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!

Isisford (Monday)

I’m not sure how, when I’m getting up at 7, it still takes me until midday to leave.... But anyhow! I had a rather interesting drive back into Longreach this morning. I got back onto the main road and could see a big smoke cloud. Before I could get to that, I came across a couple of hundred of cows being driven up the road. I don’t know if they were being moved away from the fire, or if that was a coincidence, but they were on the road regardless. 

Just taking a stroll...

 Half way to the highway I came across the source of it. A huge grass fire on one of the neighbouring properties. I suspect it wasn’t planned, judging by the vehicle skeleton beside the road...

Bike??

 I’m not sure if it was a bike before the fire, it looks like it may have been. It was quite windy and there were big willy-willys (a kind of mini cyclone thing) of ash racing across the burnt ground. 

Ash willy-willy

 Once I finally made it to Longreach, I headed into the Australian Stockman Hall of Fame. If you're ever in Longreach, it's definatly worth a visit. It is broken up into five sections; Discovery, Pioneers, Outback Properties, Royal Flying Doctors Service and Stock Workers. It was interesting to come back as an adult, or maybe a bit more grown up anyway. I would have been there for hours (longer0 if I had read everything, but I made a fair dent I think. A few of the galleries had 'unsung heroes' which were stories about the ordinary people who make up our country. There are computer screeens, projectors and audio stations, to add to the whole experience. I was wandering through the outback properties section and came across a screen with pinball on it! One of the employees arrived just as I saw it, and told me it was broken. Clearly, someone was having a bit of a laugh at the computer desk... 

do you rememeber how I was talking about the artesian spa the other day? Well, I knew it was big, but I didnt realise just how big until today. It covers 1.7million acres-20% of Australia! That makes it the worlds largest underground water store.

Flying doctors plane display

The flying doctors section was really interesting, especially because my sister Ellie is interested in working for them. They had a lot on the history. I hadn't realized the guy on the $20 note was the founder of the royal flying doctors, John Flynn. There is also a picture of the first plane to be used bt the RFDS, the pedal radio they used to first comunicate, the body chart used to identify the area of pain, and a camel, bought by Flynn for the first inland mission. The things you learn...

Up in the stock workers section, there was a really cool sculpture of a horse, made of old tractor (i think) parts and chairs. When i realizes it was made by quadraplegic Tom Creer, who did all the welding himself, I was even more impresssed!! I would struggle enough and my arms work fine. And I already know how to weld!! 

After the hall, I went into Longreach to get a going away present for Andrew and Michelle- some all purpose seasoning. We have the same microwave, and I make great chips with all purpose seasoning in mine! I got back just before sunset, and Stephie, Michelle's daughter made us Taco's for tea, which was really good. I forgot lunch again, so I smashed through three. Really should start eating properly...
 I also called my brother Hayden tonight, and had a chat with him which was really nice. I do miss him, and all of my family. I'm having a great time, but I will be happy to get home and see everyone by the end. Well thats me for another day!

Muttaburra-Isisford

Back in Isisford! mostly driving again today. Michelle and Andrew both competed early. I heard Andrews run while I was still getting out of bed, he did quite well and was happy with it. And I watched Michelle's just before I headed to the shower, and she also did well, since she hasn't competed much before.
By the time I got back to the truck, we were all packed up and ready to go, so I said goodbye to the neighbours. Andrew and Michelle wanted to have a look at a truck for sale, so I waited in the car and gave my Aunty Sandra in Alice Springs a call. I will be travelling to Birdsville Races with her, and needed to find out when we had to leave, so I didn't miss my ride. Both of us being Browns however, that two minute call turned into almost an hour. Which didn't matter, because that was how long the others were looking at the truck. Also, that water bird-turned-bush turkey I saw a couple of days ago.. Turns out I know even less about birds than I thought (Which wasn't much). Upon further discussion with Sandra, we decided it may be a Bustard. Google has confirmed this. The waterbird/bush turkey is definitely a Bustard! 

waterbird-bush turkey-BUSTARD

After the truck and a couple of laps around Muttaburra, we stopped at the shop (I was amazed it was open Sunday) to fill up their truck, and to try and get a post card for Hayden, but I couldn't find one. I also went and had a look at the Muttaburrasaurus display across the road.

