Normanton

Our stay in Normanton was quite enjoyable it was also quite exciting as Emmalisa is now walking and she walked everywhere and anywhere she could around this town.  Once she found her feet there was no stopping her.  Normanton was a small town with a rich history that we found quite interesting.  When we arrived on Thursday there was a street parade to open the Rodeo.  We soon learnt that when half the town is in the float parade there are not many kids left to throw lollies to, therefore the kids cleaned up.  Haydan was most impressed with this float parade.  The next day we walked around the town and visited the historic sites such as the town well, old buildings and there is still the hitch that people used to tie their horses to back in the 1800's.  There is also the replica of the largest croc ever shot in the world.  The replica is made from the exact measurements that were recorded after the croc was shot.  This big boy measured 8.63 metres or 28ft 4inch long.  In short HUGE!!!  That afternoon we went to the Rodeo and watched the Bullock Ride.  Haydan now informs us that when he is 'all the way bigger' he is going to ride moo cows too.  Great!!!!  Saturday we went for a drive to the Burke and Wills Camp 119.  Here is where they set up their most Northerly camp as Burke and Wills made their way to find the ocean.  You could see the trees that were blazed by Burke and Wills and other men in their party while they were there.  Unfortunately over 150 years of erosion has taken its toll on the trees and the markings can no longer be clearly seen.  It was still worth a look and we found it very interesting.  That night we went back to the Rodeo and this time it was the Bull Ride.  Yep those bulls were big and those cowboys fell hard.  I do hope Haydan changes his mind about riding moo cows!!!!  A spot of fishing and a bit of relaxing rounded off our stay.  The weather conditions were not favourable to fishing so there is no stories of big fish or ones that got away.  This morning just before we left we went on the Gulflander Train.  This is a train line that runs from Normanton to Croydon and was set up in the Gold Rush to transport goods.  It was never joined up with any other tracks in Queensland rail and is now of historic significance.  It was quite an enjoyable ride on a train that was built 120 years ago with a top speed of 40km.  We have now made it to Karumba and Glen is determined to catch some fish, so fingers crossed!!!!!

Replica of Krys the Savannah King - Remember this is a life size replica taken from exact measurement!!!!

                                                       Enjoying the street parade

                                                                 At the Rodeo

                                                      Burke and Wills Camp 119

                                             'All Aboard' - Waiting to get on the Gulflander