Charleville

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Driving into Charleville we can't but help notice how dry the country side is, there has been no substantial rain here for quite a while.Our destination is our friends new house just on the outskirts of the town set on 10 acres which provides plenty of space for their 2 dogs, 1 cat, 2 horses and cluster of hens.We are heading for country hospitality and the company of good friends.

Chareville has a rich past,the first Cobb and Co. carriage was built here and there are several still to be seen in the Historic house and museum,Qantas first took to the air from here.Cattle and sheep past through here on their way to Brisbane and could take as long as six months, longer in the wet season.The town has seen it's fortunes come and go experiencing severe floods and long droughts.Today Charleville is home to over 3,000 people and attracts tourists all year round although the numbers drop in the heat of the summer.Attractions and things to see are plentiful here and range from a state of the art astronomical observatory to a Bilby breeding and conservation centre plus many more outback country experiences including the flying doctor centre which services the outback.

We are here to see friends, to indulge in country hospitality and attend our first country horse race meeting, set on the same day as the famous Melbourne cup but not before we get to see our first Guinea pig race meeting.Held in a local pub the proceeds going to local charities this was to be the inaugural meeting and was well attended by locals and visitors alike.The meeting was a great success with lots of money raised and laughter all around.

Our friends invited us both to try horse riding around the property, now I had never ridden a horse solo only ever been led around a paddock with no control what so ever over the horse,Jackie had some experience some 30yrs ago, so this was going to be interesting.Jackie first accompanied by Michael on a tour of the property.Next day my turn accompanied by Valda,my first time solo and kind of in control, the horse was very gentle and placid.We both had a great experience and survived the day.

The afternoon following my horse ride we went to the Races and what an occasion with most of the ladies in high fashion and the men mostly in country attire big boots, big hats although some wore a suit.The meeting was well attended and a great atmosphere was generated.I was relying on Micheal for advice on how to place a bet not having been to a race meeting before. By the end of the day I came away $10.00 in front lucky I guess. Watching the horses up close and listening to the drum of the hooves as they galloped around the track together with the excitement of the crowd is experience all on it's own.All in all a good day.

We visited Charleville several years ago and experienced some of the local attractions including the Cosmos centre, now that was some experience and one not to be missed if you are visiting Chareville.On our last visit the historic house and museum was closed but not this time so a visit was a must.This museum run by volunteers is on the main street and recalls the rich past of the town with hundreds if not thousands of artifacts from years gone by,well worth a visit.

Alas our time here has come to an end as we depart back toward the east coast,slowly making our way toward Brisbane but not before visiting some iconic destinations on our way

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Photos

View from the front door of our hosts house

Jackie in charge

The end of the ride

Preparing to mount

It's high up here

Off we go

Charleville
First bit of manual labour in a couple of years

The scene is set

The race is on

The trophy's

Valda with here entry for the race

Michael with his entry

Valda with her trophy

Micheal with the winner and the trophy

Comments

[Greg and Janet Hoile]

Charleville
Another interesting blog Bill. JAnet and I loved the "secret US base" tour which operates out of the visitor information centre. Incredible to think that so many US servicemen had been stationed there during world war II. Our plans to make another trip have gone by the board I'm afraid, at least for next year. Our daughter Rebecca has moved to Lyon in France so we'll be visiting her family instead of hitting the road. When, if ever, do you plan to go home? It looks to me like it might be easy for you to just keep on travelling. Talk to you soon

[billandJackie]

Thank you
Lovely to hear from you and thank you for your comments I'm sure you will hit the road again in the meantime enjoy France. Will e'mail you shortly Bill