Well it’s now a month since we left home. We’ve kept off the main roads where possible, calling into small towns and camping on riverbanks mostly. Just how we like it. After Cootamundra we visited Chris’s Goddaughter and family in Wagga Wagga. Then a stop in Yerong Creek where they have painted the water tower, which has caused a lot of controversy amongst the locals, most don’t like it. Each to their own, I say.
Next was Henty, which is Chris’s hometown. We have been camped at the Showground for the last week. a good level area, that is well maintained, although basic amenities.
We arrived in time for Anzac day. It was lovely to meet with friends there, and join in the march through town, before a service in the park.
What a week it’s been, visiting friends, having a beautiful meal at Kaye and Kevin’s home, who Chris used to drive for, back in the 70s. Kevin and Chris had a ball talking about the old days. We drove around the town and farms and met up with Chris and his brothers school friends.
The roly poly grass is everywhere, piled high against fences and roadsides
This plaque marks the place where the bushranger Mad Dog Morgan shot a police officer in the 1800s, not far from Henty. We were also able to visit the farm where they grew up, called ‘Clearview’, they were like kids again, peeping into the old shearing shed, and big brother showing little brother, where this or that used to be.
There is still some of their old machinery laying around the paddocks. I love taking photos of yesteryear, so was happy to have a wander around the old farm.
Their old home is rented out now, nobody was home when we went there so Chris and Scott took the opportunity to have a photo sitting on the front porch. And if your wondering, Yes Chris had asked for permission to go see the place. It’s the first time he has been on the farm since leaving there in 1977.
Yesterday we went down into a cellar, under the IGA shop in town . So much stuff stored under there, just waiting to be displayed in a museum building, it has been collected over many years, the owner has now passed on, and hopefully the family will get a museum open so we can come and see it another time.
Friday night was fish and chip night at the club, so a must to go with friends, lots of laughs and reminiscing. Today was a do nothing sort of day, I did washing and cooked, while Chris washed the car and van, so we’re all set to leave here in the morning . Till next time………
I could of stayed longer in Sussex Inlet, maybe to go fishing or just enjoy its serenity.
But we’re on a bit of a schedule at the moment, so we left Sussex early morning . stopping for half hour or so at the HMAS Albatross at South Nowra and watched the helicopters in training . Dad often pulled up there on our sunday drives, when I was a kid, to watch the aircraft landing. Used to be very busy in those days, before Creswell at Jervis Bay was opened
Off again, heading West to Nerriga, stopping at lookouts and waterfalls along the way. The highland country is now showing its autumn colors, so was a pretty drive. Also nice to see the southern wildflowers coming out, so different to the WA ones. From Jerrawangala lookout we could see back over the coast where we had been for the last week.
We did the bush walk out to the beautiful Tianjara Falls.
Stopped in Braidwood for lunch, bypassed Canberra and got to Jugiong about 4.30. Already the the camp on the river had heaps of vans there. It is a large, well maintained area around the town oval, on the Murrumbidgee river. One of our favourite places to stop and well worth a donation.
Being the last day of the school holidays the pub across the road was packed the next day, we went for a walk and thought we would have lunch there but had to settle for an ice cream instead. I also took some photos, we like this place, and enjoyed staying for two nights.
From Jugiong , we travelled on back roads through to Cootamundra, stopping to visit friends of Chris’s. had lunch with them and i was very amused that their little dog has to have his own cup of coffee !!
It was a good catch up for Chris ,before we left to find a camp near Wagga.
We are now at Wantabadgery on the Murrumbidgee river.
Hope you all had a good Easter. Our Good friday was spent going further south, whilst the majority of hoĺiday makers were heading North, bumper to bumper out of Sydney.
