Goondiwindi to Home

This morning I said farewell to Andrew and Lucy at their home. I then refuelled in Goondiwindi and then finally left the town by 0800.
My first real stop was at Kurrajong Downs Winery where I had a cappucino. Before I left there I purchased several cases of their sweet red wine that we like.
After leaving there, I came across some of the Rally Australia cars who must have done some event near where I was travelling.
After a trip of around 6 hours I finally reached Lennox Head. The total kilometres for the whole trip was 8950. So it has ended and I have already started the clean up.

I was disappointed not to get to Birdsville Races but maybe another time.

Hope you have enjoyed following the trip this year.

Goondiwindi

Today was a bit of a change, I was driven in a four wheel drive by Andrew.

First up this morning was breakfast together with Lucy and Andrew. Then they went off to work. I did a little tidying up in the Karavan.

Andrew returned and picked me up. We went into town and had a cappuccino in "The Larder" coffee shop. Andrew is there most mornings. Then we went out to do crop inspections on several of his clients' farms. He was checking for heliothis grubs in the crop, chick peas. He also checked on wheat and barley crops as we went. This was all bringing back memories of my farming days. Soon it was lunch time and we had our own but called on his clients and good friends, Brett and Sasha and little Campbell. A nice catch up with them all.
Next we drove to Bungunya, a tiny village with a grain receival depot. Again, we checked on the same types of crops on another client and friend, John. We had a coffee there while Andrew discussed the crops.
Then home by almost dark after travelling in excess of 300 kilometres for the day plus stopping and checking crops. Andrew told me this was a short run compared to the ones he does to the north.
Then Andrew made up enchiladas for dinner. Prior to dinner was some nibbles with drinks.
A great day being with Andrew and seeing his area and catching up with his friends.

Mitchell to Goondiwindi

Left Mitchell by 0730 after refuelling. While doing the refuelling, there was a coach from Lismore so the co driver and I had a bit of a chat. They were going to Birdsville for the Races this weekend. Sadly, I am not.
So I started on the 200 kilometre drive to St. George, a town I have been to a few times. On the way, I was forced to brake heavily several times to avoid hitting wallabies and also the occasional eagle that was feasting on wildlife that had been hit during the previous night.
I arrived at St. George and went looking for a reasonable coffee, which I found at the Bakery. The place I have been to in the past was closed for the day.
After a break in the town and a walk, I started off on the raod to Goondiwindi which was also around 200 kilometres. On the way, I stopped and had an early lunch at the Nindigully Pub. It is quite a unique location with its various decorations of either used hats formerly owned by patrons or historical items.
After that break I made my way to Andrew and Lucy's home in Goondiwindi. I unhitched the Karavan in their driveway and connected power as well as set it up. Then into town to meet up with Lucy for a coffee.
Early evening, Andrew and his friend Leon arrived back in town in Andrew's plane after an overnight trip to Toowoomba.
We then had a really nice dinner of pork roast that Lucy cooked. It was preceded with drinks and nibbles.
So ended a fairly long drive day but much easier than this time last week.

Blackall to Mitchell

Not a lot to tell today except drive.
Anyway, I left Blackall about 0730 after refuelling. I used a bit of fuel yesterday due to a strong southerly wind but today seemed a bit easier.
My first stop was at Tambo for a break and an awful instant coffee. The chat to the owner was good and she remembered us from last year.
Next I had a short stop at Augathella where I was able to get a half reasonable muggacino and a muffin. I needed the break here.
On the way today, I have never in my life seen so many dead animals. They have been hit during the night and early morning. I very nearly collected kangaroos and eagles that were feeding on last night's road kill. I think the kangaroos are drawn to the little green feed on the edge of the blacktop,
Soon I moved on to Morven where I had another break. Then the final leg of the journey to the Major Mitchell Caravan Park in Mitchell on the banks of the Maranoa River. So a 400 kilometre drive was done.
After I set up, I walked over the foot bridge which passed by the mural on the foundations of the road bridge. They depict all the life and history of the Mitchell area.
I walked to the Visitor Centre and had another nice muggacino. This is only the second place on the trip that an aboriginal actually served me. She was very well presented and a real personality. A pity more of the aborigines did not do the same as her. I returned to the Caravan Park and then it became quite social.
I cooked my dinner at the camp kitchen along with a large group. It included a fellow that went to the same school as me but many years younger. We certainly discussed various teachers that we had.
So it was then time for bed.

Winton to Blackall

No pictures today.

This morning I was up and about reasonably early to pack up. I left the Caravan Park in Winton at about 0730.

My first stop was for fuel at the busy BP Roadhouse. The diesel was $1.35 per litre, 50 cents/litre cheaper than the last fill up I did which was at Jervois Station last Wednesday on my way across the Plenty Highway.

