Cam taking a lesson in the old schoolroom in Silverton
One of the painted utes at Silverton
The RFDS hangar
The Sculptor Symposium
Wednesday, 6th May, 2009
Here we are at Broken Hill. We arrived on Saturday 2nd May to a total meltdown from the boys. It was a long drive from Mungo NP, and the boys had had enough. We always knew there would be a few days of long driving, but have now re-thought.
We only planned to stay here for two nights, but kept extending for different reasons. Firstly, my laptop died a quiet death, so we stayed on for Steve to fix it, but it wasn’t to be. Now I sit typing on my NEW faster, sexier laptop! Yesterday Dan kept complaining about it hurting to eat, which didn’t get better this morning. An emergency appointment was made at the Broken Hill Dental Centre. I was a bit dubious about this considering we knew nothing about the professional services in this place. What a surprise – a professional clinic with children’s waiting room and playstation, with staff that were the best I have ever encountered. Happily I report there were no cavities, only some food stuck in between his teeth. It’s also been good having another day or so to repack the car – now that we know what is used regularly or not.
It is here in Broken Hill that you truly get to understand the population of “Grey Nomads”. Every day, around 3:00pm the caravans turn up in their droves. They set up their caravans or Winnebagos along with their satellite dishes and flat screen LCD TV’s, and stroll around with beer in hand to check out everyone else’s set up. If they’re lucky, they’re invited onto another nomad’s territory for a closer inspection. We signed on to the wireless internet today and there is even a special wireless network site for Nomads. Funnily enough, they don’t seem to talk to us much – we’re obviously not grey enough yet.
What have we seen while we’ve been here?
The Symposium Desert: After a 1.2km hike up a hill, you get to view a symposium of sculptures against the natural outback landscape and skyline. We did this at sunset and it was spectacular. 12 sculptors from around the world were invited to come to Broken Hill to make these formations (which stand about 1 – 2 metres high) in 1993. One is even made by a local un-named resident of Katoomba (for my locals). Cameron was beside himself with joy on the hike up as the track was scattered full of natural quartz and pyrite. His pockets were so full he could hardly walk.
Silverton: This is a historic village that was in it’s prime in the 1800’s. It is probably best known for being the location of filming for Mad Max II, Dirty Deeds, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the RFDS series and XXXX beer ads. The original "Interceptor" from Mad Max is still standing in front of the Silverton Hotel, along with heaps of memorabilia of the movie. There was also an old school house full of school time stories and stuff which Cam loved. He got to sit at the old desks, write with a nib and ink and realize how good schooling is now. It’s been a highlight for him so far.
From here you drive to the Mundi Mundi Lookout where you feel like you’re on the edge of the world as you look out across the flatlands of the Mundi Mundi plains that stretch out for an eternity.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service: We did a tour around the headquarters for the RFDS. Saw the radio room, the planes and a museum with the general history of the service. Steve loved this.
The nightly flock of 100’s of cockatoos is flying past right now and we’re hoping they don’t decide again to roost in the tree at our camp spot like last night. They shat all over our trailer. Not so lucky – here they are. Better not shit on my new laptop as I’m typing.
Tomorrow we are off to Milparinka. Now it feels like we are going to do and see what we set out to. Leaving the city and towns behind us, we are now at the entrance to the greater outback – can’t wait.
Here we are at Broken Hill. We arrived on Saturday 2nd May to a total meltdown from the boys. It was a long drive from Mungo NP, and the boys had had enough. We always knew there would be a few days of long driving, but have now re-thought.
We only planned to stay here for two nights, but kept extending for different reasons. Firstly, my laptop died a quiet death, so we stayed on for Steve to fix it, but it wasn’t to be. Now I sit typing on my NEW faster, sexier laptop! Yesterday Dan kept complaining about it hurting to eat, which didn’t get better this morning. An emergency appointment was made at the Broken Hill Dental Centre. I was a bit dubious about this considering we knew nothing about the professional services in this place. What a surprise – a professional clinic with children’s waiting room and playstation, with staff that were the best I have ever encountered. Happily I report there were no cavities, only some food stuck in between his teeth. It’s also been good having another day or so to repack the car – now that we know what is used regularly or not.
It is here in Broken Hill that you truly get to understand the population of “Grey Nomads”. Every day, around 3:00pm the caravans turn up in their droves. They set up their caravans or Winnebagos along with their satellite dishes and flat screen LCD TV’s, and stroll around with beer in hand to check out everyone else’s set up. If they’re lucky, they’re invited onto another nomad’s territory for a closer inspection. We signed on to the wireless internet today and there is even a special wireless network site for Nomads. Funnily enough, they don’t seem to talk to us much – we’re obviously not grey enough yet.
What have we seen while we’ve been here?
The Symposium Desert: After a 1.2km hike up a hill, you get to view a symposium of sculptures against the natural outback landscape and skyline. We did this at sunset and it was spectacular. 12 sculptors from around the world were invited to come to Broken Hill to make these formations (which stand about 1 – 2 metres high) in 1993. One is even made by a local un-named resident of Katoomba (for my locals). Cameron was beside himself with joy on the hike up as the track was scattered full of natural quartz and pyrite. His pockets were so full he could hardly walk.
Silverton: This is a historic village that was in it’s prime in the 1800’s. It is probably best known for being the location of filming for Mad Max II, Dirty Deeds, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, the RFDS series and XXXX beer ads. The original "Interceptor" from Mad Max is still standing in front of the Silverton Hotel, along with heaps of memorabilia of the movie. There was also an old school house full of school time stories and stuff which Cam loved. He got to sit at the old desks, write with a nib and ink and realize how good schooling is now. It’s been a highlight for him so far.
From here you drive to the Mundi Mundi Lookout where you feel like you’re on the edge of the world as you look out across the flatlands of the Mundi Mundi plains that stretch out for an eternity.
The Royal Flying Doctor Service: We did a tour around the headquarters for the RFDS. Saw the radio room, the planes and a museum with the general history of the service. Steve loved this.
The nightly flock of 100’s of cockatoos is flying past right now and we’re hoping they don’t decide again to roost in the tree at our camp spot like last night. They shat all over our trailer. Not so lucky – here they are. Better not shit on my new laptop as I’m typing.
Tomorrow we are off to Milparinka. Now it feels like we are going to do and see what we set out to. Leaving the city and towns behind us, we are now at the entrance to the greater outback – can’t wait.
Hi guys. Sounds like you're having a great time!!! Bummer about the pooh on the trailer!! Best part of the trip coming up, you guys belong in the outback, bet you have a great time. Not much to report here. Everyones shitty and miserable as the the cold CHCH weather sets in. We are expecting snow this weekend!! Ryan's away next week, so i can have whatever i want for dinner and watch what i want on telle(the only upsides to him going away)Oh well take care, drive carefully. Love you all lots. Say hi to the boys from me. Love Ang xxx
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys are having a blast. You going to post some pics?
ReplyDeleteKeep the posts regular.
Wade, Em, Molly & Bump
I am really enjoying the commentary on the trip. Nice to see you are having a great time. The camper trailer sounds better than sliced bread - have been contemplating something like that ourselves. One thing we found in doing several drives from east to west is just how damned big this country is. The changing landscapes always fascinate us. Keep the posts coming!
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