Thursday in Normanton

And it looks like it could be a lot more days in Normanton!  The river has subsided a fair way - although it looks like the bridge over the river was never flooded but the surrounding low lying river flats were.  There is still a metre of water over the road on the other side of the bridge but the Department of Main Roads Engineer lobbed into town last night (a good sign) to ready to do his thing.

Off then to do some sightseeing!  Called into the Normanton Railway Station which has a museum and original rolling stock.  The railway line is unique in that it is not connected to any other part of the Australian railway system as the line only went from Normanton to Croydon in the goldrush times (150 klms to the east).  Normally, the Gulflander runs every Wednesday to Croydon and back again on Thursdays but is out of action until at least late May (too damp) and another little Rail Motor runs to a place called Critters Camp (16 Miles)on the other days.  Whilst we were checking the place out, one of the workers asked if we would like to do a quick trip on the Rail Motor (a freebie) as they had to test the line.  Why not came the quick reply and with another couple that were there we had a rundown on the history of the trains and the line and then all aboard for a forty minute journey.  We could only go as far as Four Mile Hill, a quick stretch of the legs as the train did a three point turn and then back home again.  A great little (and unexpected) trip!!

The Rail Motor

The good looking crew

And yes, the Rail Motor does look like a converted bus, cause it is!!

We then checked out the receding floodwaters, had some lunch and relaxed!!

Hoping to put Tuf Cat into the river today (Friday) - shouldn't be too much of a problem as the boat ramp was three metres under water so we can launch her straight from the road!!

Normanton Boat Ramp

Have a good day