"THE LEYLAND SISTERS": LIGHTNING RIDGE

FRI 14 - TUES 18.6.2013: Love it, love, love it! As the sign states - population ? Just out of college (in the 60's), Carole had a two week stay at "The Ridge" with a female gem cutter (the only one in town at the time). One evening Carole was left shot gun in hand to protect the precious stones. All well and good, but Carole was unable to release the safety catch! Asking subtle questions as you do here, we have found that the lady (yes Carole did remember her name), only passed away a few years ago and different people have offered tiny bits of information. Interesting place - did we mention we loved it! Lightning Ridge is so called because the unique composite of the ground's minerals attract regular electrical storms to the area, adding to the attractiveness of the landscape as it lights up the darkest night as if it were day. We are staying at Crocodile Caravan and Camping Park - we booked in for 3 nights and are staying for 5! The park is very small with only 10 sites available, but very clean, friendly and quirky. Would stay here again, with the bonus of a field next door for the puddles to exercise. Spent time walking round "downtown" Lightning Ridge and saw the dramatic changes that have occurred, then had lunch at the very large Lightning Ridge District Bowls Club.

ACQUIRED A PLAYING PARTNER!

MURAL AT THE CARAVAN PARK

Arranged for a pick up to the award winning "Black Queen Theatre - 'Legacy' - The Gift of Light". This is an absolute MUST DO. It is outback theatre, but much more - Gale and Roger Collins open up their hearts and home allowing you to have a once in a lifetime experience. This is an inspiring collection of stories told in a wonderfully mystifying way. You understand the true meaning of a legacy - photos do not tell the full story. Visited the Sunday Markets which are held at the Information Centre and as always managed to buy some goodies. Fossicker Peel spent time fossicking in the mullock heap outside the Information Centre.

SYBIL & GALE COLLINS

MARKETS

It is advertised that it only takes 8 hours from Sydney to Lightning Ridge - we took 8 days from Coffs Harbour! Nearly all the tourist attractions in Lightning Ridge are based on the owner's passion for their particular interest and a desire to share this which in turn makes your experience greater. Obviously they are also earning an income! Another great day was a trip out to the Chambers of the Black Hand. Over a 14 year period Ron Canlin carved 500 plus carvings in the sandstone 11 metres underground in a 100 year old mine - he also found time to work the mine! We were fortunate enough to have Ron actually take us on the tour - again, you were able to gain a sense of the passion he feels for the project. Carole then spent an afternoon fossicking in Ron's mullock heaps at the back of the mine.