Officially "North"

July 6 – Sunday

Before leaving Moree, we discovered the monthly market being held in the park a couple of blocks from the caravan park and decided to delay departure for an hour and have a wander. Bought some fruit, vegetables and a nice banana cake, as well as a few more books to keep us amused.

Moree was an “interesting” town and it was easy to understand why the caravan park had so many warnings to keep everything locked at all times and not to leave valuables on view. All the government buildings and most of the businesses had bars at the windows covered by security screens, or else metal shutters, and either security or steel doors. Probably not my first choice of places to live.

Even though it is the weekend, there are still lots of B-doubles and road trains on the road. The Europeans definitely have the right idea with no trucks on the road over the weekend! We also found our fuel consumption was much higher today than we would have expected – over 19 litres per 100 kmh, when we have been averaging 17. The road was dead flat and straight, which should have actually lessened the consumption. We were warned that the fuel in the area is “doctored” and doesn’t full as well or go as far. Perhaps there is reason for the rumour.

Such flat country as far as the eye can see – unbelievable! Heat mirages as well, with the temperature climbing to 22 and the t-shirts now being worn. Not much in the way of scenery, apart from a couple of emus and lots of young wheat.

As we approached Toowoomba we were treated to a concert by Shan and her father, Wei, broadcast live from Hobart. Wonderful, especially the “old Chinese” composition!!! Arriving in Toowoomba was a bit déjà vu – last time we were here in a caravan it was raining as we arrived. (Did I mention the sudden drop in temperature?) However, we found the caravan park without trouble and nicely settled for three nights.