I had a little taste of the outback today. I could see the earth turned from ‘brown’ in Cairns to ‘red’ around Chillagoe. I loved the drive. It was remote and I was alone most of the way.
Many times now that I drove pass places on the highway that I thought “here will make a good photo”. But it is hard to just stop and take the photo when you are doing 100km and cars are behind you. It happened again today!
I saw this stretch of downhill that just go as far as I could see. The dark sealed road and the light yellowish grasses glowing like flames on the road side. I liked the colour and contrast. I thought should I stop to take the picture but before I could make up my mind. What I saw was disappearing because I came down the hill. Damn! I missed it again.
After spending a little time in Chillagoe, it’s time to return. Now, I have to take that shot that I wanted. I drove up to the top of the slope, parked the car on the side of the highway. There were a few 4WDs and trucks came pass. I waited they all passed and I could hear no more sound of coming traffic. Quickly, I stepped to the middle of the highway and Snap! Snap! Snap! I think I got the shot that I wanted.
I was a happy man then.
Afterwards, I went on to Mareeba and checked out its heritage museum. Lots of interesting things in there.
Now, I am so looking forward to tomorrow. Cooktown, here I come!
John @ Cairns, QLD
Today’s image: Road to Chillagoe
The colour was amazing
Hi John,
I am following with a lot of interest your Blog driving around Australia ! Interesting thing and I am keen to know where you will stop next on your way….. I remember the “Heartbreak Hotel ” on the way from Cairns to Darwin always seemed to be an interesting place, although I never made it there…. When you come by, see if you can take a photo…. and let me know if it still exists….
I am here in my ReHab clinic, still a bit handicapped, but learning to walk again and should soon be ready for some new things….
All the best on your trip
Hans
Thanks Hans. I will see if I can get there. Get well soon!
Hans, I went there as you suggested. It was a bit disappointing to be honest…. the hotel was very badly maintained and only have helicopter tour to Lost City or do a 400km 4WD into middle of nowhere. Thanks for the suggestion anyway but I couldn’t recommend it 🙂
Hope you getting well soon.
John
Really does look like golden flames. It is like the guiding light showing you the way to go.