Barcaldine Qld

Now this was a completely different camping ground, being at Lloyd Jones Weir. Steve and I were the only ones to stay there the one night as the others went looking for a lost grey nomad in Longreach.
What amazing birdlife and the best photo opportunities. A magic spot in more ways than one.

This was the weir itself, lots of fish popping out of the water.

Then came beautiful images and bird photos as we walked along the river bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then the town of Barcaldine with some interesting spots.

 

First there was the Tree of Knowledge where the Labour Movement was founded. There was a tree growing there which has now died. They have built this immense structure around what is left of the tree, the inside of which has hanging wooden chimes. When the wind blows they say it sounds like the wooden chimes which I love the sound of having bought some back from Bali.

Some photos of the Tree of knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then comes the pubs of Barcaldine. Quite a few here, Have heard that all but one have burnt down in the past.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not sure what this is, maybe some kind of giant musical instrument.

 

 

Somewhere I will have to go back to next winter when I come back to see all the things I've missed this year.

 

Barcaldine

 

 

 

A windmill, next pic interesting

 

Granny Sarah Williams

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jericho Qld

Spent a wonderful few days at Jericho Community Park, beside the river. Clean drinking water was available, flushing toilets and lots of room.

Very pretty river with a bit of birdlife.

 

We had a great time with some wonderful happy hours. Celebrated Mels birthday and also managed a delicious roast thanks to Jules' Baby Q.

 

 

 

In town we discovered the worlds smallest Drive In. Holds 36 cars and there are a few seats up the back in the comfort of the stand.

 

 

I had a good wander around but it was closed on the day. A bit of nostalgia here as I used to go to drive ins down in Victoria a very long time ago.

 

 

 

Across the road is the Crystal Trumpeteers, in recognition of the Fall of the Wall of Jericho, part of history.

 

 

Different angle

 

 

It was here in Jericho we went into the only store. Inside was well set out with a lounge area, TV and all the comforts. Ordered a cup of coffee. $4.00 the make it yourself at an urn with a jar of Nescafe. I suppose we will see more of this as we travel.

Off to Barcaldine for the next night coming up.

Sapphire - Rubyvale

Sapphire - Rubyvale

Spent a day at these two places after leaving Emerald. Billeee, Jules, Mel, Steve and I went to Pat's Gems and did a gem wash, where we washed the dirt of and scanned the stones looking for Sapphires. Hard work and wouldn't want to be out on the fields trying to make my fortune.


Had a great day at this particular place starting with a nice breakfast of Bacon and Eggs, buying myself a gorgeous green opal pendant for $20 and ending with finding 5 pieces in my bucket of wash.

This is the convoy ready to leave Emerald the day before heading to Sapphire.

Had a very interesting overnight stay in Sapphire. We spread ourselves around the camping area and relaxed. Noticed cattle walking through in the evening and 3 horses visited in the morning. Fed the horses some cut up apple. The white one didn't want any so the two bays ended up with more than their share.

Also visited Rubyvale 5 ks further on. Not a lot happening there, it was Anzac Day. Stopped for an ice cream, saw a beautiful herd of Angora goats with huge horns on the way there.
Moved on this morning Saturday for Jericho where we will stay 2 or more days.

 

 

Emerald

Now in Emerald April 22nd 2014. Waiting for new solar panel to be installed, have been out and about with my camera and will do more before I leave. Parked between the traffic bridge and railway bridge. A bit noisy at night but free and more convenient while waiting for solar panel. Some of the birds here are beautiful. Managed to capture some great photos.

Bedford Weir Queensland

Spent 11days here with great company and had a really relaxing time. A great campsite with hot showers, toilets, dump point, BBQs, and plenty of room. Donations for the use of these facilities required.
We had one section to ourselves with myself, Billeeee, Jules, Steve, Gayle, Paul and Colleen all arriving for a stay at different times.

Bedford Weir Easter 2014

Some photos from Bedford Weir over Easter 2014. The first photo shows the weir full on the right and where it flows down into the stream or floods if the weir is opened. The 2nd photo shows our campground in the distance. Great place to stay with good amenities. Had a relaxing time.
The 3rd photo is showing the weir looking along the top showing the size of the machinery.