Day 5 – Bathurst Rail Museum & Golf

 

Great sleep last night! I had to wake Gaz at 8:10am or he might still be snoring away. I had already done nearly two hours’ work by then!

 

Our first port of call today was the Bathurst Rail Museum. This was really interesting – Bathurst once was a real railway town. Clyde even made trains here. There was a great exhibition of artefacts and story boards, some videos etc but the hero was the model railway the size of a tennis court that depicts to scale the Tarana to Bathurst line. What a fabulous display! There were a number of volunteers who were wandering around to answer our questions – I know Kev & Maz had a long chat with Bill who is a retired railwayman. 

 

There was also substantial info on Ben Chifley, the famed Australian Prime Minister in the late 40s who was a Bathurst boy and an engine driver before going into politics. The museum is housed in what was once the Railway Institute and it’s history was interesting as well. All this is next door to the still operating Bathurst Railway Station that was built in 1878. We have been a little surprised at the historical aspect to Bathurst and Maz made a good point that it seems in some ways similar to Ballarat, another large town near gold fields. Lots of big civic buildings but also some magnificent houses. There are some awesome terraces as well. So great that they weren’t knocked down.

 

After our museum sojourn, we went our separate ways and hit the shops for an hour or so. Then it was back for a rest and lunch before we prepared ourselves for the continuation of the RTG (Road Trip Games) in the form of golf! With a very complicated Kev inspired scoring system based on Ambrose, we ended up with Gaz the winner with 9, Kev on 8, and Maz and I tied on 7! It was a very close contest where everyone played well. Not sure how the points are allocated for the RTG but I’m sure golf was the winner on the day lol. We actually made par on every hole but one which brought me to the conclusion that “we” are a good golfer. We stopped at the 19^th hole for drinks but were chucked out at 6 because they were closing … lame.

 

A short lull before dinner afforded me the opportunity to get some laundry done and then we devoured last night’s leftovers for dinner – it tasted just as good tonight. The after dinner game tonight was Pub Trivia, one we had not tried before – I didn’t mind it, but then again I did win … narrowly over Maz, but a win’s a win. For some reason the boys are not so keen on this one.

 

We are off tomorrow morning – the aim is to see one more sight in Bathurst and then we are heading for Young.

 

Day 4 – Bathurst

 

There was the usual scramble to pack up the cabin and pile it all into the car this morning – we do have this down pat now though. So, we were waving farewell to Blackheath for the second time this year … and still no golf. We might have to just keep coming back, though maybe not on a weekend next time!

 

We decided to make a little detour via Wallerawang and Portland – beautiful country and Portland had some lovely painted silos as part of their homage to the cement industry that they say “built Sydney”. Could have been nice to wander around but we were on a schedule and headed on to Bathurst. First stop was Bunnings to buy one screw to replace the one that fell off the bike number plate (that darn bike!). One large packet of screws later and we were on our way to the Tourist Information Centre to get the lowdown. After gathering some advice and a bucketful of brochures, we headed off to check into our cabin and unpack.

 

It wasn’t long and Maz and Kev popped in to discuss our plan of action. The table was covered in brochures within minutes and options were debated while we had a quick bite of lunch. The plan was then implemented with our first stop being the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum right in the middle of Bathurst. We spent a really interesting hour wandering around the exhibit, housed in the original Bathurst Public School built in 1878 – a very large and ornate building. The exhibits were amazing with a T-Rex cast from an actual T-Rex fossil discovered in the US in the 70s – it’s one of only five made. Other fossils and minerals were equally interesting and we enjoyed our time there.

 

Next stop was Machattie Park, a really lovely park surrounded by historic buildings right in the middle of town. It had beautiful gardens, a duck pond, rotunda, and fountain as well as a fernery that was unfortunately closed due to COVID. Apparently the gaol used to be in the park where the rotunda now stands and they had public hangings there! We also wandered down the Victors Walk, where plaques of past Bathurst 500 (OK, that ages me) winners are embedded in the footpath in a checkered pattern. Pretty cool.

