The Fitzroy Hotel, also known as the "Swamper's Pub", is located in Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.

Journal and photos by Nancy Olson

Today was supposed to be the day I left, but I realized I needed photos of all the characters here at the Swamper's Pub.  So, I decided to stay one more night.  I have a ton of notes on the regulars at this pub, and I've tons to write about, but I don't want to say anything that might be misconstrued.  Instead, I will just say that this is a really interesting lot, and I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.  The people who are staying in the hotel, and the people who work here, are really wonderful.  They are good, caring people, and they would do anything for their friends, myself included, except give you money, because they don't have a lot of that.  But they'd give you the shirt of their back, and I do feel privileged to know them.  They've really welcomed me into their family here.  I wish I could say more about the amazing people I've met here, but that stuff is for my personal diary...and maybe for the book I might write about this experience one day...

I could write volumes on Robin, the middle-aged woman with a face full of piercings and a see-through mesh tank top that revealed another piercing. She's facing a third conviction for stabbing man with a knife, so she was closely monitored by the bar staff that night. I didn't mess with her. I believe that if someone is scared, he or she should say he/she is scared. I was scared. I wish I had a photo of Robin.

I spent most of the day updating journals, taking photos, and burning images to CD's so I could take them with me.  I also stopped by O'Dowd's to see Carmel and Ken, and then I went back to Fitzroy's to do more Internet work.  I even worked the bar for about an hour when the bar maid became ill. That bar maid, bless her heart, asked the question I had been dying to ask of the patrons at the Swamper's Pub. Out of the blue, she piped up with, "What happened to all of your teeth?"

The question was directed at the people at the bar, in general. When nobody answered, she asked again, "What happened to all of your teeth?"

Dumb looks all around, and then, "What do you mean?"

"Your teeth. You're all missing teeth. What happens to them?" she asked, more clearly.

Nobody really answered the question, probably because it was directed at no one in particular, rather than directly at somebody. Swampy did mention that his tooth had been broken by a beer bottle inadvertently bumping into his face.

That evening, Bill treated me and about five other friends to a wonderful dinner at a nice Thai restaurant.  I had some incredible yellow curried chicken.  My favorite!  Thanks, Bill!

When we returned, I had to get back on the computer to finish updating my journals, and I finally got to bed at 0245.

Here are images of my new friends:

My Rockhampton angel, Bill Duguid. He is the "publican", or owner of the Swamper's Pub, and he is my new friend. His hospitality is amazing.

This is Wally the Walrus. He lives in Gold Coast, but he was a guest at the Fitzroy for a while. He's totally loveable. Likes to whistle. Very polite and sweet like a big teddy bear.

I can't remember their names, but these two are regulars at the Swamper's Pub.

Regretably, I can't remember his name, either. He's the "Seafood Guy." He's the one who supplied me with my first taste of mud crab my first day in town. He pays his way at the pubs, etc., with fresh seafood.

This is Bernie. He's a great guy who frequents the Swamper's Pub and often helps out the owner, Bill. I am now privileged to call him a friend, and he went with Bill and the group to the Thai restaurant on my last night in town. The night before, he knocked out a guy who was drunk and tryin to pick fights with the clientele. One punch.

This is Gary, Cora Lee's significant other. He tends bar at the Swamper's Pub and helps out around the place. Cora Lee also works there. Gary is a real sweetheart, and he's a great friend to have.

Mileage: 0
Weather: Cool, Windy, Rainy
End Location: Rockhampton

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