Day 08 – Fri, 9 Jul to Charters Towers.

Well today is the start of the second week, and it has been a real ball of fun and sights. In the first week I travelled about 2,430km – sounds a lot but frankly I have enjoyed every bit of it. The past two days I have travelled alone and this has given me a taste of what is to come when Rod returns home to work.

A few days ago I also changed the settings so that anyone can access the “Where Have I Been” map – no password required. It will default to view 1 day, but change this to whatever you want and get a bigger picture of the trip’s rough track – see an earlier blog for more details if you don’t know what this is about.

This morning I awoke to more overcast and light drizzle. I had a late night talking and writing blogs. As I packed the bike Tom’s two girls kept me company talking and asking questions. I showed them the pictures of my grandchildren, they shared my mandarine and generally acted like kids - they were about 5 & 3. It made me a little homesick for my own grandchildren.

Anyway it was an easy 200km ride to Charters Towers arriving just before lunch. I checked into the Royal Private Hotel talking again with Simon, the manager and Tony, the owner. They are upgrading this place and in a few years it will be terrific. It is already looking marvellous and the staff go out of their way to make you feel  welcome.

After unpacking I changed and took a walk around town. The town (known as The World) was once the 2nd largest city in QLD with one of the first stock exchanges – as a result of the gold rush of the 1890’s. They have tried to maintain the character of the original town and a lot of the buildings are heritage listed. When fire razed the Police Station to the ground, the Govt wanted to build the usual temporary looking structure. But the town rebelled and they found the original plans and rebuilt the old building anew.

I am currently writing this post a lot earlier than usual sitting on the corner of the upstairs verandah overlooking the town. Tonight will be a me night and I may even get a chance to open my book that I have carried from Sydney and read a chapter or too.

I heard from Rod at around noon and he is mobile again, with the parts fitted, heading for Hughenden. So we will be definitely linking up again tomorrow.