And when you see a front gate like this
and a doorbell like this,
it’s not hard to understand why.
As with everything in life though, peeling back a few layers often reveals the truth of what we imagine we see.
So here in the middle of nowhere, a place not on many maps, a place where the welcome sign includes warnings of radiation exposure, I find what could be only described as an outback rustic homestead.
There’s a gym, swimming pool, billards room, TV/movies room, self contained cabins and supremely hospitable care takers in the form of Dianne and Leon.
The area we’re staying in was the base camp for all the British Navy personnel while they were setting up for their tests. There’s not a lot here compared to when it was at it’s peak but there’s a heck of a lot more than I expected.
Dianne and Leon have been the caretakers for about 3 years and will be the last government appointed caretakers before the site is hand back over to the natives. Maralinga for them is essentially their home now and they’ve set it up in a way that really shines with pride and care.
Each night we’re lavished with a 3 course meal and lunch and breakfast are in our rooms every day. After living out of a motel for the last month I can tell you this was an extremely welcome change.
No mobile reception, only 2 phone lines in the main building and 2 channels on TV, it’s a chance to unwind and catch up on some reading that I have been meaning to do.
In a place like this you would begin to wonder what it is I actually do for work…..
Right now, while it’s not summer (try 0-5 degrees C in the morning) there’s a steady stream of visitors from around the surround native communities as well as varies government representative types. Although it’s not exactly a tourist resort, there seems to be quite a few people passing through here once you stay a while.
I haven’t posted many shots from inside the compound as it is still government land and protected. Considering the exemplary treatment we’ve had I wouldn't want to cause any trouble.
All too soon, we’re about to head off as we're almost finished the job here. Myself slightly earlier as I’m bound for Africa and the DRC on the 1st July. More about that later. Suffice to say it’s all happening pretty quickly and new adventure awaits.
I’ll be back in the mother town on Tues 26th for a few days so for those inclined, give me a bell and I’ll try on swing some quality time and a brew before tripping off again.
So here in the middle of nowhere, a place not on many maps, a place where the welcome sign includes warnings of radiation exposure, I find what could be only described as an outback rustic homestead.
There’s a gym, swimming pool, billards room, TV/movies room, self contained cabins and supremely hospitable care takers in the form of Dianne and Leon.
The area we’re staying in was the base camp for all the British Navy personnel while they were setting up for their tests. There’s not a lot here compared to when it was at it’s peak but there’s a heck of a lot more than I expected.
Dianne and Leon have been the caretakers for about 3 years and will be the last government appointed caretakers before the site is hand back over to the natives. Maralinga for them is essentially their home now and they’ve set it up in a way that really shines with pride and care.
Each night we’re lavished with a 3 course meal and lunch and breakfast are in our rooms every day. After living out of a motel for the last month I can tell you this was an extremely welcome change.
No mobile reception, only 2 phone lines in the main building and 2 channels on TV, it’s a chance to unwind and catch up on some reading that I have been meaning to do.
In a place like this you would begin to wonder what it is I actually do for work…..
Right now, while it’s not summer (try 0-5 degrees C in the morning) there’s a steady stream of visitors from around the surround native communities as well as varies government representative types. Although it’s not exactly a tourist resort, there seems to be quite a few people passing through here once you stay a while.
I haven’t posted many shots from inside the compound as it is still government land and protected. Considering the exemplary treatment we’ve had I wouldn't want to cause any trouble.
All too soon, we’re about to head off as we're almost finished the job here. Myself slightly earlier as I’m bound for Africa and the DRC on the 1st July. More about that later. Suffice to say it’s all happening pretty quickly and new adventure awaits.
I’ll be back in the mother town on Tues 26th for a few days so for those inclined, give me a bell and I’ll try on swing some quality time and a brew before tripping off again.
(Sharing lunch with one of the locals)
1 comment:
Africa that is cool Alex and although I dont know what DRC is I hope it is good there to. be safe and atleast you shouldn't be too cold, I dont think...
xoxo
Haley
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