Muttaburrasaurus

Basically the sign says that the best fossil skeleton of a dinosaur found no where else in the world was found two miles for Muttaburra, Western QLD in 1965(I think). The huge creature lived 100million years ago and the replica is based on the found skeleton skeleton is now returned to Muttaburra and the land it once roamed. Now I use my little brother Hayden as an excuse, 'Oh I'm taking a photo for my little brother' but I actually love dinosaurs. My cousin Anthony and I spent the first 8 years of our lives pretty much inseparable, and one of the things he got me interested in was dinosaurs. And Goosebumps books and vampires(before they were 'cool'), but that's irrelevant. So I have always had this fascination with them. In 2006 we went to Winton, where they have preserved footprints from a dinosaur stampede- I will be going there again this week because it is so cool!
I did have a rather frustrating start to the morning when I found a reed mark on my bum. Now this may seem odd, but I'm telling you for a reason. One of the things paras (and quads) have to be constantly aware of, is their skin. You can tell if something is sore, or doesn't feel right, but we don't have that luxury. If we aren't constantly checking our skin, we could have a sore, (from sitting still too long, from sitting on something hot or sharp, or any number of reason) and if we don't look after it because we don't realise anything is wrong, it can easily turn into an ulcer that takes months of bed rest to heal. So you can understand my concern. I already have three too many holes to contend with. Fortunately ts not on my tailbone, so it should be ok, but I'll have to keep a close eye on it. I'm actually surprised it didn't send me over the edge... Normally that would have been enough to send me into crying mess, so I'm not sure if it's because I'm learning to deal with it better, or if it's because I'm so far from home (and Mum's overseas) and I have to deal with it myself. Either way, I was rather impressed with myself!
One thing about all this driving, I have a lot of thinking time to myself. It did occur to me on the way home that I have had a lot to drink these past few days. I mean only 1-2, but for me to drink three days in a row is a lot. I was thinking back to the Easter run (a series of four rodeos in four days throughout Victoria over the Easter weekend) when the boys all went off to get tattoos, and how they all bled because they had been drinking. I was wondering if alcohol would help increase blood flow to my feet... I'm joking Mum!!!!
Now anyone who knows me, knows I'm a country music fan. I have a song on my ipod by Eric Church, an American artist, called I Thank God I Ain't (What I Almost Was). I think I handle my lot in life pretty well, but that song always reminds me of what I have lost. It doesn't make me sad as such, but it puts me in a rather somber and thoughtful mood. I find it very thought provoking. You should listen to it (youtube) and maybe you'll find something you're thankful you're not.
Well I got back to the house ok, but when I sent Andrew a text from Ilfracomb, they were pulled upon the side of the road, because something in the gooseneck was broken. I found that a bit funny, because we had only been talking about Stephie's ute this morning, how that was likely to break down at any moment, then they broke down. Twisted sense of humour I know, how do you think I have survived the last four and a half years????
So I got back and got myself inside (I have to get out of my chair onto the veranda, lift my chair up, then get back in) and sat down for a chat with Maggie, Michelle's mum. She is a little peculiar, but reminds me of Laura, one of the ladies who I was in rehab with. They both make me think of the word 'gumtion'. One of the cats was under my chair yesterday and she told me they would never learn to move out of the way. I told her they would if they got run over enough times. Now I would never run over anyone on purpose, so I was rather taken aback when she told me 'if that's the case, I won't be sorry to see you leave'. Well. But I do like her, I suspect she was rather like me when she was younger....
The four of use all sat down to watch a movie after tea (Maggie's poached eggs), Shutter Island I think it was. A strange movie. I still don't know if I liked it..

Well, that pretty much sums up my day, hope yours wasn't too dull in comparison hehe

Muttaburra (Saturday)

