It was cold last night but I was tucked up nice and warm in a comfy bed thanks to Marla’s Traveller’s Rest and even better managed to get a great nights sleep. Awake early again, I just get ready and hit the road. If I didn’t know better I’d say there was snow in the air – it was that cold.

just looks cold too..

Out on the highway you can really feel the impact of the cold and the wind this morning but the next stop is Coober Pedy, so there’s no use complaining about it. By the time I get to Cadney Park the wind is already really strong and I was wishing I’d put my First Gear Soft Shell jacket on underneath also. But the wind is so strong that just trying to keep Angel upright is a struggle so there is no way I am going to stop just now.

and the road changes

looks a bit yukky

from the cockpit

Watching the landscape change from green/brown colours to the rich strong reds and off whites of Coober Pedy is magnificent and also a welcoming sight. The wind is getting stronger and just turning off the highway is a muscle job. Into the Shell Roadhouse for fuel, breakky and to put on my First Gear Soft Shell jacket. Last time I was here, I was rushing to get to a loo – toot sweet….LOL!

breakfast of champions….Vegemite on toast

I have service – YAY!!! So I take the opportunity to call Karl & my folks to let them know I’m OK before braving the elements of the winds again.

cos you have too!!

The next stop is Glendambo and I tell you there is nothing (town wise) in between. There are the rest stops (some with loos most without)and truck stops but to be quite honest with you…..there is no way I am stopping in these conditions.

Imagine leaning it into a sweeper and riding like that for 254 kays (that’s how far it was between stops)and battling the extreme head and cross winds. It’s tiring and taking it’s toll on my L shoulder, and R arm and hand. You think a workout at the gym is hard try riding these conditions….it’s unbelievable.

Finally into Glendambo for fuel and a comfort stop but there is no dilly dallying, I want to get out of this weather and into a warm cabin somewhere.

Glendambo

Glendambo Roadhouse….Always stop at the BP

Road Trains today have been in abundance, I reckon I’ve passed about 150 of them (that’s combined oncoming and overtaking). Usually I can gauge their speed and mach it to eliminate the wash afterwards but not today. The combination winds are playing havoc and the trucks are all running differently today. Usually they all sit about 5-10 kays above the limit but today they are all over the shop and it’s an absolute struggle to maintain speed and hold Angel in a straight line and on my side of the road without getting sucked into them as they pass. SCAREY!!

I haven’t taken pics today cos it’s just way to dangerous to stop anywhere or take pics with the camera hanging around my neck (which is what I usually do). You really need two hands on today.

Contemplating my next stop, I decided to make an unscheduled stop at Spuds Roadhouse in Pimba. Pulled up to the bowser and getting off Angel the wind is so extreme it actually pushed me off her instead. The air feels like ice and I’m thankful there’s no rain. But still, I am frozen to the core….brrrr.

However, I speak to soon and it starts to sprinkle and I hope it doesn’t get any stronger. My arm/hand are really starting to ache now and I can’t get to Port Augusta quick enough. About 50 kays out it starts to rain….argh! NO please don’t do this to me – thankfully it doesn’t last long but it does leave this beautiful rainbow for me to follow all the way to Port Augusta.

Find the Shoreline Caravan Park so I can get a cabin and do some washing. I’ve stayed here before so there was no need to complete all the paperwork stuff. Funny thing is, I get the same cabin Karl and I had when we did my SS1600 a few years ago. Laundry duties completed and I ordered in pizza for dinner.

a womans work is never done!

Heading to Broken Hill tomorrow and have teed catching up with some FarRider friends for a bit.

Need to rest these weary bones and muscles….I feel like the leaning tower of Kimmie.

I was awake early again after a disturbing nights sleep in Wycliffe Wells (must’ve been something to do with the UFO stuff…) and then the alarm went off…… 🙁

Up and go! I gotta tell you, the mornings up here are unbelievable and today was very fresh and I met with another amazing sunrise. Sorry didn’t get a pic, but you won’t be disappointed with these few. I stopped on a bridge (yeah, I know naughty girl) but there was no-one else on the road.

Views from the bridge

South of Wycliffe Wells.

There are no words to describe those shots – you had to be there – you had to experience the almighty power this view gave me.

There is a breeze this morning and I didn’t put my liner in but had my cardi on so it wasn’t too bad – refreshing, I’d say.

There were so many nice morning shots today….I couldn’t help myself.

warming sun on my back….noice!

I was chatting to some nomads last night and they’d mentioned you couldn’t get fuel in Ti-Tree as the roadhouse was a crime scene….(concerning). Anyway, I re-jigged my plan and decided to stop in Barrow Creek. I didn’t know there was the Old Telegraph Station there.

Barrow Creek telegraph Station

And the most expensive fuel in Australia – I reckon, well the most I’ve paid for fuel.

