Today it was off to discover a bit more of Broken Hill we hadn't actually seen before - yes, there is a lot to see in Broken Hill if you really look around.
After a lovey breakfast at the caravan park, of pancakes and hot drink, it was off to experience the 'Big Picture' at the old Mint. An amazing painting made with 9 tonnes of paint that gathers the outback into one surround painting that took over 2 years to complete. Add a little bit of outback red dirt, the odd kangaroo, emu and a couple of very suspect looking snakes and you could swear you were almost in the actual scene, (even the dust storm brought back some very disturbing memories of 5 years ago)!
After this adventure we took to walking the streets, to chase down the Dudley's who were wandering around the Main Street checking out the historical buildings and notorious characters that make up the history of Broken Hill: from Union leaders, to nurses, and opera singers - this place has a plethora of famous people.
Now it was lunchtime so where else would you go for a nice bite to eat and a dip back into a nostalgic past but the Bell's Cafe (circa 1950's). Spiders, milk shakes served in the original milk shake cups with sooooooo many flavours to choose from - yum! I must admit the old marble laminex tables and black and white vinyl tiles took me back to my youth - what a blast.
Home to get the washing off the line from yesterday's effort and then out to the Living Desert Park to catch a glimpse of what is a wonderful account of desert landscape. Too little time to cover the real aspects of this park before we made our way up to a very cool top of the rocks at the Sculpture Park before the sunset went down. Wine and nibbles always goes well out here and even though some of us have seen this highlight many times before - it seldom disappoints.
Back to camp, time to take over the camp kitchen and .......enough for the day, I'm exhausted - goodnight!
Thursday, 5 June 2014
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Day 7 &8: Broken Hill
Finally made it into Broken Hill today after spending another day of rest and relaxation at Lake Pamamaroo yesterday.
We did a bit of sight-seeing before we left the lake and discovered down the road from our camp at Lake Pamamaroo, the site where Burke and Wills stayed many years ago. It was here where some of the lead party left the remainder of the company to forge ahead to the north, only they never did return.
I must admit it was a beautiful place with lovely river Red Gums, the river running past ( not sure if it was the Darling or a side tributary). Would have been a great place to camp for a few days longer but we needed to push on.
Kevin and Linda went fishing, but to no avail except for a ' guppy' Linda classified as a fish!
Paul tried his hand at yabbying but only caught a shrimp even with beautiful sausages to entice the unsuspecting yabbies. All on all a fun day on the waterways with a beautiful sunset to make it almost prefect.
Today we left reasonably early and wound our way across the open plains of Menindee onto the rock that makes Broken Hill famous.
Home of the famous BHP company formed many years ago the place has rich culture to rival any in Australia.
On arrival in 'civilisation' we headed for the laundry and showers to shake the feral-ness from ourselves. A quick run around the shopping centre to pick up essentials like bread and milk and then it was out to dinner at the famous Palace Hotel: home of Pricilla Queen of the Desert fame.
The place is an icon of Broken Hill and has to been seen to be appreciated. The wonderful murals on the walls, the awesome balcony where you can sip a nice red, and the fabulous food they have on offer as an evening meal - it doesn't disappoint.
Once again the evening has slipped by and all are in bed. (See what no campfire does to these people: retreating into their caravans), so till tomorrow and more adventure of the outback - goodnight.
We did a bit of sight-seeing before we left the lake and discovered down the road from our camp at Lake Pamamaroo, the site where Burke and Wills stayed many years ago. It was here where some of the lead party left the remainder of the company to forge ahead to the north, only they never did return.
I must admit it was a beautiful place with lovely river Red Gums, the river running past ( not sure if it was the Darling or a side tributary). Would have been a great place to camp for a few days longer but we needed to push on.
Kevin and Linda went fishing, but to no avail except for a ' guppy' Linda classified as a fish!
Paul tried his hand at yabbying but only caught a shrimp even with beautiful sausages to entice the unsuspecting yabbies. All on all a fun day on the waterways with a beautiful sunset to make it almost prefect.
