Wednesday 13 July 2022
Tonight is the third and final game in the annual State of Origin Rugby contest between Qld and NSW. Of course we had to make sure that we had TV reception so that Norm can watch this epic game, which will decide the winners. The Maroons (Qld) won the first game and the Blues (NSW) won the second. Of course Norm is hoping for a Blues win.
We have set up camp at the very spacious Apex camp beside the Thompson River at Longreach. It is only $5 per night – a bargain these days.
Last Monday, after a glorious Camooweal sunrise, we farewelled Lake Canellan as well as a friendly couple, Chris and Val with whom we had spent time the evening before. They are from Springton in the Barossa, but had previously lived in Darwin, where Val was a teacher prior to retiring. Val moved to Australia from his birth country, Latvia many years ago and is now a “very proud Australian'”, according to Chris.
On the way back to the Highway, we were farewelled in turn by the resident Brolgas.
It was a long drive down the Barkly Highway to our next camp at the site of the old Mary Kathleen township which was abandoned back in 1982.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Kathleen,_Queensland
All that remains of the old township are several concrete squares which mark where shops, houses and other buildings once stood, as well as the roads. It is a popular free camping spot, with a huge area to choose from to camp. The only locals now are the cattle who graze there. Coomalie and Rosie were very pleased to be out of the truck and free to run around and explore all the new smells.
Although it was sunny the next morning it was SO chilly when the dogs and I took our walk around the old township.
Before continuing on our way, we took a drive up to the old mine site. The colours in the rocks were spectacular as the sun lit them up. Although the water looked pretty there were signs warning that it is toxic.
On the way back to the car we passed lots of impressive Hakeas in flower and the scenery ahead of us took our breaths away. We do live in such a beautiful country.
On our way to the next camp at the beautiful Kangku Kumu Waterhole, we paused briefly at the ‘Curry, to refuel and wave to the Bull. At Mckinlay we parked infront of the CWA building for our lunch break. The ‘Crocodile Dundee’ Breakaway Creek pub was very busy with caravans and other travellers filling up the park.
The sun had almost set by the time we arrived and set up camp for the night at Kangku Kumu. By the time the almost full moon was rising in the sky we had retreated inside to the welcome warmth of the gas heater.
After a cool night the dogs and I took another brisk walk as the rising sun lit up the hills around our camp.
Before leaving this special place we had to take the time to pause beside waterhole and reflect about the many generations of people who have been moved by its spiritual atmosphere.
Today was a reasonably easy drive apart from the head winds, and one huge mobile house – why not take the house rather than pack up when moving home! Sounds good to me.
The Apex park at Longreach is huge and apart from signs of some recent muddy experiences it is OK now. Norm had no problems finding a suitable spot to set up home. Later he and Coomalie took a walk down to the river just as the paddle wheeler was about to take a lucky bus load of passengers on a river cruise.
Once the sun disappeared over the horizon the air cooled rapidly. We are now set up and cosy inside waiting for the footie to kick off as our homemade pizza has just set off the fire alarm. YUM !
PS the footie did not go the way Norm had wished – the Maroons won.
ON THE ROAD 