PORT AUGUSTA and KIMBA SA

  Regular readers will know that larger Towns have little attraction for me unless they display their historical past through their heritage buildings or possess some other feature that I can find interest in. Needless to say, Port Augusta didn't enthuse Although locals may have different ideas, I found the place uninviting. Anecdotes of antisocial behaviour and occurrences of theft that others had provided didn't help either. For me it was a place to shop and in this case vote on the upcoming Federal Election. I did search but failed to find any worthwhile photographic subjects.
  Today, after staying in an average, overpriced, Caravan Park, Mel told us that she had decided to split up and return home to Canberra for a while before heading back into Qld. She did say that she may join us again for a trip to WA next year that Billy, Jules and I had discussed as a concept. I am sad to see her go as she had become a part of the team. The rest of us decided to continue west via Kimba to the next target, Pildappa Rock. Here Billy and Jules plan to also go their own way and return to travel the Murray River back into Vic.
  So to Kimba travelling west on the Eyre Hwy, past the quarries at Iron Knob, through saltbush lined regularity. Until, of a sudden, about 30 kms before Kimba , I topped a rare hill, when, like the breathless change in the landscape around Woomera, a completely different vista pounced. The saltbush abruptly materialised into beautiful, rich, green, farmlands patch worked with bright, yellow fields of flowering, canola crops. Kimba arrived with the reinforced expectation that It was impossible that it would fail to blend with it's surroundings. The invitingly, friendly, feel of the town made for a pleasant stay for free in the Lions Central Apex Park that came complete with the basic facilities that a Nomad needs. Kimba is designated as "RV Friendly" and wears that badge proudly. The Community also participates in a national project that aims to assimilate Grey Nomads as a volunteer by encouraging them to contribute to community projects in exchange for country hospitality. I may return one day and take up this challenge.
  Kimba boasts of being geographically exactly halfway across Australia. Of course the Roadhouse displays the appropriate signage to inform the visitor. It also has for some unexplained reason "The Big Galah" also at the Roadhouse. I took a trip to Whites Knob Lookout and again marvelled in the picturesque landscape that circled Kimba Town.
  There is a small hospital here and Jules has talked me into visiting for an assessment of my leg burn which is still resulting in a limp due to soreness.  I am glad I did, after very kind and friendly assistance from the Nurse. a Doctor confirmed that no infection was present but suggested that I have it checked and redressed every three days or so.
  Off next day to what Billy describes as "better than the Devil's Marbles", Pildappa Rock near Minnipa to the west.