Days 6 and 7: Desert, What Desert? Cobar and Broken Hill

The drive from Cobar to Broken Hill was a good one for a number of reasons:
1. Nothing fell off the van
2. There would have been at least 20 vintage cars and motorcycles heading towards Cobar, with some drivers dressed in keeping with the period.
3. It was incredibly green the entire way to Broken Hill and the contrast between the green grasses and the red ochre soil was extraordinary.
4. Seeing huge expanses of water on the Darling flood plains around Wilcannia - we understand the flood peak is due just before Easter.
5. It was fruit, fruit, fruit for breakfast and lunch as all fruit and fruiting vegetables cannot be taken into the fruit fly exclusion zone commencing just east of Broken Hill.  We were warned not to buy up in Broken Hill as all fruit and vegetables have to be disposed of before the SA border as well.
6. More emus, raptors and even black swans on the flooded plains near Topar.

We chose an ensuite site at Broken Hill - it gave us the opportunity to get out the washing machine and do our housework.  The afternoon was spent touring. The guide  had a dry sense of humour with plenty of stories about Broken Hill characters.

We were amazed at the number of houses built out of corrugated iron - how do the residents cope with summer?  The main street was a step back in time with a charm all of its own and many of the buildings well maintained. Our highlight was the Line of Lode Miners' Memorial on top of a slag heap which towers over the town.

We are off to see the Menindee Lakes tomorrow.