I was thinking as I drove along this afternoon, "What positive thing am l going to write about today?" I was struggling to think of anything really positive. The day hadn't been the most enjoyable: hot, smoky, dusty, windy, boring, tiring, uninspiring ...
And then I pulled into Aileron, where there's the typical little roadhouse, pub, motel, campground combination, set back off the highway.
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| Aileron, Hollywood style |
I was greeted by the friendliest young fellow behind the counter.
My powered van site was $13 for the night ( cheapest so far). Plus free washing in the laundry ...
After settling in, I went into the pub for a refreshing ale. I sat down in the lounge in air-conditioned comfort and took a sip. I was the only one there.
I noticed a large number of artworks in the style of Albert Namatjira hanging around the walls. Not only were they in the style of, many were actually by Albert Namatjira. Originals, not prints. Others were by members of his family and other artists from around Hermansburg. According to the friendly man, "The boss has got twice as many at home"! Very interesting.
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| Aileron Roadhouse art |
Overlooking the town is a good-sized hill with the town name spelled out in big letters, Hollywood style. Right on top is a massive figure of an Aboriginal warrior, imaginatively nicknamed the Big Man.
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| Not sure why he's called the Big Man? |
I scrambled up to the top to see the sunset. It was a beauty. The view was great. The evening was perfect.
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| Aileron sunset |
And just like that, a bad day became a good day.
