July 24 Barcaldine

A real lazy day. We had to go up the street for coffee and doughnuts this morning to help fill in the time but not going on to Longreach was a good decision. Although the rain stopped last night, staying here for the day gave Longreach a chance to dry out and also allowed us to dry things which had become a bit wet and yucky – we like caravanning but NOT in wet weather.

We went for a drive down to a weir about 15 km south this afternoon and were amazed to see how many people were there “free camping”. Tonight we were entertained around the campfire by Country singer Graham Rodgers – he was really quite good and certainly worth the gold coin “donation”. Mum bought a CD and DVD which I’ve no doubt we’ll enjoy listening to even though he isn’t “Slim”. He’s spent winter for the last six years between here and Winton doing nightly “shows” in the Top Tourist caravan parks but reckons this is his last year as there are too many competing demands for his time.

We really like Barcaldine, it’s a nice town with lots of friendly people. We checked out the local IGA and found fruit and vegie prices quite high but then we are a long way from where it’s produced. The caravan park is excellent - $20 a night, free wireless internet, entertainment every night, free washing machines and only $1 for the dryer – the owners are also terrific and to be commended. It’s a real pity there aren’t more parks like this one.