Ilfracombe/ Longreach

We decided to stay out of Longreach at a recommended place called Ilfracombe. It was a small town but had a lot of things going for it. 

This truck had its own police escort!

The CP had a reputedly good happy hour with comedy from the hosts, Jesse and Cathy Hitson. Jesse was the MC and chief organiser for the Winton Races and Cathy was one half of  the winner in the egg throwing comp. In Ilfracombe there is also  a general store/cafe, Pub (The Wellshot Hotel) , swimming pool with an Artesian Spa, racecourse, Nursery and sports oval. It's a 15min drive to Longreach and we visited the Stockman Hall of Fame, or as I kept calling it the Hockman Stall of fame!

 It was really interesting and even better that we were able to peruse the exhibits whilst the girls happily played in the kids play area. The kids play area literally had a few cushions and a couple of toys but it somehow kept them entertained for about an hour and a half. The Royal Flying Doctor Service Exhibit was the most hands on and really interesting. 

Part of the show in Stockman Hall of Fame.

We were meeting Nat and Jase at the Cp that afternoon and we all walked up the road to the Artesian Pool. It was a toasty 38c and we sat in the small pool chatting to the other campers that we met also in Winton, and from the Shire.

After the 2hr happy hour we all went next door to the Wellshot for dinner, and it was the start of our late nights with Nat and Jason.

The weather has been so warm and we were expecting it to be decidedly cooler at night in Western Queensland, but it was so mild.

We went to the Qantas Founders Museum the next day and again the girls played in the sectioned off kids area whilst we were able to look at all the artifacts and history of Qantas. 

This wasn't the real simulator but a smaller one. Michael managed to land the plane but I nose dived and crash landed several times.

Even if you don't work for Qantas, I think everyone would find it interesting to learn how the Flying Kangaroo got "off the ground"! There was plenty of visuals and memorabilia, as well as a flight simulator, wing walk and jet tour. We did the 747 jet tour as well as the Museum. Sara, our Jet Tour guide knew her stuff but she mistakenly asked Michael what he did for a living. She swore at him and then was constantly looking at him after she would rattle off some facts. She was very knowledgable though. It was great for Michael to show us his "office". 

The Jet Tour went for an hour and half and we also toured Qantas first 707 which was converted into a luxury jet for the rich and famous. The interior was etched in history from its previous owners, with gold plated plumbing, private rooms, and teek furnishings. It was then found in a state of abandonment and Qantas Founders Museum bought it for 1 Pound and brought it back to its former glory. 

The Catalina Flying Boat is also in the process of being restored by Museum volunteers.

We missed out on visiting the Bureau of Meteorology but heard it was very good.

Nat had put the rematch egg throwing challenge to Cathy that morning and it was decided that Cathy would find herself a new partner that day and meet again at 5:30. Not that Nat and I are competitive at all, but we did smash them this time. It was pretty funny as I think we were the preliminary entertainment for Happy Hour. Before we started throwing the girls were happily playing their usual game of Puppies and Owners. They make a lead using rope and lead each other around the campsite. Bizarre I know, but they love it and so do we as it keeps them entertained. Unfortunately Rubes lead was tethered to a pole and as she started to run across the throwing pitch the lead tightened and she fell in a heap. It didn't look good from a parents perspective but it was a bit funny and she wasn't harmed in any way.

Spot the egg!

Nat and I then declared we would return to the Ilfracombe Van Park Olympics next year- any takers to join us?