Today we left reasonably early and wound our way across the open plains of Menindee onto the rock that makes Broken Hill famous.
Home of the famous BHP company formed many years ago the place has rich culture to rival any in Australia.
On arrival in 'civilisation' we headed for the laundry and showers to shake the feral-ness from ourselves. A quick run around the shopping centre to pick up essentials like bread and milk and then it was out to dinner at the famous Palace Hotel: home of Pricilla Queen of the Desert fame.
The place is an icon of Broken Hill and has to been seen to be appreciated. The wonderful murals on the walls, the awesome balcony where you can sip a nice red, and the fabulous food they have on offer as an evening meal - it doesn't disappoint.
Once again the evening has slipped by and all are in bed. (See what no campfire does to these people: retreating into their caravans), so till tomorrow and more adventure of the outback - goodnight.
Monday, 2 June 2014
Day 6: Mud in Menindee
Tonight we are camped on the side of Lake Pamamaroo just outside Menindee. A lovely camp beside the water, with some shady trees and lovely sand under our feet. Bye, bye to mud (for awhile).
We had to wait at Mungo this morning to make sure all roads were open, as we had heard on the early morning radio that Broken Hill had 24 mm of rain over the weekend, a big electrical storm taking out communication to Silverton and some roads were closed into and around the area.
Setting out, after we got the all clear, the road seemed pretty good: even had some dust.
Came to Pooncarrie, and once again roads became an issue. The man who was in charge of the road signs was on an RDO, but the sign still said closed, what to do?
After a beer in the pub (Barry, Sandra, Kevin and Linda) found out the road really was open so our trek could continue, so continue we did.
First it was red mud, then it turned to grey then throw in some bitumen and to say the road conditions were changing was an understatement. Do we or don't we pump up the tyres?
On the last attempt to solve this quandary, Rob decided to end the discussion and said he'd meet us at the turnoff to the Kinchega NP - BUT - as he was trying to get back onto the main road he ran across the grassy verge only to go axle depth into the mud. All 4 wheels were going around, but Rob wasn't making much ground. Mud was flowing everywhere and the video moments were momentous (to say the least). While the boys pushed and cajoled Rob out of the bog the girls were taking photos as evidence!
After a muddy trail to follow and a few more miles before camp we all headed out onto the road - the normal way.
Well the night is setting in and tea is on the go so I'll sign off till next time.
We had to wait at Mungo this morning to make sure all roads were open, as we had heard on the early morning radio that Broken Hill had 24 mm of rain over the weekend, a big electrical storm taking out communication to Silverton and some roads were closed into and around the area.
Setting out, after we got the all clear, the road seemed pretty good: even had some dust.
Came to Pooncarrie, and once again roads became an issue. The man who was in charge of the road signs was on an RDO, but the sign still said closed, what to do?
After a beer in the pub (Barry, Sandra, Kevin and Linda) found out the road really was open so our trek could continue, so continue we did.
First it was red mud, then it turned to grey then throw in some bitumen and to say the road conditions were changing was an understatement. Do we or don't we pump up the tyres?
On the last attempt to solve this quandary, Rob decided to end the discussion and said he'd meet us at the turnoff to the Kinchega NP - BUT - as he was trying to get back onto the main road he ran across the grassy verge only to go axle depth into the mud. All 4 wheels were going around, but Rob wasn't making much ground. Mud was flowing everywhere and the video moments were momentous (to say the least). While the boys pushed and cajoled Rob out of the bog the girls were taking photos as evidence!
After a muddy trail to follow and a few more miles before camp we all headed out onto the road - the normal way.
Well the night is setting in and tea is on the go so I'll sign off till next time.
Day 4 - 5: Lake Mungo
After traveling out through Mildura, we headed onto the Arumpo Rd towards Lake Mungo. In amongst the rain, mud and a few corrugations, we finally made it into the camp area. Just as we were setting up the camp, down came the rain. It had already rained in this area a few days beforehand so most camp sights we very damp.
