Day 1: Caringbah to Mudgee

Ganes and Rowies picked up RVs at Tarren Point.

We all met at Moorebank (Rowies) and got under way around midday.

Stopped for lunch and coffee at Wentworth Falls.

Took some time at Lithgow to take some photos at Sherrol’s old house, Nan and Pops, and her primary school - Coowell Public.

Lovely drive to Mudgee via Kandos and Rylstone.

Beautiful caravan park.

BBQ tea.

Day 2: Mudgee

Early morning walk along the river and then through town.

Organised a maxi cab to drop us at the 1st winery - we walked to the other 2 and then a cab home.

Visited 3 wineries

• Thistle Hill
• Blacklea - degustation lunch - absolutely delicious
• Burnbrae

Sausage sizzle for tea.

Day 3: Mudgee

Started by watching the final round of the US Masters!

Day 4: Mudgee to Dubbo

Phil and I went for a lovely walk along the river before we have to pack up and drive to Dubbo.

Day 5: Dubbo - Zoo Day 😀 (forecast 35 degrees)

Beautiful morning. We made our way to the zoo - so following are pics of the day.

Had bbq lamb for dinner - pics also following.

Day 6: Dubbo to Parkes

Packed and left Dubbo around 9:30. We went to Dubbo Botanic Gardens - which Gayle was keen to see the Sensory Garden. Photos follow. Phil and I were keen to purchase new chairs which we did from BCF. MT at the bakery before heading to Peak Hill. Took a pic in front of the school and sent to Shannon.

20 km north of Parkes is the Dish which we stopped at - fascinating. Bought stop desent coffee mugs and 3 beer coasters.

Lovely caravan park - Brad and Cheryl - Spicer Caravan Park.

Sausage sizzle at the Camp kitchen.

Day 7: Parkes

A restful day:

Cooked brekky

Wander down the street for coffee

Boys play golf

Girls relax

Day 8: Parkes to Hay via Condo and Lake Cargellico

Drove 430 km from Parkes to Hay via Condobilin and Lake Cargellico. MT at Condo and lunch at Lake. A lovely picnic area on the Lake where we reheated sausages. Phil and I chatted with a friendly lady in the Info Centre about boys/families who we knew from St Greg’s days.

We went through an incredible dust storm - like the thickest fi

Dinner at the South Hay pub (huge meals). And then an early night after a big drive day.

Day 9: Hay to Echuca

Only a 200km trip today. Stopped at Deni for MT - a really lovely bakery. After getting setup on our van site we went for a walk into town. A really interesting place. Booked our lunch cruise for Tuesday and then had a “beer in the pub”. Jaffles for tea.

Day 10: Euchuca

Boys played golf at Rich River Golf Course.

Chris got their windscreen repaired.

Then the girls went shopping.

BBQ tea.

Day 11: Echuca

Went for a lovely long walk along the river this morning - very cool - but clear and crisp.

Free morning and then going on a lunch cruise on the EmmyLou.

Jaffles for tea. Very cool through the night.

Day 12: Echuca to Tocumwal

A very cool morning - but Phil and I rugged up a did a 6km loop walk along the Murray.

We left the park and MT in Echuca before we left. A leisurely drive to Tocumwal - only about 120 km.

A lovely quiet little town.

Day 13: Tocumwal

Boys: Golf

Girls: Murray walk Coffee at the Bushland Cafe

All: Relax

Pub meal

Day 14: Tocumwal to Corowa

Short drive

MT at Bush Cafe Tocumwal

Stopped at Olive Cafe just outside of Yarrongah

Lunch on the lake at Mylawah

Walked into town at Corowa

Day 15: Corowa

Boys playing golf.

Girls walking to town - about a 5km round trip.

Relaxing arvo by the river - followed by BBQ tea.

Day 16: Corowa to Cootamundra

Left “our free camping” (not really) on the Murray and drove to Culcairn via a look at Howlong golf course.

MT at Culcairn bakery.

Bypassed the outskirts of Wagga via Junee to Cootamundra.

Very helpful park attendant who was most helpful in situating our 3 vans together.

Went for a walk through the beautiful park adjacent - and did the Caprains Walk. Phil and I walked to the house (which is now a museum) where Bradman was born.

A jaffles night.

Day 17: Cootamundra

Lovely clear morning. Boys played golf. I walked to the golf course and met the boys on the 8th. I walked/golf buggied with Phil until the 13th and then walked to town and met the girls.

Chris and Graeme drove to Harden for lunch. Us and the Rowies had a pub lunch.

We walked the town after a coffee - museum at the train station, Albert Park (the cricket oval), and streets of Coota. A really lovely, friend,y place.

Tea at the RSL.

Day 18: Cootamundra to Cowra

Beautiful sunrise - a lovely clear morning.

Visited Sacred Heart Catholic Church and school. The school had a Mercy and La Salian charism. So refreshing to see the church open and no fence around the school.

Stopped at the cemetery outside Cootamundra to see if we could see any evidence of the Hiese name - no success. However Gayle did discover her father’s relatives - the Elliots.

Had MT at an upstairs bakery at Young and had a walk around - went to the Visitor Centre - which was the old train station.

Really lovely caravan park in Cowra - 2 very helpful owners - Rob and Nick. The park located right on the Lachlan River.

Phil and I walked to the visitor centre and house I lived in for the 2 years 1961 and 1962.

Day 19: Cowra - ANZAC Day

Day 20: Cowra to Orange

Day 21: Orange

Beautiful crisp autumn day.

Boys played golf.

Girls relaxed - went shopping - had coffee - and met the boys for lunch at the golf club.

Back to the vans to pack them up before we made homemade pizzas and divid up left over sauces and wine.

Day 22: Orange to Caringbah South

Up and packed early - left by 7:30.

MT at Blackheath - very different weather to 3 months earlier.