22/05/2015 We moved on from the Neil Turner Weir at Mitchell after two days, the second of which was spent inside the van as it rained the previous night and all that day. Not a drought breaker, just welcome steady drizzle that set in for the day and prevented any outside activity apart from sploshing to the toilet block.
The drought would be hitting people much harder further west from where we were. Good town water was provided at the camp site, and I filled our drinking and general water tanks to the brim. We were now travelling on the flat plains of South West Queensland, and there was no concern about the weight of water on board. I normally carry only a half load of water in each tank if we’re in hill or mountain country and if water was readily available where we were going. But in this current drought, I thought it prudent to take on a full load in case good water proved hard to come by as we went on.
Between Mitchell and Charleville on the Warrego Highway, we pulled over for a short break in the small town of Morven and went for a short leg stretch. On the highway in the middle of town, we came across the Pick-A-Box Motel, a new modern motel comprising ten cabins. What drew us in was the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, provided by the barista/owner, John, in reception along with a large assortment of gourmet food items to purchase. Quite a nice surprise to break a morning drive in the outback.
Across the road was an interesting museum maintained by the local Historical Society that included a Kerosene Tin Hut depicting dwellings built during the great depression of 1930 from flattened kerosene tins. These huts were for many the only accommodation available in those hard times. Few now remain, and Morven is fortunate to have one preserved.
After our nice cup of coffee, we pulled out and headed on to Charleville.
“A good traveller has no fixed plans and is not intent on arriving.” ― Lao Tzu
Kruising Around Australia 