First Station Visit

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(First published 5/5/13)

Well! What can I say? It is all very real and to be able to describe my feelings – I can’t. I just can’t. Try to expand on euphoric and you still won’t come anywhere near to it, but that should give you a bit of an idea. Simple as that. I am absolutely and completely overwhelmed by the warmth, friendliness and everything, all rolled into one, of the people I have met thus far.

My heartfelt thanks to the wonderful Sally Henery of Alpana Station, which is the very first property, nestled in the northern Flinders Ranges in SA. Sally has been the perfect hostess – to say nothing of being a mine of information. I have just spent two and a bit days on their property and honestly could not have wanted for more – of anything – except time. I needed far more time. Far too much to see and do in such limited time. Sally introduced me to so many people – some from other nations, others originating from other parts of Australia, either cities, towns or farms or even other stations. But all of whom live and work in or near the tiny local township of Blinman. I even caught up with Mary Fisher, who used to live on Pitcairn. Really lovely to see her. Many of these people have been fantastic enough to agree to participate in our book. All so good.

Municipal Hall in the tiny township of Blinman. Northern Flinders Ranges. SA

I am not going to describe the area surrounding Alpana and Blinman – suffice to say ‘spectacular’ does not really come anywhere near to the true description. But I cannot think of anything else so it will do – you’ll just have to see why when the book is finally published. And through the doco, hopefully.

There are also some absolutely amazing stories and facts coming to light – all part of the mammoth learning curve I am. on. The tiny township of Blinman is steeped in history and is really lovely but – well, let’s just say that the people in the town and surrounding properties do have their problems, like most of us.

I even went into the fantastic Blinman Mine – what an experience. And an unexpected bonus for my trip, which took both Sally and me by surprise – Alpana’s Tag-Along Tour. But another one that you’ll just have to read in our book – but it is pure magic, believe me. The Wild Lime Cafe & Gallery is also a must-see.

Chimney stack from bygone days. Very common in regional areas of Australia.

The sights and scenery of the majestic Flinders Ranges – WOW. But trying to take notes (that mine of info from Sally – some memory there) and photographs at the same time, while being driven along some pretty rocky roads, at some amazing angles…hmmm. So much fun though. I had to take notes – or try to as it was a tad too noisy for my little tape recorder. Anyway, the book will tell all.

Now I am in Port Augusta, having been driven back by Sally today. We dropped into Wilpena Pound, along with a few other wonderful spots, en route. Tomorrow I will be visiting the SotA base here, which is the one we used on Pitcairn. It’s actually the only one in SA. And I am really looking forward to that. A couple of other places to visit while in town, then off by coach to Adelaide for a couple of days.

Having been completely out of contact for the last few days, it was lovely to be able to talk with my husband and both daughters once I returned to civilization. It was probably the only thing that was good about returning to the city. But yes I am missing them all very much – and this will only serve to make my return home to Perth all that much sweeter.

But so much to look forward to before then. And it will all be described fully in our book.