Day 28: Fri 8 Jan: Hughenden

Not a great night's sleep; poor old Spike had the upset tummy this time and had to be let out every 10 minutes from 3am! We were just about to take the mattress out to sleep outside when he fell fast asleep poor old man 😔

So we had a sleep in til about 9.30am when it was already 34 degrees, before taking off down to the FJ Holden cafe for brekky. It is an amazing place, all decked out like a 50s/60s Diner, models of cars and Rock n Roll memorabilia. Awesome!  

We had a massive breakfast then headed up to Porcupine Gorge, waving to more of our bovine friends on the way...most of the cattle around this area are Drought Master, a breed developed especially for the incredibly harsh Australian conditions, by crossing a UK and a USA breed. They have a distinctive jump on their back. 

Soon after, we turned off the road and headed a couple of km's down a dirt track to Porcupine Gorge. It was formed millions of years ago by erosion and is now a spectacular canyon with water all year round. It must've been a wonderful place to live for the Aborigines, with a permanent water source and plenty of shade from the searing heat. 

We weren't game to walk down to the water this time since we were both suffering from sleep deprivation and was 38 degrees, but we decided to check out the campsite anyway, so we book ahead and get the best site for next time!

Number 8 seemed perfect. 

We also found some bones and very large footprints... Probably from a very large cow!

Or then again, maybe the dinosaurs are sti walking the earth around here...!

After our walk, we headed back to camp for a nice swim in the town pool whilst admiring our stripey tanned feet!! 😎

It's at this part of a trip that I always start to feel emotional and maybe just a little down. 

Perhaps it's just because I am tired after travelling thousands of kilometres. Or maybe it's the red dust and dirt which inevitably works its way under fingernails and never quite gets clean. Could it be the exhausting weather which has soared into the 40s and dipped below zero?

I think it's partly due to the above. But mostly it is because we have seen so much beauty in such a short space of time, that my brain is still processing it all. 

I am so in love with our unique country, it is hard to explain. It just starts to get under your skin, becomes part of you, embraces you. In all its harshness there is an incredible feeling of strength and harmony. 

Or then again, maybe it's just the beer talking...