Oz Circumnavigation: Up to the Opal Fields

Well we are out of WA, this time it only has taken 5 days, last time it was 3 weeks, clearly the cold weather we are experiencing is pushing us northwards and to the warm weather.

This photograph was taken midday therefore it was warm and Katherine was able to demonstrate her map reading skills.

Having changed States we also changed ablution facilities, this is a rural option!!

However there are some impressive oddities, like the giant "Gal ah' which is located halfway across the continent just before we headed north towards Coober Pedy.

However before we reached the Opal capital we crossed paths with these oddities, both from Tasmania, not the lady, she is from South Australia - whereas the gentleman and Lama are from Tasmania. The 2 are travelling in a small van together, there is a space in the Van for the animal to travel in and during the night it goes outside and a bed drops down in the animal travelling space. The photograph does no show the smell!!

We have arrived at the Opal country, this is a rugged country and the sign demonstrates the tool of trade for the local miners.

This is one of the many underground churches, an Anglican version.

The simplicity was impressive both decor and size.

On one of the many underground visits we made, these carvings were very impressive the rock colour and quality need to be seen to be fully appreciated.

Back to the churches, this is the Roman Catholic version.

Notice all the pipes rising from the rock, this provides ventilation for the rock dwellings with many having heating and cooling. Why this option is very strange since underground the temperature is steady at a cool 25 degrees winter or summer.