Dartmoor

On leaving Robe we were looking to free camp near Mt Gambier. The first choice was boarded off, second choice had no facilities and looked like a truck stop, third choice was also closed, so we pushed on a further 35km to a free camp at Dartmoor. We had to turn off the Princes Highway and drive about a km to this site. Wow! As we drove through the little township we were amazed to see one side of the street lined with tree stump sculptures. We would never have seen these had we stuck with our original plans.


The Dartmoor Memorial Streetscape was officially opened on ANZAC Day 2003. The spectacular carvings were completed by chainsaw Sculptor Kevin Gilders. The carvings are on butts of (originally) nine trees, in a section of the Avenue of Honour within the town. These Atlantic Cedar trees were planted on 7th September 1918 to commemorate WW1 servicemen and nurses from Dartmoor and district.

In consultation with families of the veterans, trees identified as dangerous were lopped and carved with suitable images and themes.


The nurse


Sad news


At arms


Three services - navy, army, air force


Over the top. - a digger climbing from the trench


R.I.P.


The parting - being farewelled by wife and child


The view looking down the street.
Also in the village green three more stumps have been carved





and


We are sure glad we detoured a little way into Dartmoor.