Where am I??

[BruceS]

I can't believe how the weather has changed. I arrived at St George today from Bernie's at Degilbo.
Rained most of the way & the temperature was embarrassing for ""Sunny Queensland"" as they call it!!
Tomorrow I was going to travel from St George to Bourke but after reading Terry's question I looked up the map.
It isn't really on my route but not that far from it.
Think the rain has moved on from what I just watched on TV news?
Was a good "catchup" with Bernie & Carol. (thankyou for your hospitality!)
Was a little detour that I just wasn't going to miss!
This will upset some but I just can't believe all the animal causalities along the roads. Goats, deer, wombats, koalas, hares, even a few big chooks(emus). Oh of course! I forgot skippies!

[BruceS]

Well folks I'm back in Mannum! Why? Grrr!

Terry I did divert down that highway past the Lightening Ridge turnoff but after rain for a couple of days and still pouring as I went past it I just kept the pedal to the metal. The road in and all the red mud on the highway was enough for me to decide to not go in. 2 wheel drive wasn't up to it.
Because of the rain there were a few roads I had to avoid. One in particular had a sign saying it was CLOSED and any damage done to the road was payable by me. Camera took my photo!!
All in all I had a really good trip. Couldn't believe the warm weather North of Westwood. South of there the different temperatures were obvious, going up & back down. Sleeping in jocks, no sheet & ceiling fan on was a lot diff to what I left at home!!!
4 days in a beaut AirBNB in Airlie Beach with a day trip out to Whitehaven Beach & Hamilton Island and another day trip up to Bowen to revive memories of previous trip with 'her' as well.
Well going up I travelled the 'normal' route....... Mallee Hwy, then (Hay to West Wyalong) then Newall Hwy, Liechhardt Hwy to Westwood, into Rockhampton, up to Mackay & then out to Nebo.
Coming back ..........
Nebo down to Dingo (Egg & bacon sandwhich not to be missed!!!), Westwood turnoff to Dululu, then to Billoela & on to Bernie's digs at Degilbo.
After a most enjoyable couple of days 'chewing the fat' ................
I decided to go home via a bit different route...............
Having looked up road reports NSW I could see some problems going through Dalby so I ventured a bit Nth (Proston, Brigooda, )& headed eventually thru Chinchilla to The Gums, down to Moonie & turned further Inland to St George. A biggish day but rained most of the way which continued all night & the next day!
Guess most stopped reading by now so........ Road conditions over all were very good. I wouldn't wish to travel in the dark as some of the holes were 3ft across & several inches deep. Across the Hay plains were some of the worst holes. Drop a bit of speed & stare at the road ahead!
With the rain it was obvious by the bog marks at no stage was it safe to hit the dirt off the highway!
A mob of pigs were eating a skittled roo & the car in front of me slammed the brakes on to turn around & take photos. He stayed there spinning his wheels as I went past. Can't help stupid??

Anyone travelling be aware that many of the places you may have marked in your notes as not to miss..... bakeries, roadhouses, milk bars and even motels ...... I have bad news! The Indian people have bought out most of these places & run them with one person to collect the money & that's it. A bit of hot food in the baine Marie is all you get!! They bought out the Pinnaroo Bakery, closed the doors & put a sign in the window telling you to go to their roadhouse. Criminal I call it. On that topic..... The Ouyen bakery is still there. (Toilets inside!)

[supersparky]

Thanks for the update Bruce, we are heading south for family in a few weeks. Was thinking about going down the same track you took. Might change our mind now, and just go the coast road.

[BruceS]

No David. My intention wasn't to change your mind at all. If you have never been thru that country, it is worth it.
I could not believe the number of tourists in cars, vans & motorhomes that now go that way to avoid the main truck route.
Most towns have free overnight camping or at the most $5.
Once in Cobar I basically had a choice of either going on down to Hay via Mt Hope, Hillston & Goolgowi & then to Tooleybuc etc or continue thru Broken Hill etc.
I chose the Hay route as it was obvious most other tourists also did.

[Dot]

Hey I asked some Q's and they went woop woop. When are you home, what type of accommodation did you stay at night? Get your thermal undies on for down here it is bitterly cold like the wind is right off the snow. Drive safe C U

[BruceS]

Sorry Dot but woop woop wasn't on my radar!!! haha
Yep I posted elsewhere... I'm home again but why is the next question!!
OK, must fess up..... ran out of clean undies & shorts & short sleeve shirts.
Silly me took 4 jumpers, 3 pairs of long pants, 6 pairs of socks .............
Had a good trip over all.
Stayed in motels except when with friends & rellies etc.
Had a wonderful 4th story AirBNB for 4 days overlooking Airlie Beach. Swimming pool below & many were using it too.
View attached in a min cause I can!

20230625_171542.jpg

[Dot]

Sounds like you had a good time away which is good.