The early part of the drive today was excellent. We packed early (for the Dettricks!) and pulled out at about 8am. We drove north and took the main road up to Atherton. The drive up the range was twisty and leafy and fun. I love it when we're driving down a tunnel of trees. On the top of the tablelands, the temperature dropped and the clouds rolled in. We were driving through clouds at one stage! Today being the first day of 'school', Amanda drove for a time and I sat and supervised the students. It went okay. We stopped at Mount Surprise for a picnic lunch and were doing so well, we decided to press on through Georgetown to Croydon for the night. We are in classic outback country now. The streets are lonely and dusty. Massive trucks with up to 4 trailers roll by. The country is totally flat and covered with sparse hardy eucalypt scrub. Kangaroos and kites are everywhere.

The caravan park here is so dusty and not a blade of grass. It's pretty modest but will serve the purpose. There's a pool which we all jumped into - cold! J & C played soccer on the road while A and I set up. Dinner at the pub was a great experience. The pink and orange sunset was magic as we enjoyed a few beers. The meals were big and yummy - crumbed lamb chops. Our hostess had a strong English accent - she was a backpacker out here and 'met her husband,' and so she stayed.