Exceptional Origin of the naming of Lightning Ridge. Lightning Ridge -- 1870 by Aussie

Bruised clouds gathered fast Mob of sheep huddled around Lightning danced - fate cast Drover dug heels in - whip sound. Gelding reared at the sight Sheet lightning cut by hail Grey-green clouds - black night The mob bolted on loose shale. "Coo-ee!" A voice was heard Mustering in his blood Another drover turned the herd Came off his horse - mighty thud!. Six hundred sheep caught in the blow Drovers terrified - not a sound Mighty strike - mighty glow Men and sheep lay dead on ground. Lightning Ridge by night Some have seen the ghosts roam Drive quickly past - unlucky strike Aborigines call this place home. Recognized Author Notes Australian regional language: Situated on the border of New South Wales and Queensland - Lightning Ridge was so named after sheet lightning struck drovers and six hundred sheep - killing them all stone dead! Lightning Ridge is now famous world wide for the elusive 'black opal.' Tourists come from all over the world to find the best opals that the 'Ridge' has to offer - from costume jewellery to film star quality gems. Many ghosts (so it is said) roam this desolate land because so many miners have been killed not only by lightning - mining is a dangerous occupation and dynamite is unstable in the wrong hands! Coo-ee! Common way of calling others in the bush. Drover: Sheep and cattle handlers Mob: A big herd of sheep Bolted: raced away Shale: sharp blue metal shards found on top of mountain ridges.

© Copyright 2024. Aussie All rights reserved. Aussie has granted FanStory.com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.