Emily Caroline Creaghe - Diary, 22 Dec. 1882 - 5 Sept. 1883

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[Tuesday 30 January 1883]

Left Gregory Downs after breakfast and camped in the heat of the day at the old Police camp by the side of the Gregory River, such a pretty river, with Palm trees & Pandanus growing on either side, the water is as clear as crystal running over pebbles. Left at 4 & camped for the night at an old Copper mine which two men worked at some years ago, & gave up as a bad job. Travelled about 20 miles.

[Wednesday 31]

Left Copper mine at ¼ to 7 A.M. & camped at L tree in the middle of the day. Travelled on again at 4, & came across the mountains during a severe thunder storm & arrived at Carl Creek (the Shadforth's station) at ½ past 7 or 8, heartily glad to get to the end of my journey. How I do wish Harry had a billet in Town instead of having to "rough it" like this. Did about 25 miles in all.

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[Thursday 1 February 1883]

They are all early risers here, so we were up soon after daylight, & breakfasted before 7. The household consists of Mr & Mrs. Shadforth and 10 children, only 6 of whom are at home just now. The house is a log one partitioned off into 4 room with no ceilings, so that the slightest whisper can be heard all over it. It is a shade better than camping out, & that is all I can say for it. Very hot. No flies or mosquitoes. There are two black gins as servants, but most of the work falls on Mrs. Shadforth & the girls.

[Friday 2]

Mr. Bob Shadforth came home today & brought Mr Willie Taylor with him. Gentlemen seem to call in pretty constantly on their way out to their stations. Very hot. We had a thunder storm in the afternoon. The principal amusement is bathing. The river runs a few yards from the house so I & the two girls go in 2 & 3 times during the day, & were not in the least deterred by the sight of crocodiles watching us on the bank near by as this particular species are not man eaters

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[Saturday 3 February 1883]

In the afternoon Mr. Doyle who has a Station about a mile from here brought 3 horses & took us for a ride & Mr. Lamond (Miss Shadforth's fiancee) the inspector of the Native police, camped about 2 miles from here. They both returned for the evening. The mailman arrived from Normanton going up as far as "Rocklands", he will be back on his way back to Normanton in 6 or 7 days.

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[Sunday 4 February 1883]

There is scarcely any difference made between this and any other day. Mr. Shadforth wanted to finish putting up our bed (as yet, we have been sleeping on the floor not boarded) but I begged him not to, so to please me he disisted. They generally go out for a ride, but I suppose having been yesterday, they did not think of it today. Mr. Murray went on to his Station "Morston" this morning.

[Monday 5]

Did nothing particular. Mr Lamb a young fellow camped some distance from here arrived from Normanton