Our journey today took us to somewhere that Ray had been looking forward to going for a long time. The last time we travelled extensively, we couldn’t fit this part of the Australian Outback in to our schedule so we decided that it had to be the first area of Australia that we visit on this journey. Ray wants to see Broken Hill. Specifically, he wants to see “THE” broken hill. Mr Fixit himself probably wants a hand in putting things back together.

Our pack up routine is becoming easier and faster each morning. (Not that there is much to do with this Crusader caravan compared with the old Windsor Rapid.) We said goodbye to our neighbours and joined the Silver City Highway. The road was straight as a pin for many kilometres and we noticed the scenery changing over a number of kilometres beyond Wentworth. II became more “Outback” and definitely not the type of environment that you would like to break down or find yourself stuck in. Other vehicles were few on the road and when we did pass each other I wondered where they were going and why.

Stopping for lunch at a rest area, Ray noticed a pink box sitting alone to the side of the amenities. It was a Bush Library. Henry was very intrigued. It was a fantastic idea. When I used to read physical books while travelling (now I read ebooks), I would leave them in the laundry at caravan parks and select another that someone else had left there. This idea was sensational!

The lake where we stopped was Lake Papitah and it was the most unusual shade of green. The worn signage stated that this lake was most often dry and if it had water in it, it was fed by flood water. Due to the recent floods in New South Wales, the lake was full to brimming. We couldn’t see any information on why the lake was the colour of pea soup though.

We arrived in Broken Hill, the birthplace of BHP (Broken Hill Propriety Company). Broken Hill was founded on mining and it is still a mining town. There are about 17,000 people who live there and it has a strong tourist economy as people pass through on an inland route to South Australia. It is close to the border and the town actually exists on South Australian time. This was a little confusing as our phones changed, computer didn’t, car didn’t, radio announcer said a different time….we thought we were bat crazy.

Broken Hill is also the birthplace of some amazing artists. It seems that there is either something in the water in the Australian Outback or the environment motivates people to recreate what they see and their creative abilities shine. I don’t know what it is but these towns are full of beautiful artworks. Pro Hart hails from Broken Hill (remember him from the Stainmaster advertisement?) Since his death, his studio and home has been turned into a gallery and for a reasonable entry fee you can visit and see his works. You can also purchase his artwork if you want to take some home. 

When we were having coffee we were speaking to the lady who owned the shop. She only had lovely things to say about Pro Hart. He would only shop with local business to support them, not the large chains. How he was very down to earth. He had a Rolls Royce that he would drive around town, get out of covered in paint splattered gear, shorts and thongs with a smile and kind word for everyone. 

While we were driving along today on our way to Broken Hill, I turned the music down and asked Ray what he was thinking. (I do this sometimes.)

Ray chuckled and said, “Do you really want to know?”

Of course I did! Now I was really curious!

“I was just wondering what would happen if I rocked up at the Visitor Information Centre with an excavator, bulldozer and a B50 double, a whole crew and say to them, “I’m here to fix the hill”.