Fletcher Creek

Ok we'll drink more - give us time

this is the pyrotecxhnic maniac, Val had to havce her campfire was a good one though

Weds am headed to Charters Towers and ended up at a wonderful free site 40km north of Towers (local speak) called Fletcher Creek which is at the edge of the Dalrymple nat. Park and right down by the creek which runs into the Burdekin river ( one of the largest river systems in Qld).  There were rigs of all shapes and sizes right along the side of the creek and in the central area - all grassed. Weren't that many there , probably about 40 rigs altogether, at the start of the winter when the Victorians head north there can be as many as 200 rigs placed along the river and also going way into the bushland towards the park, so we got off light.  Only toilets, cold showers, tap water lots of mitchell grass and nothing else - but it is wonderful.  Had cold shower Friday morning, although the water is not really cold, more lukewarm.
 The sunsets were superb, the weather hot and the dogs loved the freedom and the swims in the creek.  We had no power but our own gas (stoves) so wonderful to have a cooked brekkie of egg, bacon, toms. and mushrooms the next morning and then we just walked, read and relaxed along with all the other 'greys' and at 4pm out came the wine and beer. Fletcher Creek and the nat. park is all open woodland and is the spiritual home of the Gudjal and Gudjala tribes (although we didn't see any).....  however, we did wonder why this sign was erected and were we in line of fire if we didn't get the wine out on time.......

Oh dear, this couple were too late and that is all that is left of them, 2 chairs and their wine bottle - no dingoes here.....

amazing sunsets while still with sun

as the sun was going down

 The sunsets were fantastic and as there was a new moon this week its rising through the trees was superb, we had great views for the two nights, it created almost full daylight even at 3am.

Val had to go an scrounge wood for her fire the two nights, and people are very reluctant to let you near their wood pile - it is like gold in these parts.  She would have cut down a tree if we had had an axe........ and when they leave camp they take the wood with them much to her dismay.  There are little campfires everywhere all contained within their brick surrounds.  Could get used to living that life for a few weeks, we were settling into it even after 2 days - you can stay there for up to 30 days in one hit and a lot of the longtime stayers have their own solar panels and are completely self-contained with everything that moves and squeaks. Towers is only 30 mins down the road for your supplies.