Day 61 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Back to the Qantas Museum and we finished looking at that. Excellent. Stockmans Hall of Fame next. We just did the museum part, but I think we have been musemed out, there was some interactive stuff and a movie but the colour had gone from it and a lot of the interactive stuff didn't work.

Back to Waterhole for the night. We were directed into to a spot by a guy who said it didn't look like we had 6 kids and three dogs so would be worthy neighbours he was a Tasmanian.

I am outside typing this but it looks like we may get a drop of rain which would be good to settle the dust.

Day 60 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Still in Winton on to the Musical Fence, the fence when struck with something pipe it makes music. Well I made noise, not a musical note in my body.

At last, and I have been looking forward to this, Longreach. All the caravan parks are booked out. The girl in the info centre said that there was camping at the Waterhole its in Camps 5. Just as we were coming into Longreach the road was covered in cow poo, found out why in another km, they were droving a mob along the road the Vic in the car and caravan was just dawdling along behind the stockmen were trying to urge him through, Gerald was getting pissed. I think the drove was for something on TV or movie as there were camera men etc.

Went out to the Qantas Founders Museum. We took a package which included the museum, a guided tour of 747 and 707. It was so good, but we will have to come back tomorrow to finish seeing everything.

Out to the Waterhole no trouble getting a spot, but a guy lit a fire right beside our bus and smoked us out and the guy next to us too. He and Gerald went over and complained but he (the fire lighter) was a bit under the weather so he didn't care.

Day 59 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Back to the Qantilda Centre, it had a lot about Qantas as well as Banjo Patterson. The first board meeting for Qantas was held in the Winton RSL. When we got there yesterday we were offered a package that allowed us into all the attractions at Winton for one price and we got a book of discounts too. There is so much to see, we especially liked the little people who told us about several famous and influential Australian people.

The Opal Walk wasn't much but that did lead to the outdoor theatre, they had a show on tonight and Gerald is going to go back for it. Oh yes it had the"biggest" deckchair.

Day 58 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

On to the Walkabout Creek Hotel, where part of Croc Dundee was filmed. Because we have a sticker on the bus that says that we are from Bridport in Tasmania, a chap Adrian came to chat he had been working in Scottsdale and had stayed in the top pub for a couple of months and was able to tell us a bit of the goss from home.

Past the Blue Healer Pub don't know what that is famous for but once again pic at 60 km an hour. We are entering sheep country lots more in the paddocks and less cattle. There also seemed to be a lot more road kill usually roos.

Check into the back of the North Gregory Hotel, suppose to be where the first public performance of Waltzing Matilda was sung. The thing is you register and pay $10 but once you buy a drink or food or something you get your money back, we had tea there,

We went to the Waltzing Matilda centre, there was that much to see we had to get a pass out to go back tomorrow.

Day 57 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

When we were in the info centre yesterday we noticed over the fence was a dump point so we went there, but they had a ruddy great tree you had to negotiate to get near it, some people just don't think.

On to Cloncurry and the John Flynn Centre. All about the start of the Flying Doctor, once again very good.

Didn't go much on the rest. There was suppose to be something on Solar Power but when we got there is wasn't finished yet. Gerald was most upset, we had cut our other tour short to go and see this and even went to the trouble of getting and extra day pass, but we didn't need it.

Spent the night at Wal's Camp, showers and toilets no power $10 per night.

Day 56 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Yesterday afternoon got a visit from Dan another Tassie guy travelling by himself escaping the cold too.

Spent most of the day at the Outback Tourist Info centre once again an excellent display.

Took Gerald to the RSL for tea tonight, very good meal.

Day 55 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

OWWW I forgot it was Gerald birthday. It was Mandy ringing that remindeded me, we were in the Julia Creek info centre, excellent.

On to Mt Isa, rang every caravan park and they were all full it was suggested that we try the RSL on the far side of Isa. There was a huge area there with a few caravan in there so went off to find some bread and milk. Eventually we found a Coles and the info centre.

Was going to buy Gerald tea at the RSL but it was closed Mondays, oh well.

Day 54 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Last night a B double came in at about 4am kept his motor running checked his tyres and stayed for about an hour something different!!!!

When we were pulling out this morning another Explorer was pulling in.

We had heard about the clouds of locusts that can be on the road and we found our first cloud and they made a mess on the front of the bus, but I am sure they wont be the last.

Checked into the Julia Creek Caravan Park and went down to the information centre, but it at 12 midday. The top pub was recommended for a meal so we had lunch and it was excellent.

Little bit of a worry, we paid $24 a night talking to the chap next to us, same length bus but not self contained only paid $18 per night. So it look like if you bus is a little bit flash you pay more, and checking in the book its only $18 per night. Looks like a letter the the council, who we think runs the park, is in order and speaking to others no one got a receipt.MMMMMM. Maybe if all the moneys collected went where they were suppose to they may be able to fix the spa that is advertised!!!!!!

