Isisford-Winton

What an absolutely crazy, incredible, wonderful day!! This morning was very busy, starting of with me running late (partly due to the fact I completely forgot last night to write my notes for my talks today, and having to do them over breakfast) arriving at Longeach State School right on 9. I eventually found my way to Library, and was introduced to the grade 8 teachers. I was warned the kids had been a bit restless during a guest speaker presentation the day before, but I am yet to have a group behave like that when I'm talking, as cocky as that sounds. (I was told after it was because of my selective use of expletives. I called one of my previous employers an arsehole. He was.) They were absolutely great! I did my talk in about 25 minutes, then took questions. Most groups will ask half a dozen questions, maybe a full dozen if they are a particularly inquisitive bunch. I reckon this lot asked 4 or 5. Dozen. I actually had to stop taking questions to get to Ilfracombe. I was so impressed with them. I threw in my usual bit to the boys about before-you-get-in-a-car-without-your-belt-think-about-the-catheters thing. Cracks me up every time. It is such an effective way to get through to them! Especially in a farming environment where there is such a high rate of accidents.
After I rushed out the door of LSS, I headed back towards Ilfracombe. Ilfracombe is a tiny little school, entire population, 32 students. Now that I have said that, I don't think there were even that many. Ruby and Sarah were very helpful, showing me where to go and how to get there. This was a bit different for me, since the youngest kids were 5. I have never done a talk for anyone younger than 7 before. I think I did ok. I kept a pretty close eye on the front row (the littlies) and if they started to look confused, I'd tone it down. And again, I was bombarded with questions. Though due to the young age of many of the students, there were also a few "my uncle hurt is back when he fell off a bike" type stories. But that was ok, all in all, I think we can call it a success!
After a quick lunch with a couple of the teachers, I headed into Longreach. I went and topped up on fuel and gave my car the once over. The men at Shell (or maybe caltex. Not BP) were lovely, they washed my windscreen for me. Twice! I also got a few things I needed, like a tarp (for under my swag) and a kettle (turns out I can't get hot water from a pot, to my hot water bottle) (I didn't actually try this, I'm just using my common sense), then wandered off to the fun shops. I came so close to buying an amazing pair of Ariat cowboy boots. They were black with dark pink stitching and studs. Amazing! But at $260 and with a shop assistant who wouldn't budge on the price, I came away with only a new hat.
After my little shopping spree, I had a doctors appointment. Dr Claudia (I hope I remembered that right) was great. She thinks my boob will be right by Darwin, so we will see. It is looking much better than two days ago. As for my feet, she thinks my left one is going ok, and the right one is also looking good (considering). We didn't need to debride it, which was good. That makes my skin crawl. We went in to see Wendy, and she patched me up again. Both lovely ladies!
Since tonight was my first camping night, I stopped at the IGA on my way out of town and got a few things. I ended up pulling my car apart in the car park trying to get to the esky. Fortunately a nice man helped me put it all back together!
I made an interesting observation leaving Longreach. 

Muttaburra- 4WD only

This explains why a, there were no other cars on the road to Muttaburra, only 4WD's, and b, why the road was so shit.
I had a great drive to Winton, taking just under two hours. When I got here, I went to one of the campsites, but they didn't have accessible bathrooms, so they suggested one of the other campsites. I am so glad they did! Each night at the Matilda, from May to about September, they have a bush poetry night. I went, because I thought, since I'm here, I should be doing these sorts of things. Not because I thought I would enjoy it. Well, I haven't laughed so hard in ages! Mel and Susie did a show made up of their own stuff, and other bush poets. Some was sad, most was hilarious! My only complaint is that I'm now having to go to bed late. I got into Winton about 6, made myself bangers and mash, washed down with Rokordelig. I have discovered I need salt (my spuds tasted rather bland), IGA have rubbish sausages, and I need a wash basin! The people here have been lovely, and very helpful. I had one of those the-world-is-way-to-small moments, when I met my next door neighbours (from tassie) sister in law after the show. She live about ten km from home, and I happened to meet her in outback QLD!! I also had a chat to the people on the table next to me at the show. They saw me at the Stockmans Hall of Fame yesterday!
I had a good chat with Mel, one of the performers, which was really nice. I am looking forward to the girls bringing their show to Tassie...

Some of the many machines on display along the road in Ilfracombe

The 707 on display at the Qantas museum in Longreach.

Well, it's late, I'm tired and sore,I have a big day planned for tomorrow and my swag is nice and warm from my two not-so-hot water bottles! Night everyone!
PS the stars are incredible. And I can hear the dingos howling. Don't worry, they are still a long way away!