Drooling in Georgetown and pleasantly pleased in Croydon - 30th September 2012

We deliberately decided to do a shortish ride of 244km today with a cabin stopover in Croydon. We had been made aware that there was an excellent Rock & Mineral display in Georgetown and of course Rock Hound Intrepids would not miss a chance like that.

We have become very good weather forecasters on this trip and the prediction was for a shower or two in the morning. Right on cue as we were starting the pack up there was the first pitter patter on the tent. Luckily it was not a lot and the pack up went smoothly even if the tent was a little damp once it was stowed away in the trailer. Good thing was the rain was all over by the time we were ready to ride and even "Henny Penny" didn't put her wet weather gear on.

The other Ulyssians had planned a day ride to Georgetown but as we were ready early we headed off alone. The ride was great and in no time we were pulling up in front of the Terrestrial Centre in Georgetown. Someone on the Council had the foresight to purchase a local "World Class" rock collection when it came up for sale. It is the Ted Elliot collection. With a purpose built building and museum quality presentation they had given the town an outstanding tourist attraction.

We had a good 45min head start on the other Ulyssians when they finally arrived. Within a short time they had overtaken us in the display rooms and then disappeared out the door. Ooos and arrrs could be heard from which ever gallery we were in. It was an amazing world class display. Three hours after entering we emerged out into the foyer. Trish went to buy a book about the place but the manager insisted on giving it to her for free. I think she was amazed how much time we spent in there and later I realized as all the rooms had CCTV she would have seen us drooling over each display.

After a massive Hawaiian Burger at a local roadhouse we headed for Croydon. Not sure what we had booked we headed to the General Store. As we could not get a cabin at the caravan park they had put us onto the General store who had a couple of units out the back. With no idea what it would be like we headed in to what is billed as the "Oldest continually operating General Store in Queensland". To our delight, surprise and amazement the unit built out the back was very comfortable and very nice.

The general store was still in its original condition and even used to be the local gold buying office complete with the very large safe and gold buying scales. In their free museum section they even had stock from the shop shelves from the 1920's. Our exploration of this tiny town was most enjoyable, with the original old buildings and modern sculptures in the park. The sculptures were done by a Blacksmith called Hans Pehl from Yungaburra village and boy could he work metal. He worked 6mm thick steel to make a large saddlebag just like he was working soft pliable leather. Amazing!

As the sun set and dozens of small timid Wallabies, came hopping into town, we enjoyed our tea and wine on the back veranda of the General Store. Sigh! Tomorrow Karumba, Cane Toads, Taipans and Red Belly Black Snakes. Since beginning to talk about doing this trip over two years ago Trish has been telling me about the Cane Toads, Taipans and Red Belly Black Snakes and Crocodiles in Karumba. Scary!

Trying to be brave Dave