Monday 10th August
This morning we very reluctantly waved goodbye to Michael & Erica whom were heading south east to Longreach. Our first stop was the Winton Library where they had free wi fi so we could update this blog. We had a late breakfast at the bakery before doing some grocery shopping & heading North West toward Mt. Isa although that was not our planned destination.
Our first stop was to be the Como Waterhole & unfortunately I missed the turn off & so decided to turn around & go back. Unfortunately, in turning off the road edge to go round I got into soft sand & stopped almost straight away about 10 m from the road.. We assessed the situation & possible retrieval scenarios – remember I am towing 1.9 tonne of camper trailer. Luckily, by getting into 4wd & some sensible reversing I was able to get traction & get back to the harder road edge. Phew!!!!!!
The track into Como Waterhole was very dusty but in pretty good condition. There is a 2.6km return walk to the Como Waterhole & it was 32 degrees Celsius. For those of you that do not know – Como Waterhole is said to be the billabong which inspired Banjo Patterson to write “Waltzing Matilda”. I took the obligatory photographs & also sat down under a Coolabah Tree & sang our alternative national anthem. In terms of the performance, let us just agree that I have a face for radio & a voice for the bathroom.
Our next stop was the Walkabout Creek Hotel, Mckinley where we first had a beer then took in the ambience & obligatory photos. This hotel was in the Crocodile Dundee films. We then headed off to the Fullarton River where we were going to free camp & were almost there when we got a phone call to advise that Cheryl’s sister (Carlene) had passed away earlier in the afternoon. As we were in the outback a decision was made to push on to Cloncurry which was a 100 km from the Isa. We managed to get into an overflow caravan park in Cloncurry. There had been a big rodeo in Isa at the weekend & accommodation & flights were hard to get.
After talking to her brother, Carlene’s daughter & other family – Cheryl & I decided she would not go home for the private graveside service. Carlene had told us we were not to come home from our trip in the event of her death.
Tuesday 11th August
Due to yesterday’s bad news today was a slow day. We pushed on to the Isa where we will probably base ourselves for a few days.
Wednesday 12th August
Today we did two loads of washing before heading into town to do banking, hair appointments e.tc. We then visited the Riversleigh Museum before going underground on a mine tour & then the Isa Outback Experience Museum. They were all really good.
Chezza & Stephen's Blog 
Hi to you both and trust this finds you both OK as I am pleased to report is the situation here. How is your eye Cheryl? Pleased you were able to get out of the soft sand situation but be more vigilant in future by checking surfaces out (Dad’s know best!). Yours and 2 more notices in the Mercury today, will save them for you. Take care & all our Luv – Mum & Dad oxox.
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