Sculptures

Thursday, 7 June 2012


Clear skies during the night meant only one thing – FROST! Everything was nice and white this morning and we were in no hurry to get into the shower, either. We waited until the caravan warmed up and thought of all the unfortunate people without ensuites who had to make the dash to the amenities blocks.

We weren’t in any great hurry this morning and spent some time talking to a couple from Deloraine – we did seem to have many mutual acquaintances. This morning’s adventure was to the sculpture park and living desert and feeling fit, decided to walk to the statues, not drive. Again, the sign said nothing about a BIG hill! The walking wasn’t too bad and the track was actually sealed most of the way. We thought we wouldn’t see any wildflowers, but it was amazing what was in flower if one stopped and actually looked – many of the flowers were very tiny and looked quite insignificant until viewed up close. (More flower photos!!!) The large sandstone sculptures were definitely worth the walk and we spent some time looking and reading about each sculpture. They were all created over a period of a few weeks, with artists from overseas and Australia.

The walk back down the hill didn’t seem to take anywhere near as long – funny that – and first port of call was an inspection of the plumbing facilities. These were very nice but the mesh screen on the door was a little off-putting! Especially as the ranger was just outside. We spent some time talking to him about the area and the work being done, watched the kangaroos and euros, and learnt about life in Broken Hill. He then realised it was nearly lunchtime and time to stop working for the morning. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to this area and the walk in such peaceful surroundings.

The afternoon started with a visit to the mining and minerals museum, which started with a video on how the minerals at Broken Hill were formed, starting with the Big Bang. There were lots of different minerals on display, of course, as well as a microscope to look at samples. The image was projected onto a screen, so there was no peering through eye pieces. Needless to say, someone spent more time looking at his fingernails, spots and hairy skin than at the minerals, but he did enjoy himself. Also on display here was the solid silver epergne known as the Silver Tree. The silver comes from Mexico and it was actually crafted before Broken Hill was founded, but was bought by Rasp (who first discovered the minerals) and is now owned by the Broken Hill Council.

Next stop was at a gallery, with some nice paintings and silver jewellery. Fortunately, being a silver city, all the jewellery here is silver, so there has been no temptation to make a purchase. Then it was to South Broken Hill and Bells Milk Bar. This milk bar is still set up like it was in the 1950’s, with the same drinks on offer – spiders and milk shakes, of course. We decided on waffles and a drink, with Cat opting for the classic orange spider. He had a lovely time looking at the memorabilia and we even caught him eyeing off some rather unsavoury advertising!

We have really enjoyed our time at Broken Hill – the city has a very nice feel to it, not at all what one expects of a mining town.

Our grandson, Michael, had his second big operation today and the outcome doesn’t sound as promising as was hoped. Evidently more surgery will be necessary in the future.