My next stop was a short stretch the legs about 1 ½ hours along the road to Longreach. On arriving in Longreach I remembered the Bakery was a good place to have a cappuccino. I relaxed for a while there.

My next stop was briefly at Ilfracombe, where last year we paid an exorbitant price for fuel. I noticed they do not sell fuel any more.

Next I passed through Barcaldine without stopping. I continued on and made it into Blackall around lunch time. I set up the Karavan in the Caravan Park and had quite a few chats to others nearby.

As I drove today, I was thinking how the scenery has changed as I travelled over the past days. One thing that is very evident is that there is actually dry grass here but further back to the west there is almost nothing visible. Last year, when I travelled across part of the Landsborough Highway, there was some green grass but not this time although there is a lot of dry feed.

The weather has changed again and the temperature of recent days has dropped from in the 30 degree area down to the lower 20s today. It is a shock to the system but pleasant nonetheless.

Dinner was quite basic and helped with some red, as usual. Must keep up the anti-oxidant!

Boulia to Winton

Early today, Sunday, I left Boulia for Winton, about 360 kilometres. I said farewell to Col and Colleen as they are going in a different direction to me. It was around 0715 as I left the Boulia Caravan Park.

As I drove along the Kennedy Development Road, I thought what an amazing little place Boulia is. Some of the residents are so committed to ensuring visitors have a good time while in the community. Everyone is friendly compared to Alice Springs where some members of that community would rather antagonise than be pleasant.

Driving along I passed many entrances to stations. There are some ruins along the way of days long gone such as the Hamilton Hotel which was demolished some years ago and now is a rest area. The other notable area is the Min Min Creek where the famed Min Min lights have been seen. There are small items around to show where these places once were.

Just over halfway along, is the Middleton Hotel. I stopped for a stretch and a drink. There were 6 road trains, all with 3 trailers with double deck stock bodies, parked there. The drivers were having breakfast. Thankfully they did not catch up to me although I could hear them on the UHF radio.

There was very little traffic on the road and the first I saw was near Middleton. This area is very quiet.

The scenery changed as I travelled along from not seeing anything but flat treeless land to some quite amazing hills.

After travelling for about 4 ½ hours, including breaks, I arrived in Winton. I had lunch in the Waltzing Matilda Centre Cafe where I had a nice burger and muggacino.

Then I booked into the very basic Caravan Park. It is clean and quite cheap for a powered site. As I drove in I discovered I am right beside a couple who parked beside me in Boulia on Friday night. Jim and Judy are from near Bunbury in Western Australia and have a farm there.

I had time for a ‘nanna’ nap this afternoon which made me feel a lot brighter especially after getting up at 2300 to watch the Springboks beat the Wallabies 32 to 25. I did not get back to sleep until after 0130 this morning.

My dinner was simple, helped by a red wine. A nice filet steak joined by some lovely vegetables. It is silent in the caravan park as I think a lot of people are travelling a lot of kilometres during the day. Also, the temperature is around 35 degrees at 1900. So it is hot especially as we are not into spring yet.

Boulia Day2

This morning was shaping to be a hot morning and that is exactly how it turned out. It is meant to be winter but only in parts of Australia. Apparently, Longreach has had about 2 weeks of 30 degree temperature.
After breakfast, I did a few service items in preparation for my departure to the Landsborough Highway at Winton some 360 kilometres away and that will happen tomorrow. Just a Sunday drive! I emptied the two 20 litre fuel drums into the Bravo fuel tank and then I reinflated the tyres to the correct road pressure after they were lowered for crossing the rough road of previous days.
Then I rode my bike up to the Encounter Cafe for a cappuccino and raisin toast. After that I cycled around to the museum- Stone House Museum.

Originally the Stone House was the home of the Ones family from around 1880 until the early 1970s. It was then acquired by the Boulia Shire Council. There is an amazing amount of history located within this area.
The highlight of the museum is the Fossil exhibit. I can honestly say I have never seen more descriptive fossils. It is very easy to recognise various parts of the fossils. If you ever come here this exhibit is a must see. The curator is Dick Suter and he is one of the people that have ensured the whole museum functions. He is also one of the main people that locates and recovers the fossils.
The fossils are, in some cases, almost complete. There is one with an unborn mammal that has also fossilised. It is an amazing display.
Later, I had lunch in the cafe as it was nice and cool. The cafe was inhabited by many from the caravan park as the temperature climbed to more than 38 degrees. All the air conditioners were working very hard to lower the air temperature.
A lazy afternoon, before more driving occurs. Reading a book and chatting to fellow travellers is enjoyable.
Early evening saw Col and Colleen join me for drinks and nibbles for probably the last time on this trip. There were other popping in for a chat and drink too.
Then it was time for me to BBQ my marinated chicken and vegetables finished off with the remaining red wine.

