about.
Who was a happy girl then!!!! though I did find it really hard to focus the camera in the dark.
Ruby and I enjoyed our experience, the sound of the warring of the Arrays as they moved position and the slight breeze rustling the trees then the moon starting to rise in the east while Kangaroo mobs bounded across the road on my way out doing 20kph.
Time passed to quickly.
Quirindi was a really lovely drive that I'd not done before and would defiantly do again.
Muswellbrook was my last stop over before arriving home on 4th August
Well! are you looking for cheap diesel, I found it in Moonie and if you're interested in huge wild boar heads, there is a large display mounted on the walls of the garage. This large garage / diner is on the cross roads of Miles to Goondiwindi and Dalby to St George. There is an information centre with a camping area behind it directly across the road from the garage but that's all there is.
Arrived at the border town of Goondiwindi, a very large busy town and found......
Hmm! I remember this race horse, a Melbourne cup winner?
Saying goodbye to Queensland, saddened to leave and happy to be back in my home state.
Continuing on toward Moree and remembering the showground situation last time, I looked up Wikicamp and found a free camp beside the Tarran Creek 5 kl before the town, its a truck stop with room enough to park off to the side and soon enough I was joined by another free camper parked just up from me. I had a happy evening snapping the last blue moon as it rose up, which wont be seen again until 2017. Why are they called blue moons when they are not blue, you might ask? It is the occurrence of a second moon rising in a single month, has nothing to do with the colour.
I captured a speeding car passing my camera, I thought that was pretty special.
Moree completes my 2 month travel loop, passing through here on June 5th, its now August 1st.
I passed through Taroom where the Leichhardt Tree stands proudly in the main street. In 1844 Ludwig leichhardt's overland journey took him from Jimbour Queensland to Port Essington Northern Territory, marking this tree on route.
Passing this old Queenslander I couldn't help but stop and turn around to take a few photos. The owner lives in a home further back from the road with his family.
He happily came to greet me and hung on to the gate post to give me a run down of the history of the place. The house was built in the 1930's and was his fathers childhood home. It was transported to this spot when his father bought this first few acres here and his father very much liked to sleep on the veranda and all his children were raised in this home. The farmer whom I spoke, being one who stayed on to continue the cattle farming life now owns 7000 acres reaching all the way back to the mountain range in the far distance.
On to Wandoan, what a surprise to find a fabulous free camp called Waterloo Plain, with new hot showers and toilets, an open space beside a lovely small lake and in walking distance to the town.
I was not alone here, there were a couple of other caravan's spread around in secluded spots enjoying this terrific park.
I would have loved to stay here longer, only time was running out, well the end of the month of July was coming to an end and I felt like I was rushing toward the end of my holiday with only 1 week to go.
The next day I drove through Miles and onto Condamine and stayed at their caravan park, $11 for one night. There was nothing here other than the local pub and garage, excepting an interestingly large flood level gauge beside the river in the park and a piece of history that tells the 1851 town was regarded as the gateway to the west, also in 1861 there was a weekly service of the Cobb & Co passing through.
And I thought I had a low rear problem, apparently its normal as there is nothing wrong here!
Arrived at Moura, the camp spot is on the Dawson River about 7 kl out of town. Firstly, I parked up the back as there were so many campers already here, at least 50 with some looking like they had been there for months. After walking around I spotted a small spot that I moved to, with water views and closer to the amenities block and picnic tables. The reverse maneuvering didn't look very professional but I backed her in tight to the fence line and put the ramps under the front tires to level her. I was set for the next few days.
Solo Steve arrived in his coaster, Steve is a local from Corlette NSW not far from where I live, it was really good to see him with his new set of dentures and lovely smile to boot. He is on his way north to catch up with two female nomads camping at Sapphire and will continue on his solo journey enjoying his nomad lifestyle.
I surprised him and myself by cooking my first cake on the fire,
with a dollop of cream on top, I knocked on his door to present him with a taste test and he agreed it was pretty good for a first timer.
I drove thru Moura on my way south and was surprised to see a busy bustling town. Not realizing there are Coal mines in the district till I took the short cut thru Kianga to Leichhardt Hwy and onto the town of Theodore, seeing the mines looking very much like Muswellbrook NSW.
Leaving Springsure after a snack at the local coffee shop I hit the road and before long I was about to decent into the valley below. I stopped to check out the camp spot seen on wikicamp, it was a large area perched on the edge of the down hill run to the valley floor. There were remains of many camp fire and a grand lookout across the valley. The spot was recommended on wiki due to its view to the east where unlimited views of the sunrise could be had. It was way to early for camp so continued south,east on the Dawson Hwy.
