I passed several mines as I left town
- they are huge operations and employers.
Once again the Desert swifly engulfs you - completely flat, no trees at all now and the Silver City Highway stretching away to the horizon with 110k limit. Nothing between Broken Hill and Wentworth - the longest unoccupied stretch I have driven.
Almost immediately I saw emus sprinting away from the road. They were the first of many mobs - lots of chick's varying in size but also groups of bolder adults. One stopped to look at me struggling to organise my phone, then realised it was left behind and dashed off legs pumping and backside wobbling.
Lots of caravans on the road today heading south. Twice, as I parked taking photos, drivers stopped to see if I needed help. Outback thoughtfulness and concern for fellow travellers! Some extraordinary set ups - really serious tourers.
Plenty of goats too! Black, brown, white and brindle, solitary huge billies and lots of kids hurrying after mums. Fortunately they stay off the road. Couldn't possibly estimate numbers - they're everywhere!
Stopped for lunch and a comfort stop and chatted for a while. Not as many lay-bys as I thought there would be - only toilet stop I saw!
I crossed an adjunct of the Darling - a few cars also stopped. In times of flood probably spread over a big area.
I arrived at Wentworth in the early afternoon but continued driving. Mildura didn't appeal. Grape vines, Orange trees and unknown orchards lined the road so I kept going backtracking until I reached Euston.
Decision time! Swan Hill was a bit more than an hour away, there was plenty of daylight, traffic was light : I pushed on. A few kilometres today - 510 to be exact!
So here I am - think a river cruise might be nice in the morning.
Oh, and ABBA! Went to the RSL for dinner. It was a night featuring the music of the 60s and 70s - very toe tapping stuff, an audience dressed to match and I knew all the words!
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