The wet season.

Sunday Jan 12^th 1930:

Started Sunday School again this morning and had 19 children present and 3 teachers. Not bad for a start. Went out to Shermann’s to dinner and went to Reed’s home during the afternoon and baptised an infant ‘Thelma Gwendoline Shaw’. Had 15 out at the service at night, a bit of an improvement. Got ready for the road straight after service and moved off at 9.30 pm. Want to reach Anthony’s Lagoon this week and return if possible. Away ahead as I traveled the sky was terribly black, lit up frequently with flashes of lightning. I pushed on hoping to beat the rain but no luck. 60 miles out I ran into a sea of wate rand as I could not distinguish the road I was afraid to go on, so found a high piece of ground and pulled up. Had to rig the mosquito net as the varmints were numerous and vicious.

Monday Jan 13^th 1930:

Up at daybreak and surveyed the country. Seemed to have rained inches. Moved off ploughing through mud and water. Often had to stop and walk on ahead through the mud and water to make sure there was something solid underneath for the car. Got into one bad hole but managed to get out without much trouble. Came up to two lorries, one being bogged. Stayed there until got lorry out and then all had breakfast together of sardines and biscuits. Put the chains on my bus then and went on. Had no further trouble. Came to Inca Creek and she had been a banker. Les Warren with his lorry had been waiting since 3 0’clock yesterday to get over. I waded through and found the water 3 inches above my knees, so reckoned I could cross. Gave it a try and got through. Waited there until Les got through safely, and then had a cup of tea and some brownie with an old chap camped by the road and on again. Reached Camooweal just after lunch. Discovered that no possible hope of getting to Anthony’s. A week too late as in the last couple of days rain had fallen in inches and many of the creeks were in flood. Had then a forced stay in Camooweal until Sunday morning the 19^th when I left and returned to the Isa.

On Tuesday and Wednesday more rain fell and we had 109 points in Camooweal but up to 3 inches in some of the places around. Mt Isa in the 2 days had 5 inches and the Leichardt coming down divided the township from the mines and the railway from the P.O. Train went on without the mails. Even had to swim home from work. No hope of travelling for several days. The mail due in Camooweal on Wednesday did not get in until late Saturday night. Had a very quiet time myself for the week at Camooweal. The Georgina spreading over its banks gave us some good swimming.

Sunday Jan 19^th 1930:

Left Camooweal at 8 am and had a good run through although the road badly cut up in parts and boggy in places. Pulled up and had lunch with the telegraph linesman who is out on his lonely job. 10 miles out from Isa met the Shermann family and friends and stopped to help them demolish a watermelon. Arrived here at 4 o’clock. Went to Shermann’s for tea. Weather very unsettled. Very stormy. 10 at the service. Dust storm visited us during service and there was a rush to close doors and windows. Then came the rain and could hardly make myself heard. Cut things very short. We only got the edge of the storm here but it seemed to be heavy a few miles away. Folk had to wait awhile before could proceed home.

Monday Jan 20^th 1930:

Dear Gertie’s (sister) birthday and she is not married yet. Had to send her a telegram reminding her that time was flying fast away. Had a rather lazy day. Went across to the mines and paid a pastoral call on a Canadian lady. Also calling on her was a Unites States lady and an Australian, all who puff a good cigarette. After tea went for a run in the bus a couple of miles into the hills where I heard there was a good swimming hole. Found it and it looked nice. A few in swimming. Found also that either today or yesterday someone had been to the car and taken a fancy to my towel and togs. Hence the reason why I could not go in. Had a read before turning in.

Tuesday Jan 21^st. Wednesday 22^nd. Thursday 23rd 1930:

In Mt Isa and nothing of striking importance happening. Visiting and arranging for Sunday School and service. Had some swimming at the dam.

Friday Jan 24^th 1930:

Loaded up the car, called and got ice and left Isa at 7 am. Had a good run to Camooweal, arriving there at 12.45. A big send-off party to Dr Pincus held at Reilly’s in the evening was much enjoyed by all.

Saturday Jan 25^th 1930:

A quiet day doing nothing but writing and reading and called on a couple of folk. Would have returned to Isa today but roads not at all good for travelling.

Sunday Jan 26^th 1930:

Let early and after a rather rough and in patches boggy run reached Isa at lunch time. After lunch, got cleaned up and everything ready for service at night, then went with a young chap to the dam where a swimming carnival in aid of the hospital was being held. Did not stay long but soon returned home. Had twenty out at service at night. The most yet. Weather still very hot and looks as if rain is about.

Monday Jan 27^th 1930:

Sraightened things up during the morning as will be away for about 3 weeks and left for Camooweal after lunch . The road is getting badly cut up and in places very boggy. Had a chap with me wanting to get out of Isa. Reached Camooweal an hour after dark. Would have been in earlier only came across a lorry with a blow out so stopped and gave them a hand and had tea altogether.

Tuesday Jan 28^th – Friday 31^st 1930:

Four days in Camooweal. Reading and writing and visiting and doing a few odd jobs about the place. Rather a slow time though as there is not much chance here to do much.