Monday 12th July We re-joined the Matilda Way this morning. Once again, we found the road heading west involved long straight stretches and landscape bereft of livestock. This area has suffered drought for up to 9 years and the farmers have all had to destock as the feed ran out or prices got too high to purchase it. Now, after rain the grass is returning but the prices for cattle and sheep are so high, the farmers can’t afford to restock. We drove nearly 270 kms and saw a flock of about 10 sheep, one goat with two kids and some emus. Terribly sad. On the way we passed through Ilfracombe, famous for its Machinery Mile. We had initially planned to return to here after our station stay, so we didn’t stop to have a look. The township was founded as a transport hub for the historic Wellshot Station, one of our greatest sheep and wool producers. Apparently, the pub is exactly as it was 120 yrs ago, but we have changed our plans and will be staying in Longreach, so that is a bit of a gem we