The Black Stump

Saturday, 9 June 2018

Outback sunset

Problem in Tambo

Blackall's VC recipient

War Memorial

Bouganvillia

Major Mitchell Memorial Clock

Shop support

The Black Stump

BTDT

Stumped!

Local flora and fauna

Are we there yet?

Masonic Hall

After a final campfire last night in Charleville, where we were treated to the most magnificent sunset, we were on the road again this morning for the 300 km drive northwards to Blackall.  The road was good as far as Augathella then became very bumpy, very, very bumpy in some sections; we met a few long road trains today as well.

Today was an emu free day, with not one to be seen, although we saw our first bustards and brolgas for the trip, along with a few kangaroos.  We became rather concerned about our fuel consumption, with very high readings way above what we would expect.  A quick stop to inspect the wheels and brakes before continuing.  After checking the onboard elevation reading, we realised we had been climbing steadily all the way to Tambo, after which the fuel evened out to a more acceptable level.  We had another short stop at Tambo for a driver change, keeping a close eye out for teddies (Google Tambo Teddies!) before continuing across the Mitchell grass plains to Blackall.

We arrived shortly after noon and were quickly on our drive-thru site, not even needing to unhitch.  The cloudy sky of the morning had cleared, the temperature was rising and we were quite happy to sit in the shade to eat our lunch, but not so keen on sharing it with the local fly population.

Despite listening to constant mutterings about the heat, we had a walk through the park, along the main street, waved goodbye to the local Magpies who were leaving to play the grand final against the Ilfracombe Scorpions, viewed the Major Mitchell Memorial Clock, walked along a back street and viewed the Black Stump (or replacement petrified wood stump, rather).  This stump was used as the survey marking point for all Queensland maps – hence the saying beyond the black stump.  We returned to the caravan by the shortest route possible (mutterings were increasing by this time), passing the old tin Masonic Hall, which is now a coffee shop.

After three days, we have television reception and much faster wifi.  Yippee!!!