Boulia Day1

Today was a day to relax and get over the previous two days of quite demanding driving. It is very tiring watching the road for sharp stones, bulldust, potholes, washouts from long ago, parts fallen from other vehicles, fragments of busted tyres and numerous other things.

First up this morning it was wash the clothes and try to get the red dust out of everything. Luckily, the Karavan had only a minute amount of dust in it especially after showering the Bravo and Karavan when I went through bulldust. The bravo also was only carrying a small amount inside.

While sitting having my breakfast, outside this morning, I was concerned about the angle of the Bravo’s door line compared to the top of the tray back. On close inspection, I have found a crease in the chassis but it is slightly different to the problem the Bravo had in the Bungle Bungle last year. Unfortunately, the result will be similar. I suspect again a failure with the suspension but definitely not the airbags this time as I have kept the pressure off them deliberately.

This will mean that my trip will take a completely different track home and in fact retrace my return from last year. I will leave here on Sunday and travel to Winton then to Longreach, probably Roma or Mitchell then St. George to Andrew and Lucy in Goondiwindi then home via Tenterfield. To say I am disappointed is an understatement.

So after a few phone calls in relation to the problem, I completed the washing and tidying around the Karavan. I unhitched my bike as I will be using it to go in and out of town rather than the Bravo as it is not too far at all.

My first stop was for a cappuccino and raisin toast at the Encounters Cafe right beside the Boulia Visitor Information Centre. It was most enjoyable after not having one for a few days.

Then Col and Colleen joined with me and we paid to go into the Min Min Encounter. It is a unique theatrical experience incorporating animatronics, fibre optics and other wizardry. It is a tribute to the art of bush yarns that in this case based on the Min Min phenomenon. It went for about 45 minutes and enlightened us a bit about the Min Min lights. I will pass the area on Sunday, but in daylight!

After that session, I cycled around the little far western Queensland town. I came across the Sports Centre which has been established in recent times at a cost of about 4 million dollars. It has a pool, gym and basketball courts. It is very nice. The school would get a lot of use from it as the oval also is lovely and green.

There are numerous facilities here that include a supermarket that has everything in it like a lot of old stores in small towns used to have. There is a fuel station, Police station, small hospital, council buildings and a museum for me to see tomorrow. Also a motel, pub, golf club and probably other things I have not seen, caravan park, I am in, and several churches.

Tonight, I went with Col and Colleen to the pub for a quite reasonable and pleasant evening of chatter. No red wine tonight. Just a break!

Thursday, was departure day from Jervois Station on the Plenty Highway in eastern Northern Territory.
I was the first to depart with Col and Colleen about 10 minutes behind me. We had heard various reports on what was in front of us. We found out for ourselves quite soon.
The road conditions were extremely variable, going from horrific to quite good in a short time. As soon as we speeded up suddenly we were in the rough again. Every now and then we would get a good run.
Mostly today, the road was not as bad as some parts of yesterday. With our tyres let down to 28 psi in the drive and trailer and about 25 on the steer tyres, the road seemed smoother. At least each hour we stopped and checked our vehicles especially the temperature of the shock absorbers as they are great indication as to how hard you may be driving.
The whole trip was quite uneventful except for Col having to replace some fanbelts. When we did stop for lunch, a young fellow, John, pulled up on his big BMW motorbike enroute to Darwin, the hard way. He was related to families at Gunnedah that I know well

There was a lot more traffic on the road today than we encountered yesterday including only one road train of 3 trailers.
Tonight, nibbles and drinks with Col and Colleen and debriefed the day. Now for some rest.
It is amazing how stiff and sore one can become after 460kms of rough road combined with tension!

Alice Springs to Jervois Station

This morning was departure from Alice Springs. During the night there had been several times I awoke to the sound of some rain drops.

Anyway, I arose and had my breakfast and generally prepared the interior of the Karavan for departure. Once complete, I then drove into town, without the Karavan, and refuelled and also filled two 20 litre fuel containers with diesel fuel. As I left the fuel station, it started to rain quite well and the hills to the west were almost rained out.

On arrival back at the Karavan, I had to get an umbrella out so that I could then get an oilskin jacket that Andrew gave some years ago. I wore it the whole time I was filling with water and rolling electrical cords and water hose. It was good that the awning had been stowed last night. Then I lowered the Karavan body down and secured it before hooking up the Bravo to it.

I took the Bravo out past the Caravan Park reception and parked. I dropped the access card into reception. Then I went to find Col and Colleen that I would be travelling with for the next few days. They were almost ready and I suggested that I would make tracks and wait for them at Gemtree Caravan Park about 60 kilometres along the Plenty Highway.

