13th July 2012. We left Barcaldine this morning and headed for Longreach. It was again misty and wet on leaving but it all cleared to a beautiful and hot day. We couldn't help but notice the green grass and bush. We were expecting dry, dusty landscape but I'm sure that's to come. Travelled through Ilfracombe - a small town along the way. They have a display of old tractors, ploughs, early graders, cars etc that is known as the Machinery Mile. Can't help but think Bones and Pete would be lost here for some time. Took some photos for the boys which I will not post here (yawn!!) but have just got one or two up for general interest. 27km further on is Longreach. Very friendly country town. We decided to stay in a caravan park here to use their facilities such as showers and laundry. We chose the Longreach Tourist Park because it was within walking distance to the Stockman's Hall of Fame and the Qantas Museum - give the car a rest. We did a Thomson River sunset cruise with dinner on our first night. Highly recommend this. After the cruise, we were fed with camp oven lamb stew and BBQ barramundi. They had a great set up with the camp ovens - shown in the photo - sitting on a waist high shelf with the hot coals. Saves the backs. Entertainment was by a couple of local guys - Michael and Grant - talk about talent!! Their singing and bush poetry was very entertaining!! The tour was great. We were picked up from the caravan park at around 4.30 pm and dropped back at about 8.30 pm. Well worth it.

14th July . Cooler today. We walked to the Stockman's Hall of Fame and paid our $55each which is a 2 day ticket with museum entry, show and lunch. It is so well done. They have a new exhibit of the Royal Flying Doctors there too. That was very informative. The show wasn't on today so we are back again tomorrow for the show and lunch. We did spend about 3 1/2 hours there wandering around the exhibits.

You can't help but get influenced by the bush poets out here. I tried a little poem myself on the road from Barcaldine. Ha ha. Switch off now if you are scared:

The road is long and straight, the grass surprisingly green - on the road from Barcy to Longreach, the migration must be seen.

There must be a race, of which we didn't know - they're all so moving fast - our vehicle going too slow.

The big vans rock and sway as the vehicles fly on by - one had poor Beryl, white knucked, with fear in her eye.

They whiz on past us, with shares in BP - away from the cold to the warmth they all flee.