Yikes!! Imagine paying this every week.

Lucky I only needed to top up. And when I went inside to pay, this is what I found.

Inside Barrow Creek Pub/servo

Down the road a bit, I could see this cow standing in the middle of my lane. Naturally I slowed down and though I’ll grab a pic of it just standing there. However, the closer I got to the cow/bull, the nastier it looked and wasn’t happy with me being there. Now since I’d slowed down so as not to scare the thing, I gingerly started to approach it and then HOLY COW!!!!! It started to run AT me!! With my heart pumping with fear I wound on the throttle and high tailed it out there….Angels got more horsies than you got cow power…..scary moment overted.

A quick stop at the John Stuart Memorial.

John Stuart Memorial – on the Stuart highway naturally.

Just out of Ti-Tree I come across this most unusual road sign???????   I must admit though I did have a giggle, but it is truly for real. There are people that just wander on the road and they are difficult to see at times.

NT road signs are a bit strange at times…

In the roadhouse, the police were sitting in there and the place was deserted. Then on the outskirts of town I come across this…………WOO HOO “unlimited speed limit”.

“unlimited” speed limit sign

It takes a bit to get to speed (around $1.30) before stretching Angels legs a bit. You can’t go stupid here, you have to be mindful of the elements around you and ride to the conditions. The breeze is picking up the closer I head towards Alice Springs but I managed to sit on a comfortable $1.50 for most of the way.

The kilometres just disappear at that speed and before long I reach Aileron for my next fuel.  Before reaching Aileron, a police car went flying past me (he must’ve been doing close to $1.80) and then we played tag a couple of times. All the time I kept in the back of my mind “he can stop you if he thinks you aren’t riding safe”. I didn’t need to worry cos at one point he gave me a wave.

“Walkabout Man” in Aileron

The wind has really picked up now and it’s cold. I figure I’d stop in Alice for a coffee and to put my liner in, however before then I had to stop at the Tropic of Capricorn.

Tropic of Capricorn

I get fuel in Alice and really need a comfort stop and a jumper but other than going right into town to find something I thought I’d get something on the way out. Bugger me if there wasn’t a flaw in my cunning plan…..there were no other stops. I pulled over on the side of the road and rang Karl to let him know I was ok and I’d ring him tonight from wherever I was.  Anyway I grabbed a pic before turning and heading for Erldunda.

Good-bye Alice Springs

It’s only 180 kays to Erldunda and 243 kays to Kulgera. My plan was to go to Erldunda and stop the night and do my washing as I have run out of clothes. The wind is getting stronger and I’m getting colder but I decided to push on….harden up Kimmie.

How far???

I wish you could see how strong the wind is….maybe the swirls of the clouds can give you an idea.

strong winds

Into Erldunda for lunch and it’s only 1:13pm – I’ve made really good time. I shudder from cold when I get off and go in for a toasted sambo and a cuppa tea to warm up. It’s too early to stop and I decide to push on through to Marla and hopefully get a room. This time before heading off I put the liner in my jacket and don the winter gloves – yeah!

Erldunda service centre

Can you believe I am here???  WOW!!

Still a long way from home.

A quick photo stop in Kulgera. I thought I was going to get blown off when trying to dismount Angel. Poor Smurfette was hanging on for grim life.

Kulgera

The Border Crossing

and on this side

Hello SA

Thanks to a nice older gentleman for taking the pics for me.

No time to dally, it’s getting colder and I still have 150 kays to go, if I wanna get into Marla before 4:30pm. The wind is so strong now – I’m riding right into head winds and cross winds which is taking me all my strength to hang on. I fight the elements all the way to Marla as I watch the sky change and hope that there isn’t rain in the clouds.

Finally into freezing Marla at 4:15pm and manage to get a room and a hot shower. Go to do the washing and there is no dryer so I’ll have to find somewhere tomorrow. Poo!

Anyway time to say good night and let’s see what tomorrow brings (hopefully the weather gods will be kinder to me).

A tiring day yesterday, made for a night where sleep didn’t take long to come along. In the morning though, I expected to be the only FarRider left at Daly Waters. What a pleasant surprise to see that Klaus, Michael & Lynne had all slept in J

I was staying in the room called “Faith in Australia”….maybe a sign to have a little “Faith” in myself.

“Faith” in Kimmie

says it all…

Packed up ready to head south – homeward bound, but not before a final pic.

Farewell Daly Waters

What a beautiful day, the sun’s out, the birds are squawking and I’m in a great mood. However once again, I am reminded of how far from home I really am. The red dirt up here reigns supreme and gets into everything (something I don’t think I’m going to miss).

pointed in the right direction

Up the road I catch up with Michael & Lynne.

