A fairly leisurely start to the day this morning. We had
decided last night, during the euchre battle won by Maz and my humble self, that
a 9:30am start was completely adequate, and so it was. Our first stop was the
Rotary Sunday Markets where Gaz managed to root out some fresh produce that
made him very happy – lovely fresh, local produce at reasonable prices – he loves
his fruit, our Gaz.
It was then a quick look at City Park, a fantastic public
facility that seems to cater for everyone. A few different children’s play
areas, including a water park, lots of picnic areas and just general well-kept
park areas. Most impressive. I left a couple of painted rocks there for someone
to find.
The call for coffee went out and we were back in the main street to
top up the caffeine reserves of Kev and Gaz. Maz and I had a bit of a look in
the local Bargain Shop – great el cheapo shop but I held myself back – there is
only so much room in the car, especially one that has to now be packed from the
side doors and not the rear one! Meeting the boys back at the café, I succumbed
to temptation and ordered some carrot cake, hoping for something as yummy as
the one we had in Wagga. Alas, this was not to be and that’s me done with
carrot cake for another decade … I knew I shouldn’t have been sucked in by one
random positive experience.
We briefly stopped at the Tourist Information Centre to get some
directions and suggestions. While there, we looked at a memorial erected to
Donald Mackay, the anti-drug crusader murdered in 1977. I must admit this was
all I knew about Griffith before we came here – it’s most infamous moment in
history I dare say. Maz had her eye on a very nice hat, but in the end decided
against it so I jumped in and bought it as it fits perfectly and seemed just
the ticket. We are here to spend money and boost the drought affected economy
after all. Gaz also contributed with some purchases, including a Griffith fridge
magnet – I had to remind him we stopped collecting fridge magnets when we
travel about 6 or 7 years ago. Oh well…
Following the directions provided by the helpful lady at the
Tourist Information Centre, we travelled up the only hill in sight near
Griffith, past the Pioneer Park Museum and then found ourselves at the Hermit’s
Cave Lookout and Heritage Trail. Great views and a bit of a story about an
Italian guy who lived in the “cave” before WWII. It was a bit of a tricky track
down stone steps, so Gaz stayed up the top with Buddy while Kev, Maz and I braved
the rugged conditions and explored the area for 30 minutes or so.
Back in the car, and we were off to Lake Wyangan, a recreational
lake about 10 minutes or so outside Griffith. We drove around a very large
camping and picnicking area and were quite surprised how big it was. The Lake
water level is very low – the boat ramp stops about 100m short of the water’s
edge – so it’s pretty quiet but I could imagine it would be a very popular
destination for day trips or camping when it’s a bit more full.
So, this afternoon has been very quiet – a bit of reading,
some early packing, laundry done, watching the Prime Minister’s announcements
(!) and a bit of footy. It’s take-away night tonight – pizza and KFC most
likely – and then off onto our next stop tomorrow. Our plan is for Maz &
Kev and Gaz & me to take different routes, meet up in West Wyalong for
morning tea, Forbes for lunch, and then onto Parkes. I’m keen to see the big
tennis racquet at Barellan and Maz wants to see painted silos at Weethalle so
this should cover all desires!
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