Alternate Reporter: Michael Gavin
Up early to finalise car packing and be ready for departure at 7.45am to go to the Bakery to buy some freshly made bread.
Pass the Gulf lander train on its return trip from Croydon to Normanton, approx 30klm out of Croydon…we had travelled around 100klm in the time it had travelled 30klm.
Stop at Croydon to stretch our legs, then off to Georgetown for a lunch break…..easy driving as on tar & make good time.
After lunch onto Mt Surprise then onto the dirt Savannah Way to Chillagoe. This was crossing a number of cattle stations and criss crossing a number of streams [some with water & others wide expanses of sand/rock] as well as a train track. The countryside was very interesting and diverse range of terrain and flora. Rugged rocky outcrops stood out. We encountered some kangaroos & emus, but many hawks, kites & eagles.
The dirt road was very good enabling comfortable driving between 80 – 90 klm per hr. The GPS comes into its own when encountering tricky unmarked forks in the road.
As we approached Chillagoe, we encountered huge blocks of stone located in the bush – 1.5m cubes…..Arriving in Chillagoe we learnt that these were cut marble blocks from quarries around the area.
Cattle were everywhere as we approached Chillagoe, Apparently the town is in the middle of a vast cattle station and requires a fence and road grids around the township to prevent the stock coming in.
We visit the Tourist Information to locate accommodation and details regarding the Cave Tours for tomorrow.
Take a motel room after some work crews opt for a cabin alternative to enable us to have cooking facilities in our room. Best Value or accommodation thus far $90.00 – double bed + 2 single beds, ensuite, Kitchen with all appliances and requirements. Both couples enjoy good cooked meal.
Been a big day some 550klms, with air con a must in the afternoon with temperatures in mid 30s…….hopefully a good night sleep for all.
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