Ride ‘em cowboy………….

 We booked into the Rodeo grounds and stayed four days.  This allowed us to take in all the fun and excitement of the Rodeo.  There were 100’s of vans, campers, and motor homes here with us so a new experience this certainly will be.  Sideshow Alley was being set up as we arrived and by the next morning it was all ready to go.

The next morning we drove down to Cairns as we had to pick up some bits to repair one of the cupboards in the van.  We also needed a new battery for the car fridge.  After lunch we checked out the boardwalk but with the tide right out there were no birds to keep Bill interested.  We returned to Mareeba and found that many more caravans and campers had arrived at the Rodeo grounds and the action was about to start in Sideshow Alley.  

Saturday morning and all the fun was about to begin.  As well as all people staying at the grounds there were 1000’s of others who came in through the gate.  The rides were all in full swing and all the food vendors were busy though whoever thinks a Dagwood dog is a good idea in the morning is just a little crazy!  We made our way through the crowds and found a seat in the arena and were well entertained for the next couple of hours.  Bull Riding in all age groups, the youngest being 8-14 years.  Barrel Racing, Steer Wrangling and Buck Jumping all made for a super exciting time.

We wandered back to the van for a rest and some lunch and returned a while later to watch some more.  Sideshow Alley got busier as the day wore on and the bar was certainly well patronized.  We returned to the van for a late afternoon break and then made our way back to watch the final events for the evening.  The young cowboys on the mini bulls were amazing and the adults on the big bulls just plain terrifying to watch.  I can’t think why anyone would want to do this and how they survive is beyond me. 

 Still we loved the whole event and would happily return again.  This years Rodeo was only one day as it had been cut short due to Covid restrictions but it was an extremely well run event and the papers said there were about 10,000 people there.  Back at home that evening it was straight to sleep and we didn’t even hear the concert on later. A great fun day.

The next morning we expected to see weary people packing up all the rides but were surprised to see it was all done and most of them had gone already.  They certainly didn’t hang around but I guess they had to be somewhere else fairly soon.  They must have worked all night.  After breakfast we drove down to Port Douglas via Mount Molloy and Julatten to visit the market there.  It was pretty busy but nowhere near as busy as it was when we were here two years ago when we were here last.  I loved the old ‘Iron Bar’ along the Main Street.

We found a cafe to have coffee before we hit the market.  I was fascinated by the glassblower and watched him making some items.  I fell in love with a Cassowary he had just finished and called back to pick it up before we drove home.  

The next morning it was time to pack up and head off to Feathers and Friends at Julatten where we were staying for a few days.  We had a coffee in Mareeba before we headed off and called in to see if Linda was home as we passed.  She was at work but we caught up with Trevor and organised to return in a few days and stay for a week.  Next stop was a quick one at Mount Malloy where I took this picture of the Jack Newell shopfront.

From there it was just a short drive to our final destination and soon after Bill was wandering the grounds with his camera.  A happy man again.

until next time……..