Michael & Lynne

Oh look, that rider is following us again……LOL, Smurfette you are so funny. It’s beautiful riding today and I have a good rhythm going.

that mystery rider….lol

Mick & Lynne pull of the road to go look at something (I can’t remember what it is). I pull up alongside them and we say our good-byes but not before I get another pic of friends.

Lynne & Michael

Into Renner Springs for fuel and a bite to eat. Just a little something for those heading that way in future – fuel is available 24 hours.

Renner Springs 24hr fuel

Parked safely on a flat spot with minimal gravel.

parked safely.

While I’m waiting for my breaky, Klaus pulls in and while having breaky these guys pull in. Friends together again.

again…….

We all get on the road again and different intervals. Michael, Lynne & Klaus are stopping at Threeways before turning left and heading east to Barkly and or Camooweal. I am heading south to Wycliffe Wells today though. I pulled over for this pic, the wide beauty of our land.

magnificent

A quick stop at the John Flynn memorial at Threeways before a road train I can see in my mirrors gets to me.

John Flynn Memorial

A quick toot toot to Michael & Lynne at the roadhouse before stopping just up the road for this pic. Sorry Diesel this is the closest I could do.

which way?…..easy south

The long and winding it ain’t into Tennant Creek – it’s long and straight as an arrow, reddish and harsh. Fuel and a short snack break before heading on down the road.

Tennant Creek

I’d decided to stop at the Devils Marbles on the way. Now I’d stopped here previously but never really got the chance to have a look around. This time I took the opportunity.

Devils Marbles

The rock formations here are absolutely amazing. Not one is the same or even remotely similar and the colours are sensational. Ii chat to some nomads while here and they are impressed and amazed that I am travelling back home on my own.

Devils Marbles

See, I did venture off down a couple of the tracks.

touristing..

Then there is this warning sign! However, it seems the nomads all don’t think this is reality – all their dogs are off leads.

warning warning…..

Another great formation with a beautiful spot of colour.

amazing formations

Only 20 kays down the road and I arrive at Wycliffe Wells.

Wycliffe Wells Big 4 Caravan Park

It’s still early afternoon but relatively warm however to push on would be silly, as the next few town are not advisable to stay at. I get a really nice motel room and I’m even able to park Angel undercover for the night. Unpacked and I do another pre-flight check.

tucked away nicely..

3 x King single beds all to myself. I felt like jumping on them all….LOL!!

comfy

After I got settled, Smurfette and I thought we’d go for a walk through the caravan park. They have a few animals and this black rooster that just roams around as he likes.

Frances the donkey – he didn’t talk though.

Frances

Thankfully this fella was in his pen and not able to chase us, although he was a tad inquisitive.

Eddy Emu.

Smurfette decided she just wanted to hang about for a while…..lol

just hanging around

I couldn’t believe my eyes – Elvis! Smurfette begged me for a photo…..I mean it is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Elvis – he does live!!

Now, Wycliffe Wells is the UFO Capital of Australia so it was no surprise to find all the campsites with the following site signs.

spooky!!

See, Aliens really do exist.

be afraid, be very afraid

Smurfette insisted.

oh dear.

The two of us having a great old afternoon relaxing.

a good afternoon

On our wondering around the park we chatted to quite a few nomads, swapping stories of our adventures and out planned travels. Thank goodness we did, cos we were advised that the next planned fuel stop is currently closed due to police investigation into a robbery…

A nice hot shower and an early night.

The plan is we all decided last night to leave at 5:00am and ride out together with all lights blazing. I’d already teed up (in the week prior to) to ride out with Fatman (Michael) & Lynne the Pillion so I wasn’t riding in the dark hours on my own but as it turned out I had Frans (and his Lunar landing lights) as a lead and Michael & Lynne running behind me making sure I was safe and sound – thanks guys!!! You have no idea how much I appreciated it.

I got a fright this morning when this big white Brahma cow turned it’s head and it’s eyes lit up in my lights….YIKES!! Really makes things so real that there could be anything out there in the darkness waiting for you.

To dark to take pics so this is our first stop for a quick (not) breakky at the BP Katherine.

Breakky stop Katherine.

Up the road a bit and motoring along nicely.

The Stuart Highway and greenery.

A properly bridge and a lovely sunny morning….excellent! The roads up here are undergoing repairs at various stages  but you do get these nice stretches.

almost civilisation… hehehe

What’s this????   Traffic lights!!  Yeah, to right – darn road works. I pull up beside Frans and Jeannie with Klaus and Korn behind us. We are stuck there for approx 4 minutes in the blaring sun – slowly cooking us…..hurry up!!!!

roads work traffic lights…argh!

Korn & Klaus ran in the rear group for the morning. Nice blokes too!!!

