News tells us we are in for a hot day and high free danger in the Channel Country. I've wilted already. We are only approx 100km east of the Diamantina Rd, still channel country but it is so different. One minute it is grass, next time I look up we are in trees, next it is grass again. At least the track is good, and we can eat up the next 250km as quickly as the cows gobble up this Mitchell stuff. We have started to travel perpendicular to the 'channels' so lots of whooop-de-doos and dippity-doos! A few things get airborne occasionally :)
Jundah was a tiny (pop 57) neat little town with a curious country hotel. How fortunate, it was a hot day, it was lunch time - must be ok to have a cold beer then. We were served by a VERY tall, blonde Irish backpacker, no kidding you could see the top of her legs as she stood behind the bar - PAV told me! They were preparing for Oktoberfest in a couple of weeks. These QLD country towns bring life to the places by having annual events, races, rodeos and Oktoberfests. There seems to be quite a circuit around here. Lots of paraphanalia on the walls to check out. Beside the stuffed pigs head on the wall was a notice board. Couldn't help noticing Outback ?beauty, manicures, waxing etc. then I noticed I was standing in front of one of those trolleys that you see in salons, overflowing with the goods. Next to this was the public phone and on the left of this was a wax heating unit. Behind me was a pool table, wonder if this converts to a massage table - the pub with it all -one stop shop :)
Outside on the WWWWWide street the apostlebirds were having a feast, lots of flowering trees and shrubs, must be something to do with the Raw Water they are fed. Had to chuckle at this sign, but when I saw the river, I guess it meant it was unfiltered - the channel rivers look like liquid mud, and the reticulation is probably straight from there.
We headed out to Welford NP. Not very well signed, and when we got there a bit disappointing. Still PAV had bought some bait and climbed down the riverbank. Something swam off with his prawn, but it was smarter than PAV and got away. Lots and lots of birds. I have spent my time searching my Australian Birds iPad book, but by the time I have narrowed it down, I have forgotten its song, or the color of its beak etc. I suspect we will be woken early.
Day 1
Wednesday, 19 September 2012
Day 2 - Welford NP to Eromanga
Thursday, 20 September 2012
Off to explore this NP. Not too impressed so far. Some interesting plants on the dunes. What are they - no info at the ' rangers' place. A bit disappointing really. Oh well, Eromanga here we come. As usual we stuck to the off road tracks, traveling through stations and through a dingo fence. Had my work cutout for me today, quite a few gates to open. It was hot.
The sign at Eromanga said "the furtherest town from the sea". Hmm, 'furtherest' ? Not sure about that one. Not sure whether to stay here or push on to Noccundra. Better have a beer in the Eromanga Royal Hotel whilst we decide. Turns out this pub is in The Aussie Bush Pub book! And to think we nearly drove past it. Happy to be able to buy XXXX Bitter, only $4.40 for a stubby! Diesel was well subsidized as well, $1.58. When we were told it was pizza night at the pub we decided to stay - would at least be able to get the sheets washed :).
Checked into the caravan Park - shocked to be told it was $30 a night. But we stayed. Should have checked out the washing machine and showers first!!!!!! We just parked in the middle of some donga type accommodation. Should have suspected something when he said don't worry about the big flash/bang when you turn the machine on, it always does that! Ha ha, at least I made PAV turn it on, did he jump! It was an old twin tub, (always think they have the best spinners), and it was manual every thing. Oh well, it was a laugh - at one stage I thought the sheets might come out dirtier then they started. We were even game to do a second load and by the time that was finished the sheets were dry, it was that hot. Did have to tip toe around the cow pats! It's all part of the experience of life eh?
Another couple in their mobile home turned up and we met up at the hotel for pizza. Once again, fellow travellers Graham and Pam were lovely company and we enjoyed sharing our 'stories.
Sent from my iPad by My Vacation HD app (www.myvacationapp.com)
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