Across to Queensland, the Tablelands

New springs for the GVM upgrade to the Cruiser, fueled up ready to get going!!

Before departing Darwin we stopped at a car/truck wash and gave the car and van a quick wash then proceeded to the weighbridge at East Arm for a reading of car/van combined weight (I had to justify the purchase of GVM upgrade to Helen!!).  Topped up with fuel before heading down the Stuart Highway and set up camp on the Gorrie Airstrip (during WW11 this airfield became the largest aircraft service and repair base in the Territory).  Enjoyed great weather and a fantastic view of a clear starry night - couldn't ask for more.

The moon at Sunrise, Gorrie Airstrip

Departed at 8 am and pulled into Dunmarra for coffee only to find their coffee machine had broken down so no flat whites or cappuccino!  Helen was happy as her coffee was black and strong! Refuelled at Tennant Creek then drove back to turn off onto Barkly Highway at Three ways. Camped at 41 Mile Bore arriving at 4.30pm with approx 20 other vans already there.

41 Mile Bore, free camp

We actually had to pass this wide load before arriving at Barkley Homestead.
We had a quick stop as didn't want it to get in front of us again!.

We have travelled this road a few times and our aim was to get to Qld for our next house sit therefore we had a few long days at the start of our journey. From 41 Mile Bore we encountered a 6.5m wide load which I was quite happy to sit behind however the pilot advised us all OK to pass!  What an experience as there did not appear to be a lot of road left for us to drive on.  Put the foot down, hung on tight and just kept the right hand side edge of the road in sight - had no idea what was happening on the other side!  Helen was not screaming out so knew all was well on her side and eventually passed.  After a few chosen words, deep breaths and relaxing the fingers on the steering wheel all returned to normal however Helen and I had quite a few laughs about the experience.  While we were stopped at Barkly Homestead for a coffee the wide load group pulled up and I had a bit of a chat - they were travelling to Blackwater from Pilba region. Made sure we were on the road before they pulled out!!

Camped at the second billabong at Camooweal - very little water but still plenty of birdlife.  The wind blew up at night which caused a fair bit of rocking to the van.

Lake Canellan, Camooweal Billabong

Was going to spend two nights at Camooweal however the wind was extremely strong.  Encountered 40km head wind so 80 kph was top speed.  Stopped in Mt Isa for coffee/fuel/shopping top up then drove to Rodeo grounds for water top up and dump point only to find no longer there.  Eventually found new dump point which appears more accessible to  travellers.  Continued to Mary Kathleen where we stayed the night.  Still very windy and the evening came in quite cold, however we enjoyed our stay, as always.

Bloody cold this morning and the wind was still strong - another day of head wind!  Luckily did not travel far and was in Julia Creek late morning.  After topping up with fuel (fuel consumption not good these last two days!), having a great coffee at the cafe in town, we headed out to RV Camp Site. Were welcomed by the friendly Camp Host then set up next to the creek which still had water flowing.  Still very windy so did not venture outside much for the rest of the day.

Julia Creek free camp

Julia Creek free camp

Another cold morning - drove to Richmond on a very uneven road surface.  Found a little coffee shop in Richmond with home baked goodies, I just couldn't resist the hedgehog!  Stopped for lunch at Lyons Park in Huendon then travelled to Prairie Hotel where we stayed the night in the campground at back of pub.  Had a great night at the pub starting with happy hour drinks and meeting other guests followed by a lovely meal - chicken schnitzel which Helen was ecstatic about.  Dinner was served in a formal setting - one long table beautifully decorated topped off with a huge chandelier overhead. We were lucky to have musician Vic Pascoe and his wife staying and were entertained with him singing various songs playing his guitar. Such a fun night and such a great atmosphere in the Pub - definitely would recommend calling into the Prairie Hotel.

Prairie Hotel

Prairie Hotel

Inside the Prairie Hotel, front bar.

Chicken schnitzel was on the menu, check out the chandelier!

Entertainer Vic Pascoe performing after Dinner

A small free camp behind the pub

Some people have dogs/cats and some people have buffalo!

Travelling on we stopped at Pentland for coffee at 'Wooatook' where I could not resist ordering the scones!  Nice place to stop and enjoy the surrounds. Topped up with fuel and water at Charters Towers then onto Fletcher Creek where we set up for the night.  Had lunch and enjoyed the serenity - even though there were quite a few camped it was very quiet.  Doug and Norma, who we met at the Pub last night, pulled in down the track and had a great happy hour in their company.

Had a nice drive to Ravenshoe where we stayed the night at Railway Caravan Park.  The park was quite full when we arrived and was put on a rather small and tricky to get into site.  Volunteer was assisting me to back in however am glad I have had plenty of backing practice and after a few maneuvers was able to settle for the night.  Had Happy Hour around the fire - Helen stayed in the van as was too cold for her.  At Happy Hour we were entertained by singer/guitar player, however not the best singer!