Normanton

We had a stop over in Cloncurry and then travelled north to Normanton, the landscape and weather becoming more tropical, we are almost to the Gulf of Carpentaria - Burke & Wills came this way on their ill fated expedition. We plan to stay here for a week.

They have had a lot of rain up this way, there are big pools on the side of the road and the country and the cattle it supports are looking good.

Normanton is in celebratory mood at the moment, last night a street parade with a pink theme for cancer research, today the local show and tomorrow the rodeo begins. The locals are in holiday mode with limited shop opening times and schools closed.

At the show grounds there was an abundance of big hats, Levis and RM Williams boots - almost an uniform for Mums and Dads and kids of all ages. We spent some time watching the ring events, the cattle drafting in particular, there was some excellent horsemanship on display. The flower display was interesting in its lack of exhibits, my photo is of all the entries, it’s obvious that gardening isn’t a popular pastime here, I am sure the climate doesn’t help, but horses and riding, now that’s another thing!