We have had a wonderful time exploring the Flinders Ranges and all the little rural towns. The scenery is spectacular. One definite highlight was riding on the Pichi Richi Railway from Port Augusta to Quorn and back again. We spent time hanging out of the windows and hanging over the rails at the back and front of the train. Once we got to Quorn we had two hours to look around the town before getting back on and going back to Port Augusta. By the time we got back to the caravan we were covered in soot from the Engine but it was a great day!
Another highlight was finding the sheep farm where Peter spent time as a 9-10 year old. He has always had fond memories of the place and would often relate stories of what he and his brothers would get up to on the sheep farm. He wasn't quite sure where it was, only that it was between Spalding and Booborowie. We went to Spalding and found the school he went to but nothing jogged his memory as to which way the farm might be so we called into the Post Office and asked for some local knowledge. As it happened, the lady behind the counter and a customer were long time residents, so with a bit of information from Peter, they pointed us in the direction that it could be. We traveled down a few dirt roads into the middle of no-where and nothing looked familiar to him but then in the distance we saw some trees and a shed and he said "That's it!" We found a gate and drove in and it just happened that the owner was there and he was thrilled to show us around. Peter would say: 'there used to be a fuel tank over by that shed' - and it was still there! He remembered all sorts of things and where they used to be and they were still there! The place hadn't changed in 46 years! He had a wonderful time reminiscing and the current owner was so accommodating. It was a very warm and fuzzy experience.
Side Note: - I couldn't get over the size of the Rams balls - sorry, but they were HUGE!
For the next week or so we will slowly meander through the Clare Valley before coming home for Renee's 30th Birthday Party. It's a masquerade party so I wonder if anyone will recognise us!!!
Cant wait to see everyone! xxxx After that, we are off to Western Australia.
The sun setting on one of our camp sites in the Flinders
Darn it - no phone reception
Another camp site on the edge of a large but dry river
This looks like a road but it is a very dry river
Beautiful scenery
Stunning
Quorn Railway Station
The Pichi Richi Railway in Quorn
All Aboard!
We had lunch here and the shop has all the original counters, shelves and 'Flying Fox'
It is a tea room now and it is like stepping back in time. Good food too!
About to go across one of the bridges
Standing between the carriages is my favorite place
We were covered in a fine film of soot by the end of the trip
We are back in SA and you can get Villis!
The Jetty at Port Germein
This is where the gas line ruptured, leaving Port Pirie and Whyalla areas with no gas
Inside the shearing shed on North Bungaree Station
The sheep pens outside the shearing shed
Peter at the wool table where he and his brothers used
to throw the freshly sheared wool
The Dam wall where Peter and his brothers would ride their billy cart
The house they lived in at the Station
Peter and his brothers would drive across the paddocks in an old car to catch the school bus
This is the shearing shed. Apparently it started life as a hospital in Broken Hill until it was dismantled and trucked to the Station in 1929 where it was converted to a shearing shed and pens for the sheep going to the sale yards.
Do you recognise it, Allan?
We visited Jamestown where my dear friend Jean grew up
A cool statue of C.J Dennis, in Laura
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