Lightning Ridge

Sunday
I had been advised that the birds out here stayed in bed until around 9...but I think they must have set their alarm clocks early. We visited the Parrot Ponds, which were sadly lacking in parrots although I did get a good view of a flock of Cockatiels and a pair of Diamond Doves.
Today we decided to complete the Orange Car Door Circuit. This took us in to the Grawin area about 50kms from Lightning Ridge. The first stop was at the Club in the Scrub, a registered sports club, which has been built by locals over the years. Being Sunday they were gearing up for their raffles, weekly members draw and an afternoon of live music. After a cool beverage, and not tempted by a round of golf we moved on.





Our next stop was the Glengarry Hilton...time for another drink, this time with lunch. I think it didn’t matter if you ordered spring roll, chiko roll or any other roll they were all the same! An interesting fact we picked up here was that the miners can’t live underground here, as they do in Coober Pedy, because it is too wet.



Continuing the circuit we passed another pub...didn’t stop this time as we had to drive back to LR, before arriving at the Lake Beard War Memorial.  This is the kind of place that many Vietnam Veterans have ended up and the memorial was built by miners over the years. It has plaques and Memorials from all the wars involving Australians and is the hub for Anzac Day.
On the return journey we passed Stanley, the giant emu. The design was created by John Murray and was originally intended for the Birdsville Track, but logistics made this too difficult. A myriad of Lightning Ridge folk worked together to create Stanley and position him on the ridge, after which the town was named, facing towards Birdsville.



When we enquired about the best spot to view the sunset we were pointed to the Green Car Door circuit which finishes at Nettletons First Shaft Lookout. We had enough time to explore the ‘beer can’ house and the rock maze, which was apparently built by 6 people in 4 hours...it put me in mind of those puzzles...how long would it have taken 2 people, or 4 people. I also had time for a short stroll around the ponds with my binoculars.



The sunset colours were spectacular although clouds tend to make for better photos.



Only need for a light dinner before Michael turned the tables and easily won tonight’s cards.

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