TOD Tour 2.0 Day 23 - Richmond to Julia Creek

Richmond to Julia Creek - Flinders Highway 149km (3224km)

We drove to Julia Creek in one stint during the morning.

It was a hot day: hotter than any day on the tour and after setting up, we were feeling it. So much so, we drove the few hundred metres up to the main part of town.

We visited the museum in hope that we could connect with someone from the historical society but that wasn't possible. Next we went to the library, hoping to connect with some local history that might help us find out more about Sue's step great grandfather. Again, no deal. All we know,from his death certificate, is that Robert Donald Stuart died at Gilliat - 20 odd kms to the west - on 24th May 1908, when he was caught between two rail cars in a shunting accident. What we also know as a result of research this afternoon, is the railway only came to Julia Creek in February 1908 and that they had a preference for married men. As far as we know, Stuart was never officially married to Sue's great Grandmother, Kate (know as Margaret) Knapman, yet she took his name and always claimed they were married. No records confirm this.

Stuart was an itinerant worker, holding jobs such as miner, labourer and fettler during the previous five years.

We'll go out to Gilliat while we are here and nose around. Who knows?

A few things to look forward to at Julia Creek. Tomorrow night, we are having a artesian bath at

7:00pm. Two baths in a private, open-air setting with privacy screens between us and the rest of the world and one side open to the plains and the ceiling open to the stars. Should be nice.

No photos today.