A quite afternoon of reading and snoozing as the rain eased was had by most of the crew until the rain eased and we were able to at least get in a small 1 km walk at the back of the camp zone. That night the fire was blazing and so were the stories around the campfire. Kevin put on his "famous" Walter Brennan impersonation in amongst the goings on.
The next day it was off to the Lake Mungo visitor centre for hopefully a trip around the lake with explanatory radio to tell the story/history of the place but alas, due to the rain the road was blocked and no radio comments. The only place open was the visitor centre, shearing shed and the road to the Great Wall of China. Once again disappointment greeted us as we weren't allowed to walk around the walls (as we previously had in 2008)!
Back at camp the weather was at least clearing and Barry introduced all members to the game of Finska: a cross between skittles and bocce played with wooden pegs. What hijinks were about to unfold as trying to hit these pegs became a game of pure luck, bouncing over pegs, missing ones straight in front etc.
Kevin won the first game and was lining up to take up the next when Ian Duds, threw an amazing throw to hit the back of the pin he was after, missing another peg by a breath. Some people are "tinny"! Of course Kevin and Ian felt they were in a league of their own and continued with their banter about how good they were all night! (These two need a lesson in how to win gracefully, I tell you)!
A bit of Australian poetry around the campfire and the night was made. Most went to bed early as we were heading out in the morning to Menindee - so goodnight.
A quite afternoon of reading and snoozing as the rain eased was had by most of the crew until the rain eased and we were able to at least get in a small 1 km walk at the back of the camp zone. That night the fire was blazing and so were the stories around the campfire. Kevin put on his "famous" Walter Brennan impersonation in amongst the goings on.
The next day it was off to the Lake Mungo visitor centre for hopefully a trip around the lake with explanatory radio to tell the story/history of the place but alas, due to the rain the road was blocked and no radio comments. The only place open was the visitor centre, shearing shed and the road to the Great Wall of China. Once again disappointment greeted us as we weren't allowed to walk around the walls (as we previously had in 2008)!
Back at camp the weather was at least clearing and Barry introduced all members to the game of Finska: a cross between skittles and bocce played with wooden pegs. What hijinks were about to unfold as trying to hit these pegs became a game of pure luck, bouncing over pegs, missing ones straight in front etc.
Kevin won the first game and was lining up to take up the next when Ian Duds, threw an amazing throw to hit the back of the pin he was after, missing another peg by a breath. Some people are "tinny"! Of course Kevin and Ian felt they were in a league of their own and continued with their banter about how good they were all night! (These two need a lesson in how to win gracefully, I tell you)!
A bit of Australian poetry around the campfire and the night was made. Most went to bed early as we were heading out in the morning to Menindee - so goodnight.
Sunday, 1 June 2014
Day 3 & 4 - Murray River Pantomime
We camped on the side of the Murray River for the night near Merbien as some of the crew wanted more time in Mildura to do some sight-seeing and a bit more shopping. Some of them tried to catch fish, actually catching one yabby.
It was very much a lay-day for us as we went for a walk, took some photos and generally relaxed and had a nice time. Lorraine & Ian had some visitors (friends from Mildura) so sat and conversed with the locals for awhile.
Paul had hooked up the heat-exchanger for a shower so we all took advantage of this, while there was plenty of water. Later that night Sandra and Linda took advantage of this shower canopy to put on a Pantomime of our intrepid men folk. Linda and Sandra had been up to "something" in Linda's van unbeknown to the rest of us, earlier in the evening; they had been making little faces of all the fellas!
In amongst the belly laughing at the antics of these two girls, they did give characterisations of the fellas very accurately.
The following morning we were up and off to Lake Mungo so until next time - see you soon.
It was very much a lay-day for us as we went for a walk, took some photos and generally relaxed and had a nice time. Lorraine & Ian had some visitors (friends from Mildura) so sat and conversed with the locals for awhile.
Paul had hooked up the heat-exchanger for a shower so we all took advantage of this, while there was plenty of water. Later that night Sandra and Linda took advantage of this shower canopy to put on a Pantomime of our intrepid men folk. Linda and Sandra had been up to "something" in Linda's van unbeknown to the rest of us, earlier in the evening; they had been making little faces of all the fellas!
