July 29 Winton

After a cool start, we had a great day and travelled 260 around the south & south west of the Winton district. 110 km south is Lark Quarry Conservation Park where there’s evidence of the world’s only dinosaur stampede. The story, as revealed by the footprints, is that a large number of small dinosaurs were feeding by the side of an ancient lake when a much larger carnivorous dinosaur came on the scene. The smaller creatures scattered in two different directions. It’s amazing that the evidence as indicated by the footprints has been preserved for so long and now that it’s been uncovered is available to be seen by all. A structure has been constructed over it to protect and preserve the footprints for all time. The country round about was beautiful jump-up country, the red of which contrasted with the green of the Spinifex.
After leaving Lark Quarry we headed west and were rewarded with a magnificent view towards the channel country and the Diamantina. Travelling further we crossed a very barren plain before heading north across the black soil and Mitchell grass plains. Apparently the Mitchell grass provides some of the best grazing country in Queensland, especially after substantial wet seasons. The black soil is a bit of a misnomer as it is really a dark tan/light chocolate colour. Going by the evidence on the roads we travelled it is very treacherous when wet. Our trusty “steed” handled the conditions with ease although we did bottom out a couple of times when caught in deep wheel ruts.
I commented to Mum at one stage that I really enjoy this type of country but have no desire to want to live here.
The round trip was completed when we arrived back in Winton and celebrated with a chocolate thickshake. Would you believe we didn’t bring the scales with us (too much extra weight) so we have no idea how the “body beautiful” is going?
We finished our day with a visit to Arno’s Wall – Arno has built a wall about 2 m high around his property made out of bits and pieces of junk all held together with cement – it has to be seen to be believed (I’ll try and post a photo).