Monday May 15

Left Duaringa early and stopped in Emerald for four new tyres. We decided not to take the risk of any of the other (outdated) tyres doing the same echidna thing.

Arrived at Alpha about 1.30. Not particularly salubrious, and certainly not worth the $30 they charged. However, the showers were hot and the power worked, so all good.

Tuesday May 16

Next day, travelled to Winton, arriving around 2.00 at the Matilda caravan park. The other park at the pub is apparently nicer, but we have stayed here before and we knew the roast dinner and bush poets would be there. The facilities are basic, and the park a bit shabby, but everything works and everyone's friendly. We had the BEST night! For $20, we got a three-course meal (chicken soup, HUGE roast dinner and chocolate pudding with custard) and an evening of tall tales and bush poetry from Melanie Hall and Susan Carcary. They travel everywhere with their show, and even knew Kin Kin (including the quarry fight – they shook Ian's hand for his involvement). AND – they offered to come and do a free benefit to raise money any time we ask. How's that??!

We walked back to our van on a high – especially seeing it was Federal Budget night. We couldn't think of a better alternative way to spend the evening.

We are smitten with our newly turbo-charged Nissan. Ian has found the sweet spot – 95 kph in 4^th gear and we accelerate up hills with no change in foot pressure. No need for 5^th gear any more. We'll go around Oz in 4^th!

Wednesday May 14

Had lunch in Cloncurry, and got stuck behind a 3-tank long road train of sulphuric acid travelling at 80. At one set of roadworks, he made such a cloud of bulldust that we couldn't even see the bullbar. Passed him soon after, thank goodness.

Arrived in Mt Isa at around 2.00 and set up at the Argylla caravan park (the only one to stay at in the Isa, we've found). Our son, David, is working out of the Isa at the moment, and we were fortunate to be here while he was in residence. He came and collected us and took us out to dinner at The Isa, then up to the lookout, over to the mine where he used to work, and around to see the workshop where he is working at the moment. The contract company he works for has finished their current contract, and he is based here receiving all the heavy equipment, shrink-wrapping it in plastic (!) and storing it. Yesterday he was using a 45-tonne fork-lift to unload 2 three-trailer-long road trains full of equipment. He came over to us after work and we had a barbie together at the van. So lovely to see him and to be able to see where he works when he flies away from home each fortnight.

The new awning stuck and refused to come down, so we had to call a repairer (who came out immediately! - probably because we mentioned 'insurance claim'). Still not perfect, but at least it's working.

Friday May 16

Did some shopping and washing yesterday, and today I'll have a go at getting my hair cut before heading off into the (further) outback. We're glad we stayed for another night. Ian definitely needed a day off yesterday, because he has his compos mentis back today :).

A big, flat country.

Yep, heading west.

A big west Qld sky.

Flat-bottomed clouds at Mt Isa (Lead-bottomed??)