THORA, NSW

WEATHER SIGNS
STEPHEN KING: 1996

WEDNESDAY 24.9.2014: Before leaving Walcha we ventured into the "town centre" to view the Open Air Gallery of sculptures and artworks. In 1996, Walcha Council was approached by Stephen King, a local farmer and sculptor, to collaborate with him to create a fountain sculpture for McHatton Park. This led to an ongoing public art program. Over 25 sculptures and public artwork have been established. 

SONG CYCLE
JAMES ROGERS: 2001

THE FAMILY
TOM DEKO: 1998



 

 

 

 

 

The reversing camera threw its' feet up in the air and died so we are making our way back to you guessed it - Watsons! Travelled the Waterfall Way and enjoyed the scenery. Decided on a pit stop at Ebor Hotel - an interesting lesson in the country publican approach to service! Bought a refreshment and scanned the room to determine the poker machine to be played - there was only one, so we chose I-T! Came in the door with $50, bought a bottle of wine, played our money and left with $50 - had aimed to donate funds to the area. Settled down for the evening at Roses Park, Thora 14km W of Bellingen.

WALCHA - POPULATION: 1,623

TUESDAY 23.9.2014: Up at 8.30am aiming for an hour pack up and exit - tis a while since we  have practiced our routine. On the road by 11.30am! Walcha (pronounced "wolka"), is a town at the south-eastern edge of the Northern Tableland. The Apsley River passes through the town to tumble over the Apsley Falls before joining the Macleay River further on. Originally the river caused flooding in the town prior to a levee bank being constructed and saving the town from more floods. The area is thought to have been occupied by the Strange Days people Aborigines prior to European settlement. In 1818, Nick Clifford became the first white person to discover the area and the falls which were later to be named Strange Days Falls. 

Headed for the Apsley Falls area which is spiritually and historically significant to Aboriginal people. The dramatic cliffs are made of slate - the Apsley Gorge continues to be eroded by the forces of nature, especially water erosion.


LOWER POOL LOOKOUT

LIONS LOOKOUT

 



 

 

 

 

Stayed at Walcha East Rest Area 4km E of Walcha. Shayden of course enjoyed an opportunity for a run! Madison - just roamed! As previously mentioned - it is a l-i-t-t-l-e cool overnight!

GLOUCESTER - POPULATION: 2,336

SATURDAY 20 – MONDAY 22.9.2014: Actually exited the house and hit the road with a scheduled l-o-n-g drive to Stroud (an hour from home), – some things never change! As we headed for the Showground we noticed signage – Stroud Rodeo, next sign, the dates. Yep, today was the day, every blade of grass had a float, caravan, horse, animal or cowboy inhabiting the space! Onward to Gloucester and the Gloryvale Reserve (free camp - one month stay). The Gloucester district was first visited by Robert Dawson, Chief Agent for the Australian Agricultural Company in 1826. The township of Gloucester was first established in 1855, primarily for sheep farming, however it became apparent that the land was not entirely suitable. The four main industries of the Gloucester area are: tourism, timber, cattle farming and more.
Babbling brook (loud babbling), space, bins, peace and quiet – nice! Days are beautiful, but the nights are c-o-o-l. The Leylands are taking the time to rest and remember where and how the contents of a house fit into the motorhome!

EXITING LTP!

CAROLE & DAMO
YES CAROLE IS STANDING!

FRIDAY 19.9.2014: Poodle Palace was yesterday collected from Watsons at Coffs Harbour and a relieved Damo wished us well and ushered us out the door! The repairs are excellent and the old girl is back to her shiny self. The aim today is to pack the motorhome, clean the house and drive off into the sunset – maybe tomorrow, one does not complete the tasks as fast as one used to!



IN THE MEANTIME........

Completed all tasks beginning with "D" - doctors, dentists, dog vet visits and for good measure the podiatrist! Of course, took Poodle Palace up to Coffs Harbour for repair!

HELEN (CAROLE'S SISTER) & CAROLE

In June enjoyed the Port Stephens Blue Water Country Festival - The Songwriter's Night included four artists that took turns singing and sharing the feelings that led to the writing of the songs. 

LYN BOWTELL

LUKE O'SHEA



FELICITY URQHARDT

HARMONY JAMES

CAROLE & FELICITY



 

Following day set out to watch Karen O'Shea performing at Nelson Bay. 

KAREN O'SHEA



JUNE, BARBARA, NIC,
LISA & CAROLE

Carole found time for a sojourn in Norwest Private Hospital. The "pack" stayed with Judy and John  in Sydney - it has taken a while, but all is now good.

 

 

 

HELEN & CAROLE

 

 

 

Ventured into the '"big smoke", Newcastle that is, to see Lyn Bowtell at Lizotte's. June and Helen joined us for a great meal and entertainment.

LYN BOWTELL

 

LTP RETURN

MONDAY 10.3.2014: Arrived home safely and as per usual much wiser in the art of travel.

 

6 TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TRAVEL:

1. It is recommended that you travel with a dog coloured anything but WHITE! The red dust and the white coat does not present a good look.
2. If taking small dogs outback ensure you pack their shoes - overcomes any burr, stone and hard grass issues.
3. If you plan to see e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g in WA, then you need to spend extended periods of time in each area. Too much to see and do without incorporating rest days.
4. Have some cash as the smaller towns do not always have Eftpos. Likewise, retain your poker machine winnings for use at the Laundromats.
5. Western Australia is h-u-g-e and the driving distances between each stop are h-u-g-e so the travel schedule needs to be well planned. Estimated that we really only saw a third of the state.
6. Finally and most importantly, the traveller's most  treasured icon:

 

BRANXTON - POPULATION: 5,429

SUNDAY 9.3.2014: Know you are headed in the right direction when you see the start of the mighty Hunter River. Spent the evening at Pothana Lane Rest Area 5km W of Branxton.

BYLONG - POPULATION: 732

SATURDAY 8.3.2014: First port of call was at the Rylstone Markets - naturally found goods to be purchased.

Onward to Kandos (population: 1284), for lunch at the old railway station, then to our overnight accommodation at Bylong Oval (donation at the local store opposite the oval). Bylong is a village in the Mid-Western Regional Council and is located on the Bylong Valley Way. The area is home to numerous horse studs, with the champion racehorse horse and sire Heroic born in the area. Bylong also hosts an annual Mouse Racing event (YEP!).

 

SOFALA - POPULATION: 208

Somewhat of a hiatus in blog maintenance – hard to enlist good help these days! Probably best to finish the last trip before commencing the next one.

THURSDAY 6 - FRIDAY 7.3.2014: Greens Point Campground 6km E of Sofala - yet another enjoyable stay, plenty of room, vista, an opportunity to take the dogs for a walk – ticked all the boxes. On arrival 'the pack' sauntered down to the creek's edge. There was water, but obviously not much rain for a while. 

Carole’s birthday on Friday 7/3 – somewhat of a low key event compared to last year’s function! Sitting outside enjoying the scenery and the weather turned so the Leylands ventured indoors. Sybil comments, “oh, the river is rising”. 15 minutes later, “ooohhhh, there be a flood!” There was no need to move, but nature certainly provided us with a lesson in its force.

"BIRTHDAY GIRL"

 

 

LOCAL ROAD CROSSING