Day 28 - Lightning Ridge to Hebel

After last nights drizzle, everything was soaked around the van, but the morning was still dead calm

We packed up and were on the road by 9.30 ish, but first stop was the John Murray gallery to secure a decal for the van (see attached photo). All 4 vans now proudly display this momento of our journey.

A very short and uneventful drive today, just under an hour, but we did cross the border into Queensland.

We arrived in Hebel around 11.30. No need to unhitch tonight so pretty easy routine. Mud, mud and more mud….but white. It was another very lazy afternoon until Graham and I took off to explore. The 3 minute exploration took us past the ablutions, past the general store and to the pub……..we’d seen everything to be seen.

The afternoon and evening commenced from here. Gradually the others made it to the pub. The entertainment started with watching the road trains navigate the corner directly in front of the pub.

To order dinner we had to traverse the Castlereagh Hwy and order at the general store. Return to the pub. Wait for the buzzer to activate. Upon the buzzing, once again traverse the Hwy, pick up our order and make our way back……very novel idea. Another great country meal.

Around 6.30 the entertainment started. We had no idea what to expect but we were extremely, pleasantly surprised. A solo artist named Zane Sharp. What an amazingly talented fella. He also has an amazingly talented history in a variety of specialties including international football (soccer).

He entertained us with many singalong songs. He also encouraged Peter to relive his younger years communicating with the local truckies (be sure to view the video attached).
So much for quiet nights before big days of driving.

One of the special things about this country.……unexpected Aussie outback experiences. This was definitely one of them.

Bedtime now in preparation for tomorrow’s journey.Read more