Charleville – Blackall

Almost a bustling metropolis, particularly after Quilpie, Eromanga, Thargomindah and Eulo. Even had difficulty parking there were so many locals in town and then found the first servo was sold out of fuel.

A couple of things of interest were the Historic House Museum and the cloud seeding guns..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The house is an old bank and managers residence dating back to the late 1800’s, restored by a committee of locals many years ago and stocked with the detritus of an old town – telephone switchboards, kettles, horse equipment, medical equipment, old vehicles and so on but the most photogenic was the old building out back that looks like the next puff of wind will take down. The bank safe, closed to visitors, was in fact unlocked and I managed a peep inside only to be scolded by the caretaker. Upon asking what was so “secret” I was told that there were things inside that needed to be kept safe but to the further enquiry as to what, I was informed that nobody knew what it all was. Ah well! (they might have to kill me if they told me) And the caretaker had been there for over 40 years. Curiosity would have got the better of me!

The cloud seeding guns are another anomaly – there are some strange things out here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can read the story by double clicking on the info panels and  blowing them up. I guess if one of these guns went off today the old shed above would just fall down.

The courthouse is a lovely old building..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

but I’m a lousy photographer.

Onwards forge the intrepid explorers. Blackall beckons.

Robyn had engaged us  with stories of an old friend named Stuart who in earlier days when first met was a drover and  now lives in Blackall. By description a fairly laconic individual who in fact did not disappoint.

But first the Blackall Wool Scourer  –  the “what?” I hear you say! Some of you may be better informed but I presumed that  a wool scourer was just a person who cleaned wool fleeces once off the sheeps back …..  no, no, no. This is brilliant 1800’s steam fed mechanisation. First built in the UK in the late 1800’s, this whole plant was transported out here by ship and bullock dray to mechanise the cleaning of wool straight off the sheeps back. A steam driven shearers stand of 20 fed wool to it. Some 2,000,000 sheep fleeces went through before its demise in 1976.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wool is fed in one end, goes through a series of combs all operated by steam driven pulleys and ultimately through washes to dryers then is pumped upstairs where it exits the system through the little gate above the storage bin. There it is classed, moved manually over to the wool press and is bagged and branded ready for shipping.

Some 15 or so years ago after the place had fallen into disrepair the locals sought to reclaim it as a tourist attraction and have brought many parts of it back to life. It is thoroughly fascinating and has just won an  award – I admire their dedication.

 

 

 

 

 

 

There were a few other noteworthy exhibits..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not the least of which is the 130 year old artesian bore still flowing at great pressure and 58C. And hows that for the dream holiday unit.

Up to the information centre/historical village where Robyns friend Stuart works. Acquiring and restoring exhibits is what he works at these days but I think its more than work – its a fetish. This little village is a credit to all involved – its beautiful and the things that should work do, all credit to Stuart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stuart knocked off and we all went for tea – home to meet Roslyn and a tour of the backyard collection

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you Stuart and Ros for your hospitality. Real pleased to meet all three of you.

 

 

 

 

 

We overnighted at a couple of “free” camps both before and after Blackall to see both moonrise and sunset. I’m still trying for that elusive, magical sunset shot but here goes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I know, I know – keep trying, but its the best so far.

Barcaldine for the socialists is yet to follow and then there’s Longreach for the intrepid journeymen, but more another day.