Korn & Klaus

How can you not take pic after pic of this scenery. In this shot are more termite mounds (they just go for miles and miles).

Beautiful – The Outback

Into Adelaide River for our second fuel stop and I need to take a layer off…..so I do a little tease….lol (pic courtesy of Michael).

future career…..NOT!

Another pic just for good measure….see the smile – awesome.

Happy Kimmie

It’s really hot now and as you can see there have been fires through here recently. I think there are still fires burning somewhere cos you can smell and taste the smoke. As it turns out the RFS are conducting a back burning exercise just down the road.

results of a controlled burn.

MADE IT!!!!! YAY!!!!!  Litchfield Pub, Darwin River Rd, Darwin River – FRN#1 completed with 1016kms done and dusted.

all lined up in the carpark at Litchfield Pub

I think there were 16 riders and 3 pillions all up. An excellent turnout for this epic event!

A couple of pics of the attendees

Cuddles, Henk, Craig and Brett (with his back to us)

The group line up

Another proof shot to show you “I DID IT” !!! To say I’m feeling just a little bit proud of myself is an understatement. I’m feeling quite emotional really.

I MADE IT!!!

The group shot – FarRide North #1 – Finishers. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

FRN#1 Finishers!!! Well Done 🙂

The HOT Girly shot.

Lynne and me

I’m a long way from home.

I’m a long way from Kansas, Toto….

But how hot is it…..sweltering! No matter what though, all the riders are suited up safely – ATGATT.

The plan back to Daly Waters was to ride with Michael & Lynne and here we are stopped yet again at another set of road works traffic lights.

Michael “Fatman” & Lynne “Lynne the Pillion”

We stopped again at Adelaide River for fuel and a well deserved icy pole – thanks Lynne xx This time though I douse my t-shirt and neck tube to help with my own cooling system inside my jacket. It’s so hot and I had to stop Fatman from telling me what temperature it was (otherwise I think I would’ve just died).

Next stop Katherine again for fuel and another break to recharge the batteries with liquid – boy it’s hot. I get my wet t-shirt comp going again and we are off.

Hi Katherine….again

Fatman & Lynne are into history and they’d said they wanted to stop at the Elsey Cemetery we passed on the way up – all right by me (it’s just off the side of the road – right)

Elsey Cemetery, Mataranka

Well it wasn’t on the side…..it was 8 kms down this shitty little road that had the baby skippies and Brahma cows out…..yikes!! But we made it there and I was cursing Fatman when we got off (as you can see it’s a gravel) and I need a wee like real urgent. How lovely is nature when you need to tend to the call of nature…..lol (well except for the Brahma cows that were heading my way while I was busy – they’ll just have to shut there eyes, cos I wasn’t moving).

the carpark at Elsey Cemetery

As remote as it is….it’s beautiful watching the sun go down.

as the sun goes down

After a look around and I’m sure Fatman & Lynne will elaborate on the stop, we get back out on the road and head into the setting sun.

I was starting to get worried cos I knew we would be getting back in the dark….argh!!! As the sun starts to sink below the tree line the wildlife start to venture out – not my idea of fun. Before long we are running with all our lights on and soon catch up to Frans with his lunar landing lights leading the way (again). I probably sat a little close to Fatman with my lights on but my flood light is not hitting the mark, my visor is splattered with bugs to the point I can barely see through it.

The last 70 kays were absolutely terrifying but we made it – safe and sound back to Daly Waters.

Lynne asks what I plan to do – and I prompty replied “eat, I’m fucken hungry”. Sorry about the language.

Klaus joined us and we shared our separate plans for tomorrow before, saying our hoo-roos and all headed off to bed.

Had the best nights sleep yet!!! YAY! Was feeling good and organised, even managed to get away a little earlier today. This was due to practicing for ages last night on how to use the ratchet strap!  My feet became great things to strap together and work out how to feed the strap so that the ratchet mechanism actually worked….LOL!!! Who’d have thought something so simple could be so confusing. As the sun rises, look at the change in the colour of Mt Isa.

Mt Isa

It’s not as cool or cold this morning as every other day since I left home, so not as many layers today. About 5 kays outta town and I’m greeted with this.

Sunrise in Mt Isa

Good morning Mt Isa!….NO….Good Morning Kimmie & Smurfette!!!!

There’s a lot of traffic out this morning considering it’s only 7:30am but it doesn’t matter, I’m just taking my time. And why wouldn’t you when you get to look at views like this.

Spectacular views

Smurfette tapped me on the back this morning and said “Kimmie these people on a motorbike keep following us this morning”….I had to laugh and tell her it’s only our shadow. Watching the colours around us change was outstanding this morning. It’s something you don’t get to see back home and with the view I had, well, who’s complaining.

our shadow….lol

It’s only 8:00am but you can already feel the day heating up. The road is pretty straight out here with the odd sneaky rise that almost sends you airborne when hit it at $1.20. There’s very few structures about out here but I did come across this beautiful rustic working windmill – just there in the middle of nowhere…..well the Barkly Highway actually.

