Another long hot day's ride (aren't they all?) from Peterborough along The Barrier Highway to Broken Hill.

I was quite looking forward to Broken Hill - I wanted to go to the Jack Absalom Gallery - perhaps meet the man himself.

I got into the Western part of town and went straight to the Caravan Park. I've been living it rought for the past couple of days so was looking forward to a room, bed and a shower. Despite the fact that it was low season, the caravan park wanted $30 to sleep on a piece of grass!! And their cheapest cabin was $85 a night - and it was over 2.5kms into town - quickly told them sto get stuffed and headed into town itself - a quick trip to the tourist information centre and I had myself a nice comfortble room in the heart of town booked for $38 a night.

Right!! First things first - tools and headlight globe!!

I couldn't believe it - no Supercheap Auto in Broken Hill - that's where I had to go to get the replacement tools I needed - had internet access here, so i checked it out, the nearest Supercheap is at Dubbo!!! Such is life!

I did manage to get a replacement headlight bulb though - you may recall that I was lucky enough to salvage my Screwdriver, so I was able to remove my headlight and fit the new globe - I must admit I was slightly worried that it was just simply going to blow again immediately, but it all turned out well - headlight issue solved - no more riding along at night holding my torch out in front of me :)

So then down to the Jack Absalom Galleries - for those who don't know - Jack is an Australian bushman, artist, raconteur, writer etc - he is one of the famous Brushmen of the Bush and has published cookbooks (including a recipe for a Camel Curry), DVDs on travel and Bush Survival tips (many of which I've used on this trip)

Anyway - I got his address and rode the Postie down there only to be greeted by - GALLERY CLOSED - apparently Jack closes the gallery every January and February for a bit of a break - major bummer!!

Had a wander around Broken Hill - a great dinner in the Democratic Club and crashed out early to sleep in a real bed!!! Ahhhhh.....