Days 4&5

 Yesterday we left early for a longer day and made it to Cobar at 2.30.

The day started out warm and fine, but soon changed to rain and a freezing cold wind, which buffeted the car all the way and used up twice as much fuel. We had to fill up again at Brewarrina. We were planning to spend some time there, going to see the ancient ingenious aboriginal fish farms in the river, which have been used by our original inhabitants  for centuries. However, due to recent rains, the farms were inundated and not visible. We also wanted to visit the aboriginal heritage museum, but it was closed due to a funeral.

We took ourself off for a bought breakfast instead of our usual cold muesli in the van, and tucked into a mini feast at the delightful Muddy Waters Coffee shop, decorated outside by John Murray, the outback artist whose print we bought the day before.

 

 

 

The freezing wind continued when we arrived in Cobar and we set off into town to find me a proper parka, as I didn't bring mine from home. No luck, but I bought a beanie and scarf. We tucked up nice and cosy for the 2° night, and in the morning, set off on the parka search once more, this time finding one, plus a jumper, and a jacket for Ian,  for the princely sum of $16.

 

We continued our exploration of Cobar with a visit to  the beautifully presented outdoor mine exhibit and tribute to the men who died mining copper and gold here, and then drove out to see the operating mine. If the information boards are up-to-date, up to 15 kg of gold is collected every two days, in addition to the copper. A very productive mine.

 

On our way early tomorrow for another longish hike to Broken Hill. It's been good to sit still for a day, and, wonder of wonders, with some phone advice from a caravan place in Broken Hill, Ian fixed the door. It still can't be locked from the inside, but now we have a handle that works and can dispense with the okky strap onto the drawer handle.