Western Queensland National Parks - 25 Apr

Photo courtesy of Windorah Community Events Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/windorah

(Dell's photo)

Dell and I went into town for the ANZAC Day Dawn service. When we first arrived at where I thought the Cemetery was, the gates were locked and it was completely dark. Thinking we were in the wrong place, we turned around, but managed to chat to a local walking along the dirt road, and he reassured us that we were just early. The service was well attended although it was pretty cold. I had a wander through the cemetery, before we went up for breakfast, a wander through the town, and look at the ANZAC display.

In Fond and Loving Memory of Joseph McCullach

One of the wonderful organisers of the day! Great job all!

(Dell's photo)

We would have liked to attend the other events in the town, but headed back to the campsite to pack up. As we drove to Welford National Park, the country changed remarkably and became desert. 

There was at least one Willy Willy, tumbleweed rolling across the road, red sand dunes, a small goanna, a brolga hanging out with the cattle, and flocks of bright green budgies. Of course there were the obligatory flies.

(Dell's photo)

(Dell's photo)

The National Park kiosk was adorned with red swallow nest, but none appeared to be in residence. 

(John's photo)

We were now at the Barcoo River. 

(Dell's photo)

Going in towards our camping area, we decided to take the 'River Drive'. It was the most 'interesting' River Drive I have ever been on, in that not once did we see the river, until we took a side road down to a pretty uninteresting spot to have morning tea. 

You have to remember to 'lift the veil' before drinking your cuppa!(Dell's photo)

After arriving at "Little Boomerang waterhole" camping area, we carefully checked out the whole place (no one else was there), and chose the best of the camping spots. 

(Darryl's photo)

Down at the waterhole there were rocky areas, and thick squelshing mud, which oozed up between our toes when we went in for a swim (I was definitely NOT a fan of this sensation). The waterhole was on the boundary of the Park, and across the bank a windmill clanked as it pumped water for cattle on the other side. Darryl went for a walk to see if he could determine the size of the waterhole, and which way the water was flowing (and worked it out).

(Darryl's photo)

(Darryl's photo)

(Darryl's photo)

(Dell's photo)

(Dell's photo)

(Darryl's photo)

Our camp was entertained by the local birds, which we think were Log runners. 

(Darryl's photo)

Dusk was welcomed, as the flies seemed to go to bed once the sun went down, so the annoying fly-nets could come off; and the sunset was just lovely. 

(Dell's photo)

(John's photo)

I used the opportunity to try some different photographic techniques.

(Dell's photo)