Well today has been incredibly lazy, but also incredibly pleasant!
I was woken up by the horses getting out about 5 this morning, but since they weren't mine, I got to stay snuggled up in my swag.
 I started reading Fifty Shades of Grey yesterday. I finished today. I'm shocking when I get stuck into a good book, just ask any of my family! Fortunately I'm also a very quick reader, so it was all over in 24 hours...
After I finished my book, I got out and headed over to our neighbours, who are Michelle and Andrews work colleagues.
It has been a gorgeous day here, I think we got up to about 28 degrees. I may have let myself get a little bit pink in the sun. Not that I would have done that on purpose...
They toilets here aren't very far from the campsite, maybe 500m, but its so sandy that the car has done a few trips today. Even the 20m to the neighbours is hard work. Maybe i should invest in a 'red carpet' for these situations...
Andrew has had a few runs in the camp draft today-we are about to head over to the bar to find out if he won anything. He and Michelle with both have another couple of runs tomorrow. Its funny, I have never really been interested in camp drafting, but watching it today, I think I would have enjoyed it. Its pretty much just chasing cows flat out on your horse- something I remember getting in trouble for doing many a time as a young girl!
The American Honey Bourbon has been flowing again today, though I've only had one. One of our neighbours also Andrew, had a bit of a moment when he made a rum and coke and forgot the rum. Or perhaps someone made him a new drink- We'll never know! ;)
So far as the partying goes, I don't think this is much different from rodeos... I don't think I'll last long tonight though!

I think this is a lizard sculpture...

Isisfold-Muttaburra

After a slow start this morning, Andrew Michelle and I all headed north. They are both competing at the camp draft at Muttaburra, so I've come along for a look. The drive to Longreach was fine, but the road north was very slow. A lot of it was unsealed or in the middle of road works. It was still a nice drive. Lots of birds and animals about. I saw a couple of groups of brolgas.

Brolga's

Remember the 'water birds' I saw yesterday? I realised this afternoon what they were- bush turkeys!!! Silly me! I remember a story about a couple of young boys travelling in qld a few years back who may or may not have killed one. They asked the locals the best way to cook it. Boil it with a stone they were told, then when the stone is soft, way the stone and throw away the turkey! I think they might be a bit tough... I saw a few emus today again too.

The road less travelled

I knew I'd been driving a while when I got to Kenya!

We did stop in Longreach for a few supplies too. I'm really looking forward to going and having a good look round the stockman's hall of fame. They also have the Qantas museum as well, which we saw in 2006. We did go to the stockman's hall of fame back then too, but I want to see it again anyway...
Andrew and Michelle have introduced me to American honey bourbon with ginger ale, which I rather like. We sat around the campfire tonight as the moon came up drinking American honey, with Garth Brooks playing in the background and the horses beside us. That's pretty much paradise a far as I'm concerned! Plus a full moon that had turned orange...
Michelle, Stephie (her daughter) and I all headed to the Exchange Hotel for dinner- not at all disappointed. Great chips!
I was a bit excited coming into Muttaburra today to realise why the name sounded so familiar... It's where the Muttaburrasaurus was found!! Pretty keen to go check out the dinosaur info tomorrow... After Andrew and Michelle ride of course!
I emailed a few of the local schools today, so it will be interesting to see if anything comes of it.
Well, going to keep tonight short and sweet- my swag is calling my name!
Distance travelled: 280km
Time driving 3.5 hours
Total distance travelled: 4300

Emerald-Isisfold

So I was only planning on going half way to Longreach today, but Andrew and Michelle, who I am staying with tonight, are going away for the weekend. They are going to a camp draft at Muttaburra, so I might go up and have a look too.

Piggy mail box

I had a bit of a slow start today. I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity for a few hours extra sleep. I filled up on fuel, and headed west. I went past Sapphire, one of the places we stayed on our first trip. I remember going for walks around Sapphire, and exploring, meeting different people who actually lived on the creeks, panning for well, sapphires i guess, for months at a time. It was amazing driving out, looking at all the different colours as the soil types changed. There are the most amazing dark reds and oranges...
Its getting more remote now, with roos everywhere. I even passed a dead cow on the side of the road! Wouldn't fancy being in the vehicle that hit that... 
There was lots of wattle trees in blossom along the highway, I could smell it driving along. Smells better than diesel... 
It's very dry out here now. Which makes it seam rather odd when you see flood warning signs every few kilometres along the road. It's hard to imagine floods there when only one in every five or six creek beds even have any water in them! 
I've started seeing termite mounds beside the road to, although they are still only a foot or two tall this far east. 
I did have a few stupid drivers to contend with today. A caravan driving 20km under the limit, in the middle of the road. A guy in a ute overtaking a caravan in the other direction, on a blind hill- so he came over it on my side of the road! Fortunately I saw him early, and had room to get over. I also saw a guy coming up behind me, pull into the other lane to overtake me-a good 500m behind me! He eventually got a reasonable distance behind me ad overtook me safely, though I was glad to see him gone!
I stopped for lunch at Alpha, which was nice and quiet. Had a good pie at the bakery. I went through Jericho just down the road, which I remember stopping in on our previous trip. They had murals everywhere.

