DENMAN - POPULATION: 1385

SUNDAY 14.10.2012: Yet more olives, cheese and soap at the ever so quaint River Flats Estate. We headed down the Golden Highway (akin to the Yellow Brick Road), to Denman - it was amazing to see "behind the native verge" and the extent of the open cut mining. Visited Denman  which was first sighted in 1824 by surveyor Henry Dangar who named it Mt Cupola (for its domed shape). It was renamed by explorer Allan Cunningham, who became the first European to climb it the following year. Settled in for the evening at Cawsey Rotary Park Free Camp. As it was only listed as a roadside stop we did feel a little uneasy, but decided "we could handle it!" Whilst toilets were indicated the "bible" neglected to note it was a designated area rather than a building! The "brave hearts" were tested at 2.30am when the Council garbage truck pulled in next to us and emptied the m-a-n-y bins. Shayden and the humans remained on high alert - Madison slept through the entire event!

DENMAN - IT WAS A NICE VIEW!

BROKE - POPULATION: 540



REBUILDING THE POKOLBIN ESTATE AFTER
THE 2011 FIRE

THURS 11 - SAT 13/10/2012: "Back on the road again........!" How quickly travel memories fade - the driving round in circles with the Navigator and Driver "debating" the ideal location for the stay, then finally exiting the motorhome on the mother of black ant nests. Creatures large enough to carry poodles back to the colony for lunch! After relocating, we settled in for a very relaxing three days at McNamara Park Free Camp. Explorers first reached the Broke area in 1818 and land grants followed in 1824. Revisited our favourite Olive Shop for Christmas supplies, plus spent time reacquainting ourselves with the workings of Poodle Palace. Needless to say, after day one Shayden required a dose of his stomach medicine to pacify his change of routine nerves!

LEMON TREE PASSAGE - FINAL POST

We have arrived back in downtown Lemon Tree Passage and circumstances will have us 'staying in residence' for at least 3 months. 'Poodle Palace' is up in Coffs Harbour being fine tuned and having its' service. The Leyland Sisters and poodles are already missing the adventures that travel had to offer. Thank you to those that have followed our exploits on the blog - needless to say we intend to travel again and yes we will have to record all our misadventures! Our travels have unearthed facts that previously we were totally oblivious to.

10 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL:

1. In the event of failure of the spirit level, pour a glass of wine and place it on the table - guaranteed determination of the motorhome level.
2. Thanks to Susan Grealy and the introduction to our preferred choice of travelling sweet - Kopiko Sugar Free Coffee Drops (made with real coffee). Always carry 6 packets!
3. Should a blog be undertaken ensure some check is kept on your attire. It is estimated that out the many photos taken, Sybil featured in 99% of them wearing T-H-A-T red striped shirt!
4. Thanks to Hamilton Policeman Bob, utilise Napisan for the toilet cassette instead of the expensive products. 3 tablespoons to start with and add more as required.
5. Regardless of the length of time on the road, always present as novice travellers - negates the need for travel story one-upmanship!
6. Reference books for the trip included: Camps Australia Wide, CMCA Wanderer and the relevant State Caravan Book.
7. Prior to the trip purchase a hat that best suits you - there will be m-a-n-y days when a hat presents a far better picture than your hair!
8. Contentment is knowing that the next port offers a 'DUMP POINT'.
9. Designate motorhome tasks according to height, agility and ability level.
10. Finally, the most important tip - knowledge in the fact that the 'humble fart' has the capacity to clear the motorhome. Even the poodles refused to take responsibility! 

"THE LEYLAND SISTERS"
SYBIL (IN THAT SHIRT), CAROLE, MADISON & SHAYDEN

KINGSWOOD

MONDAY 2 - WEDNESDAY 4.4.2012: Continuing on our homeward journey we paid a visit to good friends Judy and John Reedy and were suitably spoilt!

KANAHOOKA



3 GENERATIONS OF THE 'WISE FAMILY'
L TO R: KEITH, JARROD & JACQUI

SUNDAY 1.4.2012: Drove straight to the historic Jamberoo Pub (established 1857), and caught up with softball friends Kay Thompson, Robyn Peters, Jacqui and Keith Wise. Took up residence in the Beer Garden and had a lovely afternoon listening to Nick & Liesl, u-n-t-i-l the heavens opened and the performance had to be abandoned. Had tea with Jacqui and Keith, then retired to 'Poodle Palace' which we had parked in their driveway. Morning dawned and the well trained, obedient puddles escaped and took off across the road to visit the local dogs - how to make an impression!

NICK & LIESL

GOULBURN - POPULATION: 20,127

FRIDAY 30 - SATURDAY 31.3.2012: Onward to Goulburn with a view to attending a performance of the McClymonts at the Goulburn Serviceman's Club. Goulburn brands itself as "Australia's first inland city", although this is a claim that the city of Bathurst also makes. We stayed at Goulburn South Caravan Park and as usual caught up with the domestics. Attended the performance on Saturday evening and although the seats were not the best, the McClymonts were superb - great show.

THE McCLYMONTS

JUGIONG

LAKE MULWARA

MURRAY RIVER

THURSDAY 29.3.2012: Yesterday stopped for lunch at Lake Mulwala - eerie vista. In 1937 the first suggestions were made concerning the clearing of the red gum forest to be submerged in the creation of Lake Mulwala. The bands of local volunteers worked long hours to clear the area, and the felled trees were never removed. The tree felling was completed in June 1939, and the first filling of the lake was started on August 12th, 1939. The evening was spent at Howlong Lions Park by the side of the Murray River. Thursday we continued on our road trip to the Jugiong Showground. Visited the local cellar door, come art, come produce shop and of course sampled the wares! 

JUGIONG HOTEL