20120731 Qld Longreach

20120731 We were heading to Longreach when we noticed a van parked up off the road near a creek, that's looks like a great spot to camp I said to Des, do you won't to check it out said Des, ya let's.  Turning around we headed back and saw a different camp on the opposite side, all to ourselves and overlooking the Thomson.  We parked up and I went in search of some firewood while Des set up the van.  I set the fire up ready for the night ahead while Des organized dinner then we sat back and relaxed.

The view from our camp over the Thomson River.

Our camp site near the river.

After dinner we lit the fire, set up our chairs, turned on our music and enjoyed a few drinks and later on a dance.  Des said we should call Terene, so I did.  We just called to gloat, we chatted for a bit I told her of our location and we were on the piss, it's always good to here a friends voice.  It turned out a big night and we finally stagged to bed after 12.00pm.

01-08-2012 Pinch and a punch for the first of the month, as I punched Des in the arm while cooking breaky Ha-ha! I got ya, then later he did the same to me, it's too late cheat. I set my computer up outside and took in the winter sun as I blogged.  After lunch we set up a video watched a movie and had a snooze.

Des collecting more wood for the night ahead, make sure you get enough we don't won't to run out, I'm not staying up all night again, arr ya old fart.

02-08-2012  Late in the afternoon we decided to go for a walk and found many more camp spot, and further off the road.  I walked up to a camper on his own, you've been here before haven't you? And sure enough he had. He had a great spot on the river with his fishing line and yabby pot locked into the bank. He was a lovely guy who gave us heaps of information on some great camping spots on our travels before we headed off.

Des started walking over the railway bridge, is this wise I said? of cause it is, so off we go taking a different route home, only not realising how much further it was, by the time we arrived home we were both busting and had to walk very fast for the loo, Des outside and me inside, what a relief.

You couldn't miss the Windmill as we crossed over the bridge.

Des brought a breville so I made up a brew while Des got the fire going and we cooked tea in the fire, I got to tell ya it was yummy.  We had a few more drinks then Des decided to phone Jodie and Michelle from Barcaldine.  Michelle answered, ya come out mate, how much dirt road it there, said Des? 14ks not much and I just graded it so it all good, you'll be wright he said, I'll speak to Lee and call you back.  Well! it wasn't long before the phone rang and I said to Des I bet that's Jodie and sure enough it was.  Come out the roads good and it'll be great to catch up, she started giving us direction, Text it to us I said, we will never remember all of that, arr you old farts she said.

Here Doug, another bird for you to find the name of. 

A last look at our camp before leaving, we had a great time just lazing around and taking it the nature.

03-08-2012  We decided to head to Longreach to top up our supplies and maybe stay the night before going onto Barcaldine. 

 Oversize Load, Des parked off the road for this one, so I was able to get out for a decent shoot, man these things are huge.

Another fly by shot of the Brogans, I still haven't been able to get a close up shot of them.

History of Longreach-In 1860 William Landsborough and Nat Buchanan, searching for new grazing land, came upon this area and saw in it a potential, not appreciated by former explorers.   The green grass plains were scatted with broken boree, gidyea scrub and Flinders grass and the Thomas River, which had been named after Edward Deas Thomas by Edmund Kennedy in 1847, were deemed suitable for their pastoral aspirations.  In 1860 a pastoral lease was granted and it was named ‘Bowen Downs’, covering an area of 2000 square miles and was eventually stocked with about 350,000 and 35,000 cattle.  In 1886 the railways were surveying for rail lines and found the present site of Longreach to be suitable terminus of the rail line, following the completion of the rail link in 1892, the growth of Longreach accelerated, soon boasting a post office, court house, police station and lockup, a state school, churches, businesses and residences.  All the streets in Longreach are named after birds.

In 2006 the Kinnon family were in there 5th year of drought on their Outback Cattle Station and had to do something to help retain their cherished grazing land.  With their passion for history and heritage, Kinnon & Co was born.  You can take a ride along an outback track & gallop along the main street for the historical experience of the Cobb & Co.  Check out the looks on their face said Des, of the people sitting at the back of the carriage, not very comfy.

Kinnon & Co store interesting to look at but expensive to buy.

This Whippet stands outside the Kinnon & Co store trailer and all attached.  The Whippet was introduced in 1926; it was America’s smallest car and became a popular seller among vehicles prised under$1,000.  The Wall Street crash and depression ended Whippet production.

Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame is a tribute to our Outback Pioneers.

On our way out of Longreach we stopped for a long needed shower after 3 days at a truck stop, it felt sooo good.