I decided to pull over at a truck stop that was 5kl before Rolleston, not stopping on the gravel but much further over on the cut grass out of the way of any trucks that decide to pull in. I watched a fabulous sunset, taking more photos than usual just in case I miss the best shot.
This is my first solo camp stop on this trip and can see my nearest farming neighbor way across his fields in the distance. This is a perfect spot to camp, much better than the gravel pit I passed earlier where caravan and motorhomes had pulled over for the night, I even had excellent TV reception so...its footy night tonight.
You can see forever no matter what direction you look. A shame about the moon getting brighter now or I would be out shooting the milky way or capturing star trails.
The night passed quietly with only 4 cattle trucks stopping together around 6pm so the drivers could have their meal. Other than that it was a really peaceful night with a fabulous sunrise to top it off.
I felt safe and secure at my camp even though I was very alone and exposed in all directions with minimal, if not no traffic passing till morning and being Sunday, not one store was open. The local park had toilets, fresh water and a dump point for the traveler.
Tucked in behind the shops in Rolleston was this beautiful home.
I'm finding a lot of name plates that are in reference to Astronomy like Meotor, Canopus (a star) Asteroid, I'm not sure why?
Came across my first cattle drive, interestingly horses are driven in front with mares and colts taking up the rear after the cattle. Maybe they keep the cattle calm or in line.
I really hope these cattle didn't come from the above station! Only joking....this bought tears to my eyes, most of these droving cattle were so skinny, some were healthy but most were in a sad state, maybe they have been rounded up and saved from desolate areas and are now being driven to greener pastures, ti's what I hope anyway.
You might notice my late postings, yes I am way behind by a few months but what a way to re-live my holiday!
Stayed a few days at Springsure, a camp just outside of town called Virgin Rock. It has a flush toilet and tap water. Look closely at the shape in the rock, it use to resemble the virgin Mary and at night time it's lite up spectacularly.
Met a couple of lovely men to chat to, each traveling north on long journeys. I shared Mike's fire on two occasions just before dust for an hour and learned he tows this motor bike in the trailer behind his coaster. Both these men are married but spend many months on the road. Travelers are always up for a chat.
Denis in particular was an interesting character, he travels in his Toyota 4x4 truck with sleeping quarters in the back, solar on the roof and spends a lot of time in the top end.
The story came up about him meeting his friend 'MG' (whom his daughter is in a relationship with) for a northerly trip and introducing him to the tropics, fishing and crocodile's. Funnily enough this 'MG' turns out to be Mark Gardener, one of many managers of the Northern Sector NSW Ambulance Service and happily remembering him from my days as Patient Transport Officer at Hamilton Station in Newcastle.
Mark always called me 'H'. Hmm! thinking he couldn't remember my name until I learnt 'H' is a term of endearment. I told Denis to give my regards to that handsome, friendly man when he meets up with him at Cairns airport (for another fishing trip) in the next few weeks. This small world continually amazes me....
Emerald is the largest town so far, driving in I see really green pastures, finding out later it is the new cotton plants standing only a few centimeters high and looking very much like turf.
Emerald has the most impressive railway station, I didn't get photos at all as I seemed to be very busy catching up on shopping. Oh what bliss... there's Coles, WW, Big W, BCF, Dick Smith....you name it...any store you need is in town.
I though it a good idea to book the motor home in for a wheel change over as someone asked me if my front tires were wearing on the inside. I received an 8am appointment that next morning. Turning up early and speaking to the owner while he checked the tread he told me the tires are in good condition and didn't need changing over so they just put air in all round.
This guy needs a lesson in reversing...getting too close for comfort!
Another interesting fire, this ones is made from beer kegs with tree, plant and southern cross designs all around and fitted with long legs but I think most of the heat generated was lost, not outward but upward.
Hang on a minute I stopped at Jericho too.
It was a great spot beside the river with a massive camp area and only requiring a donation for your stay. I counted 30 + caravan, campervans and motor homes spread out along the river and fence line with plenty of room in-between.
Once a month they have a movies at the Drive In and if your motor home is too big its just a walk up to the town and settle into the deck chairs for the movie.
But be warned! bring all your goodies with you as the local store charges like a wounded bull. For instance I purchased 2ltr milk and 300m cream for $11. But I can say their hot chips are the best I've ever tasted and only $3 for a small bag that had more than enough for me.
Ruby getting up close and personal with a local, this youngster was very inquisitive, the only game bull in the herd.
Another attempt at Damper making, but wait......it was ok inside
Very dark skies got me motivated in going out into the cold night to capture my first star trails. It turned out to be blown out, maybe I could alter the colour in Photoshop.
Determined to get it right I'll try again another night, I've also made the decision to head out to the Array Telescopes at Wee Waa, hopefully stop the night and get light photos of them.
