Day 21 - Cobar to Bourke

We have definitely been spoilt on this holiday. Waking to another perfect morning was an absolute delight. Chilly again but just awesome.

Much the same ritual ensued today, although only some needed fuel.

But first a wander across the road to the imposing Cobar town entrance. The photo library had to contain a photo of all of us against this backdrop. Using timers on various photographic equipment can sometimes present a funny side of life as the video attached to this post will attest to.

A visit to the bakery was required. But….major disappointment. Those greedy Mundi Mundi Bash thieves had consumed all the bacon and egg rolls. Sometimes a bit of business entrepreneurship wouldn’t go astray. There was no indication the staff would venture off to the IGA (200 m up the road), to replenish their supplies.

So be it, sausage rolls had to suffice.

It was here that parental neglect almost ruined the day. I’d gone across the street to the hardware store. Graham, with Ruby in tow also came across. Graham securely tethered Ruby to one of the posts out the front then entered the store.

After an obligatory sticky beak at what was on offer, we each purchased what we were after, and made our way to the front sliding door. Now to be fair, it was here that the distraction took place. Both Graham and I thought this door was automatic…….but it wasn’t. As we closed it behind us, our attention was still focused on that door. We stepped through the strategically placed stock on the pavement at the front of the store, off the curb and across the road to the bakery.

“Graham“, came a rather panicked audible cry, “where’s your dog?”

We had both walked straight past Ruby, obediently tethered to the front of the store.

Upon the cessation of laughter and admonishment Graham and Karen and Anne headed for fuel and Gail and I and Peter and Julie hit to road.

One difference……Julie had the reins of The Warrior today. Full credit to Julie, she took to the task like a duck to water, although in Peter’s mind he was hoping it wasn’t going to be like the Titanic to water. At one stage there was a report over the 2 way Peter had soiled his underwear, but this was not confirmed.

Huge kudos to Julie, well done.

It was another short day in the saddle, just under a couple of hours. So short, that no one needed a pee stop.

The name and reality of some towns, can sometimes not live up to one’s expectation. Bourke was no where as imposing or grandiose as we’d expected, but still very outback none the less.

We parked the vans, got them set up, relaxed a little (a very common theme on this holiday) and went for a drive into town. That expectation I spoke about earlier was shattered again. Most stores were barricaded with steel shutters and we only found one hotel. We had a few quiet ones and then the ladies headed back to the park to freshen up, while us fellas did some hunting and gathering…….firewood.

Tonight we ventured back to that pub for dinner. Another lovely pub meal.

Upon returning, it was Anne’s task to light the fire tonight, which she ably did.

Once again, reflection on the days activities and chit chat on a beautiful evening occurred around the fire.Read more