Mackenzie : Today we went to town and went to a rocket museum, it was about old rockets. Then we went to the shops and had a look at the town at Roxby Downs, it was nice. We went back to the van and did school work and had casserole for tea.
We went into Woomera town today and looked at all the old rockets and planes. These things are set up in the main street of town not undercover or roped off, just a sign saying do not climb on them and some surveillance cameras. They look as good as new. Fletcher was really interested in them, not sure if that's a good thing or not! These rockets were mainly from the 1960s and there was even bits and pieces found from them in the Simpson Desert and were on display. The technology was amazing, I know we had a man on the moon in 1969 but to think Australia had this area way back in 1947 and was testing all sorts of missiles & rockets back then is amazing. There is a strong affiliation with Len Beadell here as he decided this was where the base was to go. Dan has all of Lens books and is in awe of what he did all those years ago with the roads so he was really pleased to be here and see the plaques in honour of Len. We headed out to Roxby Downs for a look which is only 80kms from here. It is often referred to as the most modern town in the outback as it was only built in 1987. At last count there was over 4000 people and of those nearly a third of them were under the age of 15. It was built from scratch to service the mine Olympic Dam, it was unique because it was a joint venture between the mining company who provided the infrastructure including water, power, housing etc and the state government who provided the recreation & educational facilities and policing and administration of the town. It, like Woomera is a really neat and tidy town with lots of greenery and a very strict policy for school kids to be at school. Any found in the shopping strip during school hours without an adult will have the police called on them, bit different to our Fountain Gate which is full of school kids at all hours of the day. We went out to the living quarters which look really new, no plants, greenery or frills but a huge Austar dish so I'm guessing pay tv is a bonus for them in their dongas. The airstrip is right next door and rumour is they may make it international if the mine gets as big as they are expecting, not sure why but they must have a good reason. The road trains run out of this place 24/7 and run past the caravan park so again Dan is in his element. While out at Olympic Dam we noticed the football ground under water and it was deep under water but the club rooms were up on the hill & still going and there was still food signs up so I'm guessing business as usual for the boys. Back to the caravan park to the full line of washing we hung out this morning. Next to the clothesline is a bar setup, it is an Atco hut site shed with outdoor heating and chairs and tables, such a great area and really busy both nights we have been here. The clothes had to come in as Mackenzie was concerned that they would all be watching her owl "onesie" swing around the line, I'm thinking beer was a bigger priority than the onesie?!
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