The last couple of days have been both relaxing and interesting. Have learnt my lesson when planning itinerary to look up population of towns as thought Longreach was bigger than it actually was, it only has 3124 people....can't believe they call it the capital of outback Queensland!!
Anyway, first night went well, found out about the night life with vast number of bloody cane roads coming out when sun set....nearly stood on a few going to the toilet!!! The next day was a bit tense between Marty and l for some reason, so we spent the morning in silence whilst l managed to get some clothes washing done using the river water and plugging into an unclipped electricity box outlet. After lunch we headed into the Qantas Foundation Museum and spent a few hours learning about this historical icon. Was amazed at how it came about and how significant it was to Australian life today. Didn't know Qantas stood for Queensland and Northern Territory Aerial Service and was founded by Rupert and Peter in 1920 initially used for postal services then moving to passenger services in 1923. We also had a Canadian tour guide take us thru a few planes. One being the 707 which was cool, it was brought back by Australia from an Arabian prince which had been sitting in a junk yard for seven years in England prior. The 707 we walked thru was the first of 13 planes in its fleet first used for international travel and still had a queen size bed and walnut wood fittings and even gold platted buckles. We weren't allowed to take photos inside it as it was a condition of sale by the prince apparently due to religious reasons but they think it is due to a bar being on the plane and a gambling table which is forbidden in his culture and he didn't want that being viewed to the world!!! Anyway this 707 is very famous with the Beetles having been flown in it on one of their tours, also having flown Madonna, Michael Jackson and even John Travolta having sat in it whilst visiting the museum!!!! We were treated to being able to walk thru the Boeing 747 and one of the first planes that were used in Australia. The girls loved sitting in the c*** pit pretending to be pilots. We also went into the original Qantas Hanger which was built in 1922. This was definitely a good time had by us, Marty has an interest in planes and the girls loved the interactive museum. We finished up late arvo and had a drive thru the town center, not much to see really. That evening we cooked dinner whilst the girls sang Christmas carols on the iPod. Is a little hard to believe Xmas only a few days away, little hard to get in the spirit..... That night a storm approached and we anticipated gale forced winds but luckily it went around us, good night show of lightening though!!
The following day we decided to pack up and head for Emerald... Before we left we visited the Australian Stockmans Hall of Fame. It was fantastic!!!! It took us thru from when Australia was founded, then pioneered and then the history behind stockman and outback property ownership. It had a very interactive museum and the girls loved it. Marty and l were quite fascinated and loved delving into the Australian history. Great museum and a must do if anyone visiting the area. After a few hours we had finished exploring the museum and headed off to Emerald.... The day of driving (4.5 hrs) turned out a little eventful with the car chugging for the last 300kms, Marty pulled over a few times to check things out. Will look into it when we get to Emerald or tomorrow. The drive, apart from the patrol playing up was ok, gone are the boring landscapes and straight roads with rolling hills and lush bush, which is mot so good for the patrol but great for me. We are looking forward to reaching Emerald as we have heard good things about this camp spot, only $5 per night unpowered but has water which is good. Will be spending the next few days getting organised for Xmas and also having a look around. Here's hoping we have a great Xmas, missing our friends and Boof and Nikki over this time and feel as though it will be quiet, but we will see everyone soon and at least it will be a relaxing day.......
Bell Xx