On the Road

While most of this year's devastating floods have been up north in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria have also experienced flooding in a few areas. We stopped to inspect this overflowing creek on our way to Broken Hill.

Although the patterns of algae looked lovely, the stagnant water was hot and teaming with insects. Not very inviting....

There were quite a few Silver Orb-weaving spiders dangling in their webs above the swamp. While they are HUGE and look rather menacing, they are actually docile and not at all deadly. 

We had hoped to camp, but all of the national parks in the area were closed due to flooding. Only one road was open in Kinchega National Park, near the town of Minindee.

On the trip west to Broken Hill, we had to make a two-day, 700 km detour because of road closures due to flooding. Route 32 was open again by the time we made the return trip, but it still wasn't quite dry...

Patrice, looking quite Australian, don't you reckon?

First emu sighting!

Modeling my new hat, purchased at Outback Whips and Leather (!!!)

Celebrating Australia Day with the locals in Scone, known as the horse capital of Australia. January 26 commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet (of convicts!) at Sydney Cove in 1788.

We found the residents of Scone to be a very welcoming bunch.