THURSDAY 11 - SATURDAY 13.07.2013: Left Winton and headed further north west. We had travelled for klms with very, very, very flat scenery and all of a sudden we came across these mesas and buttes - little out of context. Stayed at the Kynuna East Rest Area (18km east of Kynuna - population: 96).
Onward to The Blue Heeler Hotel at Kynuna. The 'Blue Heeler' Hotel was established in the 1860's as a staging point for Cobb & Co. Coaches. 'Banjo' Paterson recorded in 'Golden Water', that through this window he saw Macphersons of Dagworth pass champagne 'to those very shearers' who had burnt their woolshed, wool and 143 young 'jumbucks'. This extraordinary event ended the great shearers strike of 1894 and began the legend of 'Waltzing Matilda'. The song was baptised at the Blue Heeler Hotel with that champagne in January 1895. |
| BLUE HEELER HOTEL |
Carole has been clocking up her driving hours in preparation for our longer drives, but we have had to implement a "Peel three tiered driving program":
1. Just drive.
2. Drive and wave and/or acknowledge oncoming traffic.
3. Drive, wave and glance at scenery without driving toward the feature - ah the wonders of power steering!
Stopped for petrol and across our path strolled two brolgas. Later in the day Carole spotted a wild camel, but unfortunately we were unable to take a photo. We have been so lucky to see all the animals that we have puddling round in their natural habitat.
Drove through the town of McKinlay (population: 20) which had its biggest moment of fame (so far), when it played a role in the internationally acclaimed Australian movie 'Crocodile Dundee' and its sequels. The Walkabout Creek Hotel (first called the Federal Hotel), has existed since the 1900's - had to stop for a drink! Stayed the night at the Fullarton River North Rest Area. 
Moved onto the Fountain Springs Rest Area - found a great spot. Around 9.00pm a car pulled up next to us and out jumped four 'youngins' who erected a tent what felt like, under our awning! Two slept in the tent, the other two in the car - the 'cougher' unfortunately chose the tent! So glad the dogs did not require a toilet stop during the night otherwise we had visions of having to excuse ourselves and step over the tent to exit the motorhome - they were noisily gone by 8.00am.
FOOTNOTE: We may need to have Shayden shod once we hit the Northern Territory. Oh the burrs, stones and harsh grasses are all too much for a delicate soul to handle - Madison as usual is unaffected!
It was just out of Kynuna where Ian & I broke a spring on our very first little caravan as we crossed one of the many cattle grids while headed to Mt. Isa just after we were married. Stayed the night there & have very pleasant memories of the Pub. We always stopped their on our trips back to the Isa. One day I hope to see it again. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteAt this stage I seem to have caught up with all your blogs so as it is 18th July today, I would say you would have reached Cloncurry by now or maybe even Mt Isa. Mary Kathleen was a great picnic spot on way to Mt Isa from Cloncurry - might be something of interest there. While at Mt Isa, and you have time, try and find 5 Boyd Parade - that was our home. It is on the way in to town, off the main drag. We turned right at an intersection just after a shopping Centre on way in (left hand side) that had a Supermarket called "Medley's". Be blowed if I can remember the name of the street you turn off on - Townly or something with Town in it I think. Try and go out to Lake Moondara (Mt Isa's water supply)and check that out. Great for swimming, skiing and fishing. We had many a picnic out there. Enjoy!! Go to the Lookout with the BIG Signpost pointing all over the world. xxxxx
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately we have already left Mt Isa, now in Camooweal. Take care.
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