Discoveries

From Broken Hill we headed down the Barrier Highway towards Peterborough SA. Had heard the Rail museum was worth a visit. Along the way we passed through some very isolated little hamlets amongst them MannaHill where we were told that the railway station was the most photographed structure along the highway. Well its no surprise because nothing else is worth photographing or visiting. I can’t imagine why anyone lives here. The Mannahill publican told me she had been there for 12 years and 3 years ago some new people moved into an old derelict shop? further down the road and opened a cafe?, effectively halving her business. Now as neighbours they can’t even talk to each other and they’re the only people in ‘town’. She also told me you can’t drink the local water cos its got lead poisoning because of dust from the passing of open ore trains from Broken Hill.

Peterborough by afternoon proved to be as engrossing as predicted. Phil, a very informative guide, took us through the Steamtown Rail Museum. They also run a light and sound show of a night but need a few more in an audience than was there for the afternoon so it was a no show on Friday. Decided to move on and found ourselves  overnighting in Terowie ( Judi Deys home town which explains some things). Stayed in the railyard siding and discovered a treasure trove of history. Terowie was the change over site from broad guage to narrow guage rail and was a hub of activity in the late 1800s to 1972. Walked into “town” this morning and ended up with a guided tour courtesy of a couple of very enthusiastic locals. Thanks to Kenny and Peter who opened up a few of the  displays and took us through with irrepressible enthusiasm and vocalisation. Spent half the day in Terowie exploring.

Moved on to Burra and walked the town, even finding some new places of interest given we had three days here back in 2001 (yes, the year of a Sprite Odyssey gone awry). Love this town – its a fabulous example of history preserved for the future and yet its still a  working town. Bit hard to get into the service station with a truck though and an awful lot of thoroughfares with less than 5 tonne load limits.

We’ve now covered some 1400 klms and show a consumption average of 22.2 l/100km which equates to 310 litres at an average cost of $1.55, so some $480.00 has got lost on fuel. The frightening part of our expenditure so far though has been trailer repairs – some 1600 odd dollars. I sure didn’t budget on that. Just means eating is a secondary consideration. We have done reasonably well on the accommodation front though with only about $265.00 spent so far for park fees over 13 nights (8 of those nights in paid caravan parks). We are right now in the Burra Showgrounds –  $15.00 with power, shower and loos.

Some sights but no sounds follow………