Step 11 Port MacQuarie to South West Rocks

Wednesday 8th Dec

You will be happy to know that we have actually learned from some of our previous lessons and given the weather was still nice last night we packed the bike on the trailer in case it rained. And it did, so good on us.

With the rain beating time on the roof we stopped off at Fredo's Pies (another renowned NSW pie shop). Given it was too early for lunch, we just had coffee and cake and bought a couple of pies to take away (mmm maybe we just think we are losing weight). 

It continued to rain all the way up the highway until we turned off to our destination for the night - South West Rocks. Then, continuing our rather blessed fortune so far, it cleared up as we arrived. Rather than completely unpack we just unhitched the trailer and  ate the pies. (Yummo - nice one Fredo).

We then headed out in MM to peruse the local tourist attractions. Another experiment to see if we can continue the trip from Chinderah with out the motorbike.

First stop Trial Bay Gaol (that's how they spelled jail when Britain ruled the world, which was before America took over the job). Those of you who knew that Edmund Barton was our first Prime Minister may also know that Trial Bay Gaol is the only gaol (jail) built in NSW to support a single public works project. In a pre-cursor to government projects ever since, the actual public work - the building of a breakwater to protect Trail Bay, was a complete failure.

In a stroke of luck for the government just when they were wondering what to do with the empty jail (ok I'm giving up on the gaol bit) - World War 1 broke out. The government in it's infinite wisdom decided that anyone born in Germany or born in Australia but with at least one German parent was a threat to national security and needed to be locked up. Phew, lucky we have this empty jail sitting around they thought let's wack some of them in there. I'm guessing it hasn't escaped the notice of family members reading this that this would have meant locking up not only Herb but Richard and Marita as well. Now while some of the less kind members of the family may be suggesting that the government might have been on to something here, Di mounted a one woman solidarity protest

 but the guy next door complained and she was moved along

Next stop - Smoky Cape Lighthouse

Now I know it's probably a given that Lighthouses should be set on the high ground, because their main purpose in life  is to warn shipping of danger, and being up high helps the light (if not the house) be seen more easily. But, it does make for a rather strenuous walk.

It does make for a rather spectacular view though

Back at the park it was time for our second swim in two days and then a loooooong chat with the couple next door who were yet another family who were holidaying less than an hour's drive from home. To be fair they were farmers and couldn't travel too far from whatever they were growing because of the need to water. But the good news was they gave us some (hopefully) good tips on places to visit over the next few days.

After chatting to them it was a bit late to cook tea, so we just polished off the cheese and dips we had in the fridge (ok, maybe we are putting ON weight, a little). Another really pleasant night so we sat outside and planned the next couple of days and then we were joined by.....

Yep - Skippy. Well Daddy Skip anyway

We had seen his family earlier, and to be honest the caravan park was somewhat covered in their calling cards. (Not really calling cards, that's actually a euphemism for "there was a lot of Kangaroo sh@# around)

Anyway, back to the story. Di and Steve munched their way through the cheese and biscuits and daddy Skip munched his way around the park 

and the light faded and it got dark. 

"Time for bed"  I said and got up to head off to the amenities block. 

As I rounded the corner of MM there was Daddy Skip, still munching away. 

Opinion is divided who got the biggest fright but Daddy Skip let out a loud hiss and bounded away and I let out a bit of a 'iss of my own and leapt straight up in the air. 

But the important thing is Di found it hilarious.