Barcaldine to Winton

After Barcaldine, we travelled towards the never ending horizon. Although we did not see many oncoming vehicles, I was wary of stopping to take photos in case there was a car right behind me, something not that easy to see behind our little caravan.

Every hundred or so kilometres there were convenient pull overs where we could stretch our legs and have a snack. Only a few of these had facilities and all were in flat and devoid of shade. The lack of shade did not concern us at this time of the year however the wind was biting, despite the sunshine.

The flat landsacpe was not at all boring as we played dodge the dead kangaroos.

There were so many kangaroo carcasses on the road - and even that of a black, wild boar. The crows feasted on the older ones while the eagles preferred the fresher kill. As we neared they rose from their meal to soar around the area until we had passed.

Flat and dry was the norm here however the types of grasses varied.

Today's drive was a short one so once we were unhitched at our campsite we set off back down the track for five kilometres and then down an extremely dusty and corrugated road to see the famous Winton dinosaurs.

This is one of many parts of a new type of long necked dinosaur that has been found in the area. The round hole is the spinal nerve canal.

Digging up the dinosaurs and all the work that goes into putting them together and identifying them is done by volunteers. The dig lasts for only two weeks each year because in that time they find more than enough pieces to keep everyone busy for more that two years. Volunteers over the age of eighteen may assist in the dig. What a great work experience activity that would be for senior students! Other volunteers can work at any time doing the fine work as in the photo above. Training is provided and a certificate of competency issued and after that you can work as long as you like coaxing the dinosaur bones out of the rock. Apparently grey nomads make it part of their travel experience.

From The Big jump, Winton

The view from the "Big Jump" ie dinosaur mountain was spectacular. Easy to see the mighty Lake Eyre Basin - or part of it.