Made It To Mudgee

 This morning saw us on the road north out of Cowra heading for Mudgee.We had a brief stop at Sofala, an historic gold mining town that formed the backdrop for a number of Russel Drysdale's famous paintings.  We hope to see more of this town later in the week.

We arrived in Mudgee shortly after noon and set up camp.  The Inchleys and Talbots had reserved cabins just across from our van site.

It was Rhondda's 75th birthday so we all headed out for the evening meal at the premier restaurant in the area, The Red Heifer.

The meal was first rate.  I took the plunge and ordered lamb shanks (after a good experience with Lisa's cooking) and it was a delicious meal.

On to Cowra

 We left Holbrook on a cool (icy) morning bound for Cowra where we set up in the caravan park on the banks of the Lachlan River.

It is a picturesque location for a beautiful and historic town.  The bridge is painted with symbols of the local indigenous heritage.

The old bridge across the Lachlan is still in use and maintained and runs under the new crossing.

The river is a beautiful focal point of the city with manicured surroundings of sports fields and recreation areas.

The town is clearly old and has seen more prosperous times but there appears to be a sense of renewal in the town.

We Are Off!

 Our holiday with friends to Mudgee has been planned for some time.  So long in fact, that there was a time we were unsure we would get there as a result of Covid outbreaks.  However we headed off this morning.  Claire had made thick vege soup (so nothing would be wasted) so that was lunch on the way to Holbrook for our first night on the road.

We set up in the park in Holbrook before having a look around the town, starting with the Museum.

 

The Museum was once a pub. The items collected from the locals have been set up in various theme based rooms.

Claire found the old telephone exchange like the one at Leitchville where she spent time with childhood friend Lesley who lived in the Leitchville Post Office.

The grounds housed a number of buildings including a Bakery and old School House.  Education would have been quite a challenge in that institution.

The town had a number of graceful old building that had seen better days.

And, of course, we had to visit the submarine "Otway" that is sailing through the park in the centre of town.

Pumpkins!

 Digging the compost into the garden has its compensations.  A recent production was a couple of feral butternut pumpkins.  One was converted to a delicious pumpkin pasta last night.

Lachlan - the Runner!

The school ran the Cross Country today and Lachlan gave it a fair old crack! He had done a bit of practice so he knew it would be tough.

He was with the front runners but late in the race he tired a bit.  Lachlan pushed himself to the line and was totally spent coming in ninth in his group.

Lachlan also had to deal with the proud grand parent issue at the end of the race!

Travelers Return

 The situation has returned to normal as the dogs welcomed their family back to Donvale.  Adam, Kate and the crew looked like they had a relaxing time in the sun as they reduced the fishing stocks of Noosa.

The weather in Melbourne at the time would not have permitted these activities!

Jack on the Job

 Jack had a few days sore after his last football match with a slight back injury.  He climbed back on the horse today but the Rams were well beaten.  He made a number of good moves in defence.

Hockey!?

 Mark plays hockey.  I played at school and never understood the game so we thought we would go along to be educated.  I don't think I will take it up.  The ball is too hard and travels too fast, protection is only given to the goalie, sticks are flailing round the field with alarming speed and within the immediate proximity of a whole range of body parts.  It is a game for those inured to pain, with superhuman recovery capabilities and the reflexes of a cat. Not me - I am afraid.

Eildon Plans Progressing

 Mark and Lisa are moving right along with the plans for Goughs Bay.  The plans are being refined but the general layout of the house and the internals has been decided.

Dogs Have a Holiday

 Rosie, Max and Louie sent the family off to Noosa so they could have a few days break.  They have been looking after the property quite well.

Meanwhile the family is looking very relaxed apart from Patrick.  He is having to deal with the assistant navigator who becomes stressed on the river.