17th Feb - Whyalla

 Today turned out okay, it wasn't as windy in morning and a nice fine day.  Darl went off on a little explore on his pushie while I updated the blog in the morning.  We both got on our bikes and went for a sight see around town.  First stop was the Flinders and Freycinet Lookout.  Statues built to commemorate the bicentenary of the charting of the Spencer Gulf coastline in 1802.  Views from here over upper Spencer Gulf, Middleback Ranges and Southern Flinders Ranges.  These boys look like they need a good feed!

We had to negotiate a couple of hills to get to that lookout, so downhill and flat from here is in order.  We went via the cemetry, well the bike path goes past it and through the man made wetlands.    Quite a few birds around, ducks, gulls, cormorants and there is picnic facilities here also.   From here we did a cruise through the burbs and find that rose gardens are most popular here.   Darl did pick me a few this morning when he was out and about, but I didn't ask which garden he got them from, it's the thought that counts, right.

 Back over towards the One Steel facility, we notice a train loaded with iron ore, on way out to the port.  We hurry over to the bridge for a birds eye view, I was amazed that the train was going backwards, anyway I waited for the train to pass under the bridge, so I could get a good shot and also thought I'd give the train driver a big wave too!   But guess what, there was no train driver......  Seems trains are remotely controlled from somewhere too, who needs man/girl power anyway??  Shame.

 Another thing we notice about Whyalla, everything seems to be red.... Here is the cop shop, the fire brigade (far right) and the court house AND a red car.    We're heading to the Spencer Hotel and that also blends in, an orange and brown kinda colour scheme.   There does seem to be quite a bit to do and see in and around Whyalla.   The usual lookouts, tours, walking trails, museums.  It is also the Cuttlefish capital, each May to August, thousands of giant c'fish spawn not far from here, apparently one of the most spectacular natural events in Aust marine life.  Shame we missed that one.

At the Spencer we were quite amused when the barmaid disappeared down this hole behind the bar....what the?  No Darl you can't jump over the bar and go see where it leads.   He did ask the barmaid if it was a bomb shelter, but she was not too friendly or happy, I think he got a grunt in reply.     Back home 3 hours later, that was the day done.   We're heading off to the Opal capital of the world tomorrow via Port Augusta.