Bingara to Toowoomba

There was no rush to get up at Bingara as we could not leave before the office opened at 8 am and it was also very foggy when we looked out of the tent. While eating breakfast, the fog was burning off with the sun and we heard music Always look on the bright side of life which was coming from a yellow van heading out of town and along beside the river. Behind it trailed about 30-40 bikes with riders of an older age group, including one tandem. Stragglers continued to appear then the follow vehicle with a bike trailer. Ride for the Chopper seems to have been the motive and it promised to be a lovely morning for them.
We had smoko at Texas and were home just before 1pm. It was a lovely drive with spring crops, especially as there was a good storm the previous night.

Mildura Calling

This time next week we will be in Mildura for the centenary of Mildura High School which started as an agricultural college. I have gathered my relevant books and started with Mildura Calling by Alice Lapthorne. It is nice to revisit the history of the irrigation settlement and the Chaffey brothers, especially as I was house captain of Chaffey in 1966 - the girls were not the best house in my time, although the boys were. Next reading will be on the riverboats. I am looking forward to going on the Melbourne again after 25 years. It has an impressive steam driven engine. I just read about all the firewood which was cut to fire the steam driven pumps for the irrigation until they were replaced by electric pumps. Somewhere further down the track I will get to salinity.

Heading north

It is 8 years since we left Mareeba and at last we are going back to see old friends. We are taking the camper and look forward to some nights under the stars and breakfasts outdoors.
We are also taking our costumes for the Multicultural Festival although we will not be able to dance.