Day Two in God's Own Country

Colin Buchanan in his song "North Bourke Bridge" sang that "the outback calls you back" and it's true, I am in love with this place, it almost feels like I know it and I've been here before somehow.  I believe there are no accidents and I was always meant to live in the country and to love the country life and I do (mostly!)
This morning we spent fishing and exploring.  The river here is a muddy light brown colour but beautiful and so peaceful.  We didn't catch anything, the others are out now trying again at almost 5pm.  We  cooked here last night, the kitchen is great and really well equipped and as this was a last minute trip we need to conserve $$.  We had sausages, and very good ones, with onions and gravy and oven chips and a salad. 

Yay I can upload photos today!  This is the living area.  It's a funny house, huge and comfy.  This is the leather lounge suite and the stone fireplace behind it.

And today we saw Emus running in the bush.  I have seen them several times before over the years but I found out today Josh and Emily never have.  It was wild.  Sadly we saw a few who had been hit by cars but the other animals and birds were having lunch so it all works out in the end I guess.

We had a drink at the Port of Bourke Hotel.  Once, as in most country towns there were many pubs in this area but most of them are gone now.  Henry Lawson, a famous Aussie poet and storyteller lived here for a time and wrote some of his best poems and short stories here.  He once wrote "If you know Bourke you know Australia" and I can see why.  This is the Aussie bush, and the essence of our wonderful country is here.  I am so glad we came and I would come back here, even with the long drive which wasn't bad at all, lucky we all love road trips.

Phill has been giving the kids driving lessons, and I was with them today and it was weird seeing my babies behind the wheel especially Josh who IS my baby and is only 14.  But they did very well and we believe they will be very good drivers.

Tonight we are having kangaroo burgers.  Seriously.  They had made up burger patties on special at the local IGA.

A lovely, central and well equipped kitchen.

The beautiful Darling River.

Terrible photo but the kids built a "fort" out of a stack of mattresses that are in the corner.  This was the manager's house once and it still houses stuff for the motel.  They played in there for ages last night.  Phill and I got in the huge spa together and they didn't even notice we were gone!

Josh driving!

Emus!