What a beautiful time of day, watching the sun rise over the Gilbert River -the bird life is quite active this morning. The collection time for the parliment pots…..so exciting. we did okay, got about a dozen mixed size, they will taste good.
The next night we camped on the Mitchell River, once again a lovely spot & all to ourselves. we put in the partlimount house pots & managed to catch approx a dozen cherabin. The following night we camped on the Mithcell River again but about 100klms upstream (Hughs Crossing)- a really, really, really nice camp although there was someone on the other side of the river, once again we baited up the pots (dry dog food, very easy) & we caught about 20 keepers.
Not sure if this fellow was a ‘great egret’ or the ‘intermediate egret’, I imagine he would be the 2nd one as they are very common in the northern areas of Australia ……..? But still an awesome bird.A Hawkins side tipper, carting gravel from Normanton to Kowanyama approximately a 5 hour drive each way.JabiruBurdekin ducks on a mission.Happy snappers always around.Sunrise, what a beautiful time of day.Jabiru – what a magnificent bird.Woo ho – not a bad catch – approx a dozen all up, dinner to toniteI think fellow saw a Happy snapper & ?????????On the road again, this road train was going a little faster than us so we pulled over.Passed quite a few brumbies.Our camp – Mitchell river.This causeway is covered in a type of matting – quite interesting.There was quite a few crows.Lotz of kites keeping an eye on things.Honeyeaters in big numbers.The doves were plentiful & put quite show on while I was drinking my cup of tea.Wild mangrove flower.Small seed pods growing wild over a dead tree – Loofah (Luffa Aegyptiaca)On the road again, the road was very good.Quite a few moo’s along the way.Our next stop, Hughs Crossing – Mitchell River again, approximately 100klms from our last camp.We had an amazing camp site.This fellow flew across the causeway empty & came back an hour later loaded up with cattle.The pee-wee’s were having a great time.More Burdiken ducks.Our catch overnite.It was a fantastic camping spot.
September 29th we departed Normanton for the next amazing adventure in our life…….yea!
The 1st night we stayed on the Gilbert River – what an awesome spot & our campsite was the best. The Jabiru’s were beautiful – what an amazing bird they are, saw some fish movement but we didn’t wet a line BUT we did put in the parliment pots so look out 2moro. The sunset was lovely. Quite a few ‘happy snappers’ but I think they are freshies.
I know the signs says welcome to Normanton but I couldn’t find a “farewell from Normanton”…..hahaha
When you are travelling this is a very popular sign.We will go as far as Chillagoe then change direction slightly.When travelling on gravel roads its always a good thing to let some air out the tyres – makes life much easier if problems arise.Soooooo many of these to be seen.Passed a few Hawkins side tippers along the way – definately a good idea to get off the road when any roadtrain comes along.Our camp for the night on the Gilbert River.This critter kept his eye on us.The Corella’s were very prolific & loud…..These 2 characters did a few miles but they always stayed together- Burdikin ducksThis Jabiru is definately a good fisher bird – a reasonable size catfish for dinner.This freshie was doing a little sunbaking.This little piggy needed a drink, I’m sure he wasn’t that little (I was a long distance from him) -there was lots of signs that the pigs liked this area.Quite amazing, I watched this fellow dig a hole a few metres from waters edge to find water to drink – very ‘croc’ savy.This fellow not so timid……But the freshies are always around.WOW – a pink grader. Actually this fellow is based in Normanton.A shag drying out.But……… they are always around.Dinner time, I think she had another one in the pouch…..Isn’t it surprising how trees can survive growing on the edge of banks with their roots exposed.The sun setting on the Gilbert River.SAlways need at least one scary pic…hahaha
WOW! another weekend off – we had booked the boat (Dory) in for a service at Karumba, dropped it off Thursday arvo & picked it up Saturday morning – We decided to have a look at Karumba in the water, was awesome, got a little windy later on in the day but was a wonderful day – we even managed to catch a fish keeper – ‘blue nosed salmon’, sorry no pic.
This is our last Normanton blog, we have 9 days left of work (no days off) then we heading Cairns way, we are taking the Chilagoe Rd but I not sure if we will have much service but I will try to take lotz of pics.
Keep smiling. 🙂
This is an amazing boat ramp in Karumba – its very boat launching happy.Karumba Point – a very popular spot especially to feast on some local take away fish & chips.Leichardt River quite a beautiful spot – during the wet season & if good rain there is water running over the rock cliffs – ‘Leichardt Falls’Windmill in the background.The roadwork water trucks fill up their tankers from here, this fellow works for Hawkins so we stopped for a chat & a wander.A very beautiful spot, but apparentley there are ‘big’ happy snappers here so no swimming.Passed a few of these boys on the way back to Normanton.The birdlife is pretty amazing.Lotz these termite hills around, they look like a massive cementry.Gravel off loaded waiting to be flattened..Quite a few of these characters too, although a lot of their family/friends spread out on the road – makes the bird life plentiful.Crossing over the Bynoe River saw this fellow having a bit of a look.Bynoe River.Sun setting 30 minutes from Normanton – saw quite a few black cockies hanging in the trees.
