After a week on the road I’m getting into the routine of things. Six other women and their assorted vehicles are beginning to grow in number as we travel further into the trip. Tonight we are free camping at Kimba in the Recreation Reserve that has decent toilet and shower facilities. Kimba is exactly half way across Australia. Also know for it’s solo art that really is magnificent. This alone has increased tourism and boosted the towns economy.
The next overnight stop was Wilcannia on the Darling River. The countryside is extremely parched, even the saltbush is struggling. One of the girls had organised for a local couple to come and tell us about the towns history and current issues. Two facts supprised me, firstly the strong Irish connection due to many Irish settlers who came in the boom time of the river trade. Secondly that Wilcannia was a thriving Port for steamers to transport wool and supplies along the Darling. The other important ports were Morpeth in the Hunter and Swan Hill in Victoria.
They both feel positive about the future and the community is pulling together to support itself through hard times.
At Broken Hill we spent 2 nights at the Racecourse Camping grounds. I was trackside and enjoyed the trotters doing their practise/training laps around the course, Some would wave or yell out hello as they passed by.
It was good to have a catchup day. Everyone is adjusting to the pace. As a group we are getting on well and having lots of laughs. Early nights and up early are becoming the norm.
From there we traveled into SA and had an overnight stop in Peterborough a free camp at their Recreational RV Park.
On our way here today we had one of the local Rollers book us a table at the Arid lands Cafe in the Botanical gardens in Port Augusta where she joined us. The gardens are well worth a stop.
Looking forward to another early night. Flo is travelling like a champ.
Joans jottings 