Barkly Highway Windmill

About 30 kays out of Camooweal I approached this road train. Now every road train I’ve encountered in QLD has courteously blinked me through when things are safe. However, not this guy – he just sat there doing less than 100kph. It took me ages to take him as there were a few nomads out early this morning too.

slow road train….aargh!

Finally into Camooweal and I take the local (and only) pub photo before heading to the BP Roadhouse for fuel and some breakfast.

Camooweal Hotel

After filling up, I found the perfect place to park Angel only to find this sign……….

the best spot in town – apparently not 🙁

Just like they were reading my mind….they obviously have had many motorcyclists think it too was the perfect spot….LOL

Anyway, I go inside and have breakfast and as I’m getting up another rider walks in and says “are you a FarRider”, “sure am” I say and we introduce ourselves….It’s Klaus and he looks tired (but that’s a story he can tell you). Anyway, I joined him for a chat while he had his breakky before we said our hoo-roos and see you in Daly Waters.

Celebration today…..it’s Angels BIRTHDAY….150,000 years old – well done girl!!!! You don’t look a day over 15,000.

Happy 150,043 kays Birthday Angel!

I couldn’t stop earlier cos the roadside just doesn’t cater for stopping. Just after here I see the first Mr Plod since I left home (lucky I was doing the 110kph limit for QLD 🙂 )

Across the border and there’s a nice rest stop to grab a pic. Now don’t be jealous, I can speed here LEGALLY…..LOL 130 kph here we come (note to self, watch the fuel consumption).

Northern Territory border

I know it looks desolate but really there is so much out here. Spinifex roll across the roads, eagles are sawing high with enormous wing spans and the forever changing colour palette. How can you not love it!

views for miles….

This is sitting outside the Telstra sub-station/exchange on the way to Barkly. I didn’t think Telstra would get so much mail out this way….lol

Telstra mail box?

Into Barkly Homestead at 12:26pm having completed 450 kays for the day and I’m feeling pretty good with myself.  Smurfette, Angel and I are staying here tonight and greatful cos the heat of the day is starting to sting and I need to get some layers off.

the sky also provides spectacular views.

Fuelled up and ready for tomorrow and time to find my cabin (which isn’t ready yet) so I strip off on the verandah behind the tree….hehehe. A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.

Made it! Barkly Homestead

Smurfette asked “Kimmie what’s it like being in that helmet all the time?” So I gave her a go for a bit…….she had a smile on her face but I’m not quite sure she’d enjoy being confined.

it’s a little big for her..maybe I should get Smurfette her own.

Finally into our cabin and Smurfette and I kick back and relax in the air-conditioning while we wait for Frans and Jeannie to arrive. As you can see, I’m feeling much better about this adventure and knowing that I’ll be seeing friends today has lifted my spirits.

While I’m waiting a couple of fellow riders on their way back to Brisbane pull in for fuel. They have matching F800GSA’s but they are in varied conditions. You can tell who looks after their bike and who doesn’t.

F800GSA travellers

Just an idea of where we are…..

perspective..

I had to go here….

Ladies he he he only…

Inside the restaurant of the Roadhouse is spectacular – this is where I’ll be having dinner tonight.

Barkly bar & restaurant

Tucked up in my cabin with a view of the west bound traffic, I take the opportunity to type this up while I wait to see Frans and Jeannie pull in (who arrived around 2:30pm). What a pleasant sight for my tired old eyes!!! I ran across the concourse and gave them the biggest hug. YAY!! Friends!!!  Makes the world of difference to me.

We meet for dinner and have a great feed (the food here is awesome). I have lamb loin chops with roasted veggies $29.00 and was restaurant quality. Considering where you are in relation to any major town you can’t complain about the prices.

selfie

The obligatory selfie. Frans and Jeannie are one of the many generous people I have the pleasure of calling “friend”. I don’t have phone service and Frans kindly offers his phone to call Karl and Mum and Dad (all who have been worried about me). I was happy to use the pay phone but Frans insists and I can’t thank him enough. He says “I am a dad too and I would want to know you are OK” – Thanks Frans!!! Xxx

The sun is setting and what a magnificent spectacular – you can’t beat an outback sunset or sunrise for that matter.

Barkly sunset

Barkly sunset

We chat and compare our plans for the first ever FarRide North #1 – Darwin River. I had a plan but after talking with Frans and Jeannie, I ask can I run with their first half plan (which was almost my ride day for tomorrow but without a docket). It’s amazing how a small detour can make the difference to your plan without impacting your ride (something to note for future plans).