 

Inspired by the Victors Walk, Kev revved up the car and headed for Mt Panorama where we did a spin around the circuit at a very reserved 60kmh – that must have been so hard, Kev! It was actually really great – the circuit is much steeper than I had imagined it and some of those turns are very tight!

 

Just when you thought the day could hold no more excitement, it was back to the caravan park where Bocce was the game of choice before dinner. Kev & I prevailed and Maz unveiled the progress scoreboard. It was then onto Maalouf’s Lebanese Restaurant for dinner – OMG what a huge amount of food. We ordered the banquet and that’s what we got – dish after dish of amazing food. So much that we brought a doggy bag home which will easily feed us for dinner tomorrow night too.

 

Even though we were all a little weary after a pretty big day, we did manage a few rounds of Taboo, where we implemented a similar scoring system to Euchre and changed partners every round. Kev 2, Maz 2, Pen 2, Gaz 0. Gaz was not a fan lol. “Stupid game,” he said.

 

Plans for tomorrow were discussed – maybe the railway museum, perhaps golf, perhaps a riverside walk. We’ll see what the day brings! Did I mention we were boiling hot all afternoon. What a difference a day makes haha.

 

Day 3 – Everglades, Leura & Wentworth Falls and Lake

 

Having celebrated the awesome Wallabies win last night, we slept well, particularly as we found another blanket in the cupboard. Did I mention it’s cold? Kev and Maz confessed today that they used their hairdryer to warm the bed! Another leisurely start to the day and we piled into the car with Kev and Maz at around 10am, setting off down the mountains slightly for the day.

 

First stop was Everglades, an historic home and gardens in Leura. A really pleasant place to spend an hour or so. Unfortunately the Tea Rooms were closed due to COVID but we were still able to look through the National Trust home, built in 1936, with magnificent views looking into the valley. The history of the home and gardens was very interesting. Kev, Maz and I did the full walk taking in the Everglades, grotto, house, lookout etc while Gaz “I don’t do walking” wandered a little at the top and then rested on a convenient bench, waiting for us. He was also suffering from caffeine deprivation so was happy when we had finished and we decided to set off to search for coffee/lunch.

 

On our way to Wentworth Falls Village for lunch we drove around the back streets of Leura, marvelling at the stately homes and gardens that seem to be everywhere. What an amazing place! It was a continual stream of oohs and ahhhs as we found another magnificent stand of trees or incredibly high hedge with the somewhat obscured façade of beautiful homes evident beyond. It was certainly worth the detour.

 

We then found a very popular bakery at Wentworth Falls where the COVID safe line went out into the car park. Luckily we found a table outside and spent a while there in the sunshine partaking of coffees and yummy pies/sausage rolls for lunch. A stroll through the village with a stop at a cute nik nak shop where Maz made some purchases, and then we were off to Wentworth Falls. 

 

There were lots of people out and about but we snagged a park and then viewed the falls from the top – gentle 200 m stroll – Gaz approved. Gaz then bailed while Kev, Maz and I took the 20 min round trip walk down the Princes Rock Track – “Grade easy, some steps” the sign says. It was worth it when we got to the Princes Rock Lookout as we had good views of the falls BUT whoever made that sign needs to re-think! Some steps? Every step was on steps! Suffice it to say that those of us at the side of the track gasping for breath while we rested before continuing disagreed – and there were many of us lol.

 

After my heart beat returned to survivable levels, we piled back into the car and decided to seek out Wentworth Falls Lake. Now this was much more civilised … and flat. Lots of families picnicking and a lovely place to stroll around, which we did. A short stop at Coles Katoomba on the way back to get provisions for dinner, and then we were back home about 3:30pm. 

