First thing we headed off to grab petrol, but the tanker hadn’t arrived yet. Had a look at the Artesian Basin mineral springs that are ‘public baths’. They had been cleaned out yesterday, so they were nice and clear with several occupants in the larger one. The water can reach temperatures over 40º.

We then went to the end of the entrance road to Lightning Ridge and photographed the sign. Helen and Maria found a geocache!

On the way back stopped at the Tourist Info Centre. The lass there was very good and gave us all the ‘Car Door’ trail information sheets. There are different colour car doors along roadsides pointing out something of interest.

As the fuel tanker had arrived but the servo was still closed, we headed to the other end of the road to the ‘Walk in opal mine’. Helen and Maria climbed down the steps and followed the self-guide tour. I stayed on top, sitting and watching the birds and butterflies, which was great fun. When the girls came back they scrabbled around in the public fossicking area looking for a ‘bit of colour’. Helen liked the river stones on the roadway too.

Apostlebirds

The opal layer sandwiched between limestone.

As it was getting rather hot we returned home for lunch and a cool down. Maria and I started another jigsaw, whilst Helen played games on the phone, lol.

After a quick dinner we headed out for the Green Door trail as it led to a lookout touted for its great view especially at sunset. However, there was a very strong wind coming up from Dubbo (350 km south) and it stirred up so much dust that the view didn’t really exist. We may try again tomorrow!

In a house made from beer cans!

Maria finished the jigsaw!

P.S. we did eventually get fuel!!!