Day 26 – Wed, 4 Aug to Mt Isa

You will find posts for days 24, 25 and today posted tonight.

Last night I had an ordinary night sleep (well actually crappy). My left knee which I injured yesterday had swollen and was giving me some problems in bed. John & I woke early packed exchanged contact details and said our goodbyes. We said that we would most likely meet along the way.

We were travelling to a different time schedule and he is a keen photographer, so he would stop regularly for photo opportunities.

The road today was an initial 145km to Bourke & Wills Roadhouse. This was the road in the other day. Lots of cattle – as John calls them the ones with the ears on upside down. I did see quite a few emus and more brolgas. Those birds are magnificent when you see them take off. Lots of kites as usual, but also about a 600mm wedge tail eagle.

I was in a negative mood. Just over thinking the accident yesterday and my knee was stiff on the pegs. So I chastised myself for such thoughts, what has happened has happened, put on some music and said today was another day. My mood heightened and I enjoyed the rest of the day.

At B&W I met up with John again, but I had to spend quite some time on the phone to the insurance company. I then set off to Cloncurry (142km) for afternoon tea at the local bakery (Rod & Jon take note) and then onto Mt Isa (118km).

On leaving the Curry (as they call it) the road (the Barkly Hwy) crosses the Mt Gordon Ranges (I think). Anyway, the landscape is quite different to the Savannah country that I have been in for the past week.

The road gradually climbs through passes (remember it is not Switzerland)  and is an excellent two lane highway. Lots of road rains heading E and even a couple of exceptionally wide (5.4m) loads – mining trucks being transported on low loaders with police escort.

Tonight I am in the local Backpackers Travellers Rest. I had booked ahead because the big rodeo is on in town this weekend and places were tight. I decided on the ride in that I would stay an extra night to rest the bones and get my knee checked out. Nothing they can do I bet but just to clear the mind.

So just a ride day (the latter part better than the start) – lots more ahead. It was also great to speak with Robyn tonight as I have been some days out of mobile range.