Day 53 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Late start today, on to Richmond to do a tour of the Kronosaurus Korner. We were lucky enough to have as our guide the founder and owner of the museum. He and his brother have found a lot of the fossils that are displayed here. Once again a great display.

Just having heaps of trouble getting my pics off my SD card, so I will keep trying and I hope to be able to show you where we have seen.

Day 52 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Saw the biggest windmill today at Prairie, but as we got further along there were lots of them. Even in Hughenden they have made a sun shade out of them. The Discovery Centre at Hughenden is really worth a visit, they have a copy of the Mutterburrasaurus a dinosaur discovered in the area. And a lot of interactive displays. Got LPG at $1.156 per litre.

The road was very straight, smooth and undulated. On to Marathon Rest area, had to put out the washing out again they hadn't dried the day before. It only took 30 min, very warm, but cooled quickly for the night.

Day 51 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

On to Charters Towers to the info centre where we saw a short film about the area and why they called it The World, they thought they had everything there once gold was discovered there in I think the 1800's. Had lunch there and went up to the look out. Nice town nearly all the building are grand structures.

On to The Campaspe River Rest Area. Had a heap of washing to do and my little machine worked a treat. I had two lines full.

Lots of trains went past this afternoon and one was a passenger train.Funny place I had only had one bar on my phone if I lent forward I had three.

Earlier today a guy went past towing a boat and it threw up a stone and took a large chip out of our windscreen. We have the kit that we brought at the Caravan Show, just have to get round to doing it

Day 50 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

On to Townsville to the Rowes Bay Caravan Park. We got a taxi into town supposiably to the Information centre. They are doing road works in the main street and it took us over and hour and many km to find it and when we did the guy there didn't have a clue. So after more km we got to the Maritime Museum only had 30 minutes then we got the Redbus (which the guy at the info centre had told us had finished running) to the Strand road up to Rockpool and back to the Water Park, that's all I really wanted to see.

When We filled up with LPG at the BP truck stop the girl there asked if I had a BP LPG discount card and I said no. She said that seeing I was enquiring she would give me the 2 cent discount and gave me a form I could fill out or apply on line and get the discount at and BP and gave me a booklet listing all BP sites through out Aust

Day 49 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Because we had packed up most of our stuff yesterday we were away by 9.30. At Bowen I managed to get a pic of the Big Mango at 20km per hour. Then into Bowen to get the prawns. They were $21 per kg I got 500gm.

On to Alligator Creek National Park. There were wallabys and bush turkeys wandering about everywhere. We walked down to the swimming hole which was a bit cool I just paddled a bit, but there were some swimming, not Australians though

Day 48 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Ben also works on one of the boats that does the Three Island Trip and he asked if we would like to go today, but we had done that trip two years ago and we wanted to re stock the bus so we said thanks but not today it was really nice of him.

We went to Centro the biggest shopping centre, but no banks, got everything else there. Back to Cannonvale. Gerald had to park the bus on the verge of the roundabout and as I looked out I saw Pete drive past, it turned out we were parked outside his unit he shares with Ben and Jess, so once again we said goodbye.

Day 47 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

While I was doing my blog yesterday the was a huge lizard out on the road about 2 metres long, but I was chatting on Skye and didn't get a pic.

Geralds legs are a mess where he has been bitten with midges or sandflies. What we didn't realise is that they are here too and he doesn't feel them biting him. So he is back in jeans.

This afternoon Pete and his two friends called in and had a drink and chat till it was time for Ben to go to work at Hogs Breath

Day 46 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Went into Airlie to the markets this morning, Gerald got two belts that he wanted I got a couple of books. The price of the clothes has gone up a lot since we were here two years ago. They now have camel rides on the beach.

I did take lots of pics,and the tide was in so it looks good, but the day is a bit overcast and only 20 degrees.

Back to the bus so Gerald can watch the V8 Supercars and I will put the pics on the blog.

Look at this the day isn't half over and I am up to date.

Day 45 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Stripped the beds today and washed the bedding today luckily I had a few pegs left.

Gerald fixed the shower and found that it had been that it had been put in upside down.

Not a lot today, just remaking the beds and that's a job and a half the mattresses fit so snugly that you virtually have to lift them right out.

Day 44 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Washed all the towels this morning, things like that have to be done either at home or on holidays. Used the parks machine.

Went off to Proserpine and collected the mail found the best little shop with all different bits and pieces, got Colleens birthday present and sent that off.

Called in to a caravan shop and Gerald all the parts to fix the outside shower. Still couldn't get the toaster I want or the clothes line, they sold their last one that morning.

We booked in for another four nights which takes us to Tuesday and all the Qld kids are back at school. I went to get my washing and found that someone had taken my spare pegs, I usually peg the bag on the line but this time it was gone.

Day 43 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

The girls in reception gave me the name of a lady to do my nails and had made it for today so off I went on the bus, Must say I am very happy with the result Jen is the only I, suppose you would call them nail stylists, that I have found whilst travelling that is able to do Permanent French so I would recommend her in Airlie, Nails By Jen 074946 6989.

