Headed to Gundabooka National Park – where we did a couple of walks, including a visit to the Aboriginal Rock Art … which we again found quite fascinating.
Then onto Bourke to get a couple of van issues fixed …. Bourke is said to be where the outback begins … although its pretty much a long way from anywhere itself! Couple of nights in town at the Caravan Park,
followed by a few nights chilling out by the Darling River at May's Bend
– the river actually had water in it – so we spent our days relaxing, reading, photographing the Pelicans … and the evenings sitting around the camp fire.
Restocked in town, checked out the Cemetery – as you do (Fred Hollows is famously buried there), had dinner at the Chinese Restaurant, and toured the burnt out houses.
Then we headed back to Louth for the annual Races. Louth is a town with a population of 30, which grows to 6000 for Race Weekend. Camped for 3 nights at the Racecourse, which was crammed with characters from near and far. Seems like an annual pilgrimage for many. Friday we went to the town pub – Shindys Inn – with hundreds of others. Live Music in the beer garden was great – followed by a big night back at the camp with a few fellow travelers we had met. Some of the biggest camp fires you could imagine – they don’t put logs on the fire – they put telegraph poles and pallets on the fire. Race Day was outstanding.
Dusty old race course – but clearly the highlight of the year for many – Fashions in the Field, beers, and some classic outback characters …lots of very very big hairy folk under massive cowboy hats and Drizabones – and a few men there as as well!!!!. The Races was followed by a live band deep into the night - probably the greatest band in Louth's history based on the audience reaction. The country folk were amazingly friendly – there was not an ounce of trouble – it really was an awesome day – and very uplifting.
Here is a link to the Louth Races news report - with us in the background...
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