Out in the Bush

Got bottle hasn't she!

The biggest bottle tree in the world! Maybe not, but it's a big one alright. This is the largest specimen of the Queensland Bottle Tree in existence - we found this in Roma some 300 miles west of Brisbane. I started to investigate bottle trees and soon gave up, there are many species in many parts of the world but this particular one, the Queensland version is a stonker. There are 96 slightly smaller bottle trees in an avenue down one of Roma's streets - one each planted for the 96 men who died in the first world war. Why is it called a bottle tree? Perhaps because it's shaped like a bottle - or perhaps because water is stored in its swollen trunk. Who knows? But we were impressed with this one.

Fancy a dance?

We were in western Queensland to visit Carnarvon Gorge (excuse the spelling!) which is a  spectacular rocky valley with hiking trails onward and upward. We did the 11K circuit and encountered plenty of wild life, aboriginal wall paintings, etc. Very highly recommended even if it's a long way out. Close to the gorge, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a couple of big birds dancing in the fields (or 'paddocks' as the Aussies say) in front of some amused kangaroos. These are Brolgas which are a type of four foot tall Australian crane and they're known for their complicated mating dances - which is what we kind of assumed was going on here.

Let the train take the strain.

Driving on the empty long straight roads of Western Queensland has its downsides - Kangaroos for one, they have no road sense at all and their remains can be spotted at intervals alongside the highway - this is why most vehicles out here have a big bumper bar arrangement at the front - those roos can do a lot of damage. Another hazard consists of the fast moving road trains which make overtaking somewhat difficult especially if you don't know how many trailers the truck is towing

Wild west Aussie style.

Close to the Carnarvon Gorge (actually an hour and half away) we stayed at the Injune Hotel, it used to be on the main road through town but now sits on a back street ever since they ploughed a wider road through (to accommodate road trains of course). This place was quite busy with diner, drinkers, folk bobbing in for a sixpack, etc. No idea where they all came from as there were very few houses in town. Fairly basic accommodation but it was an experience - the young lady serving us behind the bar was from Chile - she told us she had no problem understanding English but Australian was a different matter altogether. After a couple of nights here we drove 200 miles south to the next town but one of St George where we had a very pleasant cruise on the wide Balonne River - a very pleasant relaxing end to the day we had too with the sun setting over the tranquil waters.

Peace at last!