Goodbye Longreach it’s time to put some more miles behind us and visit another destination along our journey home through outback Queensland.

It’s Friday, 19th July, the sun is out but it’s a bit windy and cool. Heading to Isisford tonight. Almost a free camp, $3, water and toilets but no power for the hair dryer or heater, so hope it’s not too cold as we won’t have heating. Garth and Nerida are moving onto Isisford, they have heat as they have a diesel heater in their van, and invited us to join them so we are tagging along and learning some history as we go, they may even share their heater.

Ilfracombe, 25km from Longreach an historic little place, established in the 1800’s. History calls out on both sides of the road. Time to stretch the legs, we’ve travelled so far this morning, and take a look around at all the old machinery from farm to war machines. These displays are all set up by volunteers, they rely purely upon donated money. A lot of time and effort has gone into the displays, especially in the little buildings along the street.

Just up the road from the displays is the Wellshot Hotel, adorned in Queensland colours out the front. The lisencee of the bar is Joanne Scott who’s Matt Scott’s sister, he is a football player originally from Ilfracombe, plays for Cowboys, Queensland and Australia. Inside there is a whole other story with hats spread along the walls, photos that tell their own story and money on the ceiling…what? How did the money get up there?? You’ll have to ask the bar lady. Anyway, it is donated to the historical committee.

We’ve travelled on authentic bush roads today. Lots of roadworks dividing the one lane highways into two. When we pulled up for morning tea I came across a horseshoe off a draughthorse, picked it up to take home. Will hang it somewhere for luck and the memories.

Isisford is a small town which you can quickly cover by foot, which we did this afternoon. We are staying on the Barcoo River and the hot showers are in the town park. Camp Morris/Davies is well set up with the fire ready to be lit tonight. Wine and beer by the fire later. Dinner will be warm baked beans on toast, toasted on the fire, I know you are all jealous of that.

Departing company with Nerida and Garth and heading off to Blackall tomorrow where I am interested in touring the Woolscour which is a steam driven wool wash and only operates by steam between the months of May and August.

More then, cheers. Xo