It rained all night last night, sometimes so heavily we thought we might have a problem getting out of the free camp. However as we had picked a gravel pit it was solid so no worries. We were both awake at 3:30am to discuss our options. We initially had to travel via Quilpie to collect our mail that had been re-directed there. However, we realised that we could call them and ask if they could re-re-direct it back to home. (As it turned out the lady at the Post Office was very obliging and agreed to do it, thank you Melanie.)
So, Greg sent Bob a text message outlining our thoughts, saying that as it was very unlikely we would be able to go past Quilpie to any other destinations, and we could very likely get stranded there for a week or more, we should turn back for home whilst we can. In addition the weather picture for the next week or so was looking like there may be some serious flooding all across the mid-west. Bob came over for a chat about 6am'ish and it was agreed that we break camp and head out. We were on the road about 6:30am. We agreed that Roma would be a good spot to make a decision on what B&N wanted to do. We refuelled there at the same time and they decided to travel with us all the way to home as the inland route to Gladstone (where they were heading to visit family) was a bit suspect for flooding. We also decided to get a large chunk of the km out of the way today so it is not as far tomorrow; only 321km tomorrow.
In the main the roads were fairly ordinary, rock and roll with the van on the back and the recent rain has not helped. The worst section was from Miles to Dalby, although there have been some recent upgrades to add a few overtaking lanes. After stops for mornos, loo visits, lunch and fuel, we were checked into, and on our site (#14) just after 4pm; not a bad effort at all.
After a minimal set-up, we went for a walk to stretch the legs before getting glammed up for dinner at Criterion Hotel, adjacent the park. Specials tonight were steak, steak, and steak. All meals were absolutely delicious, and very filling.
The road home is all clear at this stage, although that may change any time.
Leaving our gravel pit this morning
Mornos stop, anyone would think we lived in the Tropics, and we were in the middle of the rainy season
Drive scenery
Lunch stop at Wallumbilla
Calico Cottage
Pink pub at Dulacca
Dalby; Myall Creek, adjacent the van park
This was the height of the most recent floods at Dalby
