Solo Steve On The Road: TOWNSVILLE Qld to 3 WAYS ROADHOUSE NT (Part 2)

The next 600 kms included long straight stretches, battling to keep awake behind the Motorhome of Billy and Jules, flat out at their normal speed of 80 to 85 kmph. Although there's not a lot by the roadside to crow about at least features change every 50 kms or so. There is a beauty to behold in fact. I do enjoy the sometimes bright red dusty paddocks with little else but sparse grass and low scrub, always impressive in colour contrast. At times we pass by low rocky hills and occasionally a dry creek bed lined with trees and shrubbery; no water though. I don't believe there hasn't been any ground water in a dam, creek or river since Townsville, way back. The humidity is very low and the air tastes of dust, with no rain in sight. It has also been quite hot, up to 30 or more most days and 15 or so at night, in the middle of winter too.
The first stop today is Hughenden a small desolate place that tries to be friendly to it's townsfolk and the passer-by. One feature, the "FJ Holden Cafe", caught the eye and was our venue for lunch. Apparently there is a Holden family in the Town so I suppose the name is appropriate. The shop, filled with "Holden" car and curiously "Elvis" memorabilia served up a reasonable steak sandwich that filled a hole.
We understood that there was an "RV Park" here at $6.60 per night payable at the Information Centre. After a lecture from a pimple faced kid re the penalties that would be levied if we didn't heed the "Fully Self Contained Vehicle" requirement we headed to "RV World". Well, next to the Showgrounds ( entry prohibited) we found a large square of dust with only one tree, no toilets or drinkable water, all under a baking sun. Not really impressed as I paid for 2 nights. I guess I could do with a rest from travelling.
Another day, another 125 kms, another lifeless little town called Richmond and yet another "RV Park". This one made Hughenden look awesome. A fenced of square of dust behind the main street with no amenities. At least there wasn't a charge. There are no Photos to show as dirt looks the same in most places and the Townscape only conjured a stifled yawn. There is the "Kronarsaurus Corner" a display of locally discovered dinosaur bits that I deemed not worth the entrance fee, so I didn't.
I think we were all happy to reach Cloncurry on completion of the next hop. A shower at last for me at least and then wash a few clothes, the first-up necessities when arriving at any Caravan Park after a few days on the road and Free camping.
We stayed 2 nights so had some time to look around town and do some shopping. I also got the chance to post my broken Solar Regulator back to the manufacturer on the coast, in the hope of a refund. No, I won't be holding my breath until that happens. With an evident moderate Aboriginal population, Cloncurry was pleasant enough and typical of a small to mid sized outback country centre. the friendly smiles and courteous nature of locals always helps to make ones stay a little more relaxed.
Just a note here, the cost of fuel is now beginning to creep up, here it is $1.75 for Diesel (was $1.58 at Richmond). It will be interesting to see what it gets up to as we move further west. I am not all that concerned as the Hiace is only using 7 to 8 litres per 100 Kms or around 13 - 15 kms per litre on these straight stretches of Hwy.

Hughenden Qld