 

We took a short break and then re-convened for bocce, the second round of the Road Trip Games (apparently they are not Olympics … I stand corrected.) After a tightly fought battle, we played two frames – Kev 1, Gaz 1. Further opportunities to gain points occurred after another short break when we once again re-convened for Trivia and Happy Hour at 5:30pm – firstly Food and Drinks Trivia (I know – getting very “Mastermind”) and then Aussie Trivia. Suffice it to say that I did not shine during any of these events but did partially redeem myself with 2 points at Euchre after dinner. An updated running total for the games honours will be published in due course.

 

Dinner, by the way, was the infamous West African Pork with rice – I know, I know, it’s supposed to be chicken, but Gaz doesn’t “do” chicken these days. It was a big hit – the pork was just as good. It’s a moving on day tomorrow – we’re off to Bathurst!

 

Day 2 – Rhododendrons and Megalong Valley

 

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!

Road Trip Nov 2020 – Day 1 Blackheath

 

We were actually pretty organised for the start of our Mini Road Trip with the Priests. Having done most of the packing the day before, we wandered around at a leisurely pace, thinking we had all the time in the world. Then … we tried to put the bike on the bike rack. A fair amount of huffing and puffing from Gaz ensued, but no way could we work it out. Finally, a small adjustment to the bike seat and all was sorted … except Gaz had put the wrench in an inaccessible spot so if we needed to tighten the rack on the way we would be stuffed. No problems! We just made a quick stop at Auto One and we now have two wrenches in case the thingy needs tightening. Spoiler alert – it did not need tightening.

 

Finally getting on the road about 10:30am, we had a dream trip on the freeway, heading to Blackheath, our first stop. The new tunnel that bypasses Pennant Hills Rd is AMAZING and stripped at least 20 minutes off the trip as well as reducing road rage opportunities for a nervous passenger. (I was driving.) We were well up into the mountains at the 2 hour mark though we were getting a bit peckish as we had missed our usual Thornleigh Maccas stop. I was considering what a great business opportunity there is for someone somewhere along the M1, M2, M7 or M4 or any of those Ms to build a service centre.

 

No worries we thought – there’ll be a Maccas somewhere. Well there finally was one just off the highway at Blaxland so we made the turn gleefully to be treated by a line of traffic snaking out from the Maccas car park. I’m not kidding – the traffic jam that would have been on Pennant Hills Rd was now at Blaxland Maccas! Suffice it to say we “did a Dubbo Zoo”* and drove on without stopping.

 

*Family and friends remember the famous Dubbo Zoo story of 1996 where we drove from Canberra to Dubbo to go to the zoo, only to have Gaz declare the line was too long and we drove back to Canberra without viewing a single animal.

 

The Blaxland Maccas debacle turned out to be a blessing in disguise as we powered on to Blackheath and feasted at The Ivanhoe Hotel bistro – very tasty … and filling … which is just as well as our booking tonight for dinner at some posh restaurant is 8:15pm! Gaz had vegetarian risotto and I loved the butter chicken and rice.

 

Upon arriving at the caravan park we waved to Kev & Maz who had set up their van having arrived an hour or so before us. This was the point where we discovered that they hadn’t brought their bikes so I was the only one who has brought a bike. “I told you we shouldn’t have bothered,” I told a grimacing Gaz. 

 

After unpacking, Gaz took off to the shops and Kev, Maz and I wandered around the park across from where we are – what a delight. Lots and lots of rhododendrons on display – the Rhododendron Festival (or a COVID version of it) ends this weekend and that was one of the reasons we scheduled a return to Blackheath. The other reason is golf – we’re hoping to get a hit on the weekend some time as we missed out in March due to fog and rain.

 

We had a lovely happy hour or two before we headed off to what turned out to be a fabulous meal at Cinnebar Kitchen Blackheath – would thoroughly recommend! It was share plates and we chose really well because of the 8 dishes we devoured there were no duds – all were spectacular. It was 7 degrees when we came back to the cabin so the boys warmed up with a muscat while Maz wrangled the air conditioner into shape. 

