Wednesday - 11th July

Another chilly night, frost on the ground around our van in Cobar but the sun was shining and beautiful parrots were flying round the trees.  We packed up and set off for Burke.  We arrived in Burke and called in at the very friendly visitors centre.  They gave us plenty of information about the local area and suggested staying at Kidman Camp on the Darling River just north of town.  We selected a nice grassy site at the Camp and settled in.  Later in the afternoon we took a cruise down the river on the Jandra Riverboat.  Very pleasant with a good commentary and lots of birds in and around the river.  On our return we enjoyed happy hour with a group of vanning neighbours.  The chill set at sun down so we tried out our new gas heater.  Very effective.

Thursday - 12th July

Did a small tour of Bourke today following the Maritime Trail, including the wharves, the old bridge and the remains of the wreck of a paddle steamer stranded by a flood. We had lunch at one of the local pubs, a nice steak sandwich and then visited the Fred Hollows grave and memorial.  There was a lot of history at the cemetery with various sections for the groups that contributed to Bourke's past.  The afghans who arrived as camel drivers must have been particularly healthy, with one reaching 107.  Their old tin mosque has been relocated to the cemetery.  Later we went back to camp and read for the rest of the day.  Bit too cold for a Happy Hour tonight.