Anyways, it’s time to sleep and as I always have the camera handy couldn’t resist this shot back to my cabin.

a peaceful night.

Well, i slept a bit better last night after chatting with Karl, Mum & Dad and Kimmo – thanks guys xxxx

So this morning was up and just took my time – don’t stress and I’ll be fine. It’s very windy this morning and it took all my strength to hold Angel upright.

Very windy on the way to Winton

Smurfette and I decided that we wanted a stop in Winton (a friend was recently there) and thought The Waltzing Matilda Centre for breakfast was the go. Raisin toast and a hot chocolate and we are good!

Breakfast in Winton

This is the home of Banjo Paterson and they have this bronzed statue of him outside the centre.

Banjo Paterson

Now, there are signs everywhere saying there are Dinosaurs a foot……I don’t believe them

Dinosaurs….rubbish…lol

On the road again and the road surface leaves a lot to be desired. Although the scenery although doesn’t look much is spectacular.

Suns out but cold & windy

You can see for miles out here and at least today I am seeing nomads travelling and road trains. All of who are very courteous.

As far as the eye can see

Above is pretty much the view all the way to Kynuna. I wanted to get a pic in Kynuna of the Blue Heeler Hotel, however the verge of the road had a 4-5 inch drop off and there was no way I was doing that into gravel. Instead I got fuel at the roadhouse, had a snack and drink and meet a new friend…..isn’t she cute!!  Her parents are travelling to Darwin too, so who knows I might see them again 🙂

Shandi…little cutie

Into McKinlay and the home of Crocodile Dundees Walkabout Creek Hotel. As hot as it was and as much as I’d have loved to stop and go inside for a bit, I needed to get to Isa before dusk.

Walkabout Creek Hotel

It’s amazing how quickly the landscape changes from flat as a tack to hills, mountains, boulders. This is about 70 kms from McKinlay (I pulled up in a truck stop).

the landscape changed

60 kms from Mt Isa is the memorial to Burke & Wills. I didn’t even know it was there until I saw the sign, so I had to pull in. Grabbed a pic and a nomad got my attention and asked if I wanted a cuppa tea. How thoughtful, but I need to keep moving.

Burke & Wills memorial

YAY!!! I made it – Mt Isa here I am. It’s been along hot, windy day and I’m feeling a wind blown and sun kissed.

Mt Isa – hello!

So, here is where I am tonight – Mt Isa Caravan Park in a little studio cabin (which is brand new I might ad).

Mt Isa Caravan Park

Off to the Overlander Hotel for some dinner and a drink before everyone arrives for the State of Origin (which is apparently on tonight). Home made lasagne….I think not!

Overlander Hotel

As the sun goes down over the rock face behind the hotel.

ever changing colours of the rock

And now here I am doing my washing in caravan  park laundry and typing my adventure for you all to read. An easy night tonight.

Sweet dreams all.

Sweety – I MISS YOU!!!! Love you lots xxxxxxxxxxx

Well the winds blew last night like Calamity Janes “Windy City” but the little tent stood fast. It was freezing though. I had to get up and put half my wardrobe on to keep warm……(Kimmo – hippo pj’s fashion statement, well I did better….lol). Somebody decided to leave the TV on in their motor home on LOUD all night so wasn’t the greatest sleep.

But then I wake up to this just after 7:30am

Good morning Longreach

So today is my day off!! Hoping to clear the head and start to relax. Had a chat to Karl and the folks and after speaking with them at length was feeling a bit better about things. At the end of the day “it’s just a road” as Davo said and it will be here another time if I decide to pull the pin.

Today I’m doing touristy things, so off I went to the Stockmans Hall of Fame.

Stockmans Hall of Fame

The grounds here are lovely and the building….I’ll get to that later.

Inside there is so much to look at and really you could spend the entire day here if you read everything  but I don’t have that long. Artists of all kinds have work displayed, like this carving of a “Ringer” from beechwood (I think).

Timber carving of a Ringer

This place is HUGE and you can see the time and dollars that people have put in there to make it look spectacular. The galleries (as they’re called) spiral round the inside of the building.

Full length of the Hall of Fame

There’s different section dedicated to The Stockman, families, pioneers, the stock and horses and the utility and medical services, each one unique and showcased beautifully.

This statue of a horse is made from chains, sprockets, spring, nuts, bolts and other truck,tractor, car basically mechanical bits they had. It’s pretty amazing up close.

Mechanical Horse…lol

The impressive building itself!

The Hall of Fame

A bronze status of “The Ringer” commissioned to mark the opening of the Stockmans Hall of Fame in the Bicentennial year.

Bronze statue of “The Ringer”

There are so many more photos but I guess you’ll just have to go for yourself.

