It was great having another day in Longreach today and to take a break from driving. My morning walk was slightly delayed due to rain. I know, hard to believe, but it does happen. It cooled things down a bit, but it didn't drown the flies. I followed a lovely botanical walkway which runs from town beside the highway to the Stockman's Hall of Fame. The pathway is flanked by native trees and plants with plaques giving information about them. As well, local well known identities such as Jack Howe, Banjo Paterson and Smoky Dawson have plaques set in rocks along the way.

I got to have a sneak preview of the surrounding grounds of the Hall of Fame in the quiet of the early morning. Well, it was quiet for a while until a flock of galahs tried to out-screech a flock of cockatoos. Then it got very noisy. They battled it out in the tree tops, though it was hard to pick a winner.

We returned at opening time and spent hours in the display rooms learning more about this amazing land of ours. The Stockman's Hall of Fame is an excellent tribute to the people of outback Australia. Founded by renowned artist, Hugh Sawrey, and opened in 1988 by the Queen, it brings history to life from the arrival of the Aborigines over 40,000 years ago through to the present day. The museum's reputation as a pre-eminent heritage destination is well-deserved. It has been a definite highlight of our trip so far.

Our afternoon was spent exploring the town. I found the church where my grandmother was christened, though it is a newer building now. Reg bought himself an akubra hat from the R.M. Williams store. And I had fun reading headstones in the local cemetery.

Although this is only day four away, we have covered so many miles and seen so many interesting things it feels much, much longer.