Train station at Alpha

I stopped again at Barcaldine to have a look at The Tree of Knowledge. We stopped there to see it in 2006, but it has since died. They have put a support structure up around it, which is actually really nice. The Tree of Knowledge is meant to be where the ALP was founded by a group of protesting shearers, unhappy with their work conditions. 

The Tree of Knowledge

I had a bit of a brainwave this afternoon. I have a few days around Longreach, so I'm going to go around to a couple of the local schools, and see if they are interested in me speaking with any of their classes. I do some speaking at schools at home, and I think this trip could be an interesting thing to talk to them about. 
I really wish Hayden could have been with me for the last 100km of my drive this afternoon. I left the main road at Ilfracombe, heading to Isisfold. I saw about 3000 kangaroos, which isn't so extraordinary around here, but there were so many other animals. Cattle, sheep, goats, cats, eagles, horses, emus and a few big water birds. He would have loved it! 


I also had a realisation today. I am back riding now, and I take great pride in the fact that I really don't have any modifications to my saddle, just a bar round the front and a few straps over my legs. I am wondering however if it's time to change my thinking. I have recently seen a young lady from America called Amberley Snyder. Kristie, from Oakey, showed me a video of her barrel racing (you can find it on youtube) and I was amazed. She is a paraplegic, granted a lower level injury that me, but almost indistinguishable from an able bodied rider. She has got me thinking that maybe I am looking at this wrong. Maybe instead of trying to ride with as little help as possible, I should be looking at getting as much out of whats available. 
I know a guy who broke his back last year, and he has got back enough to allow him to be able walk short distances. He is so caught up on walking, that he won't go anywhere that he can't walk. I can't understand why he wouldn't use his chair in those situations, to get more out of life. By me choosing to only ride with minimal help, how does that make me any different to him? 
I'm very excited now to look into getting a saddle that will give me more opportunities. My saddle at home has only two elastic straps over my legs. Amberley's has a seat belt, and leg straps. My straps have Velcro to allow for quick release if I get into trouble. Maybe I could look into more secure strapping in situations where I would need more support, for short periods of time, and with others around to help me if need be. You never know, maybe I could barrel race again...

Distance travelled: 480
Time driving: 5.5 hours
Total distance: 4100

Emerald (Wednesday)

I've had a rest day today. Was a bit cold overnight and I woke up a 5.30. Fortunately Terry was getting up for work, so I sent him downstairs to fill up my hot water bottle (not too hot, don't worry). After that I was able to get another couple of hours sleep.
The shower here has a bath under it, so it was a bit of a mission to get in. Chloe, my cousin Brendan's girlfriend, had to help me get in and then out, so we got to know each other pretty well... After we got me in and out of the shower without any dramas, we headed down the street. She had to drop off a couple of resumes, and I was craving sushi, so we went for a bit of a walk. I also brought a post card for Hayden, my youngest brother, and sent that off.
After our walk, I sat down on the couch and put my feet up. Because of my blisters, I need to get my feet up as much as possible, to improve the circulation. So I watched the olympics for a bit.
Lyn cooked up some pork and veggies in the slow cooker which had my stomach grumbling from about 4 hours before tea. Definitely worth the wait!
I had an interesting chat with Terry Lyn and Jarrod, my other cousin, over tea. They all work in the mines up here. My only experience with the mines has been with the effects it has had on the farmers around Theodore area, so it was interesting to hear something from the other side of the fence. Terry and Jarrod are both Diesel mechanics, with Jarrod travelling to service machinery in 14 mines over the district. He must do some serious k's!! He gave me the breakdown on how the mines work and process the coal, so a lot learnt tonight!
Terry and Lyn have another guy live in the back room, Rob, also from Tassie. I met him tonight and had a good chat. Turns out he was involved with Melton Mowbray rodeo, and the fundraiser they held for me when I broke my back, so it was interesting to chat with him. He is also a horse man, so we had plenty to chat about. Rob also reminded me I have a contact in Longreach I hadn't even thought of, so I will be giving him a call tomorrow...
Well, I'm getting quite tired and sore, so I will give Bones a miss tonight and hit the hay I think!