We weaved our way to west of the city to the cemetery where Chris’s late brother is buried, also met with his family there. After having a cuppa with them we got on the road again and headed further south. Thankfully most of the city trafic was heading North. So many, just moving, while we had a good run, arriving in Bomaderry about 4pm. What a lovely week we had in the Shoalhaven area. Stopping for 5 days with my childhood friend and her husband, in our home town. We were treated like guests on a cruise ship ! So appreciative of the effort they both put into giving us a great time. We went sightseeing, visited friends and ate out, Noelene and I also managed, some quick retail therapy. We are still kids at heart so took time for a fun photo with the Easter bunny.
I was also able to catch up on the washing, and lots of talking, and talking. The area has changed so much since we were kids. I think we had the best time, as a child of the 50s, way too populated now. The bush areas are now tar and cement, and of course a lot of the well known identities have passed on, but one 90 year old, that we went to visit, is still going, as strong as a 60yr old. So wonderful to see, homemade cooking for morning tea and reminiscing of times gone by.
Easter sunday we went to the club for lunch with my cousin and husband, then visited the Nowra cemeteries, where there are 5 generations of my family at rest. Talked into staying an extra day, on tuesday we had hoped that the holiday makers lad left the district, we went for a drive out to Huskisson and surrounds, we had a nice lunch there, but the place was still buzzing with tourists.
Huskisson is no longer just a fishing village, it is a real tourist hub, and the grounds around the waterfront are beautiful.
Before we knew it our stay had come to an end. so with a final hug and few tears,we said our goodbyes for now,
We left Bomaderry and headed out to Sussex Inlet, to stay overnight with another long time friend. Sussex is beautiful, with lots of waterways, a great place to retire and go fishing . I, just had to settle for a walk down to the river as the sun was setting. So peaceful.
That’s it for tonight, hopefully i’ll get more done tomorrow. bit hard to concentrate,while watching footy. Till then…..
After our stay at Ellenborough falls , we did a big day of travelling around the Manning area inland from Taree. We only stopped for short breaks during that day, so no photos. They have had a lot of rain recently, so plenty of lush paddocks and healthy cattle around. It was also good to be away from main roads, although not the best to be towing a van on. Once back on the highway again we arrived in Bulahdelah. Stayed in an off road camp spot beside the Golf club. While there we were able to go out and visit another friend, who lives just out of town. Also had a meal at the club the following day . A nice catch up and rest before heading out early the following day……
Well we’re a few more klms down the road and just west of Port Macquarie. We had nice coffee break in Port Macquarie and met up with another of my friends from Bomaderry school days. No rain today and quite warm, especially when we pulled up at this stop for the night. Had to sit in the shade as it was too hot in the afternoon sun. Not a bad area and only a couple of other campers here, plenty of birds and very quiet.
Long Flat reserve Ellenborough nSW
We went for a walk down to the river, only about 50 metres away, where the Hastings is still flowing quite fast and very muddy. Regardless of how hot I felt there was no way I was going to venture in. The Ellenborough river also flows in at this point.
Ellenborough RiverHastings River
By 6.30 we have had dinner and we’re in bed. No TV reception, so I will add a couple of photos on here and start on a book to read. Ahhh, the life of the retired, or just plain tired !
We enjoyed our time with the family in Sawtell. Went to the Park Beach Bowling Club for dinner last thursday, I had the best King prawns and cashews . yummo! Peter McRae also met us there, good to see him, and it was a nice way to catch up and have a chat.
Before leaving Sawtell it was time for Easter eggs and a family photo.
Eggs were a bit squashed, from their travels in the van, but that didn’t take the smile off Creeds face. On friday it was time to say farewell, and get on the road again . All the times that we’ve traveled up and down the coast and say we must go out and have a look at that place or beach, some time, well friday was the day for that. We Zigzagged all the way to Kempsey, stopping for cuppas and lunch at the headland areas and doing some of the walks.
The weather has been showery since we left home, but not enough to worry us. The ground is very soggy everywhere. We have been given a slightly drier area at the farm to park the van at friends, Gail and Noels, for the next few days. Life is good….
The liquid amber trees are starting to show their autumn colours, and the gardens are looking good, so many beautiful plants and flowers.
