"Grasshopper' tourists !!

We are currently doing our bit as Visiting Volunteers at Milparinka (Corner Country of NSW). The area oozes history with Sturt coming through and getting drought marooned here in 1845. The story of the goldfields around 1880 and the establishment and heritage of the country. And all this was before Rasp found a bit of tin at Broken Hill!!

What amazes us is the people who drive into the ‘town’, some do get out of their vehicles, take a few photos then off in a cloud of dust. We feel so sorry for those ‘time poor’ mortals who haven’t got time to smell the roses, or appreciate this great country. I call them grasshoppers- hopping from one place to the next. There was a bloke last week- from a SW Sydney 4WD club - didn’t even stop. He drove down the street did a u-turn and off, wheels didn’t stop turning !

We do ask for a small donation entry fee for access into the Heritage Precinct. This helps with the maintenance of the 130 year old restored buildings, and the possible salvaging of a couple of other important structures. For that fee, visitors are offered a cuppa, an informative guided tour of the area, free mudmaps of Sturts locations and the town, a sheet of the history and a few momentos of their visit. It’s almost a joke when they say they can’t afford it as they hop back into the $50000 vehicle towing a $120000 van. Just maybe they can’t afford it ?? The fee- $8 double, $5 single.

Fortunately there are still a few interested and interesting visitors who do appreciate what is around the country, and do recognize the value of what this great land has to offer. Not necessarily more sophisticated or financially secure- just fair dinkum people out here taking it all in.

If you’re out this way, please call in and spend a bit of time. The 'town' is open from March to October- manned by volunteers. I’m sure you will leave with a better perspective of the life and times here. Yes, the Albert Pub has reopened. Drinks are cold and the tucker is excellent.

See ya