Day Four & Five - Who'll come a Waltzing Matilda with me?

Banjo outside Australian Age of Dinosaurs

Blacksoil plains between Winton and Kynuna

Combo waterhole - must have been in flood when the Swaggie drowned!

Wheels from a Cobb & Co coach

Once a jolly swagman - Winton

This post is a day late on account of the fact that technology does not extend to the thriving metropolis of Kynuna. After leaving Winton we re-entered contact with the outside world about 20 kms from Cloncurry this morning.
After departing Longreach we managed to get the 4WD off the bitumen - even engaged 4WD to get up the mesa to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs outside Winton.  Amazing views from the top of the mesa and amazing dinosaur discoveries - half or more of complete dinosaur skeletons of Elliott, Matilda and Banjo and Wade to come later.

Just to prove it was our wedding anniversary we had two periods of rain in an area where they have had no rain since October. Obviously the fact that we were married in the middle of a flood means we are blessed by rain.
We detoured out to the Combo waterhole where Banjo apparently got the inspiration for Waltzing Matilda. We sang this loudly to an audience of two kangaroos on the banks of the billabong - especially for Michael as this was the lullaby we used to sing over and over on the back steps of Tait St in Mackay when he wouldn't sleep.

Brolgas to greet us in Kynuna - now there's a welcome!

Wedding anniversary dinner at the Blue Heeler - one not to forget!

 Called in for the night to the Blue Heeler Pub in Kynuna which used to be the Cobb & Co station and was where Banjo Patterson and Bob McPherson discussed the events of the shearer's strike in 1894 at Dagworth Station. So whether legend is correct or not about Combo waterhole it certainly seems genuine that the now Blue Heeler Pub has an amazing part in Australian history.

We were certainly the best dressed for dinner - and even that was not all that flash and had the pleasure of camping next to three roadtrains for the night. We will certainly not forget the 25th wedding anniversary. Thanks to all for your wishes.

Crocodile Dundee nowhere in sight - Walkabout Creek Pub McKinlay

Back on track Wednesday the 10th and passed  Walkabout Creek Pub in McKinlay before going through Cloncurry and arriving in Mt Isa. A spot of shopping to replenish the larder before heading to Alison and Thomas in Tennant Creek.
It is amazing for a coast girl like me to see the inland landscape and how vast this land of ours is. I have great admiration and respect for our pioneers who headed out here into the middle of nowhere!
Love to all
S and E xxx