Then it was off across the road to the Qantas Founders Museum.  Again you could spend the whole day here ready stuff so I took lots of photos instead. Karl would so love this place. So these are for you Sweety.

Rolls Royce engine

These things (RR engines) are enormous and I could probably stand in the front opening (but I thought I might get in trouble)….

As you can imagine being Qantas there are planes of all types everywhere, even miniatures travelling around the ceiling suspended on tracks. Don’t ask me what they are but they are impressive non the less.

Outside the actual museum, there is an Original Hanger with all sorts of mechanical know how in it. The size of the hanger in itself is impressive…..if only we had a shed that big…..lol

Inside The Original Hanger

Considering how old these planes are they are in reasonable condition (on the surface anyways).

One of the 3 planes they had in there

Now this is high quality interior design if I ever saw it! This is in the inside of a 1929 Qantas single engine. The pilot sat at the rear of the plane in a fighter style cockpit (which you weren’t allowed in). What made this special and I’m sure you paid extra for, was it had a toilet on board (yep that’s it just up the front behind that partition) and only held 6 passengers…..luxury!

Modern 1929 Qantas plane

Of yes, the sign I should’ve taken a photo of before I entered instead of after…..doh!

Qantas Original Hanger

Outside the museum id the Qantas Empire Airways plane, gleaming in todays sunshine.

Qantas Empire Airways

A spot of lunch in the museum before heading into town to check out the Cobb & Co store (where I only bought a hat badge) before heading back to camp to do some work.

It would be remiss of me not to look after Angel, so I conducted my pre-flight goings over in the blazing sun. With that completed it was time to have a bit of a relax myself.

Chillaxing!!!

with my book and a bit of rest. Just what the doctor ordered.

Somewhere in between I seem to have misplaced the ensuite key. I’m sure I’ll find it but just now it’s hiding in a reaaaally good spot. Lucky they had a spare for me…thanks Jenny.

A lovely Thai chicken and cashew nut dinner in The Woolshed Restaurant (onsite) and a surprise and very welcome phone call from a special friend. Thanks heaps for caring and taking the time to have a chat to me…. It’s wonderful to know that I have such wonderful friends when you aren’t at your best.

In saying that, I have met some fantastic grey nomads so far. Of course they all ask “where’s your hubby” to which I reply “at home” and the look of OMG on their faces is amazing. When they find out what I am doing and how far I have come on my own they are I don’t know…I don’t have the words for it. But they tell me, I’m amazing, inspirational and brave (to say a few) but I am just me. I don’t consider myself any of these but then again as I was reminded today maybe I am just a bit of all these and that I should be very proud of myself for what I have achieved and what I am doing (not many females would do this).

Anyhoos, it’s getting late so I’ll say good night and catch you all later.

Note to self – don’t stop in Augathella again. Up and packed had to get some help with the ratchet strap then off (a little later than planned again).

It’s cold this morning but I thought it would get warmer the further north I headed – was I mistaken. The wind had some strength and a big bite to it.

It’s windy

I had to stop in Tambo to put on my wet weather jacket cos I was freezing. The clouds had been coming over dark now for a bit and I thought I was gonna get rain. Instead it was dewy mist – thankfully.

Tambo

Wildlife is not to bad this morning and the next stop is Blackall for fuel and a snack. Check for service to ring my Sweety – but nothing 🙁

Feeling very alone even with Smurfettes company

It’s been hard riding again and the wildlife as the morning goes on increases to the point that I wonder why I am doing this. Eau de wildlife is the frangrance of the day and the live ones are scaring the bejesus out of me. I know you don’t like to hear negative things but I’m not enjoying this ride. I don’t know why as I’ve done huge hauls like this before, but something about this is…well, upsetting me. Wish I had Karl with me.

Anyway, come into this little town in the middle of nowhere called Ilfracombe. They have all this amazing machine set up along the side of the road. Thought Karl might like this one.

Ilfracombe Machinery

Finally into Longreach, find my spot (with ensuite) and set up camp. Took me an hour and a half to pitch the tent in the sun. The ground is soooo hard I had trouble driving the tent pegs in.  Little did I know all the grey nomads where watching me in disbelief of what I was doing. I kindly gentleman came over and said “do you need a hand love”. All I could say was the peg bent! To which he wondered over and came back with a couple of spares he found and gave them to me….one is much stronger than mine and drive in after a little less persuasion.

Camp Kimmie – gourmet

Into town to get some drink and The Cobb & Co Coach rolls by

Cobb & Co stagecoach

Tonight I’m doing the Kinnon Thompson River Dinner Cruise and Light Spectacular. Thisis only 8km out of town but look……you really are in the middle of nowhere.

