Blog 9 –Gregory River to Mount Isa - (Sept 2 to Sept 4, 2012)

The BIG Picture

This Leg - Blog 9

Sunday 2 September

We didn’t get an early start as we had hoped!!  Just a minor hiccup with the water hose.  We decided to fill up the tanks with the beautiful fresh water here before leaving, but the water wouldn’t pump.  What Now!!! There’s always something!!!! After mucking about with the pump, Roy finally got it working.  Blocked hose - not a drama - easy fixed and then off we go….

We stopped at Burke and Wills Roadhouse for yummy burgers for lunch and then off again heading south…

Quamby Kitchen

At Quamby we stopped so I could investigate the old pub.  Apparently 2 brothers owned this pub in the middle of nowhere (“The Pub in the Scrub” as it was called), they had a disagreement and both just up and left.  It’s just been abandoned…. They left the pub just as it is today.  I’m intrigued with this story and will find out more one day when I have time.  Anyway, while I was investigating, Roy was across the road in the picnic area, trying to locate the source of the hissing sound coming from the back tyre of the ute.  Yep!! A puncture……  At least we were parked in a convenient place if one has to get a flat.  He dug a sharp stone out of the tyre and repaired it with a plug. (great things) Off again, heading south once more.

Derelect Quamby Pub

The sharp little bugger!!!

We called in at Cloncurry and caught the shops before they closed.  Did a small shop and bought a quantity of grog, went to see the first Qantas hanger and off again.  By then we had made our minds up that we would camp at Corella Dam, which is half way between Cloncurry and Mount Isa.

First Qantas Hanger

Our fire in the distance

Just as we were pulling up to open the gate, a man coming out told us of a bush fire that was a concern to the camping area.  We could see the smoke but didn’t realise it was near the camping ground.  After going in and assessing the situation – I called the Fire Dept in Mount Isa in case they didn’t know about the fire.  They were aware of it but not that there were campers nearby.  So they assessed the situation and rang us back saying that the fire was going the other way and reassuring us that we would be ok to stay.  By this time it was quite late 6:30.  Roy was buggered – we had chook for tea and early to bed.

Fire at Corella Dam

Rural Firies - checking on us

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Monday 3 September – Corella Dam (Clem Walton Park)

Finally, the kayaks were taken off the roof for the first time this trip.  It turned out to be another lovely day even though the morning was a bit sus.  Everything was hazy from the smoke from the fire and the cold (it got down to 12 degrees).  We spent a couple of hours paddling around the dam while Jeddy howled the whole time.  He usually doubles up with Roy – but since his knees have been done – no more.  So Jeddy had to stay at the van and wasn’t happy!!!.  My poor darling….  Luckily we were the only ones here, so there was no-one he could annoy.

Getting worse!!!!!

You can feel the cold sneeking up on you again as we head further south.  Bugger!!!  We have had the best couple of weeks enjoying the lovely hot days and balmy nights and getting around in just togs (yes they stretch!!).  Looks like we have to start putting clothes back on again!!!! Damn…

Tuesday 4 September – Mount Isa

Packed up early and headed off on our way to Mount Isa.  We saw the devistation done by the fire.  Very lucky it went the other way – it burnt out the vegitation for about 20kms.  Apparently started by campers letting off fireworks!! 

I really wanted to go in to the ruins of the old mining township of Mary Kathleen, so had to take a small detour for this.  The town was closed down in 1984.  Its very hard to imagine a township being here because its just like cattle paddock except for the tell tale signs ie bitumen roads, curbing and channelling and slabs, but all overgrown and cattle grazing everywhere.  I remember that they mined uranium (yellow cake) as it is called, but don’t remember why this little town and mine was closed down – another thing for me to look up when I get the time.  Very interesting!!

Ghost Town

The Mine - Mary Kathleen

Then on to Mount Isa and we ended up choosing Argylla Van Park.  The first thing we did was go on an Underground Mine Tour with Hard Times Mines.  How cool..  32m underground!!  I was a bit apprehensive as I don’t like enclosed spaces, but it was great. The only time I got a bit scared was when we were coming back to the surface (32m) in the cage and it cut out just after we took off.  The look on the Guides face was the thing that put shivers up me.  He should be in Hollywood.  After he pretended to be checking a few things – and everyone was getting the jitters during  this time – he just said “I’m Joking!!  I have to say I did let out a sigh.  Pretty amazing down there – I’d absolutely NEVER be an underground miner…

The Hard Times Mine

Sunset at the Isa

We had a phone call from our travelling buddies, Pat and Ray and they are also heading down through Bedourie.  They wanted to know where we were and if we might catch up – looks like we’re meeting them at Boulia and travelling to Bedourie together.

I’m going to post this blog at the same time as the previous one, because time keeps running out on me……..  I want to apologise to everyone I haven’t contacted for a while – we have been out of range and we have been pushed for time when we are in range.  So sorry all….

Next stop is Boulia tomorrow.  We went through there a few years ago and missed the Min Min Light display, so that is a must this time.  Then probably on Thursday we will head in to Bedourie to find a camp site for the races. First in, best dressed – the van parks aren’t taking bookings….

Toe still looks ugly…..  Hair getting greyer (still haven’t made up my mind what to do)…….

You wouldn’t believe this, yes you would! - I’m in the van trying to get these Blogs done and its so warm, I asked Roy to turn on the Air Con (since we’re paying for power here at Isa – might as well get your $s worth).  Clunk Clunk Clunk!!!! Oh my Gawd!!  What the hell!!  Turn it off Roy!!..  Something’s come loose in there!!.  Never mind, I can put up with the heat……..  These little things are sent to try us, hey….  Just something else to look into….

Catch you next blog…..

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