We have a new toy – awesome, looks good behind the ute & is even better on the water. We purchased our new toy for our future plans – we are planning on spending the ‘wet season’ in Cape York Pennisula (North QLD), due to covid 19 – our plans to fly to Brissy
We drove to Mt. Isa, along the way we stopped at the Burke & Wills roadhouse for breakfast & seemed to have a few friends..
Did some shopping & relaxed, was nice. We left Mt Isa Sunday morning & drove towards Camoweal (towards the NT border), after 120klms we turned left heading to the Gregory River, was an interesting drive, we drove past quite a few stations. Gregory River is a lovely looking spot, is fresh water so NO salt water crocs but there is proabaly a few freshies around but we may come back here & camp along the river – it is quite beautiful. We had a counter luch at the pub which was quite nice, no need for social distancing – we were the only ones there…..haha but a few people die call in for fuel.
Back in the yard at Normanton, Peter does have a couple of hairy jobs…….
The sunsets have been providing us with some amazing colours.
I go walking with a guy I work with, it is always interesting. We find some interesting sites.
We stopped at Burke & Wills Roadhouse for breakie & these critters keep a keen eye on us.Ptilotus Exaltatus.After the bitumen the road was very good in most parts, some parts were a bit hairy.What amazing signage – metal artwork is fantastic.Ringers moving cattle along the road.The Gregory Hotel.The Gregory River – looks like an awesome spotMelaleuca Linarifolia.We found some long horn moo’s along the way.The Flinders River.The Bynoe River, on one side of the river there was heaps of cockies in the trees.Peter & the boys emptying some very long & heavy metal framework from the truck.Great sunsets in Normanton.The bloke I go walking with the majority of the time.This all part of the local water supply for Normanton.
Days off again – time flys when you having fun……..
This time we headed north, north-east along the road to Chilagoe, came across a family of wild pigs, Mum & bubs went one way & Dad went in a different direction – clever animals. Obviously saw heaps of cattle all swanning around waterholes & the roadside, where the cattle were was also lotx of brolga’s. Drove past a few Station entrance’s – Van Rook was very eye catching. Crossed over the Gilbert River, it definately has the ‘wow’ factor but there was some rather large signs saying no camping etc so we drove on, after about 70klms we drove over a dry creek called Wyaaba Creek & turned left, there were a couple of waterholes(brown looking water), the area had been recently burnt out as there was still a few stumps still smouldering but then we came across a lovely fresh looking pond – our camp for the nite & we had a few critters around. We had a great little fire happening & Peter’s cooking definately hits the spot. It is always nice to get away & see different area.
On way home we drove to Karumba & had early dinner, fish & chips by the sea – so yumm.
These little tackers were pretty quick on the foot.These guys were very content, didn’t bother moving when we slowed down, took pics & drove past – cute little fellows hey!The Gilbert River – WOW! it was very picturesque.Our campsite, worked a treat.This fellow kept one eye on us…haha, our camp was about 20m from his sunbaking spot.Our swag – its very comfy.Even though most of the grass had been burnt out the vegetation around the pond was green & quite plentiful.‘A happy camper’Peter nearly stood on this fellow…..Couldn’t find the name of this fellow in my book, probably have a ‘blonde’ moment….hahaI went for a walk in ‘Wyaaba’ creek, obviously a well trodden creek, but still quite lovely & the grevillia’s were just beginning to flower.We caught these 2 blue claw in the brown water ponds – we did the catch & release thingi!Caught this ‘sleepy cod’ in the clean pond at our camp – catch & release again, although they are very tasty.He was watching as we retreived our pots.Drive back, saw lotz of these critters.& quite a few of these also.
We drove to Karumba & had fish & chips by the sea along the way I noticed a willy willy.
We are on days off again this week-end, not sure yet where we are going but we will go somewhere. Had quite an easy day today (quite surprising) I think it will be a build up for tomorrow as Fridays are never nice, they are early start, late finish & usually no break!!!!! We look forward to our time off & now as restrictions are easing we can check out a few more places.
Keep smiling. 🙂
A new moon still there just before sunrise.Full moon still shining, daybreak due soon.Peter & the other 2 boys unloading a very long hoist that came over from Cairns in a fridge van truck (fridge not on).Getting the fire happening, have marinated chicken bits on the BBQ 2nite & coleslaw with a few friends up here.My nephew Darren made this BBQ while at high school – its wonderful, not sure how I scored it but its a keeper.My sunflowers are trying hard & they haven’t had an easy life………We are getting closer.WOW! – they are still beautiful even though they are a little ‘special’I see the sunflowers & they make me think of Harry below – what a joy he is.I don’t think this little fellow will be a vegetarian early in life….haha. He is so cute.
