Farina

In the 1880's when this region was first settled the state authorities decided that a town should be built to support the development of the pastoral leases. Surveys had been made and it was decided that this area would be suitable for wheat. The town was named Farina (from the latin word for flour). I kid you not.

Presumably this is why they now employ agricultural economists instead of latin scholars in the department of agriculture.

The town lasted over 100 years through flood and drought until the government stopped paying for it. Three generations lived there. It is all so sad.

The ruins attract a variety of birds.

Not all of the feathered variety.

The actual town site is still owned by the crown but the surrounding countrside is part of a large, private station utilizing dry-land farming techniques. The owner has set aside about 20 hectares of land near the creek within walking distance of the town ruins for freedom camping ($10 a night). It was so pleasant we stayed a few nights.

The Harveys had to move on and our friends from Tollington Avenue, Pete and Jan Bates joined us. So we stayed a few more nights. Jan surprised us by cooking a "Christmas in June at Farina" dinner.

We started outside

And then it started to rain so we went inside Maggie

It was quite a treat.

We are looking fairly well, I think. Here we are joined by Peter Bates

Soon we had to move down to Copley where there is a small caravan park to charge our batteries, fill our tanks, make phone calls and generally get ready for the next main hurdle in the trip - the Strezlecki Track. But before we go, just one more Quondong Pie at the Copley Bakery