We have had a lovely weekend here, meeting other couples at the bowls club for dinner on friday night, and again for a get together BBQ and laughs tonight.
Hello followers, the day finally came when we hooked up the van and started travelling again. The last couple of years have kept us at home due to covid and border closures. All I will say is, it was really annoying not to be able to get in the van and wander around our beautiful country. So unAustralian. ! So on tuesday we set out, first stop was Sawtell, to visit Bec, Steve and kids.
The kids have new neighbours
They are all working and doing school, so Chris and I had a lazy day with a bit of sightseeing.
Not raining but, but overcast, so a walk out the Coffs harbour jetty was in order.
The sun tried to shine through as we looked across to Coffs.Looking South and the weather doesn’t look good,they say we are in for rain, maybe right.
A lot of work is being done around the foreshore, in fact there is a lot of work and traffic everywhere., even Casino has been unbearably busy the last couple of weeks since the big flood, that wiped out Lismore and surrounding areas.
Finally I’m getting the hang of how to write and add some photos on our travel blog, it’s been tooo long. hope you enjoy following us around, now that Chris HAS retired!! When you see the link, on facebook, hopefully it will take you to our blog, then if you log in with your email, you should receive any updates.
Be patient as I am in retraining. And may be out of service at times.
Leaving here tomorrow, heading for Kempsey. Take care folks.
We had a great time on the Nth. Island, and early on the 2nd of October we lined up with others ready to board the Interisland vehicular ferry to take us to the Sth. Island. Boy, do they pack the cars in!
once the car was parked, we went up on deck to enjoy the view and some morning tea in the restaurant. We met up with a newlywed couple from Japan, both in med school, to become doctors. It was so interesting to hear of their culture and how as a young couple they are moving towards a more western way of life.
The trip between islands was a smooth one, and a couple of hours later we were docking at the Wharf in Picton on the Sth. Island.
That afternoon we went for a drive through the forest area of Malborough. No wonder the Wharves are covered in stacks of logs waiting for shipment. The forest is so dense up there.
From the Cullen Point lookout we were able to overlook the bays below. That afternoon we travelled down through the valley then back out to the east coast to stay in Blenheim.
The next morning we were eager to get on the road early, for more sights and photos of this beautiful country. Heading south and a bit in from the coast, we went through Seddon and on to Lake Grassmere, stopping for some short walks and pics.
A lot of roadworks were still being carried out here after the earthquake of 2011. I thought this sign was cute.
So much contrast here, rugged mountains and treacherous coastline to calm tranquil lakes, just love the place.
Next stay was at Hapuku Lodge on our way to Hanmer Springs
We, too, were as busy as the bees, travelling from one place to the next. Most of our accommodation had great views and well kept gardens. Beautiful Leslie Lake, on the way into Hanmer SpringsHamner Springs, is one of my favourite places, snow covered mountains, streams and green grass , great for walking in the sunshine, take lots of photos, and having a nice lunch.
Next few days were spent in the beautiful Akarowa area. A family get together at a farm B and B. overlooking Akarowa. The house and gardens were immaculate.
The meals and service were great, and as for the view from our upstairs room, you couldn’t get any better.
This was our upstairs room with a view.
We went driving through the hillside, giving us awesome views and some rather scary moments. Not to mention getting bogged, and with nowhere to turn around ,all hands were needed to push us out backwards. Thankfully there were no other’s sightseeing on the narrow tracks that day. !! How cute is this mum and bub.
We survived the drive, and enjoyed some time at Robinsons bay .
After our few days with the family, Chris and I went on our way heading further down south. We stopped for a break at Three Creeks to have a look at a good collection of old wares and timber furniture.
From here we headed inland through Burks Pass for some time in snow country.
The drive from Timaru on the coast through Burks Pass to Lake Tekapo Senic area was spectacular and my photos don’t do it justice. The Church of the Good Sheppard is on a hill overlooking the lake, and opened to the public
We were fortunate to have good weather, and seeing Lake Tekapo in spring was beautiful .
