Bourke - a day exploring

The day started with a ride on on the PV Jandra Paddleboat (a replica of the old paddleboats) which starts close to the camp here.  The Darling has water in it, following 2 floods earlier this year. Note the picture of the river, and the old bridge which we passed under (but walked on at the end of the day).   We then went along the road to the Back O Bourke Art Gallery, some lovely pastel paintings by 'Jen', who with husband was a member of the Cornerstone Community.  They are the only couple from Cornerstone, left now in Bourke after the transfer to Dubbo.  Then back into town to see the replica of a paddleboat wharf and a visit to the visitor centre.  Treen it was surprising to see a young woman crossing the road as we were leaving the visitor centre, both saying 'that looks like A'!  We went back and sure enough they are visiting her sister (and Bourke) for a few days.  Had a good chat, and then down at the wharf saw J and children as well.  Maybe Aus is a small place after all. Bourke is anyway.  We had lunch in the Bakery cafe and then to the Back O Bourke Exhibition Centre, a new interactive display on the edge of town.  More coffee followed.   We also got a personal tour of the court house, as we were looking at the old building, the visiting Sherrif from Dubbo offered to show us inside.  Most interesting.  Lovely old building, but being spoiled by graffiti, and also by pigeons!

Good to hear that Beeware and family have arrived safely in Port Mac.  Have a good holiday.  Does Willa want to stay for a while?  Enjoy the singing and the sea and sand.