Gerald bused in and we went to the Whitsunday Sailing Club for lunch, we discovered the club it last time we were here, excellent food.

Day 42 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Used my trusty washing machine today and used the parks lines, must try and get one of those folding clothesline that most people seem to have.

We have got a ten trip pass on the bus so today we went to Cannonvale got a top and jumper at Target and I had to purchase a 10 cent shopping bag, evidential it the policy in all Target stores. Gerald got a power board for the bus.

Day 41 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

We had only check in for two nights but we had decided to stay till Friday. Gerald was bitten by midges at Clareview and he is very itchy so just wants to veg out for a few days.

Overcast today so we just read and watch TV. In this park there is no regular TV reception thank goodness for the dish, Gerald wasn't deprived of his TV

Day 40 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Caught the bus into Airlie and did cruise the shops today. Went to the Second Hand Book Shop and got a few books. We walked along the lagoons, but I had forgotten my camera, must remember it next time. Remembering back to the first time we were in Airlie and the foreshore was just a mud swamp so much better now.

We ended up at Hogs Breath with the usual Chicken Caesar Salad with a nice view of the lagoons.

Day 39 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Filled up with LPG at Mackay and got an exchange bottle for the bus. The girl behind the counter forgot to charge me for it, but I reminded her of it. Gerald picked Airlie Cove Caravan Park but they weren't sure when we got there if we would fit in the spot they had for us. It turned out that the people that we were next last night in Mackay were in there so we took the one next door. That was fine until the wind got up through the night and the coconut trees kept scraping on the roof. We were up at six putting the awning away Gerald stayed up I went back to bed and snoozed and read.

Earlier that day we caught a bus in to Airlie and were going to shop, but we rang Peter, our nearly nephew, and we met him had a few drinks and he brought us back to the bus. While he was with us he found out that he had got a job at the airport that he really wanted, hope he has told his parents and they aren't reading about it now.

Day 38 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Lorraine and Francis left early this morning. The lady arrived to clean the toilets this morning but didn't collect any fees, so don't know what going on.

Saw a cane train today,have seen lots of tracks but this was a moving train.

Back to the PO got my letter and we restocked with food, beer and wine. On to the caravan park. Which I thought was expensive, we were charged a extra for being a motorhome.

I bet you can all guess what Gerald did first....yep washed the bus. And I am catching up on my blog.

Day 37 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Early this morning a council worker came in and changed the cost of the camp to $20 per night. When he left it was a continual stream of people checking out the sign.

Rang the 13 hundred number for Aust Post and they confirmed that my letter was there. So we have decided to leave tomorrow and spend the night in Mackay. We saw four black parrots with very bright red under their tails

Day 36 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Forgot to say yesterday getting here we saw heaps of sugarcane paddocks, field what ever, there were lots.

There was a sign at the entrance to this area saying that the fee was $18 per night but several people we spoke to said that no one ever comes to collect. But I can not see how they could charge that there was only one cold shower and two, not very clean, toilets, so I am told we didn't need to venture in there.

Day 35 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Well there was a train at 5.30 and 6.30 am. Heading up to St Helens Beach today. Stopping at Mackay to collect Geralds pills and my script. Well Geralds had arrived but mine hadn't not to worry it wont be far to come back.

Shopped at Coles today it was the only one in that area near the PO so now I have vouchers Coles petrol.

Had a few showers on the road up to Calen, we over shot the turn off by 16 km had to ring Lorraine to find out where to go

Set up and found that there was a cheeky family of kookaburoghs

Day 34 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Both Francis and Lorraine are early rises. So after dumping our black and grey water, filling with fresh we went up the street to get milk and bread. There was only one loaf of frozen bread so we will have to share that.

We were only going up the road 26 km to Clairview, which is right on the train line. Francis said he swore that he would never camp there again, but so Gerald could see the train he would.

On the way Francis stopped and there was a little turtle on the road. After photos I picked it up and put on the side of the road, but was told that I put it on the wrong side so it was probably a bit peeved that it had to go all that way again.

Arrived at about 10 am set up and guess what...........not a train all day not even when we went to bed.

Day 33 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Every morning Francis does a walk round the area to see how many other Tasmanians are about and if some have left or more arrived. There is nothing there. One end is for generators and the other no generators........we went that end and didn't use ours, its a bit nicer with a few trees and close to the toilets and the $1 three min showers...and its free to stay there.

Its near the railway and we heard lots of trains but couldn't really see any.

Day 32 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Still trying to fix the shower, it turns out that the taps were very fragile and in the end both broke and it looks like a new section on the outside will have to be purchased.

Day 31 We Explore Aust Part 2 2010

Did the washing in my machine and I am really pleased how well it works. Our outside shower broke last year and even though we have had the parts to fix it Gerald has never got round to it. Well Gerald and Francis worked on it till almost dark, had to go up to the shop and get thread tape but she didn't have any but her hubby would and he would be back about 5pm.