 

Looking forward to a bid more garden and scenic viewing tomorrow

Day 18 – Dubbo

After patching together a very tasty meal of “hamburger with the lot” (that’s what you call hamburgers that also have leftovers piled on to them including bacon, eggs, mushrooms, relish and onion), we gathered ourselves and set off for the Dubbo Observatory and an evening of stargazing.

Peter Starr, I kid you not – that is his real name, gave us a very comprehensive talk and look at the the heavens. I’d have to say much of it went over my head, (get it – haha?), but it was still an entertaining evening with quite a few oohs and ahhs as Peter guided us through the night skies. I did learn quite a bit, (some of which I even remember lass than 24 hours on), - we looked at Venus before it set, took a photo through the telescope of Orion nebula (OK, that bit I can’t guarantee to be accurate), was able to identify the saucepan, the southern cross and other bits. The truly amazing thing though was that we saw millions of stars through the telescope that the naked eye could not even discern at all. It’s quite humbling when you think of the sheer numbers of stars, galaxies etc in the universe and the age and size of them. We are a pretty small fish in a big sea.

It was after 9:30pm when we got back so we called it a night and planned our attack on activities for our last day. Gaz was up early to go and grab a coffee with his mate, David. Maz and I waited until Gaz returned as we needed our car to head off in because Gaz and Kev had golf planned for 11am. Let me take this moment to tell you that Gaz and Kev, (yes, I made sure BOTH were reminded), failed to return from golf with a photo. Oh, there were tales of awesome drives, lost golf balls, improved performance but a photo? Nuh, nix, nada. I am now convinced that no actual golf has taken place on this trip and they spray themselves with water to approximate sweat as they come near. What they actually do is, of course, anyone’s guess.

Maz and I, who have plenty of photo evidence of our adventures, took off in search of the Dubbo Regional Botanical Gardens. They were lovely. Mainly a Japanese garden but also some more traditional roses and other purple, red, white, and pink flowers (I generally identify flowers by colour, not species, OK). Maz was somewhat distracted as we wandered around as she was fielding calls and messages … drum roll … Maz and Kev became grandparents again overnight! Little Arlo David Priest was born in the wee hours of the morn, (well, 12:48 am to be exact), to Ryan and Bec, and weighed 3.2kg – everyone well and home already (who wants to hang out in hospitals at the moment). As well as spending a lovely hour or so in the gardens, I once again left some painted rocks for someone to find.

We then spent another hour or so checking out the main street of Dubbo. We considered going into the Dubbo Gaol but a) it seemed a bit pricey, b) my feet were hurting, c) I would have had to move the car, d) we were hungry. So, it was back to the cabin where we ate the last of our amassed bread rolls and salad, meeting up with Kev & Gaz when they returned from golf photoless.

Maz and I were keen to visit a local historic site, Dundallimal Homestead, out past the zoo. I suddenly realised that it closes at 3 pm and it was already a bit after 2, so we jumped in the car and set off immediately. In great anticipation we followed the signs and approached the property, just to be confronted with a closed gate and the inevitable sign that they were closed due to COVID-19. On our return journey, we mused over whether we would have been able to come on this trip at all if the pandemic had started even a couple of weeks earlier.

It seems most things will be closed soon so we certainly consider ourselves lucky to have had the experiences we’ve had. In these uncertain times, we have a lot of memories, OK and a LOT of photos, and we will cherish those memories, made all the more special by the friendship we have experienced along the way. For today, the enforced afternoon off afforded me the opportunity to do something I haven’t done in years … have an afternoon nap! It was great – this could be a sign of things to come!

We are off for a pub meal tonight and then it’s an early start to pack up and head home tomorrow. We have missed our family and look forward to getting home but it has been a blast. So tomorrow we’re back to see how Dusty has fared without us and, indeed if she remembers us at all after being totally spoilt in our absence – thanks Kim and David! Until next time …