Last night, Kel, Jenny, Drew and Chris Forsyth and other Monto Community members organised a welcome BBQ for us after a long day's drive.  Our sincere thanks also to Allan and Jan Stennett who drove 160 klms from Gingin to see tractor and chat with the crew.    Many years ago Allan watched the rally cars leave on the their trip around Australia, but did not see 'Tail End Charlie'.  He has now lived his dream.  Allan is in the process of rebuilding his own 9G tractor.

 

Kel's father George drove the original 'Tail End Charlie' many years ago when it visited Monto on a promotional tour.

 

A video including portions of the 1957 Mobilgas Rally was running which kept the young men enthralled.  Ken Gledhill, the local trickster, kept  everyone amused and Anne brought along a three-month-old orphan joey which melted the hearts of the tractor ladies,

 

Once again, many thanks to the Monto community for your valued support of our fundraising cause.

 

This morning, Kel and George Forsyth enjoyed rides on the tractor, which they were thrilled about.  While with the Forsyths, including Kay and Jenny, we visited Bob Schutt in the town of Mulgildie.  Bob has beautifully restored a 1941 Ford C11ADF Scout Car, most of the bodywork being made of wood. The Australian Government purchased 50 of these vehicles - Bob says there are only four left in the world.

 

We also learnt that Monto is in the middle of a mining boom with ilmanite (equiivalent to mineral sands) due to be mined around Monto in the near future. 

 

Jenny also informed us that creeping Lantana is taking over the grazing country.  This can only be eradicated by intense fire.  When asked about the unusually shaped bottle trees (from the same family as the boabs) we discovered they are fibrous inside and are very useful in times of drought as they can be cut up and and cattle are able to quench their thirst from the water retaining fibres.  Myth or fact?  Where did Three Moon Creek get it's name?  Word has it that a drover went to creek one night and saw three moons, one in the sky, one in the creek and one in his billy.  This area used to be called by the name of Three Moon Creek and it had it's own school etc.

 

The rest of the day was spent pleasantly driving through the lovely countryside towards Toowoomba in pleasing conditions.  Thank you all who purchased our merchandise and gave generously to our cause.

 

We eventually caught up with WIN TV after becoming lost in Toowoomba.  Their presenter and cameraman found us at the Sacred Heart Catholic School, much to the amazement of passing motorists, students and parents alike.  The local newspaper reporter also joined us there.