(First published 14th May 2013)
The adventure continues. I am now in Cobar, somewhere near the middle of New South Wales (NSW).
The Cobar Miners Race Club Annual Race Meeting.
Sally Henery was lovely enough to drive me from their station to Port Augusta so I could visit my own SotA base. And I did. However, I had been unable to contact them for a few reasons (none to do with anyone at the base) to warn them of my impending visit – so I was not expected. But I did meet the Vice Principal who was wonderful in taking a few minutes to quickly show me a lesson in progress – via the internet. A far cry from the old SotA days. She also gave me her contact details so I am now able to keep them up to date about the cover design and title competition and SA’s isolated will be included with all the others nationwide.
Down to Adelaide for a busy couple of days, meeting people and I did manage to catch up with one of my brothers and sister-in-law. On my way yet again, heading north east toward Pitcairn – and then straight past it. Countryside and towns all very familiar. We were actually an hour late leaving Adelaide (very annoying reason for this which might – or not – eventually be revealed – again, no-one at fault) and were unable to make up that time, while also trying to avoid kangaroos in the latter part of the trip. But full marks to our brilliant driver, Mitch, for her efforts. Our ETA in Broken Hill was 11.25 pm but instead we lopped in at sometime after midnight. All the other passengers seemed to either live up there or were expected by other people. But not me. Oooooh no – I had to be different and believe me, that’s not a good idea when you’re in an unfamiliar town at that hour of the morning. I had been to the Hill several times, but not for many years and my memories are not strong. I didn’t recognize a thing after the ‘Welcome to Broken Hill’ sign. My next coach, taking me on to Cobar, was not due to leave until 3.30 am – so, as can be guessed, not a lot of sleep to be had. None in fact – I didn’t get to bed. I did have everything organized in the way of a motel room – or so I thought – but therein lies another story.
Very early queue at the Cobar Miners Race Club Meeting.
Dressed up to the nines. These two boys looked fantastic.
But – onward ho. I caught that 3.30 am coach and arrived in Cobar on time at 9.25 am. Following instructions I found my sway to the local race course in time to see preparations in full swing. This was the Cobar Miners Race Club Annual Race Meeting, a very special event on the area social calendar. And to say this event was a vision to behold – just amazing. The bright colours, the sheer professionalism, the atmosphere, food and drink. Huh? This was an outback race meeting? It’s not the Melbourne Cup? The fashions – very formal – were straight out of a magazine, for goodness sake. And they were easily equal to or better than any city meeting – right down to the hair styles – perfect. Even the kids. Sharon Harland, Editor of ‘The Cobar Weekly’ had ‘warned’ me of the dress code and suggested that I should pack
appropriately, including a fascinator – and so I did. But by the time I reached the race course, I have to admit that I was beyond worried about how I looked. I mean I did kind of stand out like a sore thumb – but I was just too excited and happy to be there that I didn’t worry any more about it. I was offered the use of the bathroom – but honestly just could not be bothered. While Sharon’s suggestion should have warned me, I really do not think that anything could have prepared me for that event. These people really do know how to do it in style. I did get some wonderful photos, even if I do say so myself. I even got a shot of the mayor, poor lady. But such a gracious person and her outfit – she looked wonderful. From top to toe. I’ll never forget her – but hope she has completely forgotten me. But the day and event – also unforgettable. Well done, Cobar.
Finally, the day came to an end and I was on my way out to my next station, Kallara. Home to another lovely couple, Julie and Justin McClure and family, all away at school. Julie’s Uncle Max had attended the races and was good enough to drive me out. My thanks to you, Uncle Max. Julie and Justin, like Sally Henery (I didn’t meet her husband, David – he was away for my visit) are powerhouses of energy and information. So warm and welcoming, bubbly, that fantastic outback sense of humour – and could not have been more supportive with info. These people leave me lost for words – although it doesn’t seem so in my blogs. But there is no way I could do what they do, both women and men – living out here and all that goes with it. I absolutely love the outback – but could never live out here again. And my hat goes off to all of them.
I had a wonderful time on Kallara, being made to feel completely at home. Took heaps of photos, had a ball. Yesterday morning, when it was actually drizzling, one of the workers dropped me back into Cobar on his way home to Dubbo. My thanks to him for that.
I continue to meet many, many locals as well as those on the actual stations and getting heaps of photos – too many to include but I am trying to publish as many as possible.
Next stop, Coonamble and Uralla Station – my last station for this trip.
Sally Henery did mention that she could see how much I am loving doing this – that I am in my element – and she doesn’t think I’ll ever finish the book because I am enjoying the research too much – and she could well be right!
The Kallara plane in its hangar. NSW
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