Rowena, Oscar and Grandad’s Dinosaur Trail Expedition (also known as known as Row & Dad's Pie Tasting Tour) - Part 3

After our awe-inspiring experience at Lark Quarry we drive back to Winton, through town and out the other side on the road to Longreach to the Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum.  Walking around outside the museum we find the stunning views spoilt by the flies constantly bothering us.  Note to self:  If I ever come back here, slather myself in some sort of fly repellent first.  Inside is very pleasant however and probably the second most interesting place we’ve been after the Quarry.

 

Comparing Elephant Femur to Dinosaur Femur





Grandad with Dino Claw



 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 The next day we head into Longreach.  It’s been a while since we had a pie so first stop was the Merino Bakery where Grandad gave his pie only a 5 out of 10.  I couldn’t really give my pie a score because it was, very disappointingly, missing most of its filling.  The pastry was alright I suppose.  Oscar had a sausage roll however, and declared it was the best he’d ever tasted.  The bakery was doing a roaring trade so they must’ve been coming for the sausage rolls rather than the pies.  We then go off to the Qantas Museum only to find that it’s a bit cost prohibitive so we wander around the outside of the museum instead. 

After that we went into the Stockman’s Hall of Fame.  Another place you could spend all day in.  Without a child.  Like Oscar.  Although even he found it fascinating, he was just ready to move on more quickly than Grandad and I. 



Oscar Piloting the Royal Flying Doctor Plane

 

That evening we had smoko with the caravan park owner and other caravan park patrons.  All very friendly and interesting for a city boy. 

Day 9 and we head through Ilfracombe on our way to Emerald again.  Oh goody for Grandad!  Another old machinery display at Ilfracombe! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Whoa!  We stumble across a new friend as we round the corner of one of the machinery sheds.

Anyone want a ride on my motorbike?

 

 

That night at Emerald we manage to catch up with Richard and Denise.  They look great and Denise cooks a magnificent three course dinner in which Oscar eats Minestrone soup for the first and last time declaring it’s delicious and practically licks the bowl.  Won’t eat it anywhere else though.  Only Denise’s is good enough!  We’re all so relaxed and enjoying ourselves that I don’t even think to take out my camera and grab a few snap shots.  Doh!  Kicking myself now!

 Day 10 we leave Emerald and drive through Dingo, Duaringa and Dululu and we stop to climb Mt Scoria which was the site of an active volcano about 20 to 26 million years ago and is covered in unusual basalt rock columns.  The number of sides each column has is an indication of the speed and evenness of how the lava cooled, with columns having between 5 and 8 sides.  Only the 6 sided columns formed from a slow and regular cooling process. 

 

We pull up for the night at Cania Gorge in a rather flash caravan park.  The price is a bit steep for Grandad’s taste but Oscar thinks it’s the bees knees! 

 

Big, Bouncy Thingy - Oscar is on the left on a yellow stripe

 

 

Oscar Tells Me the Water Slide is "Awesome!"

 Later on we enjoyed an outdoor movie and fell asleep to the crackling of camp fires.

Day 11 and Oscar’s on the waterslide again while Grandad and I pack up for the final stretch home. 

 

We drag Oscar out of the pool, dry him off and head to Monto where we visit with some close friends of Grandad’s, one of whom happens to be the celebrant who married us. 

We then go into Mulgildie and see where Great Grandma & Great Grandad used to live and we stop by the mysterious Bunyip Hole where stories abound of disappearances, animals shying away from the watering hole even when thirsty and lots of other odd goings on. 

 

Artist's Impression of the Mulgildie Bunyip

We carry on down the road and detour into the teeny, tiny town of Abercorn where Grandad grew up.  We then proceed on through Eidsvold, Mundubbera and stop in Gayndah for our last pie tasting.  We’re tempted by the “best pies” sign in one direction but decide to check out the bakery in the other direction instead.  I think the pie is brilliant, it has an unusual hint of herb that almost tastes like lavender (which sounds weird I know but I think it totally worked).  Grandad likes the pie too but it's not his favourite and he wouldn’t give it more than an 8 out of 10.  Oscar says the custard tart is the best he’s ever eaten.  We wander over to check out a tank and some playground exercise equipment to work off the pies and tarts! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 We then jump back in the truck to head on back to Childers.  End of expedition.  Oscar exhilarated by the whole experience but now ready for his own bed and some modern technology (ie computer games).  Grandad unfortunately has a bit of a cold now and is no doubt also ready for his own bed and for us to go home and give him some peace and quiet!!!