Note to self – don’t stop in Augathella again. Up and packed had to get some help with the ratchet strap then off (a little later than planned again).
It’s cold this morning but I thought it would get warmer the further north I headed – was I mistaken. The wind had some strength and a big bite to it.
It’s windy
I had to stop in Tambo to put on my wet weather jacket cos I was freezing. The clouds had been coming over dark now for a bit and I thought I was gonna get rain. Instead it was dewy mist – thankfully.
Tambo
Wildlife is not to bad this morning and the next stop is Blackall for fuel and a snack. Check for service to ring my Sweety – but nothing 🙁
Feeling very alone even with Smurfettes company
It’s been hard riding again and the wildlife as the morning goes on increases to the point that I wonder why I am doing this. Eau de wildlife is the frangrance of the day and the live ones are scaring the bejesus out of me. I know you don’t like to hear negative things but I’m not enjoying this ride. I don’t know why as I’ve done huge hauls like this before, but something about this is…well, upsetting me. Wish I had Karl with me.
Anyway, come into this little town in the middle of nowhere called Ilfracombe. They have all this amazing machine set up along the side of the road. Thought Karl might like this one.
Ilfracombe Machinery
Finally into Longreach, find my spot (with ensuite) and set up camp. Took me an hour and a half to pitch the tent in the sun. The ground is soooo hard I had trouble driving the tent pegs in. Little did I know all the grey nomads where watching me in disbelief of what I was doing. I kindly gentleman came over and said “do you need a hand love”. All I could say was the peg bent! To which he wondered over and came back with a couple of spares he found and gave them to me….one is much stronger than mine and drive in after a little less persuasion.
Camp Kimmie – gourmet
Into town to get some drink and The Cobb & Co Coach rolls by
Cobb & Co stagecoach
Tonight I’m doing the Kinnon Thompson River Dinner Cruise and Light Spectacular. Thisis only 8km out of town but look……you really are in the middle of nowhere.
In the bus on the way to the river
Captain Jack meets us and gives us the safety talk before boarding.
Captain Jack
Waving good-bye to his land help – BTW, they are all dressed in outback period clobber – fantastic.
Bye now
On the paddle wheeler, I met so many new people. They were all amazed at my gusto of riding around (well part) Oz on my own to have lunch with friends. “You’re going to Darwin just to have lunch” was the common comment. But it was the looks on their faces that got me….lol
On the Paddlewheeler
Now, I took so many photos it’s hard to pick one to show you how beautiful the river and scenery was but here’s a couple.
Spectacular Thompson River
Sunset on the Thompson
Back on dry land and Scotty & Jeremy start the show before dinner is ready.
Scotty & Jeremy
Dinner tonight was bushmans stew with bread followed by an apricot Danish with custard – beautiful.
Dinner is served
After dinner the crew continue with the show which includes the pet rooster. He’s enormous as you can see……lol
The Rooster
Warming by the fire
We are then asked to enter the outback theatre for the Starlight Spectacular (no cameras allowed is explained due to copy right). What a great show.
The only photo allowed
It tells the tale of a “duffy” a castle rustler who stole cattle a bit at a time and then drove them almost to Adelaide (sorry I can’t remember the town). It’s animated, real life, narrated by Jimmy and painted but not in the sense of a painting. These painting by a local artist now in his 70’s come to life and pop off the screen and move and evolve as the pages of the picture book turn – truly amazing. Thisis something if you come to Longreach you HAVE TO DO!
Time to say goodnight but not before I get a pic with Jeremy the young stockman come story teller.
Me & Jeremy
Back to camp around 9:40pm and into my tent…..brrr.
