Awoke to a slightly misty feel amongst the trees, bringing back memories of March 2020, our last visit which was a white out. However, do not fear, it soon burnt off to a mostly sunny morning. It was cold though and that was enough to slow us down slightly as no one wanted to get out of bed and brave the chill. We ended up setting off for the shops a little before 10am and quickly grabbed some staples for dinner tonight. The one slight upset to the plans was that the butcher had decided to take a “Wreck Day” and was closed – the local IGA saved the day and we were soon on our way.
After depositing said staples back to the van and cabin, we took a short drive to the Campbell Rhododendron Gardens and commenced our wander through a lovely bushy rhododendron garden that appears to be run solely by volunteers. With lovely walking tracks established amongst the native bush land, the rhododendrons and other exotic plants are flourishing. Kev, Maz, and I enjoyed a measured stroll throughout the gardens while Gaz sat atop a lookout surveying the scene. Gaz has announced that “Gaz and walking do not mix.” There was a wonderful variety of plants, a beautiful lake, and lots of bird life keeping us entertained with their warbling. We also saw the burnt bush behind the gardens – looks like they may have been lucky to save the gardens last summer. The now regenerating burnt bush was right at the edge of the garden, with quite a few young plants now planted amongst them. All in all, a top morning.
After much consideration it was then decided Gaz was prepared to brave “the drive” down to Megalong Valley and the infamous Tea House with their scones (“it’s what we’re known for”) that lies at the foot of the valley. This journey had been considered in March but the inclement weather had been the killer of the idea. Today it was perfect – sun peeping in and out of clouds and very little breeze meant that the 13 degrees appeared somewhat warmer. Great views on the way down and back up and excellent treats and coffee at the Tea House. We saw some people arrive by helicopter and were told (when Kev asked) that the people were not at all famous and people fly in by helicopter all the time. I can understand why! Great views and great café. As we drove back, we looked up to the top of the escarpment and could glimpse the Hydro Majestic at Medlow Bath perched on the edge looking down on us – fabulous.
The afternoon was designated as free time so we all chose something different. Maz went shopping, checking out all the nik nak stores in Blackheath, Kev did a bit of work (poor guy), I went for a walk and read my book, and Gaz … Gaz got to become extremely frustrated for his afternoon of punting because the TAB online betting ‘went down’. Anyway, for most of us it was a relaxing afternoon!
We assembled again at 5pm for happy hour and watched Maz concoct a wonderful meal in our small and under-resourced kitchen. I forgot to take a photo but you will have to believe me that it was wonderful … “What do you call these Darl?” Yep, great rissoles, Maz.
After dinner we commenced what will be known as the Road Trip Olympics 2020. It has a very complicated scoring system known only to Kev, and consists of a running total of points earned for wins during our various games and activities. Tonight we kicked off with Euchre – we played one game partnering each of the others, so 3 games in total and each of the winning pair in every game won a point. Let’s hope a good start is a good omen. Pen 3, Gaz 1, Kev 1, Maz 1.
Did manage to watch the second half of the Bledisloe Cup - Australia trailing 14-15 at time of writing - go Wallabies!
A fairly early night tonight ready for a possible golf game tomorrow. Still cold!
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