VAN TRIP I

This Cobb & Co coach was built in 1994. It comes out for processions etc. It's housed at Surat (just south of Roma) which was a changing station for Cobb & Co. in the old days.

One week down – two to go!

We’ve been through Newcastle, Narrabri, Roma, Barcaldine and now Longreach. (From NSW to Qld). We’ve travelled 2,000 km and seen a fair bit of country already. We’ve seen roos, emus, brolgas, dead pigs and a bunch of other assorted birds. Spent about $474 on diesel fuel and $160 on accommodation so far.

After this state being so wet recently with widespread flooding, tornadoes etc, the place is now extremely dry.Remember Qld is larger than Texas.

The next few days will see us wander through Winton, Hughenden and Charters Towers. From there it’ll be head south – we’re just not too sure which way. You can Google any of those places.

Today we visited the Stockman’s Hall of Fame; really quite a landmark here in Longreach.

Yesterday (in Longreach), we chatted with a barista who was making our coffee. Turns out she was from Canada. Where I asked. Vancouver Island she replied. Where on Vancouver Island? Would you believe COMOX! She comes from a small town a bit north of where bro Bill lives. In fact we were in Comox just 1 month ago.

Sure is great to be out caravanning once again. It’s laid back, you meet a bunch of interesting people, you see things and places that you’d otherwise not see (or do.) And it’s good to travel with a bunch – even a small one of 8. You just need to be mindful of others as decisions are made and understanding as some folk do their own thing here and there. No hassle. Tonight we’re going out as a group to RSL here in Longreach.

Tell you more in a few days’ time. Maybe when we reach Airlie Beach.

Here Bernie checks out some specials at ACE Drapery in Roma. Ya gotta see it to believe it!

These toilets at Morven (180 km west of Roma) helped decorate the place.

We enjoyed our stay at Barcaldine. These 2 brolgas were around to say cheerio to us as we departed for Longreach.

Wellshot was the name of a large pastoral holding and also the name of the town till they changed it to Ilfracombe. The pub had a whole bunch of hats pinned to the walls, with names of owners neatly attached.

Here's our gang (minus me of course) having happy hour.
When we visited Stockmans Hall of Fame in Longreach, Luke (pictured here), told us a bunch of yarns, did some riding and gave us a good intro/background to the Outback.