So on to my first real break at Cunnamulla and the phone call to book my accommodation in Charleville and also a tour at the Cosmo Centre. I was looking fwd gazing at the skies at the observatory. The problem was, all 9 motels hotels are fully booked as Charleville was having an agricultural conference. Bugger!!!!!
I sat down with my lappie in a park in Cunnamulla and started chatting with some of the grey brigade and they also had issues with booking and suggested Augathella. It is another 85kms past Charleville which was going to make a long day even longer. Long story short, I got the last motel room in Augathella. It's great for Augethella as most ppl here at the roadhouse (dinner) all wanted to stay in Charleville. It is a pity as Charleville looked like a nice place.
So far, the best town, hands down is Cunnamulla. It was very picturesque on the banks of a river (forgot name) and had resturants, cafes and it was busy. I would say half the population of Bourke but appeared to be a very inviting place. If no accom was available at Augethella I would have gladly stayed at Cunnamulla.
The road north of Bourke was a real eye opener. No exaggeration, at least once every minute there was roadkill. It was mainly roo's but the odd emu, fox, goat and 3 wild boars. I saw a wild cat in the middle of nowhere and me without a gun!! They do so much destruction to the native animals it is scary. I felt sad seeing so many red kangaroos as roadkill, but the locals say they are everywhere. When you consider the odds of an animal getting hit, there must be zillions out there.
Again, I haven't seen a roo but plenty of emus, goats and sheep on the road to make the days riding a challenge. I had thought the country up here would be similar to Coober Pedy where you could see for miles left right and straight ahead, but nope, the road goes through the bush which means stupid emus are only 10 metres between you and a casualty ward. Every time you see a sign for flood waters, you have to slow down as you will see some sort of wildlife.
Suffice to say, this trip has been a lot harder than I thought. Not physically, but mentally. My mind is still on edge even after I go to sleep and a few beers (2-3) is not relaxing me. So I will do one last long day to Longreach (tomorrow) and spend two nights there. A day looking at the Stockmans Hall of Fame and the home of Qantas. Then off to Winton and I may stay an extra day. We shall see.
The bike is going really well. Perfect bike for this type of touring.
I just had dinner with a bloke from Sydney who is having two weeks off and going to Townsville and is taking a similar route to me. Boy could he talk so I am finishing the rest of blog in my room.
What a beauty....0 - 100 in 3 seconds and she cruises so nicely on the highway.
Can you spot the boar?
Cactus up here grows to 2-3 mtres high. I will hopefully get some pics tomorrow.
Sign between Bourke and Cunnamulla
Only in Australia :) The border was about 5 km's from this sign.
Welcome to sunny QLD.
28 degrees and I am wearing shorts. I have been told it will be getting a lot warmer as I keep going north.
Well that's it for me.
Enjoy work.
Oh - I have a new spot address in case you are stalking me..
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=00PZqH6E5aHNEsZOkSX0VpmVCU0bacl0j
RP
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