Birdsville to Boulia
Road to Boulia
From my research it appears that the road north of Birdsville is of exceptional quality to what we have endured in the last few days. Our goal will be to make the distance of 384klm up to Boulia, but this will depend out how we feel. We are not in a race, but out here as the photos show, there is no place to camp under trees, and that means no fire wood, that means no warmth.. and that means a cold night where the Temp drops to 3 deg C.
Road to Boulia 2
Spas
Depending on how we feel, it might be worth stopping in Bedourie 188klm from Birdsville, to enjoy the Artesian Pool. It's a hot spring that surfaces 93deg C steaming hot water, that cools in two pools. One pool is smaller and hotter, and a welcoming stop for a body that has endured days of riding on bikes, sleeping in tents, stressing in the heat, and freezing in the cold. After a dip in the hot spa, its time to move to the main pool to cool off and allow the body to heal. Bedourie is also home to the Camel races, but the 2014 social calendar tells us we missed the big race weekend by three weeks. Thats a shame as I'm sure it would have been a blast to meet the locals, take lots of pics, buy a camel or two at the auctions thanks to being too drunk to realise the bids are REAL, and perhaps go to the Camel Ball at night and dance with the locals as they Crown " MISS CAMEL 2014".
Dust Storm
A massive dust storm closes in on the town. Imagine facing that on the road... Im not sure what the plan is when one of these monsters shows up.
Boulia
With a population of 250, Boulia is a great little town to stop for the night. This tiny little stop was first settle in 1879 and is located on the banks of the Burke river, named after Robert O’Hara Burke. Burke and Wills past through this very area so once again we are right on track and following the expeditions footsteps. Not only is the River a reminder to us all of Burke and Wills, but as we ride in and head north, we will see wild Camels.. LOTS of Camels….
Boulia Camels
Camel safari’s is a real business out here. It’s often the case that many station owners will invite you to shoot as many as you can. From my research they do require you to carry spare fuel and lots of water in case you get in trouble. They also insist on you driving a 4X4 so you can drag the camels remains away from any waterholes in the event they collapse knee deep in the cattle’s water hole. Now in saying all that, there is also camel lovers, and Jill ( pictured here lovingly touch a camel ) is one of them. She lives alone on a station that cares for Camels, and has invited our riding team to come stay with her and use her facilities for as long as we wish FOR FREE… She just loves company she tells me.
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