In the bus on the way to the river

Captain Jack meets us and gives us the safety talk before boarding.

Captain Jack

Waving good-bye to his land help – BTW, they are all dressed in outback period clobber – fantastic.

Bye now

On the paddle wheeler, I met so many new people. They were all amazed at my gusto of riding around (well part) Oz on my own to have lunch with friends. “You’re going to Darwin just to have lunch” was the common comment. But it was the looks on their faces that got me….lol

On the Paddlewheeler

Now, I took so many photos it’s hard to pick one to show you how beautiful the river and scenery was but here’s a couple.

Spectacular Thompson River

Sunset on the Thompson

Back on dry land and Scotty & Jeremy start the show before dinner is ready.

Scotty & Jeremy

Dinner tonight was bushmans stew with bread followed by an apricot Danish with custard – beautiful.

Dinner is served

After dinner the crew continue with the show which includes the pet rooster. He’s enormous as you can see……lol

The Rooster

Warming by the fire

We are then asked to enter the outback theatre for the Starlight Spectacular (no cameras allowed is explained due to copy right). What a great show.

The only photo allowed

It tells the tale of a “duffy” a castle rustler who stole cattle a bit at a time and then drove them almost to Adelaide (sorry I can’t remember the town). It’s animated, real life, narrated by Jimmy and painted but not in the sense of a painting. These painting by a local artist now in his 70’s come to life and pop off the screen and move and evolve as the pages of the picture book turn – truly amazing. Thisis something if you come to Longreach you HAVE TO DO!

Time to say goodnight but not before I get a pic with Jeremy the young stockman come story teller.

Me & Jeremy

Back to camp around 9:40pm and into my tent…..brrr.

Did I sleep well in the tent – not to bad until 5:00am when Neville the neighbouring dog decided to bark non-stop for the next hour and a half….argh!! Never mind I got up and started to pack which took me way longer than I expected. I suppose cos everything was wet and sandy and cold. Can’t complain though, I got to see this beautiful start to the day.

Good morning Lightning Ridge

Anyway on the road, but not far and I have to stop to re-attach the left pannier. The road is so bumpy, I fell like a milkshake. But you couldn’t tell just looking at the road

This is pretty much it.

The scenery at the moment is nice and green (for here)

Along this stretch of road to Hebel you see all too frequently these signs…. and I kid you not they mean it. Wildlife is in abundance.

Stock road sign. These are REAL!

A watchful ride and I roll through Dirranbandi

Dirranbandi…not much here

Not far out of town and the left pannier which I’ve been watching has detached again. Grey nomads I’d met at LR are all heading in my direction and after playing leap frog with them they catch me as I’m sitting on the side of the road trying to get the pannier to re-connect. They kindly stop and offer their assistance but not much they can do and I thank them but wave them through.

Stopped to re-attach the pannier

Wide Open Spaces…

Into St George for fuel and a ratchet strap for the pannier. While I’m there this gorgeous fella pulls up in front of me.

Dusty

The guy in the servo (who used to ride) was ever so helpful and we got a suitable strap and attached it – thumbs up. Almost lunch so I decided to stop for lunch and a bit of a break. I am fatiguing quickly on this ride as I’m not at my peak ride fitness.

St George to Mitchell and I’m peaking! The wildlife is unbelievable and has me quite fearful cos what you think is a tree suddenly moves. Small shrubs aren’t – they are sheep and as for the eagles, they are huge. I’m forever on and off the throttle and the horn (to scare the birds off the road kill). I don’t recall ever seeing so much road kill in my life and the beautiful Australian outback smells, stay in your nostrils. Maybe there’s a new scent the marketers to do a little something with…. eau de road kill!!! LOL

I had to have a break in Mitchell, but what a nice place to park.

Mitchell Windmill

Fuel at Morven and my nerves on edge from all the wildlife on the roads. I chat to a couple of older fellas who are travelling through to Augathella also for work. They wish me well and get on their way.

Morven servo

Finally I arrive at Augathella (my stop for the night). I stop for a pic and the fellas from Morven pull up alongside me and ask if everything is ok (cos we can lend you a hand love if you need it – no problem). Thanks guys just grabbing a pic – love the outback hospitality.

YAY – Augathella

Get my room key only to discover my budget room is smack bang in the middle of a wet sandy marsh – I don’t think so. There is no way I could get Angel in there safely. So I park in the motel, walk back and ask for an upgrade to the motel with undercover concrete parking.

Upgrade – 5 star? but it was all brand new inside.

No phone or internet service here, so I had to ring Karl from the pay phone (message bank). After an average meal I ring Karl back on the way back to my room. Today has been totally emotionally draining for me and in my message I was in tears. I wish Karl was with me – he is my rock, my inspiration, my bravery and my love.

Sunset Augathella