Longreach

With our base in Ilfracombe it is only 26k into Longreach. Our day started with David booked in for a 10am flight simulation on F35 Lockheed lightning at the Qantas Founders Museum. A whole lot of fun, not allowed to shoot anything down, blow anything up - so sad. Managed take off perfectly, barrel rolls, loops, and the landing was perfect after writing off three planes - at least I didn't have to pay for them.

Julia trying to fly a 747

We then had a guided tour of the Boeing 747 and 707 - two hours of detail, anecdotes and information from an extremely well informed guide (from East Preston). If you ever visit Longreach this is a must. The history around both planes is excellent and the story of how they came "home" intriguing.

Middle East oppulence

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Lunch followed and then we still had the museum to do. A huge display of memorabilia and things to read and watch and then into the original hanger/work shop - the day was done by 4pm and then back to Ilfracombe for "happy hour" - that was paling somewhat as the crowd is a little older than us, the jokes older than all of us and it went on and on and on - we just wanted dinner. I must say that the happy hour is held in the happy hour shed and normally run by the owner who puts on a good show. He was away fishing this weekend, so may be tomorrow will improve.

Monday was a return to Longreach to now do the Stockman's Hall of Fame. It was just our luck that the "show" doesn't run on a Monday so that just left all the exhibits. It was quite impressive with the history of pastoral and exploration of the Outback with the central players. The diversity and hardships that the early settlers had to put up with, and how they managed, certainly showed a tenacity of spirit.

A good three hours at the exhibit and then into town for grocery shopping and lunch. On our return to Ilfracombe we were taken on a tour of Langenbraker house. This house, now purchased by the local council, was moved here in 1899 where Mary raised 11 children. She died in the house in 1967 and her youngest son lived in it until 1996 when he died. He left everything as it was when his mother was still alive, never moving anything or throwing anything out . The house was a real snapshot in time of how they used to live 60 plus years ago. Lets live like that agin said no one ever...........
The "happy hour" really picked with the return of the owner - a hoot.
Tuesday is goodby to Longreach and off to dinosaur land around Winton.