In April 1985 we take off on a trip around Australia that will take the best part of a year. We start off around Mt Magnet and Cue in what is called the break-away country. We are camped out near Walga rock where there are Aboriginal sites with paintings.
One site has a childlike painting of an old sailing ship superimposed on the aboriginal designs. it has been dated about 100 years old by the London Museum. Thought by some to be done by the survivor of a shipwreck or an Afghan. There is also a story said to be told by the Aboriginal people, of a blue-eyed, fair-haired girl who drew the picture and was killed because she had entered a sacred site. (And as I write this I realise that we also were trespassing on a sacred site)
The kids collect rocks- some nice crystalline quartz. They have started correspondence lessons which we pick up and drop off at post offices in various towns.
17 April 1985
We are back camping at Wilgia Mia and had a look around Big Bell today. Once again, I am amazed at the size. the goldmine was started in the 1930’s but the once-substantial township is a ghost town surrounded by what can only be called a man-made obscenity.
The earth has been raped and left – nothing but miles and miles of white noxious-looking slag. a collapsed hole, so dangerous that humans and animals have to be protected all around by a high fence. Expensive equipment dumped and left to rot in the elements
The children remember Wilgia Mia and delight in showing David through the ochre mine although it scared them last time they were here.Being with their dad must make them feel safer.
We heated some water and set up a bush shower. It was heaven after walking around Walga rock.
18th April 1985
the day starts early with school work. We just do a few hours and get it out of the way. I figure that what they are learning from the trip is more valuable than all the social studies etc. however they can’t fall behind with the basics.
The Cue Masonic Hall
We’re off to Poona which we all read about in our book of rocks and minerals. It is supposed to be rich with gems which is true if the fences are anything to go by. Our rock collecting expedition was intimidated by signs like AGA KHAN MINE PTY LTD – KEEP OUT – TRESSPASSERS PROSECUTED. There is also large and expensive infrastructure evident like huge runways. When we stopped for lunch under a shady tree we could hardly stay still long enough to eat. Everywhere were rocks of different varieties and colours – quartz, agates and what may be jasper but could be red iron ore.
We became lost on the way back to camp but found some great little caves. This country makes me ponder on the lives of the first people.
Back at camp we once again had fun with the shower and must have looked a sight with not a stich on except ugg boots to keep our feet from being covered in ochre.