A fresh start and in the distance I can see the ranges of Idalia and Carnarvon National Parks and onto Blackall where I had the unfortunate luck to meet a traveling Evangelist. Mmm! should I have told him I am an Atheist? No!
I came into Barcaldine for a quick squize around the town and pub
before heading back out to Lloyd Jones Weir, a camp area about 15k out, I had already passed the turn off so retraced my tracks to the road to Isisford then 1k of dirt road. It was a nice shady place, a little crowded though with clean flushing toilets and plenty of open fire places.
Cooked my butcher bought sausages (lip smacking good) on my neighbor's fire after a lovely happy hour with them, then a good night sleep with not so much pain in my ankle.
I've check and this bird is defiantly a Brolga.
The Tree of Knowledge stands in Barcaldine surrounded by a large box shaped frame protecting the branches of the large old Cabbage Gum tree. A group of protesting sheep shearer's, after the 1891 Shearer's strike for better conditions, founded the birth place of the Australian Labor Party under this tree in 1892.
Heading east tomorrow in the direction of Rockhampton.
Passing through this vast area on the Landsborough Hwy, surveyed by Major Mitchell Surveyor-General of NSW in 1846. The cranky Scotsman filled the position after Evans (of Blue mountains fame) died. Remembering the majority of Australia was NSW. He and his men spent more than 12 months exploring the unknown country looking for a great river flowing north/west.
He never found it, maybe its because its underground and I, have not found the Major Mitchell cockatoo.
Looking in the distance to the west where the water mirages begin and the trees are sparse, that far out place is where I would love to be.
Stopping at Tambo for the night in a caravan park for $25, simply because I can, specially due to my mangled ankle. Fell out of the motor home, missed the step, panicked thinking I had broken it, plenty of strapping, tight sock and shoe kept it in place, all is good.
And Wow! speaking to family on FB how amazing is that. I don't know how they did it but I was so grateful to hear their voices.
I don't often admit I miss them all but I defiantly do, thank you for the call girls.
At first sight, the town of Augathella was disappointing as my first stop at the garage/caravan park was where I asked the price for one powered overnight site and was told $30. A bit rich for me so continued on into the town find a spot to have lunch and I found it a small pretty town with a food store, a reasonably priced butcher, a lovely parking area and of course the local pub with free overnight parking to boot.
Out front of the butcher I met the local police officers young wife, her baby daughter and her Scottish mum. He being posted in this town for the next 3 years and being only 1 month since their arrival, we talked about how they would manage living in the outback after coming from the big smoke 'Brisbane'. Of course I can't remember any of their names and as usual my introduction to them was via Ruby as they have their own silky terrier. I found them very chatty especially the young wife, who'd resigned from the police force ending her own career to become a mum and to follow her husband. I've come away from this meeting with an open invitation for a cuppa and chat next time I'm through this way.
I asked another local, a retired shearer what was grown on the properties around here, use to be Sorghum! was the answer, for cattle feed, some tree forestry further back toward Morven but mostly cattle farming has taken over these days.
Here's a layed back Augathella local, he didn't move an inch while Ruby and I circled the truck while taking photos of him.
There are plenty of like minded people out here, everywhere I go people are so friendly and willing to take the time talk about their travel experiences, direction headed, their home town and best places to stay, pretty much anything goes as long as your willing to stop, sit and talk awhile. I went for a tinkle at the loo and it took me 1 hour to return the my camp.
Graham and Marg (Butter) whom I've mentioned before, are traveling with their dog 'Buddy' a long haired terrier who has terminal cancer, he is on his last trip to the bush giving him as much freedom as possible to emulate his younger days, the best time ever for him. Then later, I learn Marg also is battling breast cancer and is in remission. Just the loveliest couple to spend time with, Marge was a crochet learner as well as Anne, so she, Anne and I sat around the camp fire most of the day exchanging ideas on how to achiever some new stitches for crochet.
I quickly have to mention George (the Generator man) It begs understanding why someone would park their caravan no more that 6 mtrs away from the gathering place (the large fire pit) and run the genny for 6 plus hours every day. The mind boggles.
The lovely Anne and Allan consistently offered to pick up items for me from the shop, simply because when they were looking for a powered site I pointed out an available power point that they didn't see. They had a lovely fire made from a Tooheys beer keg and I was welcomed to share it also.
I met a couple who live very near, a few streets away form my Uncle Dick and Aunty Beth in Cudmirra, Sussex Inlet, they new exactly which house I was referring, on a corner across the road from the park and beach.
