Hillston

Towards Hillston

It is time to head home – we brace ourselves to deal with the long trip across the barrier Highway from Broken Hill, through Wilcannia to Cobar – we know it by reputation – worse than the Hay Plain they say! – They are wrong – at least they are wrong in this season – the drive a delight! – wildflowers everywhere – yellow, white, blue – green road verges – smoky grey eucalyptus bushes come trees on either side of the road turn the roadway into an amazing avenue – bushy eucalyptus trees that bear a strong resemblance to the olive trees of the Mediterranean spread themselves over a carpet of wild flowers – we are both reminded of drives with the Royals and Salibas through Tuscany - We suspect that it will not be like this the next time we traverse this route.

Stop in Cobar – pleasant and busy – it is enjoying the season – on to the Kidman Way – a road of surprisingly high quality punctuated by areas of extensive roadworks and occasional pavement damage.

Immediately we turn south from Cobar Bernie decides that the light has changed – it has lost its clarity she says – the further south we come the more water there is in the landscape – the extent of the wildflowers dissipates and the trees just look green rather than shimmering.

We pass Mt Hope Station and Mt Hope – a sign says “real Espresso Coffee” – the premises looks old and tired.

We approach the Lachlan River – heavily in flood – we are stopped and escorted across the swollen flood plain – into Hillston – we don’t even consider using the van – we are motel travellers now – into the delightful Hillston Motel on High – lovely people – lovely new place – off to the Ex-Services Club – seemingly like all country clubs a Chinese restaurant.

Hillston not like the Hillston of my imagination – perhaps it is the weather – the town looks, neat tidy and prosperous!