To Biloela

 Leaving Emerald (which had 25mm of rain the previous day) the skies predicted more of the same for our trip East along the Capricorn Highway. We drove through Comet (where Leichardt has his own Dig Tree), to Blackwater, where by this time it was pouring rain. Not much use getting out to walk around the Japanese Gardens, though they are well worth the look. Lots of mud where others had been was enough to let us know it wouldn't be a good idea. So onwards through Bluff, Dingo and Duaringa to the turnoff to Biloela not far from Westwood.

This coal train passing beside us was quite lengthy. In the distance are the lead engines, these yellow ones here are the middle 2 engines and there is about as much train behind us as in front! Couldn't count the bins as trees kept jumping between us.





It was still raining by the time we reached Biloela. Our car and van parked in front of my mum's place, gear collected from the van and a quick run inside to warmth. It continued to rain. The afternoon saw the rain ease in patches, but by the evening it was quite heavy rain.Nice to go to sleep to the sound of rain and wake up to a gauge registering 35mm. Add the other 15mm from the day before and the garden's gotta be happy!

Today (Sunday) we visited the Queensland Heritage Park, housed in what once was the Primary Industries Pavilion at Expo 88. The silo shape was brought to Bilo in the years after the event and has displays representing the pioneering spirit of Australia. It also houses farm machinery, photos, travel items, school memorabilia, restored buildings etc and items donated from farming families in the area (including my grandparents who were one of the original selectors  in the district in 1932). John found this old dentist chair and was doing his best impersonation of Mr Bean.

This restored Furphy (left) water cart was one of those used to take water to Australian Army personnel during World War I in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. Apparently the soldiers pulling the carts were renowned for their stories and rumor spreading. Eventually the word Furphy became slang for rumor and gossip. Alongside this water carrier was an old pie van which has not yet been restored, an old ambulance which we saw regularly with its sides open and ambulance men/women selling raffle tickets. If your number matched a number on one of the shelves you could pick one of that shelf's prizes. A bit reminiscent of the sideshow stalls, only you didn't have to shoot at anything to get a prize! Great morning tea and gift shop staffed by volunteers.
Seen today: Clear blue skies; washing on the line drying; bees and butterflies on the lavenders at my mum's place.