13th - 16th July 2010: Mount Isa to Mullumbimby

13th July:  Mount Isa to Barcaldine

Heading Home

The last few days of our trip were a bit of a blur.  From Mount Isa it was a 10-hour drive to Barcaldine.  We did have a stop at Cloncurry for a coffee with Mark and Karen before they headed off to Richmond and we headed towards Longreach.  

Initially, the plan was to stay in Longreach for the night but we decided to do the extra kilometres to Barcaldine so that we would get to Mitchell the next day with plenty of time to have a soak in the artesian pool.  Found a free camp spot just to the east of Barcaldine which fitted the bill quite well.

14th July:  Barcaldine to Mitchell

On Wednesday it was another early start for the run to Mitchell.  Arrived about 2pm to meet with brother Graham and his wife Caroline who are just beginning their 4-month lap of the country.  We had a pleasant soak, chat and dinner together.  The temperature got down to 1 degree that night.

16th July:  Mitchell to Highfields

Thursday was another 400km day to sister Helen and husband Ted's home at Highfields (near Toowoomba).  Mum, who has just celebrated her 101st birthday, was staying with them at the moment and it was nice to call in and share the night. Another cold night. - Zero degrees.  It didn't stop us from getting up at 6:30 and going for a walk with Helen and Ted.  They must be used to it!!

17th July:  Highfields to Mullumbimby

From Highfields, it was the run home to Mullumbimby.  

'Twas a lovely trip.  It's also lovely to get home.  Nice to see the grandkids and all that sort of thing.

Until next time ....................................