Mitchell - gateway to the outback

We had a smooth journey with lots of roadkill (glad we weren't on a bike...) and expansive cotton fields. No wonder there's no water in the Darling, it's all up around the north western cotton farms.

We had to call into the winery at Roma only because we missed it last time we were there 18 years ago!

Mitchell is a small community west of Roma with an endless supply of grey nomads escaping the Victorian winter. The warm springs are a drawcard and we intended to make use of them the following day. We arrived close to dark and then had to set up and get organised to cook tea. Of course we entertained the caravanners as they watched amused at the "green campers" set up.

It was a cool night and the sleeping bags held out the cold & the Oztent was comfy.

Tuesday dawned cold & crisp & the early morning dash to the loo was not welcome. After a hearty eggs & baked bean breakfast we decided to ride around the town & explore the area. Nothing like a bike ride to blow away the cobwebs of a car trip. We came across a road train - I don't want to be passed by one of those while I'm on my treadly!

Of course we had to have a spa in 33deg pool - bliss. Then a mandatory trip to the local pub to check out the history and sample the xxxx on tap.

Check out the flannie......Vinnie blending with the locals!

Off to Longreach tomorrow. Really looking forward to seeing the Stockman's Hall of Fame.

Last minute packing

A busy day of farewells and packing. Our Aussie grandchildren & their dad & Uncle Simo came to say goodbye. Our Middle eastern family rang us on skype to wish us a great trip & we've had many friends send their good wishes so we are starting to get excited - just need to squeeze that extra necessity in...(do you really need that much Jul....?) You just never know how cold it might be in the desert do you?
One more sleep.

Trip planning

Well, this is a first for me - creating a blog instead of writing a diary. Only five more days until we set off & we still have plenty to get ready. Vinnie has been preparing for months and already knows where everything will be packed. Not quite sure how we'll fit it all in...guess that means I won't be shopping for the next six weeks!

We began planning our route six months ago, it will be interesting to see how much we deviate from the original plan. We plan to have 2-3 nights in each place depending on how much there is to see. We don't want to set up the tent too often!! We haven't booked anywhere, don't think there'll be a run on tent sites.....

This is it in a nutshell;

Ballina Mitchell Longreach Boulia Mt Isa ThreeWays/Tennant Creek (two weeks to do all this) Alice Springs (two weeks here to explore Uluru, Kings canyon etc) Coober Pedy, Leigh creek Innamincka Tibooburra Bourke Lightning Ridge Glen Innes Ballina.

Please feel free to comment. We'd love to hear from you!