Day 73- 74: - 4th – 5th June Boulia.

We had decided to take the road southwest, to Boulia for an overnighter, rather than northwest to Cloncurry. The road was good although just a single strip of tarmac wide enough to fit one car. It travelled through countryside that saw many different types of terrain, from golden grassland plains to “jump up” mesa type country similar to what you might see in Arizona to bare ironstone plains and channel country that runs with a myriad of creeks when it rains heavily!
We were really getting into the west country of Qld at this stage and after approx. 150 k’s reached the “town” of Middleton. Middleton consisted of one pub, which is 130 yrs old and pretty much in original condition and a free camp place across the road.
Te pub is actually one of the most remote in Qld, so we decided to stop for lunch, surrounded by the flies, whilst Jassy played with the local dog and Daisy fretted about the possibility of having to play with the dog.
Being at the most remote pub in Qld and being lunchtime I couldn’t resist a beer so we traipsed over the road and walked into the bar. I had a V.B. straight from what looked like a Coolgardie Safe and Andy had a Coke served by Nick who was a Pommy chopper pilot who mustered cattle and worked in the pub as well. Olivia, Ruby and Daisy watched!!! Jassy was across the road playing with the dog and Daisy stayed in the car so she wouldn’t have to deal with the dog. Very quaint and quite quirky!! Then on to Boulia.
Amazingly the countryside continued to dry out even more. By the time we reached Boulia the landscape was unbelievably parched.
Boulia is located on the Burke River and would be about 70 metres wide, if that river ever flowed. It hadn’t rained there for about 7 months and the river hadn’t flowed for about 18 mths. Caravan park was right next to the “river” and was actually very pretty and well watered with Artesian water. We were actually able to set the camper up on grass, which was a welcome change.
We camped next to 3 great blokes, Jeff, Steve & Paul from the Hunter Valley, who as it turned out would be travelling for the next week or so, in basically the same direction as us.
Woke before sunrise next morning (5th). Another glorious outback morning!!! Was rained upon however with birthday kisses from all the girls. How delightful!!!
After receiving pressies in bed we were all up packing and readying ourselves for the next stage to Mt. Isa.