Schools, Spiders and Exploding Paint!

The sound of rain on the roof of a caravan is one of those special sounds that I will always enjoy and last night did not disappoint (although I could have done with a bit more sleep and a little less rain appreciation)! The overnight rain continued into a rainy day which was fine because today was a day of indoor activities. It started with a visit to the Broken Hill School of the Air (SOTA). We’ve all heard about it but to be there during one of the classes (music assembly in our case) was something quite special. What blew me away even more was the technology that it behind it all. Gone are the days of teachers talking to kids in remote areas via radio – since 2004 it’s all satellite links and high speed broadband internet. Kids now see their teacher via video link and they can be patched in to talk to each other as well as the class room. What also surprised me was the fact that the children do make the journey into town from time to time and that the class as a group also meet up on several occasions throughout the year.

After the SOTA assembly it was time for our own recess so it was off to the famous Bell’s Milk Bar. Going in was like stepping onto the set of a Happy Days episode. The milk bar has retained the authentic feel of the 1950’s and the huge array flavours of delicious spiders (lemonade, flavoured syrup and ice-cream) and milkshakes made it very difficult to choose. After a very satisfying morning tea and stroll through the small but interesting milk bar museum, we visited the Royal Flying Doctors Air Service. Like SOTA, this icon of the Australian Outback was a must see on our travels. The walk round the newly opened visitors centre combined with a short tour of the RFDS operations centre and hanger viewing gallery topped off a very enjoyable morning (out of the rain!!).

After a quick pit stop back at the van for lunch, we visited the Pro Hart gallery at the top end of town. Looking at Pro’s painted Rolls Royce, I couldn't help but think what would be worth more, the value of the Roller or the work of art on it!! The boys couldn’t believe it when we explained how Pro’s famous paint cannon worked. Using a gun to create art – cool!!! (Note to self – hide the water balloons when we get home).

The rest of the afternoon finished the way it started with a bit of schooling for the kids whilst I set about fixing the newly acquired jerry can holders to the van. Work only stopped when my battery drill ran out of juice.