It rained for most of the night so the road was a bit squishy on the way out of the camp area to the main road this morning, however, we did not have to engage 4WD to get out. We were also fortunate enough not to meet anyone coming from the other direction on the single-laned bits of road, as the shoulders bits were also a little soft. The widened parts of the road today were first class and once they complete the upgrade all the way it will be a pleasure.
Our only stop was for mornos at a rest area about 36km East of Croydon. The coffee and company was equally great. Because the wind was a bit lazy, we decided not to stay any longer than necessary.
We arrived at the Croydon True Blue Information Centre about 10:30am to get our permits to camp at the Croydon Freedom Camp, only to find it was closed until Monday morning. All was not lost, as there were forms outside that we completed and posted into the permit box. Wendy did not have any cash on her so we will go back in the morning to make a donation. The Freedom Camp is a disused cricket oval adjacent the rodeo ground at which there is the annual Croydon Poddy Dodgers Rodeo/get together. We didn't see any horsey events, (they were Fri and Sat) only those with a noisy engine and two/four wheels! Thankfully it ended today, so tomorrow should be relatively quiet here. As the camp was quite empty upon arrival, we had the pick of where to park and chose places (there are not actual sites) against the back fence. At the time of writing (6pm), the number of campers has almost quadrupled, however we still had plenty of room around us at this great camp.
After a really early lunch and a semi-rest in between the events at the rodeo ground, we donned our cycle clothing and rode into town for a little look around and to buy some milk. No sooner had we left the vans, than it started to drizzle. By the time we arrived at the shop, it was a heavy drizzle and getting colder by the minute. So after Greg had procured his milk, we scurried straight back home to our warm, dry vans.
Whilst Wendy got busy uploading last night's blog, Greg erected the two privacy screens to act as wind breaks and they were very effective. The boys then took their umbrellas for a walk into and around this interesting town. The usual pre-dinner planning meeting/drinks was had before dinner in our vans, then bed.
Early morning scenery shots
Great cattle country
Cumberland Chimney
The different roads and surfaces we drove today
Crossing the Gilbert River bridge
Not very much water in the Gilbert river
Gilbert River West free camp, we stayed here in 2018 with G&Y
Drive scenery
Mornos stop
An abysmal photo of the bike races at the rodeo ground
The Kombi Keg - thirsty work this motorbike riding
Us and the Croydon Freedom Camp
In earlier days, the Bell rang out at St Johns Anglican Church Golden Gate, and the Tower stood at St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church Croydon
The Miner at the entrance of the Info Centre
A clever way of listing those who served their country in war
A steam engine from the old gold mine
A yard full of relics that wouldn't look out of place in a museum
The Old Butcher Shop (replica); the original was brought in from Little River round 1940. The iron and weatherboard structure collapsed in a storm in 1996 and was rebuilt from corrugated iron.
Croydon Pub, built in 1887 this is the last of 36 hotels in Croydon town and still operates today.
Male ward from the old hospital (Matron Morrow Hall); originally built in 1894, this building was moved to make way for the new hospital and is still used for community services.
