Country Trip June 2011

The Great Northern Journey

I promised myself I'd take a trip to the Mid North and Eyre peninsula to visit three specific places on the blacksmiths map. I undertook the trip with a colleague and it took a couple of days and 1,400 kilometers of driving.
Our first port of call was to visit the home base of one of our members, Allan. Allan moved up to the mid north with his family a few years back and has set himself up with a huge, spacious and well appointed shed. He has built himself a power hammer and is enjoying his forging work.Allan also comes down to Riverton forge on a regular basis once a month to forge.

Allan and Terry look over Allan's latest creation in forge building.








After a lot of drooling over Allan's collection, we headed out of town through Terowie and up to Peterborough, the home of our next blacksmith.

Colin Campbell has done some extraordinary work during his lifetime and still forges regularly in his forge. A small room off to the side hosts a huge collection of his work. It is a little overwhelming when you step through the door as there is very little empty space and a lot to take in. Colin is very happy to show off his creations and to demonstrate and explain his techniques to other smiths.






A glance of the gate and front fence
gives you an idea of what's in store.
















Fresh forged pokers
waiting for some paint.

Colin showing us some hammers
he had forged when over in the UK.

We would have really loved to stay and chat all day but we had to make Whyalla by night fall, so we said our goodbyes to Colin and Allan and headed off via Orroroo, and the excellent 'Maggies Coffee Shop'.
Stay tuned for our next adventure......