Alpha – 255 km

Last evening we did some calculating and decided we needed to revamp our plan to head south to the Brisbane area as it would entail driving and more driving, not really what we want to do. We also decided we wanted to get out of the dry, flat and sparsely populated outback so have headed east toward the coast. We may regret it if we start running into traffic and rain. So far it is still sunny and warm (24C) with cooler nights.

We seem to be finding free internet at the bakeries and on the main streets in many of these small towns. This morning we actually got reception in front of “Target”, yes they still have “Target” in Australia, so were able to do a post and check emails. We had one from a friend of Doug’s telling us there is a 300 hectare forest fire right behind our house and they have issued an evacuation alert. Nothing we can do about it from here but hope for the best. The rural fire hall is just down the hill from us so we think they will do all they can to protect it which means us too, or at least that is our hope.

While sitting in the downtown core of Longreach two stage coaches full of tourists went by. We can only assume they offer tours via coach. They were really clipping along so you had to watch you weren’t run over.

We started our day with an interesting visit to the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame.

Stockman's Hall of Fame

They have numerous antiques on display as well as a fellow demonstrating how to make kangaroo leather whips (finally a use for all the kangaroo), an excellent display about the RAFD (Royal Australian Flying Doctors) including a cut-away air ambulance and commemorative pages regarding unsung heroes.

Air Ambulence

They let you sit in the cockpit on display and take your picture then email it to yourself.  But that part wasn’t working so we took our own.

As part of the museum there is an educational film on the stockmen, women and children and how they muster sheep and cows, in the past and now. We were amazed to learn they now often will use a small helicopter as it can cover the vast areas. They included a piece with the fellow herding the cows by dipping and swaying with the copter, very interesting how it is done. There is also some pretty fabulous artwork.

Our plan to get out of the dry outback worked and by mid-morning we had entered the Central Highlands of Queensland Outback where things are much greener and there were even regular trees. No sign of the kangaroo carnage we had been seeing (that was getting depressing) so must assume the theory that they head to the roadside for the greener grass after rain has some merit. There is lush green grass for as far as you can see.

Now that we have our revamped plan we are just going to wander and stop as we please. We still have lots of days left and will make a leisurely time of it. Tonight we are in Alpha, a very pleasant little outback town. The caravan park even has a wireless signal.