Mt Cook was up in the clouds the day we visited and rather cool, so we sat in the café for awhile and had something to eat before doing the Tasman Glacier walk. The walk wasn’t difficult, just rough going, but worth doing.
Interesting to see big drifts of ice coming down and floating around at the base of the mountain.
We stayed at Twizzel for a couple of days, which is down on the lakes and has the snow capped mountains in the distance.
From there we were able to do day trips, one being to see the Benmore hydro station. The water churning out through the gates was so clean and no doubt cold.
After the snow we headed back through Island Cliff, to Oamaru on the coast, then down to Dunedin.
Dunedin has the steepest drivable street in the world. So we just had to go for a drive up, and down Baldwin st. 35% gradient, from 30 m to 100 m.
After Dunedin, our next stop was Invercargill. It was raining the day we were there so we spent most of the day in the Transport Hall of Fame. Truly a credit to those that look after it . So clean and well presented.
The bathrooms were interesting to say the least
Such a great display of cars and vehicles, all highly polished and being dusted down continually by the floor attendants. Nothing shabby to see here,!
As well as the Transport display, there was the display of a recent competition, fashion clothes made from recyclable fabric.
Loved this one made from travel tickets
Some crocheted scrunchies, different . And how about this one resembling David Bowie, I think the outfit was made from washcloths !
This next one was made from grasses, bark, and what seemed like a lot of dead weeds for the hat !!
Dressed for the party in colourful balloons ,
And one made from postage stamps. so much time would have gone into making it
The cleanliness of the building is a credit to them. Upstairs where the finer things in life are displayed, was highly polished timber floors. Pastel painted walls and cool lighting. Fine millinery, baby clothes and so much more. A place not to be missed if over ths way.
I’m usually not one for museums, I get bored easily, but this place kept me interested for hours, and was well worth the visit. I also hope this one does have someone interested enough to keep it going into the future . Well that was our trip South, and reaching the bottom of the Island, it was time to head North up the west coast. I will start a new blog for that.
Our trip to New Zealand at the end of last year was just great. It’s taken me 12 months to get around to sorting through some 2,000 photos. So here we go, starting with our flight out of the Gold Coast on the big black and white bird on the 23/09/19.
The flight took about 3 hrs, then a 1/2 hr taxi ride, arriving at our motel in the centre of Auckland. Our unit was high enough up to have a nice view over the city.
Only one night in Auckland. We’re not city people, we just wanted to get out and see the country. So the next day, we picked up our hire car and headed North, stopping along the way for lunch and some scenic shots.
By the late afternoon we had reached Paihia, in the Bay of Islands. Our accommodation for the next few days. We had a spectacular view from the balcony. So much so I couldn’t put the camera away.
Next morning it was down to the waterfront, catching up with some locals, and organizing a boat trip over to Russell IslandIt was a little overcast and choppy out on the water, but by the time we docked on Russell Island the sun came out and we had a lovely few hours wandering around.Beautiful old restored buildings, shops and eateries. Most of which are painted white, giving a look of cleanliness against blue skies. Walking along one street we came across this wall of Cacti. Just imagine how long it would last in Australia, especially on the East Coast.There appeared to be building works going on, so I stuck my head through the gate, [and chatted up a bloke , as you do] ,to see what was going on. Happened they were restoring the pub grounds. pays to be a sticky beak, as he invited us in to look around more of the gardens , Nice !More dividing walls covered in cacti as well as shady palms and plants.After a café meal, it was time to take the ferry back to the mainland, where we were welcomed by the chook brigade, in the car park
Ahhh, more of that beautiful view and a good nights sleep, before a lot of walking the next day . So many waterfalls and beautiful places to see.
A shower of rain came over, while visiting this place, so we sheltered under the bridge and enjoyed watching the ducks.
And I do like taking photos of old stone buildings. !
More walks and waterfalls, so much more than I was expecting.
