May 5 - Day in Longreach

First on today’s agenda was to cook eggs and bacon for breakfast then walk to the Longreach Hall of Fame.

Lining the driveway was a limestone wall upon which plaques of winners and riders of the L Stockman’s Endurance ride from the 1970s to 1990’s. I was impressed with all of the riders who actually took part in this wonderful horse event.

Entering into the spectacularly proudly structured designed H of F we were immediately impressed with the vastness of the building and its levels. The high quality displays were on all aspects of the pastoral industry and the stockman’s way of life.

First on today’s agenda was to cook eggs and bacon for breakfast then walk to the Longreach Hall of Fame.

Lining the driveway was a limestone wall upon which plaques of winners and riders of the L Stockman’s Endurance ride from the 1970s to 1990’s. I was impressed with all of the riders who actually took part in this wonderful horse event.

Entering into the spectacularly proudly structured designed H of F we were immediately impressed with the vastness of the building and its levels. The high quality displays were on all aspects of the pastoral industry and the stockman’s way of life.

We spent an hour looking around and were then called to see the Outback Show. The one man (Neil) event commenced with him riding his paint mare bareback and bridle-less around the yard. Along the way he lost his hat and when finished the mare walked over and picked it up for him. He then straddled her backward and sang us a song whilst he played his guitar. A few tricks were performed by the mare for him – one being to jump a chair on his command. Another horse played games whilst he saddled him and when saddled, the gelding layed down so he couldn’t mount. Another show member was his dog Tina – a kelpie who brought 8 sheep in from the paddock and yarded them. Following that was an introduction to his camel. Then the finale was a team of 8 bullocks who walked into the yard and immediately took their positions in pairs around the fence. Neil told us a long yarn as he yoked up the bullocks and then proceeded to drive them outside the arena, connect up a log, drag it back in and alongside a dray. He then rearranged the chains and the bullocks pulled the log onto the dray. That was how it was done in the early pioneer days of Australia. Very impressive and a great show.

Finishing all the levels at the S H of F, we walked back toward town and attempted to see Banjo’s shearing show, however the show was not on due to the owner’s ill health.

Catching a taxi into town we (I) wanted to see the Station Store – a beaut early days set out- with gifts and trinkets galore. We enjoyed coffee and cheese cake out the back in their café when the 4 horse Stage Coach pulled in from their ride of the day. The horses had obviously had a good gallop and were all sweaty and steaming. The driver advised that the horses do 2 x 16km runs per day every day for 7 months of the year. They get very fit and obviously were very well cared for. The company actually does 6 runs per day – a very lucrative tourism business.

Back at the Caravan Park, we showered, dressed and prepared for the evening event. A paddle steamer river boat cruise followed by a camp fire dinner. Collected by the coach at 4.30 and with the bus almost full we arrived at the Thomson River by about 5pm to be greeted by the paddle boat Captain, Graeme and his crew Jeremy. A quick briefing and we were aboard the Thomson Belle and chugging (and paddling) down the river. The boat actually runs from a diesel engine and the steam engine room is just for display. This was obvious by the sound of the engine. The river is murky brown – but apparently quite clean because there is no P in it (he he) and is about 20m wide. We saw turtles popping their heads out of the water as we departed.Down the river for 10 kms whilst enjoying biscuits, cheese, dips and crudités, we turned around and headed back for the sunset. And what a sunset we were given! The darkness almost closed in when the most brilliant purples and reds filled the sky. Just superb.

Back at the mooring we sat ourselves in the camp site with the fire roaring and the billy on the stones. Our hosts were Neil (the bus driver, come cook & chief bottle washer) Jeremy – ships crew then waiter and Scotty – waiter and joke/yarn teller. Firstly we were served with good Irish stew with bread followed by apple pie with custard and cream. Then the finale was the damper with cocky’s joy (golden syrup) with billy tea served in stainless steel mugs.

The jokes and stories were superbly told by Scotty and we all laughed til there were no more jokes. It was such a great experience and all finished by about 9am – a very reasonable bed time