Longreach to Mt.Isa

We left camp at 8.30am after a very hot night, 28 degrees at midnight, a couple of hoons decided it would be fun to create havoc around the waterhole. When I went to the loo next morning I found that they had destroyed the cisterns emptied bins all over the floor , a fine sight to greet the council cleaner when he turned up. Apparently they are local lads who have been causing havoc around the camp area and in the town.

We stopped for lunch at the best place we could find, country is so dry and yet the cattle seem to be thriving. There were a number of beautiful oases of trees where the cattle congregated.there was a large area for about 10klms of dark red termite mounds, then they just disappeared. Such diversity. We stayed in a van park in Cloncurry, went for a walk into the town, played cards and went to bed about 10pm. Was a much cooler night than the night before. A beautiful sunrise greeted us, after brekky we headed for a short drive to Mt. Isa. What a beautiful drive, gorgeous volcanic counry in vivid colours covered in all shades of greenery, what a change from the days before. Pulled into a caravan park only to meet some people whom Tony has known all his life , what a small world. We got the boat off and set up the trailer, Tony fiddling with things while I do this report. We probaby wont go fishing tomorow have a few things to get done.

will certainly let you know when we catch the first one.

Phew What a Week

Well where do I start. This has been one hell of a week. So many dramas its hard to know where to start. We left Texas and headed for Yelarbon and our first mishap of the day was a huge road train going way over the speed limit, the next thing we knew our mirror had been ripped off and was thrown into the side of the van and hurtled down the road. We pulled up and I took off down the road 100metres and picked up the mirror just before another road rain came speeding along behind me. The mirror was stuffed so we had to buy a new one in Goondiwindi. the Moonie River at Nindigully was full and looked like a nice place to stay but decided to travel to St.George to fuel up as it was Anzac Day the next day. Stayed in Karamooka Park in St.George, best amentities we have ever seen, glass shower screen doors, plenty of hooks for hanging gear, a bench seat and shelf. $19 for a powered site, lovely shady park. As we pulled up outside the park i got out of the truck and promptly shut the door on my little finger, broke the skin back to the bone. Needless to say it hurt like hell. Water tap still leaking, but Tony managed to fix.
We met two lovely guys, Ian and Shane who were taking a 25 foot alloy plate boat from Newcastle to Derby for a 6 month stint . I will get pics on site as soon as I can. We hope to meet up with them in Derby.
We had a short day then and pulled in at the Neil Turner Weir at Mitchell, lovely green picnic area but no showers as advertised.Had lovely chat toSam and Jean from Brisbane, originally from Ireland ( with a name like Sam?)They are also heading to Darwin.
Had a rearrange of van to make things a bit more accessible. Tried to download pics again but still no luck, will go a computer shop when we get to MtIsa and sort it out.
We rose early and hit the road by 7.45am.Arrived at Tambo at lunchtime and called into the Tambo Teddies store where we both fell in love with a Koala which we promptly named Clancy so he has become our mascot.Some of the bears come complete with Akubras and Driza bones, real Aussie Bears but they are quite expensive. We arrived in Barcaldine atg 4.30pm and decided to stay at the showgrounds for $14 a night powered. Tony concerned about fuses so will have to get checked out tomorrow.
Left camp at 9.40am and before we had gone 100metres we heard a whistling like the turbo, something to do with a sensor, had to call into a hardware and get a new screw. Rang Michael ,and Peter Amery about fuses, will have to find an auto electrician. Even Clancy tried to leave camp this morning, found her out in the gum tree beside the van, I told her she would have to get along with Brizzie Lions Bear whether she liked it or not.
Finally left town and head for Longreach, had to pull over to make way for huge road train with a huge piece of mine equipment on board. Got to Longreach bout 11.30am and called into auto electrician in Pelican Street. Stan had a look at the problem and after call to Peter, Stan told us to call back atg 3.30pm and he would fix. We cant say enough thank yous to the people who have helped us out and Stan thank you heaps for fitting us in today. Country hospitality is second to none. We finally left Stan at 5.30pm then fueled up and headed for a free camp site 4klms out of town.had some leftovers for dinner had a shower a quick game of cards then an early night. We still have the French Champagne chilling, are waiting for a good day, maybe when we get to the Isa and catch a few fish
Sorry we havent got to email some of you personally but it has been one hell of a ride so far and when things settle down i catch up with you

First 5 Days

Oh What Fun!!!!!!!!

Its now Tuesday and we have had a few fun (?) days. Got to Esk the first night, had TV problems, so decided we would try to get it sorted in Toowoomba next day. Its no fun driving round looking for carparks when towing a 19ft caravan . However we were directed to Traila-Vans in Mansell Street and we have to say a big thank you to Scott for staying back to fix the problem which he did. Also having trouble with the laptop geting enough signal but not letting us connect to internet. We decided to drive to a camp spot at Yarramalong only to have no battery power so continued onto Millmerran where where we stayed 2 nights. We then discovered we had leaking water hoses at the hot water system so decided our best option was to go back to Toowoomba and sort it out. We left at 6am and were at Traila-Vans at 7am and once again they were awseome, Mick spent 2 hours and put in heaps of new hoses and fittings and were on our way. Thanks a million guys we really appreciate your time. While we were in town we thought we would have another go another go at fixing the laptop, 3 stores 3 carparks later we finally got some answers, its great when Telstra staff have to wait when they have to call Technical help over the phone.However it seems we have fixed the problem and here in Texas we have 5 bar signal with the help of an aerial and powered by the inverter. We are heading to St.George today still trying to find a fishing spot.
Weather is great but everywhere is so dry no water in the dams. The fog was like pea soup going back to Toowoomba yesterday, the early morn ing sun was shining on millions of cobwebs, I managed to take somepics but will download them this arvo when we get to next camp