SAT 22.04.2017: As per usual with market days, we were up way too early for O-U-R body clocks. Not sure why historically markets must commence at the crack of dawn, but they do! One would have to say that Wellington Markets do not exactly "bust a boiler" when it comes to setting up - everything is v-e-r-y casual, even the sales were casual! As FIFOs we were allocated the very end of the stalls - many of the customers were not even prepared to travel those extra few feet to see what we offered. To say we had a poor sales day would probably be an understatement - paid $10 for the site, $10 for two cups of coffee and $16 for a locally produced bottle of wine. When we did the calculations we were $7 in the red! The main sales were to other vendors who we believe decided to make sympathy purchases.
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| RELAXING WAY TO FINISH THE DAY! |
Carole had rung ahead to a Dubbo MSO for accommodation and had been told that they did not take dogs. There had been an incident with their dogs and people staying at the MSO. The MSO kindly suggested we ring "Red Earth Wines". Rang and yes we could stay 3 nights, $15 a night if electricity was required, nothing for free camping. Oh and you can do wine tasting and have a food platter if you like - gee, have to see if we can manage that one! Sitting having our evening refreshment and another traveller with dog in tow came up to socialise. Immediately took Shayden away from the situation and continued on! Carole "seized the moment" and by the end of the conversation had sold a dog's jumper to the visitor. We were now $5 in the black, albeit that the lady has only left a $2 deposit on the jumper! Rang Dr Debra and she advised that all the readings bar the thyroid (mildly above), were good for Madison - liver reading was 40 which is superb!
MONDAY 24.04.2017: The day has finally dawned when we are to visit Taronga Western Plains Zoo - it has been on the "gunna" list every time we have travelled, but for one reason or another (mainly a lack of funds), we have not made it. Today is the day and Sybil is EXCITED! Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to hundreds of animals from around the world and consists of a 6km circuit that meanders through natural bushland and around large open style exhibits. We decided to complete part of the zoo on foot in the morning and then hire the golf cart for the afternoon session. Worked out well because by the afternoon the warriors were a little weary. It was a superb day! Favourite exhibits - the meerkat and hippopotamus.
Red Earth's mantra: "Wine, one sip of this will bathe the drooping spirits in delight beyond the bliss of dreams. Be wise and taste." John Milton (1608-1674).
SUNDAY 16.04.2017: There are some days you wake up and the way you envisage the day taking shape never quite comes to fruition! Woke to find the police outside Kim and Heath's front door - established that sadly a young man and his family had been camping at another venue and in the early hours of the morning he had suffered a heart attack. With no phone reception the family had driven him to this caravan park in the hope of assistance, but unfortunately 
he had passed away. Needless to say, the entire community of Nundle was shaken. Kim and Heath were otherwise involved for the day so we put our hand up to assist at the festival. Information Centre - okay we can do that! Spent some time handing out pamphlets and "nagging" people for a gold coin donation, then the rest of the time in the Information booth. Still had plenty of time to take in the festival activities.
