Back to the old stomping grounds

 Well after failed attempts to find a suitable campsite elsewhere we ended up at The Reach (Longreach), 26 years since I was here with Westpac. We set up camp at the local caravan park after looking at the forecast and deciding that river camp was not a great idea. Great decision, it blew 30knots most of the night and then at 2am the heavens opened, a sneaky 16mm. Just enough to make the black soil sticky.

Plan of attack was do the Stockmans Hall of Fame and then head off to Darr River Downs. Bloody Covid means restricted numbers and everything has to be booked online. Whilst Cindy did the bookings we did a little tour of the town, showing the kids and Cindy where I used to live.

The Hall of Fame was great although I was lucky not to get stuck in the carpark, little soft and could have been a little embarrassing.

  

This place is really worth the effort although kids got a little over it as we spent a long time reading, there is a lot on the Royal Flying Doctors, below is an interesting story.

After a quick stop to make sure the Merino Bakery was still producing good pies (it is) we headed off to Darr River Downs, our timing was pretty good, happens to be Cam's 60th and there is a bit of a do on Saturday night. DRD will be our base for the next week. Things are pretty dry out there but there is no shortage of Roos.

We got out there mid afternoon which gave the black soil a chance to dry out a little and help with some of the setting up. Good to be back after 26 years, things haven't changed to much at all.

Most of the things in place we took a quick drive out to the bore with Tim & Judy Hughes, Emi and I were propped up in the back enjoying the drive, not much green around here.

Well it was time for the party, great night was had 

and some were worse than others the next day, nothing a good feed of BBQ'd mutton chops could not fix.

The next day the crowd started to disperse but as usual nothing is at it seems and many of the guests stayed on for a few more days to enjoy the great hospitality of Cam and Sharon at DRD.

Monday came and with the numbers reducing we took the opportunity to head back in to Longreach and visit the Qantas Museum. The kids really enjoyed the opportunity to look at the planes close up and managed to get some great pics, 

slightly disappointed that they closed earlier than expected and we didn't get a chance to spend more time in the museum. Tour done it was back to base at DRD.

The next day it was time to take full advantage of the place, Charlie went on his first pig chase and whilst he was a little reluctant he did manage to get in to the spirit.

Meanwhile back at the house, Emi was riding one of Sharon's horses around the tennis court, in her element.

Even Charlie had a ride but to be perfectly honest he seemed to think that motorbikes were more to his liking (and Emi's).

Every spare chance they had it was back on the bikes, a few stacks but they kept on getting back up.

All the kids got on very well and Charlie and Jack (PJ aka Pugsly Jr) hit it off, they spent days out there playing in the junkyard trying to shoot pigeons with the slingshots.

Our last full day in the area was spent travelling up to Winton and visiting The Age of Dinosaurs, this was very interesting and the kids enjoyed it immensely.

Well all good things must come to an end, thanks again to Cam and Sharon for their fantastic hospitality, we will be back soon....especially if the borders don't open up.

Bye for now DRD, off to the coast.

EEC: During our stay in Western Qld there were many sightings on most days, Best was 17 on the drive between DRD and Barcaldine when we were leaving. All and all additional 44 were spotted.  EEC now stands at 97 but don't ythink this will reach triple figures until we return to the west again.

CCC: None here in the bush,  CCC stands at 6.