I can't remember when I first heard Alan Jackson sing, or found out that he and his family were Christians.
When my daughter asked me what she could buy for me last Christmas, I replied, Alan Jackson singing Precious Memories... these are old time hymns.
I have almost worn that CD out from playing it.
Then I heard he was to visit Australia.
I have never been to listen to an overseas artist in person. In fact, I have only ever been to hear one Australian singer. So when Ray said, why don't we go, I was so excited.
We decided on attending the Deni (Deniliquin) Ute Muster.
I have never been to a Muster before either so this was going to be a first.
Our weather in Queensland is mostly humid, and I had forgotten how cold New South Wales could be. Thankfully I packed us a coat each and we were hardly out of them, especially at night.
Now we had expected to arrive at the venue a couple of days early and be allowed in!
Not so....
Everyone lined up in various vehicles and camped outside the main entrance. We were told the gates would open at 6am on the Friday and that then the rush to get in would commence.
That's a black Ute to the right side, its pulling a camper trailer that turns into a huge tent.
Once inside it was a good kilometre to the camping ground and finding the best place to park. Hopefully close to toilets and showers..
We parked under the shade of a tree as the days began to warm up with the nights still cold.
Behind us were two men each in their own 4dw tents (fitted to the vehicle roof).
We had porta Loo's and Showers, that proved a good place to meet other ladies and get information.
I discovered, after much searching and people waiting outside, that there was a pedal in front of the toilet bowl that you stepped on to flush...LOL
There was so much going on, with rides, bull riding championships, an old Ute museum, stage entertainment, outdoor clothing and hats, plus a Ute Competition.
Here is one Holden Ute.
It was amazing how they drove in a figure 8, having to stay within the perimeter to prove their skills.
These seats made out of drums fascinated me, with a outdoor gas heater.
Then on the second night, the Star of Star, Alan Jackson sang...we were all enthralled.
Its sad when something great ends, but we had the wonderful photos and memories to carry back home.
Because it is spring here now, hundreds of kangaroos, emu and sheep with their young kept wandering onto the road.
Then we saw this sign..
And later on an Outback highway we had to stop and give way to hundreds of cattle on a drive from north to south. The incredible thing was only two Jackaroo Drovers managed the whole team with the help of lead stock horses wearing bells to guide and dogs coming up the rear.
Yes it was a great experience, but its also good to get back home.