The Rodeo, Long wait in Rockhampton and overnight bus to Airlie Beach..

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<p>So we headed off to the "bullzeye" Rodeo in the "Great Western" hotel on Saturday night. There was a mini bus going from our hostel in Emu Park, carrying about 10 people. We were all given a can of beer and a cowboy hat before we left. Full of excitement, we undertook the 40 minute journey nto Rockhampton. So we arrived and whet an experience it was! It was like walking on to a set of a country and western movie. Real cowboys standing at the bar- check shirts, wrangler jeans and leather chaps. Along with this they had that country accent, the walk and general demeanour of real life cowboys! It was surreal, really it was!</p><p>There were real, famous bull heads on the wall, taking pride of place. These were champion bulls in ther time and they were s proud that this is how they honoured them! We sat down for dinner and got chatting with the others in the group, who have been travelling all over Australia too, but in other directions!</p><p>We get served a huge steak dinner, its beautiful- so tender and delicious washed down with an iced cold beer... this is Australia!!But this is also mad to be here and to be experiencing this!!</p><p>We head into the arena, which looks like a mart and is just an outside area which is part of the hotel. It is packed. First come kids- aged btween 7 and 10. They are riding the calfs with crash helmets. It's hilarious, but I cant believe parents would let kids so young take part inthis dangerous sport!! I am petrified looking at them! The evenng continues wit bulls, horses, bare back and so on. Its so exciting seeing the action unfold and we all ave a great night.</p><p>The next day, we get up, go for breakfast and check out of the hostel and we just hang around Emu Park- there is not much on as its Sunday and its raining, which puts a dampner on things! However, we get dropped into Rockhampton early and have 10 hours to spare until our overnight bus arrives. We go to a few bars and just take it easy. Its nice to just chillax and plan the next part of the trip.</p><p>Out waiting for the bus, an Aboriginal guy approaches myself and Mik saying "why did the white man destroy the earth??" we couldn't keep a straight face, but he looked so aggressive. "but why" he kept repeating. Eventually a guy came to our rescue. He frightened the lfe out of me though. They give me the creeps...</p><p>So 7 and a half hours later, we arrived in Airlie Beach. It's a lovely little seaside resort, reminds me a little of Kinsale with all the ships and sailing boats. We check our luggage in and get our boarding passes for the ferry. We are going on the "broomstick" vessel at 2pm. Off to the beach now for the rest of the morning. So we will head off to do the Whitsundays now and will be back on Wednesday. So until then. Bye.. xx</p>

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