We arrived in Longreach for our long awaited Outback Qld Masters Dinner Under the Stars in Winton performance and watched the carousel for all our luggage. All 16 pieces of it. Only two pieces came out. In total, we had Lachie's mandolin, a snare drum (but nothing to play it with) a kazoo and siren whistle from our instrument arsenal. Deep breaths.

The Outback Queensland Masters staff were on it faster than we could say "Rattle your dags" and the outback communities of Winton and Longreach came together to allow our show to go ahead. We drove around borrowing instruments so we could run a (late) soundcheck. But first we had to McGuyver a guitar strap from paracord, fix some drum brushes with gaffer tape, improvise a bar stool drum stand and sort out two instrument mics to use instead of our usual equipment. It was just after that we realised we had NO CLOTHES! The care package from the airport contained the usual toiletries and BINGO ... a set of comfy, grey pyjamas. It was an easy choice to shower and don the PJs as we were all stinkin' from the stress and heat. And so we became perhaps the first ever band to perform in PJs in Outback Queensland! It was a HOOT!

We wanted to thank everyone who assisted us, and apologies if we miss anyone: Theresa, Wayne and Woody from OQM; Chris, our patient sound engineer; fellow performer Anne Howe who kept us entertained and laughing; Longreach Airport staff Lorna, Shelby and Quade; Lachlan and the Longreach Town Band; Corinne Ballard Music; the boy who had a guitar under his bed; Winton locals Robyn, who had an accordion in her cupboard, and Malcolm, who had an electric bass and drum brushes. The only instrument we couldn't locate in a hurry was a banjo! Huge thanks also to the wonderful audience, who embraced us and our stories and songs.

PS ... We got everything back!