1st July:
We decided last
night that we would only spend the 2 nights here as it is $30pn and
not
really value for
money, no hot water in the kitchen area, the shower in the mens the
pressure is almost non existent and someone who shall remain nameless
reckons he could pee faster and that is surely saying something, the
water and pressure in the ladies
showers seem fine.
We woke to a gorgeous day sunny not a cloud in the sky and it wasn't
cold last night at all. Today we went to the Back of Bourke
exhibition centre, an amazing place showing all the history of the
area with alot of displays, photos and interactive areas. Due to the
rain over the last few days unfortunately the stock man,cattle and
Clydesdale display had been cancelled, apparently it is very similar
to the once they do at the Longreach Stock man’s Hall of Fame and
we have seen that one. We spent quiet a while here at the centre
purchased a couple of postcards before having a coffee at the cafe.
From here we found our way to the Bourke wharf area where we saw the
old fully restored 1923 Crossley oil fuelled stationery engine, it is
in immaculate condition. We walked along to the viewing platform over
looking the mighty muddy Darling River, took some great photos and
from here we called in at the supermarket and butcher on the way back
to the van park where we spent the rest of the day finishing off with
happy hour at 4.15 complete with home made scones (from the managers)
with jam and whipped cream, we had a drink and chatted to a lovely
couple from WA. Around 5.30 we headed back to the van and cooked tea,
fresh lamb chops and veges. While this was cooking we pre loaded the
car and put away gear that we didn't need for the night. Tomorrow we
head to Lightning Ridge. We visited the resting place of the world class eye surgeon Fred Hollows he did alot for the people of Nepal and the Aboriginal people.His resting place is in the Bourke cemetery marked with a massive rock that is simply carved with his name and year of birth/death no mention of his wife and family :-( there is also a rock wall on the Mitchell Highway that is named in his honour it is called the Vision Way.