In amongst the belly laughing at the antics of these two girls, they did give characterisations of the fellas very accurately.
The following morning we were up and off to Lake Mungo so until next time - see you soon.
Thursday, 29 May 2014
Day 1 & 2 - Mildura
Well we have made it to the top of Victoria in the beautiful north of the state called Mildura, but technically I guess we really are in Merbien. All in all a nice place to be with our camp for the night a lovely spot down by the mighty Murray River; good company, nice place and wonderful drink and food ( yes, even for the second night our stew tastes good).
We actually caught up with Kevin and Linda today so the party has swelled to 5 couples. Makes life interesting when trying to find a campsite capable of holding us all. Just as well we all get along!
Camped last night just outside Wederburn at a pretty place called Skinners's Flat. Last time we visited this place the reservoir, it backs onto had lots of water in it, unfortunately only a large dam appears now making the boat ramp a distant memory of past happenings.
Passing through these old township ( some in better shape than others ), it makes you wonder what future some of these places have?
Farms have got bigger, young folk have moved away and many places are almost desolate with only a silo to indicate it was once a thriving community. The history these places could tell - but to whom?
Well tomorrow we move elsewhere - not sure completely where, but eventually will end up at Mungo National Park - one of my favourite places on earth. The history and immense landscape is mesmerising. It certainly didn't get it's World Heritage listing for nothing!
Okay enough for the evening as tea is calling. Until next time ...
We actually caught up with Kevin and Linda today so the party has swelled to 5 couples. Makes life interesting when trying to find a campsite capable of holding us all. Just as well we all get along!
Camped last night just outside Wederburn at a pretty place called Skinners's Flat. Last time we visited this place the reservoir, it backs onto had lots of water in it, unfortunately only a large dam appears now making the boat ramp a distant memory of past happenings.
Passing through these old township ( some in better shape than others ), it makes you wonder what future some of these places have?
Farms have got bigger, young folk have moved away and many places are almost desolate with only a silo to indicate it was once a thriving community. The history these places could tell - but to whom?
Well tomorrow we move elsewhere - not sure completely where, but eventually will end up at Mungo National Park - one of my favourite places on earth. The history and immense landscape is mesmerising. It certainly didn't get it's World Heritage listing for nothing!
Okay enough for the evening as tea is calling. Until next time ...
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
2014 - Get ready to take off on our next adventure - Cape York!
Wow, it certainly has been a long time since I wrote in this blog, but I'm back and this time we're on our way to Cape York, Qld.
Well at least that is our ultimate destination although we will be taking some back roads to get there. Roads that take us on a Burke and Wills expedition trek via places such as Menindee, Innaminka, Birdsville etc. Hopefully we will be bit more successful than the previous explorers and actually make it back with our health intact.
Actually, my big claim to fame is that in my past heritage I am related to the other explorer who did make the south to north trek safely - Mr John McDouall Stuart. Not much is written on him because he actually succeeded in his mission (not the notorious B&W) coming back alive; a very good explorer by all the reading but much underrated.
Well the camper is almost packed and the Tag-a-long parties are ready for some new adventures and experiences. Some of the members of this camping party being initiated into the great outback and the infamous 'red dust'. Let it all begin!
Well at least that is our ultimate destination although we will be taking some back roads to get there. Roads that take us on a Burke and Wills expedition trek via places such as Menindee, Innaminka, Birdsville etc. Hopefully we will be bit more successful than the previous explorers and actually make it back with our health intact.
Actually, my big claim to fame is that in my past heritage I am related to the other explorer who did make the south to north trek safely - Mr John McDouall Stuart. Not much is written on him because he actually succeeded in his mission (not the notorious B&W) coming back alive; a very good explorer by all the reading but much underrated.
Well the camper is almost packed and the Tag-a-long parties are ready for some new adventures and experiences. Some of the members of this camping party being initiated into the great outback and the infamous 'red dust'. Let it all begin!
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