14 May 2023 - Moree to Lightning Ridge

Up betimes (which is to say, in good time) to sally forth to the legendary opal mining town of Lightning Ridge. 

Pretty much drove continuously until stopping for lunch about 10 kilometres short of Lightning Ridge to take lunch and to inspect "Stanley".

Stanly - located just short of Lightning Ridge

Apparently Stanley is a form of art made from various bits and pieces including at least one old VW Beetle and intended to represent or depict an emu somewhere out on the Birdsville Track.

Stanley the ferrous emu

Although Stanley was originally proposed to be installed somewhere on the Birdsville Track he ended up where he is because of "the spirit and people of Lightning Ridge" - if you don't mind!

To be honest, the plaque that is erected next to 'Stanley' might be thought to contain rather more information than is strictly necessary for the casual tourist.

The Prop was put in mind of the story about how in 1944 a children's book club sent a volume about penguins to a 10-year-old girl, enclosing a card seeking her opinion.

She wrote, "This book gives me more information about penguins than I care to have."

American diplomat Hugh Gibson called it the finest piece of literary criticism that he had ever read.

More information about Stanley than the Prop cares to have

Having fully appreciated 'Stanley' (and lunch), the Prop and Mrs P proceeded to Lightning Ridge and happened upon Cooper's Cottage, erected in 1916 and showing all the wear and tear of every one of the last 39,055 days!

Cooper's Cottage - obvious shortage of tradies in Lightning Ridge

The history, and indeed, the present economy of Lightning Ridge is based upon opals and, more particularly, black opals.

Outside several motels there were signs and chalkboards indicating that "Cissy" or "Matti The Finn" or some other small-time dealer was currently in room X and was buying rough opals, rubbed opals and cut opals

Cissy in room 8, Matti the Finn in room 10 - rough, rubbed and half-cut

More opals!

Even the streets are named after opals!

But it's not all about the Opals. 

As "Stanley" eloquently demonstrates, there is a thriving arts community in "the Ridge". One need look no further than the John Murray Art Gallery in Opal Street to see the exciting and innovative creations produced in the local area.

There is a thriving art scene in Lightning Ridge - but it was a bit hard to find.

Then to our final destination for the day, the (you guessed it) Opal Caravan Park.

Perfick!