Travelling thru Blackall & Barcaldine

We called in to the town of Blackall, home of legendary shearer Jack Howe.  He was not only a champion shearer, but was allegedly, the "inventor" of what we now call the bonds "bluey" singlet.   His wife apparently cut off his sleeves from his work shirts to make it more comfortable for him and so the legend was born.   We arrived in town early, with the sole intention of spending quality time at the artesian  bore swimming pool & spa.   Had a ball at the last one, so why not enjoy some soak time again.   Well, the Council in their wisdom, and of course caring for the public, close the pool between the hours of 9.30am and 2.00pm to prevent us from getting UV/cancer rays.   Peak tourist time for travelling thru this town and one of its few touristy things to do and its  closed.  Dont get it at all.   So we had a picnic in the park, toured the short main street and left.

This was just a statue in the park where we had lunch.  Features a young soldier proudly receiving his uniform and slouch hat before going off to war.   This  local soldier received both the Victoria Cross and the Military Medal

Roadworks continue all thru outback Qld.   When we see the state of the roads, especially after the big flooding of 2012 we can understand why the need for so much repair work.  Plus it has to be done before the wet /monsoon season arrives again.   Still there were times when we couldnt travel more than around 70kmh which was frustrating and tiring for Rick.

This is the main Highway, just taking 2000 cattles and about 20 horses along the stock route where the feed on the sides of the road is lush and green.   The lady we sat and had a coffee with, had two small kids 2 and 3 y.o. with her whilst she watched and if necessary jumped on her motorbike to herd up the horses.  Her husband was back about 1km on his stock horse with the cattle.  They were moving about 10-12kms a day.

The couple taking these animals along the stock route, lost 5 cows yesterday when a caravanner ignored all the warning signs that there were animals ahead and on the road, didnt slow down as he approached and hit them.  4 were killed instantly, the 5th had to be shot.  The car was stuffed, the couple got out of it OK, just shaken.    Others  travellers following behind them, said they didnt even brake.

So many kangaroos crossing the road, up to 10 or 12 at a time, we are on the lookout all the time but still far more dead than alive ones.

Camped up on the banks of a weir near Barcaldine.  Fish and turtles in the water.  A friendly kangaroo in the campground plus ducks, hawks, kookaburras, and this lone pelican with the trees reflected in the water.   Very nice spot to stay.  Joined by about 10 others for a very long happy hour as it is too hot in the bus.  36oC whilst Im typing this up.   Feeling so much better now, thank goodness.   We are heading to Longreach and that will be as far as we can afford to go, time wise.  We must start to head the other way, towards the Coast and Maryborough for the Rally.   Havent met a single motorhomer yet who is going there.  Last count, we heard there were about 900 motorhomes registered so should be a biggie.