Thursday, June 18, 2009

Open-Door Policy

We'll Drink To That

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON


These might look like the bat-wing doors from some Wild West saloon, but this is actually the entrance of the Ettamogah Pub in New South Wales, just across the border from neighbouring Victoria.

Every time we drive down the Hume Highway, we make it a point to stop off here - which in turn means that regular readers of this blog would recall at least three or four pictorial posts on the unique pub that is a real-life depiction of Ken Maynard's cartoons in The Australasian Post.

A couple of weeks ago, I was on a two-day trip into the Outback, up the beautiful Riverina region of New South Wales. Yes, I had the GPS in the car with me, but I didn't plug it in, preferring to operate on the "turn left at the dead gum tree" school of navigation. (And no, I didn't get lost. Not once. Fair dinkum.)

I knew I had to turn onto the Olympic Highway just after the Ettamogah Pub, but it was one of those trips where photography held sway, not the clock. So of course I pulled off the Hume Highway to spend twenty minutes in a familiar part of the country. And yes, each time I photograph this amazing landmark, the light is different.

I had a yarn to Chrissy the barmaid while I was there, but there was one key question I forgot to ask her, regarding the front door. Next time we drop in, I'll ask her this: is it famous for being the easiest door to get in through but the most difficult to get out of?

I’d welcome any thoughts you might have …


For earlier posts in this series, check out The Doors Archive.

31 comments:

sujata sengupta said...

That seems like a fun place. The pictures on your blog are great.

Jazz said...

I LOVE that door.

Daryl said...

I love old movies and recently we watched some of the Thin Man series w/William Powell .. and I learned a new expression - tho it is very old and never used: Ya Big Lug

That sign reminded me of it ..

And I was sure, sure this was another photo op from the Yukon! Alert the press, I was wrong!

Anonymous said...

Such clarity of light. I suppose that it because there is no pollution whatsoever. I can imagine the wonder of the sky at night there in the outback. Photographs can never truly do justice to it-it is only when one is in the complete darkness away from civilization lying in the dust and gazing upwards, that one truly understands our insignificance.

Thumbelina said...

I LOVE that sign!
I think the door is one way to improve custom!

Cheffie-Mom said...

I feel the urge to put my cowgirl hat on! Great photo! For some reason, the second photo is not showing up??

Nan Sheppard said...

I love weird signs.

Hilary said...

It looks so sunny and inviting. Fun stuff!

Unknown said...

little hometown pubs are the best! everyone knows everyone. love the door and the sign.

Shadow said...

this is so welcoming...

Anonymous said...

awesome door! :) and I love that sign!

Suzanne Casamento said...

Aren't most pub doors difficult to get out of?

Great door and sign!

aims said...

All of a sudden I wondered if you had an Australian accent? Do you?

imac said...

I would'nt want to be asked twice to go in, in like a shot,eh.

i beati said...

good one

primavera123 said...

Reminds me of a pub in London with a chalkboard sign depicting "Punter of the Week" honoring one of their (many) regulars in cartoon fancy.

http://primavera123-inthelifestyle.blogspot.com/

Janie said...

I love that wild west open door policy. Looks like fun, and your photo adds to the invitation.

Maggie May said...

Yeah..... a bit confusing that.
When my mum was irritated & the dog got in the way, she used to say *Get up & sit down* and the poor dog always did as she asked.
The notice board reminded me of that.

Mojo said...

To quote Joe Walsh, "It's hard to leave when you can't find the door." Sounds like quite a place. IF I ever find myself down that way I'll be sure to check it out. With plenty of memory in the camera bag to be sure.

The Doors #17: "Christ Church"

Ananda girl said...

No wonder you stop! What a fun place to visit.

ArtistUnplugged said...

It first appeared to me as to be a spanking new saloon for sure! Love the color of that wood.

Anonymous said...

www.markosenex.blogspot.com

Brian Miller said...

fun. love the swinging door, like an old saloon.

Madame DeFarge said...

I need a pub like that. Better looking than the ones we have round here.

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the easiest to get tossed out of! ;)

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Hilarious!!!! Love the pics!! ♥

Willow said...

That is a great door post. Love the sign at the bottom, "ya mug"!

Alicia @ boylerpf said...

Small town pups are the best...you're right..a one way door. Great blue color and a good photo..ya mug!

Deb said...

Great picture to go along with your story. I like the shadows of this picture also. I am hoping the bat-wing door made a creaking sound when they opened. Once again, nice job creating the extraordinary from the ordinary.

Catherine said...

great shot...and very reminscent of the traditional cantinas here with their swing saloon doors..

spacedlaw said...

Love that last sign!