We had Coffee by the waterfront, caressed by a light wind. We were sheltered by a huge gum tree with the Whistling kite sitting beside her nest. After packing up, we drove back to Normanton, but stopped at the wetlands outside town.
Brolgas
Darryl trying to be camouflaged
The others bought Apple turnovers from the bakery, and we went to the Railway for morning tea and a look around.
The classic trip is on the Gulflander, and we were disappointed to have missed it. Instead we took the Rail Motor 60 trip, which was pretty enjoyable, and as it turned out we were pleased to have the shorter trip.
Rail Motor 60, built in 1931 and used at Normanton from 1960 - 1964
Associated Equipment Company (AEC) built busses
One of two Tawny Frogmouths catching a nap in the station
Start of our 40 min journey
Mick, the stationmaster was retiring, so we gave a cheer as we came back into the station. We saw a Ledlie street, and when I spoke to Ken, our driver, he said he has the Ledlie brand 5L8 on the windowsill of his house.
Ledlie St sign
The Greater Bowerbird working on its nest
We had lunch at the railway station then drove the very boring road towards Croydon. After seeing this road, which ran most of the way right beside the railway line, we were pleased we hadn't taken the Gulflander.
Black cockatoos in were in silvery trees along the way. At Croydon we visited the Lake Belmore, then the Chinese archaeology site, before going to the tourist info.
Lake Belmore
Overlooking Croydon
Kapok tree. Further east we drove the more fruit on the trees
Croydon
Ripe Kapok fruit. Who is old enough to remember the fiber in mattresses?
The winch for the Ore Bucket at the mine
Marchall & Sons Portable Enginge used at the King of Wallabadah mine
3m flywheel last used on the main drive shart of the Mt Morgan Mine 25 head battery/stamp mill at Croydon
The original Tabletop School House
The old Police Sergeant's Residence
Camp was at the Gilbert River Rest Area. Monument to Surveyors. Red-tailed black cockatoos.
The Gilbert River way over to the right was almost dry
The order for boarding the RM60 was the order for the bookings. We obviously booked first and had the best view from the front. The tram went to the outskirts of town and was turned around using a wye (curved triangular railway tracks and line switches at each junction).
The order for boarding the RM60 was the order for the bookings. We obviously booked first and had the best view from the front. The tram went to the outskirts of town and was turned around using a wye (curved triangular railway tracks and line switches at each junction).
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