Good morning, November! We left the coast and headed north. Talked to folks wherever we stopped about "true outback" and how far we would need to go to see/experience it. Seemed like everyone had a different opinion: Mildura? Broken Hill? We decided to just go with it.
Entered a fruit fly free zone and were directed via signs to dump any fruit. Stopped at designated spot and tossed a couple of apples. Thought it a little curious until we happened upon a lovely Sunday market in Red Cliffs. Fruit is a vital economic driver in this area. Local fruits & nuts as well as crafts and wares were on display. Spent a couple of hours wandering around and through booths and having brekkie at a Scottish cafe.
Over the next couple of days we spotted 57 emu (one here; did you see those two? oh, look - a pair with some little ones). We watched the landscape turn from verdant swaths of grape vines to scrubby bushes, token trees, sandy red dirt.
By the time we reached the Silver City of Broken Hill, we decided that this was definitely barren enough to be considered true outback. One thing you run into out here is the lack of civilization between towns. Got caught and had to spend the night at the only hotel in town...as Greg says to me, I get you the nicest accommodation available wherever we go. Let's just say that I'm just thankful that the places we go usually have more choices than Wilcannia!
Got an early start the next morning and what a treat...counted 34 roos along the road between 6:30 and 8:30. Drove on to Copper City, Cobar. Most of you guys know that the journey is as fun for us as the destination so we programmed the GPS to avoid interstates and toll roads. Ah, the twisting, turning back ways we drove.
Full disclosure: I finally drove. Yes, I turned on the wipers whenever trying to signal turn. We both got good belly laughs out of that.
B140, Silver City Highway, Barrier Highway, Oxley Highway, Castlereagh Highway, Inland Scenic Highway, Golden Highway, Broke Road, Coastal Highway. We are turning in the car today with 5,000 more kilometers on it than when we checked it out. We feel like we have sufficiently gotten a feel for this piece of the continent.
Aaack. Are hoping these pesky flies are not as pervasive in Cairns area as they are the entire southeast! Looking through pictures am noticing that we took most of this "section" of pictures on camera and not phone. May want to look back after we arrive home for more complete pictorial account. Or not =)
Few more pictures: https://picasaweb.google.com/115749256765182993897/DownUnder
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