Heading west and south

On a brilliant sunny (but chilly) morning on the last day of May, we set off from our beachside home, heading off on our latest adventure.

Our two goals:

1.  Have a fabulous seven weeks exploring parts of our wonderful country that we haven't seen before
2. Gather research material for my 2021 contracted novel East of Alice.

At Wellington Caves Day 2

Snow clouds?

We headed south for three hours before turning west to the Golden Highway. Conscious of the long distance we had to travel on our first day (680 kilometres) we warmed up with a quick coffee as we refuelled at Raymond Terrace and then a couple of hours later, had a banana each for lunch as we travelled west.

SES muster!

Our first stop was the Wellington Caves Caravan Park for a quick overnight stop. Ah, a very nice park, but we weren't expecting to see the 1000 State Emergency Personnel to be camped around the park (in flimsy tents on a freezing night.) I suppose if we'd got locked  in the van or the amenities block, there were plenty of rescuers on hand! They were there for three days of simulated cave rescues. We were tired and it was too cold to cook outside, so creamed corn on toast and a very early night completed our first day on the road.

The Learys and the Careys

The following day we turned south and travelled through previously unvisited locales: Parkes, Forbes and West Wyalong heading for our destination of Coolamon, where we caught up with friends I had met n a Trafalgar tour of Europe three years ago! A great afternoon was spent and the Aussie Rules local derby and then a night at the local pub. My dinner of merlot infused beef ragu with gnocchi and parmesan was the best meal out ever!

The Murray River at Tocumwal

Keeping warm with Julie

Up the next morning and through previously unexplored territory, excited to meet up with our travelling buddies, John and Julie, in Echuca.  A pretty drive on a sunny day to the Victorian border where we had our first sighting of the might Murray river at Tocumwal. We set up camp and then headed into explore Echuca. Another lovely meal in front of the fire at the Shamrock hotel topped off a great day.  We met two fun locals who were full of interesting stories:  a nuclear physicist and an accountant who have promised to drum up business for my library talk on Tuesday! 

Day 3: We have woken up to steady rain but that will not deter us from exploring Echuca! 

Stay posted.