Boomerang Dave's Boomerang Journal

From Rod's we head out to the site Lorin Hawes' Boomerang Farm. Although it is now a golf course, the buildings are pretty much the same, including the statue of the aborigine out front and the boomerang painted on the roof. No one tosses boomerangs there anymore. Just up the road from the golf course is a large sign for it and a street sign for Boomerang Road. This proves to be too much to resist and we must take photos. Bob and I pose under the street sign, holding boomerangs and shaking hands. It seems fitting to be in Australia and have your photo taken at such a place. We head out for some lunch and then off to the Gold Coast to check out the beaches.

We have trouble getting where we want, due to heavy traffic and road construction so Bob heads us of toward Lorin's place. Along the way I spot the Kalwon Aboriginal Culture Centre. I pull over and Bob runs across 4 lanes of traffic to check the place out. We finally fight our way over and go inside where I see a bunch of bloodwood didges. The prices were remarkably low, half of what I paid. They were not quite as nice as the one I did buy, but still very nice for the price. I commented about the price and was informed they were a non profit organization. At those prices, there would never be a profit. They had a very nice display of aboriginal art which I was allowed to photograph. Barb got a few items and I also bought a throwstick at a very low price. This was a very good stop!

From there we head to Lorin's house. Lorin takes us on a tour around the house and we decide to sit outside and talk awhile. Before heading out, Bob had presented me with an old copy of Lorin's book, "All About Boomerangs". It is said that the term "dingle arm" used in boomerang terminology, was first coined by Lorin in that book. While there I inquired about the use of the word dingle and asked Lorin why he chose it. Lorin replied that "dingle" was a perfectly good, but under utilized word, just looking for a good use. Now we all know why we are stuck with the word! Lorin and his wife brought out some snacks and wine and we sat around talking about boomerangs for a while. He also autographed the book Bob gave me with the following: "Barb and Dave, Best wishes from the author of this magnificent book!" Barb describes Lorin as a funny old coot! Bob then said it was time to leave, as Pam had a big supper planned for us. Bob got out a lot of books and articles for me to read, and some boomerang trinkets to look at. We then made plans to heat off to O'Reilly's the next day.

Photo: Dave and Bob at Boomerang Road