Lush green farmlands, winding narrow roads and steep hills, till we were back on the East coast.
Who says the North Island isn’t beautiful ? Its rugged and we were loving it. Zig zagging from one peninsular to the next
Once back on the East coast we had some fun on the hot water beach. As you dig holes in the sand they fill up with hot water that filters through the cliffs , and yes it is hot, some holes were so hot you couldn’t stand in them. Others were just like a warm bath.From East to west this Northland of the North Island is truly spectacular. Our next couple of days were spent looking around the Coromandel Coast while staying in Whitianga . And we can always smell out a chocolate factory in an area, with lots of goodies .
We were really happy with the accommodation and the towns that we stayed in. Our street walks usually found interesting things to photograph. And Whitianga was no exception .
I liked these murals, and I think they are very well done.
The Waiau falls are somewhere in this area, surrounded by rainforest.
The huka bridge and falls, are also a must see. Every 2hrs [I think] the gates open and allow the backed up water to flow under the bridge, over the rocks and into the lakes and streams beyond. What a sight to see, it starts with a trickle, till the gates are fully open and the water gushes down the gorge.
We opted for a view from high up on the rocks downstream. Thinking of the pics ,haha.Within a few minutes, the rocks were all covered below us. The colour of the water was an icy blue, and no doubt icy as well.
There is also a bush track further upstream that we walked, from there you could look over the fresh influx of water.
How beautiful is the setting of this building on the bank of the river.
Next on the list was the Thermal area of Rotorua and Taupo. Imagine living in this gated village, full of steam 24/7, we had to cross a foot bridge and go through a check point to get in .
Next we visited a thermal park, lots of walking and photos ahead.
We were greeted by the groundsman, then he turned and gave me a brown eye, obviously didn’t like having his photo taken. But I like this side of him better !
The walk started out rather flat, but gradually became more overgrown and steeper as we went up into the pine forest . Steam coming out of the ground everywhere.
We were handed a thermometer when we checked in, so we could check the temperature of the steam coming out of the holes in the rocks as we went.
Yes this is Celsius degrees, so a bit warm down there !
Just taking 5, before heading back to the entrance for a meet and greet with these chicks.
Mother hen was feeding the chicks moths, this little fellow was quite a guts, finally he just sat back in the sun, stuffed. Cute eh ?The groundsman was clocked off by the time we came out.
I captured this handsome guy guarding his woman on the side of the road. probably would not have seen her, as she was so well camouflaged.
Our next stay was in Palmeston North. A beautiful park here to wander through.
Only 2 nights left on the North Island, and we stayed just around the corner from here, so nice to see all the spring flowers coming out
The following day on our way down to Wellington, we stopped into the Fielding Museum. They have quite a good general display of yesteryear, and a lot of John Deer machinery from the beginning to present day.
Whilst there we were able to hop up on a horse drawn buggy and do a virtual tour of town. I took the reigns, and off we went, clip clopping along as the tour came up on a big screen in front of us . Just a bit of light hearted fun.
Now for our last night before catching the interisland ferry the following day. Our room in Wellington was not far from the ferry terminal, and we had a good view over the city as well as the waterway.
We went for a evening walk after checking in. Like most cities, a lot of tar and cement, some nice old buildings and busy people. We wandered down a couple of arcades and around the water front.That’s it for our 10 days on the North, and if you’ve got this far, I hope you have enjoyed our trip as much as we did.
Early on in September, Chris had the morning catching up with a friend, while I had a walk around the gardens. They are just over the bridge, and on the banks of the Nogoa River.
Rather than sit in a café, listening to truck talk, I enjoyed a few hours relaxing with the camera. Not many flowers, but lots of shady trees and pathways. I also don’t mind just sitting and watching the world go by.
Here are a few pics from that morning.
Well that’s it from the camera and I for the time being, all caught up except for our New Zealand trip last October. Where has this year gone ? Hopefully more travels next year. Take care everyone.
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