As I left Alice Springs it rained quite heavily and I heard later that there had been around 12 mm of rain in there. As I travelled along the Stuart Highway, north to the Plenty Highway, the rain slowly faded away.

About 2 ½ hours after leaving Alice Springs I arrived at Gemtree where I had a pasty and instant coffee. The pasty was the best part of the deal. Col and Colleen arrived not far behind me. We chatted to the staff there and gleaned information on what is in front of us.

We set off again for about 28 kilometres on black top. Then we started with the gravel. We lowered the pressure in our tyres to help minimise the impact of the corrugations on the vehicles. So far so good!

We stopped by the road for lunch just past the Harts Range Police Station. Then we set off again for Jervois Station. The road ranged from really bad to really good and everything in between. There is a big crew working on the road but I think that no sooner have they repaired one section then the previous one is falling apart again.

There is quite a bit of traffic on it and some drivers are nothing more than ratbags. Some drive on the edge of being out of control and obviously not in their own vehicle.

About 1530 we arrived at Jervois Station and we decided to spend the night in the station camp ground. Fairly basic but tidy and safe.

Alice Springs Final Day

No photos today.
Today was the end of Prue’s part of Walker’s Walkabout. Late morning she flew from Alice Springs on a direct flight to Melbourne where she has gone to Sale, where Malcolm and his family live. Malcolm was able to pick her up.
Anyway, earlier in the morning Prue did some washing before she left and it also gives me clean sheets for a while. After she had hung the washing out, we went into town as we had to get a document faxed away in the NAB bank. That meant we had to have a coffee and a muffin. While waiting, we spoke to a couple who had just come from Boulia, in western Queensland, across the Plenty Highway. They informed me that it is not in such good condition. No doubt I will find out over the next few days.
Back to the Caravan Park and Prue finalised her packing and I stowed unneeded items into the back of the Bravo.
Then it was time to get to the airport where Prue found they were calling her so a rushed goodbye.
I then went back into town to get the last items I may need before I travel across the Plenty Highway. One never knows what may be needed but I settled for some nibbles that hopefully will see me a long way down the track. I also bought several books as I may be able to do some reading while at Birdsville.
Then back to the Caravan Park and a rest before demolishing the awning and packing it all away. Then a very quiet alcohol free dinner!

Quote of the week
Stay busy, get plenty of exercise, and don't drink too much. Then again, don't drink too little.
- Herman Smith-Johannsen (sounds like me)

There will be no blog updates for several days but could be as long as the 10th September due to there being little to no internet connection.

Alice Springs Day 4

This morning, Monday, was a little cooler as was the day although it was around 30 degrees

I went for my bike ride before the traffic and too many people were around. I followed the Todd River along until I reached the High School then wound my way back through the Todd Mall and various streets. The Henley on Todd regatta site showed absolutely no sign of an event having even been there it was so tidy. The normal creek bed dwellers have not moved back yet. Prue had a bit of a walk around the park.

We went into the town area and in particular up onto Anzac Hill. It does give quite a view of the town that has the ranges and hills as a back drop. It allows you to see the railway yard and the various schools and ovals. The whole town gives the impression of being in a valley with the mountains and hills splitting parts of the town.

We came down to the CBD as I needed to get another pair of sunglasses as my old ones have succumbed to the rigors of travel. In other words, they have a cracked lens. We spoke with the owner who was quite upset as his business had a glass cabinet smashed by an aborigine who just wanted something out of the cabinet. He told us he has been broken into 16 times in the last 2 years. It is the same type of people doing it all the time. Today’s culprit was detained and was to be charged. The estimated damage cost is in excess of $2000.00.

As we walked around the CBD, we noticed that the council workers were only white and the local residents said the aborigines refuse to work at all. Some just sit around and harass passersby.

On leaving the CBD, we went to the cultural precinct. There are a large number of buildings that house various displays such as the Namatjira paintings, Air Museum, etc. Prue went to the paintings and I went to the Air museum. A lot of the display told of the story of Connelan Airways that had a very big impact on Alice Springs and the region. The remains of the aircraft named Kookaburra that was found in the Tanami Desert is in an air-conditioned building.

Then we went for a drive around the area. We wanted to see the residences that are not evident from the roads we have been on. There are a lot of beautiful homes around. Most are not very old. We passed by the Alice Springs Casino and its associated accommodation and other buildings.

We drove around and travelled out of town a little where Prue managed to take some nice photos of the ranges to the south, East McDonnell Ranges.

We came back and had lunch. For about the first time I was able to have a reasonable snooze during the afternoon. Then I serviced the door catches and a few other bits. Then put some things like a carton of Yellow Tail Merlot into the back of the Bravo canopy. I have rearranged a few boxes so they are not in the road and have to be moved to get to other items.

Dinner was preceded by some nibble and red wine.