And how about Ziggy and Lou (Lindee) talk about have a chat! that's Lou for sure and helpful! they offered me their double up connection tap and refused my offer of $10 for it. The next day I was watching Ziggy solder some alligator clips and wire together and asked him what he thought of the wires I have hanging from a 12v plug that's not connected to anything, he promptly checked it out and offered to solder the wires to the house battery. I'm happy to report that the 12v plug now is in great working order, thank you Ziggy.
Catching part of a discussion between these two men (Ziggy seated right) I learnt they both are Vietnam vets. I love you guys......for what you had to do.
In a small country town Ziggy had come across the tank that he was deployed in as a gunner. Lou said "when we came across it (the name of the tank escaped me, it had a girls name of course) I tried my very best to rap my arms around it to hug the tank"
I'm sure Lou was possibly thanking it for keeping her beloved Ziggy safe.
Being the happy person Lou is, nothing surprises.....she came out of her caravan with their mascot/travelling companion which is a hand puppet monkey called Jimmy, he has been traveling with them for 20 plus years. Also Lou is an avid crocheter and shares with her friend, a facebook page called Crochet and Craft with Maggie. A very interesting site with a multitude of patterns available, Lou has also added many stitches that she has made up herself to achieve a variety of textures and patterns. I had a wonderful afternoon of instruction and chatter.
Opps! forgot to mention Ruby taking off after a mob of Kangaroo's.
The Australian Silky Terrier was bred for rat catching, Ruby might have thought she'd come across a very large species of rat?
She spotted them, got their scent and began to give chase, Stupid me! not thinking where we were I said...go!...but straight away when I noticed how much speed she got up and was racing away, disappearing into the scrub, that I shouldn't have said that.
The wind was blowing toward me so she couldn't hear me calling for her to stop. I could see the large mob of Roo's bounding off with her close behind them, then I thought, what if they turn and attack her. As time passed I started to wonder if I would ever see her again, the scrub is so vast, thick with dead wood and full of low bushes that she blended into the earthy colours really quickly.
I didn't show panic on the outside, didn't want to show my new bestie (Anne) that I was about to fall apart, kept it under control until I seen a small brown fluff ball, panting madly, picking her way through the bindys, nettles and burr's. She was gone for what seemed a long time but was probably only about10 minutes. I picked her up and carried her back for a long cool drink and the removal of burr's from her paws and fur. I also lost my jacket that was tied around my waist, somewhere out there too!
A hard lesson learnt, never to say "Go" in the scrub to my little rat chaser.
90km down the track from Charleville we pull into Wyandra, a very small town with a pub and a corner store attached to a small caravan park with fees of $20 per night. We opt to enter the pub and was greeted by patrons singing the praises of the $11 lamb roast which we promptly ordered for lunch. These lovely people were staying at the free camp ground two streets away and of course after lunch we headed there to set up camp. There is a great fire here continually burning, the publican replenishes a massive pile of old fence posts to keep it stoked up, a dump point is nearby, a solar shower if you're happy with tepid water, a good sized clothes line and the best TV reception so far.
Parked almost in the middle of the camp area, we're exposed to the wind in all directions, we were parked there for a couple days until Nicki decided she wanted to head straight for home. By her few comments I knew that she didn't think this trip had turned out as she thought, we have very different ideas about travelling in the outback. I felt the pressure of making all the decisions and that didn't sit well with me either, anyway I still have around 6 weeks of play time so I've stayed on to make the best of my stay in outback Queensland. Loving it so much.
I've set up a new spot around the other side that's protected from the wind and in a position to catch all the beautiful sunsets from my motor home. I was out trying for a milky way shot one night when I caught this one, the campers had just thrown another log on the fire at about 9.30pm. The stars are brilliant right now but won't be long before the moon fades them.
A pretty morning sun rise and then Anne arrives and parks kind of in the same area, a lone traveler like me we hit it off really well from the start. We had some things in common.
Anne learnt to Crochet not too long ago, started with a square and now calls it her tarpaulin. I figure she just doesn't know how to end it.
In her working life she was employed by the Central Coast Labour Party (wont hold that against her) and became redundant when the money scandal axed politicians.
We did a long walk to find the Warrigo River and wow! what a fabulous spot to camp if only the ground was a little dryer and so close to the river bank, beautiful gum trees and plenty of bird life.
We walked to the museum one day and the next walked to the pub for dinner and beer (one Hahn premium light for me)
A lovely couple, Graham and Marg (nick name Butter) stopped for a few days before heading to Yowah via Cunnamulla and Eulo after hearing from another couple that there are little huts there like the ones on the beach in Victoria, the difference being they have a Artesian bath in each and are without a roof.
Imagine soaking in a hot tub and looking at the stars at the same time in the middle of nowhere. I seriously considered following them but checked the weather first, with the temp being lower than 18deg over the next week, I promptly declined.
