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It's been a while and lots has happened on the road. At Ceduna we discovered some problems with the van and immediately did a quick 300km detour to Port Wakefield where a number of repairs and updates were done to the van. Thank heavens we did it as the wheel bearings in the van were dodgie. Only an overnighter and off again.
We wound or way through the ranges into the Clare Valley and out again to Burra. Unfortunately no time to stop at the many fabulous wineries we passed. Burra, though, what a delight. Have been there before and loved it. An old copper mining town full of history and magnificent architecture. We camped in their showgrounds and as we arrived late and left early, no photos. It was very misty and cold in the morning.
We toured for 2 days through the back and beyond to Broken Hill. The country side reminded us of the Murchison and Gascoyne. We stayed at the Race Course in Broken Hill and woke to horses pounding by as they trained on the race track. Never a dull moment. Broken Hill was our "catch up with bussines" time. Essential was more warm clothing. Thank heavens for Big W.
Tony then came into his element. Off to the Minindee Lakes. When full, 3x as much water as Sydney Harbour. The lake we stayed on was dry 3 yrs ago and is now full. The first task was to find fire wood with the chain saw (Chain Saw Massacre). Not my idea of fun, but I did benefit with a much needed fire each night.
It was a long week end, so quite a few locals were about. Mostly fishing, but we don't know much about inland lake fishing so the boat stayed on the car. The bird life was amazing. Tony was off walking each day and couldn't believe the number and variety of water birds. I was painting while he was tramping. We did an historic tiki tour to find out about the area. Bourke and Wills camped in the same place and, as we did, had a beer at the Minindee Pub. (Minindee Pub is the 2nd oldest Pub in NSW). A sheep station was the mainstay of the area and most of the buildings and artifacts are still present. We had a great journey through the historic woolshed and shearers quarters. I will be revisiting Broken Hill as it is the art centre of the NSW outback. In particular the home of "Pro" Hart. I managed to visit one gallery and the colours were amazing. It reminded me of an article I have of an artist in Bourke, and I always intended to try to find the areas where the paintings were done.
It was time to leave the lakes and continue on the road. Again, 2 days and we made it to Bourke via the Kidman Way. Kidman was a famous pastoralist in the NSW/Queensland outback. This is the road he travelled and drove cattle in his vast empire. And yes, Nicole Kidman is his great great granddaughter.
I desperately needed a Caravan Park and we are staying in the Kidman Park, North Bourke on the DArling River..... And would you believe, 200m from the park is the "Back of Bourke" Art Gallery . And guess who the artist is. Yep, Jenny Greentree, the artist in the article I have been carrying around with me for 5 years. I have spent this morning having a private lesson with her. Fantastic , and I have included a photo of my finished product in the album. My first attempt at pastels. I really enjoyed the medium.
We are doing a tour this arvo and will be well versed in the history of Bourke tonight. Will fill you in on my next blog
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Viv & John Wish we were there. Love the sunsets, the campfires and the art. Keep it up, we will be watching.