Outback Bound

We are officially in the Outback, but as I sit and watch the most amazing sunset over Lake Maraboon (we are south west of Emerald), with a cool breeze blowing off her waters, I know the real outback is yet to be discovered by us. The nights have been cool, but the days are nearing the mid 30’s- it is after 7pm and I and I am still in my bikini and sarong!
The road out here (after we got down that steep mountain... phew I can breathe a sigh of relief) is very straight and flat.

View down the valley from Eungella

It is easy to see why there are so many road accidents, the vast distance covered by truckies and travellers alike. Every few kilometres a white cross marking the sight of a fatal encounter. No crosses for the wildlife that also dot the roadside though. You can smell the ‘road kill’ long before you reach the carcass. We have learnt to whip out the fluffy dice shaped car freshener (thanks Nat), and hold it near our noses!
Arriving at our campsite late afternoon, we were given the ‘presidential suite’ campsite (as dubbed by fellow campers). We don’t know why we were so lucky to get the best spot (based on the vista from our camper), but I think it had something to do with the gay host taking a shine to Dave...... I have seen paintings were the blue water meets a deep red sky, fading out to a light orange, yellow and green, then blue with the silhouette of trees framing the picture and thought it not real. I am now seeing it.

The beauty of the sunset at Lake Maraboon

The beauty of this area is also found underground, with sapphires and zircons having international acclaim. Dave and I did venture to both Sapphire and Rubyvale, but alas it appears all the most appealing gems and designs are sold/ exported elsewhere. Oh well, credit card remained happy.Dave did get a ‘gem of a laugh’ though- having visited the ‘ladies’, I left rather quickly after flushing....... you would to, if you saw some creature clinging to the inside of the bowl trying with all its might to remain above the whirlpool below. It seems I had ‘wee weed’ on a frog.

Frog, having being removed from my toilet

I shall now be checking the outback toilets!

With still no fish finding their way onto our dinner plate, Dave decided to purchase a cray pot to put into the dam (the dam is famous for the Redclaw yabbies). We ventured out to check our pot, but as it was only a few hours after been thrown in, all we caught so far was a small fish and undersized yabbie (ha.... at least Dave can now claim that he has indeed caught a fish). We are looking forward to the morn to check our pot. Hopefully it is yabbie for dinner tomorrow night! Tonight it is falafels- I tell you this only because Dave has just got back from the camp kitchen cooking them. The ‘old bloke’ cooking his meat over there had never heard of them. Dave offered a taste, bad move- his new friend hasn’t really ever had spicy food, and 15 minutes later his mouth is still burning (opps...........)

Picture of worlds largest painting on a easel in Emerald - Van Gough..