We met up with great mates Jenelle & Darren Brincow from Georgetown at a cute little river approximately 50klms east of Croydon – callegoodd Little River. We left Normanton as the sun was dawning so I tried to capture a few pics. Lots of wallabies on the drive to Croydon, luckily we did not harm any although there was quite a lot of road kill around. We called into Croydon for breakfast which was quite yummy then we drove to ‘LittleRiver’ – our camp spot for the night. –
Was awesome to catch up up Jenelle & Darren again, had a few beverages, played some cards & actually caught a snack to share. We managed to use our swag for the first time, it was very comfy, the fire was awesome.
Our catch for the night was 1 good size cherabin & 5 regular redclaw.
On our way back to Normanton we stopped in at Lake Belmore at Croydon, quite a lovely spot but unfortuneately no camping allowed.
Little RiverRelaxing on the causeway over the river thinking about preparing our parlimount pots to try & catch some cherabin or redclaw overnite.Preps are happening…Placing the pots in strategic spots – hopefully.Back to where we have parked up for the night, approx 150m from the river.It was a beautiful camp fire.This is the first time we have used our new swag (purchased March 2019) – it was really good.Jenelle & Peter on the causeway.Jenelle collecting our pots th enext morning.Yea – we managed to catch a snack.A beautiful wattle is in full flower.Lookout overlooking Croydon township.Croydon.
WOW! we have been here nearly 11 weeks – time flys when you are having fun.
Peter & I have been working lotz, but we do have every second weekend off which is awesome. We go driving & check out a few different places, we drove to Mt. Isa & did some food shopping etc. It is always nice to get away just for a night.
The sun is rising as we drive south along the Burketown Development Rd towards Mt Isa, which is also a part of the Matilda Way towards the Barkly Highway, the turn off is approx 5klms left to Cloncurry & 110klms right to Mt Isa. Passing over the ‘Flinders River” along the way – quite picturesque at this hour of the day, we actually camped here on our way to Normanton for the first time, there was more water then.WOW! what majestic birds – there is lotz of road kill along the road so the wedgetails are plentiful.A little ‘canoodling’ happening I think.Not sure here of the action but both birds took off & this is the result, no falling feathers.Lotz of these too…..Driving back to Normanton from Mt. IsaWOW! Tommy Ck – must have been named after our ‘Tommy’ – Peter’s grandson.No water but nice.WOW! My Harry – this must be for him, Jenna’s son, my 1st grandie. A few locals.Quamby – was originally built as a customs house in 1860’s, 1921 converted to a hotel. It was used as a staging post for Cobb & Co stage coaches who required fresh horses. Lotz of road kill.
I have trying to do a little walking around the area, one of the blokes I work with is a keen walker so we do a few walks together. This day we walked behind the airstrip through a few paddocks & about 3 barb wire fences & came across the Normanton Race track, rodeo grounds, show ground & coucil pound – interesting. Came acroos a few happy critters in the shape of horses but not the racing kind. The mosaics at the road entrance to this joint are amazing.
Just down the road from here is the Golf Club/Scout hall – apparently it is a 6 hole course, no green fees or membership required if you want to have a hit, not sure about the scouts – not sure if it is currently operational.
We then crossed through another barb wire fence & came to the ‘dead centre’ – so many artificial flowers blowing around the grounds but it seemed to be reasonably maintained, then into town & back to home (hawkins transport freight yard), walked approximately 8klms so thats okay.
The sunsets vary from boring to exquisite, of course I never seem to have the camera or phone handy at the right time…….. The full moons are amazing.
Our ‘KK’ setup is quite good, we have containers around us & a few caravans but all is good. We have a small vege patch & will have flowering sunflowers soon, the vege patch has had a hard life, one of the mechanics dogs took a liking to digging it up for me but things are stilll growing….haha
The race track & starting gates, not sure when they were last used but no recent racing here.
These guys seem to live on the inside of the track & look happy enough.
These 3 mosaic posters were at the entrance to the Racetrack/ rodeo grounds & show grounds – they are really good.
A joint organisation was once in place, from what the locals tell me not many individuals participate in either area.
T-off area for hole #6, we walked down this fareway.
They haven’t mowed the fareway lately.Looking at the green, watch out you don’t hit the rake.The sun setting in Normanton, some days its quite specky.The moon going down early morning, looking through an old franna crane.The moon shining brightly in the middle of the day.Our ‘KK’ set up, we are surrounded by containers & a few caravans but we have a little vege patch & we shall have some sunflowers flowering shortly.
