Thursday 24-5-12

It is raining! Not cold though. We sat in the Prince of Wales pub in Blackall last night to watch the Blues lose. We were deep in Qld territory but survived. They bought around complimentary snacks at half time. Eased the pain a little.

We have run into Tony and Clare again. Shared the evening’s park entertainment with them and dinner. A retired music teacher sang and played guitar. She travels around the parks entertaining people. She has her food and accommodation provided.  She filled us in on the history of all the previous versions of Waltzing Matilda. We didn’t know there were so many. Had a yummy dinner that included damper and cockies delight (Golden Syrup). There is a big artesian aquatic centre in town. Has a spa and Olympic length lanes for swimming. I enjoyed a couple of hours there yesterday afternoon.

This is the town of the Black Stump. Apparently was used as a surveyor’s measure and anything past here was beyond the Black Stump. I think other towns have also claimed that they have the black stump as well-I think it may be like the true cross, as everyone has a piece of it.

Country was different again that we drove thru yesterday. Undulating with fewer trees and in some parts a 360 view all the way to the horizon. Stopped for a cuppa along the way and spoke to people from Tassie. They had 4WD and a big van. Cost them $2000 return to come across from Tassie. They were headed for Darwin to meet up with friends.

Saw some flash motorbikes in town today. One a 3 wheeler. They have been all over the place too.

There are two caravan parks here and hotels and motels. There is also a big area down by the river where people stay overnight and can access toilets and showers provided by town. About 20 vans down there. Plenty of people on the road.

We went to the Australia’s biggest morning tea at the Anglican church this morning with Tony and Clare.

 So much food! They raised about $4000. We will be in the local paper! The man came around taking our pictures and names. Adrian was miffed. He missed out as here was in getting more refreshments. They had raffles as well. We missed out. Lucky really as one was a table and chairs.

We rode around town yesterday which we enjoyed. Did a walk yesterday to find the best pub for the footy and a walk today down to the river.