Sunday 9th January
True to form it was raining as we left but ever the adventurers we decided to drive to the lookout anyway. And we almost made it.
Even after the bitumen ran out, we continued
When the cracks in the road got deeper we continued
After the river crossing we continued
But then we got to a point where there was actually room to turn around – we did
Back on the bitumen we headed on down to Glen Innes, where the rain stopped long enough for us to do a quick walk of the main street and stretch our legs. With respect to our budget we even avoided spending any money.
Just out of Glen Innes is the amazing standing rocks, which are a poor man's Stone Henge. Given the rich man's Stonehenge, at Stonehenge, is not all that exciting, this is decidely underwhelming
Lesson for today: When you have already had one failed off road adventure for the day, if you see a dirt road and a sign saying 1.7km to Captain Thunderbolt caves” don't take it.” In my defence, I had read a bit about Thunderbolt the bushranger in all the tourist guides, and 1.7 kms didn't seem that far. But anyway, now I know, it is. Another U-turn and we were back on the bitumen and on our way.
Stopped for lunch in MM in Armidale and then had a wander around. These country NSW towns are quite pretty and have an amazing number of preserved buildings from early settlement. Armidale even has 2 cathedrals. One Anglican and one of the opposition.
Back on the road again managed to fulfil my Thunderbolt fix for the day by stopping at the statue right on the main highway – OK, I know. But if we had come to the statue first I probably wouldn't have bothered with the cave.
Did our now customary drive through of the destination town – Tamworth and then checked into the Austin Caravan Park for 2 nights.
Another BBQ dinner, courtesy of the Tweed Heads Bowls Club meat raffles and then we wandered out to the pub next door to check out the live entertainment. Got Di as far as the door where she heard the “entertainment” and turned around and went back to the van. Turns out they do do both kinds of music here Country AND Western and Di is not that keen on either.
Lesson for today: “When buying take away beer other than VB or Tooheys at a NSW country pub, check the expiry date – they don't sell much of that fancy city boy stuff”.
Monday 10th January
Woke to the sound of rain again, although a guy at the amenities block told me that if had woken up before 9:00 am it was actually quite nice. Did start to wonder whether the 7 metre bank on the river was going to be enough though. Judging by the look of the result of the flood before Christmas, we might be alright.
Once the rain dropped back to a light drizzle I walked down the road a couple of km's to the Powerhouse Motorcycle Museum – who knew they were so many motorcycle museums in this part of the world? Much smaller than the one at Nabiac but quite entertaining none the less. Although I must admit I did tear up a little bit, pining for my little Suzuki all tucked away on the trailer back in Chinderah. Pined for it even more on the walk back to the caravan park.
In the afternoon we drove out to the Golden Guitar and Country Music Hall of Fame to try and increase Di's appreciation of Country Music before one of the hundreds of people who are arriving in town for the annual music festival discover she is a non-believer. This became even more important when I noticed that the gun and ammunition shop in town is doing a good trade.
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| Di and her Akubra - getting into the spirit of Australia's Country Music Capital |
Luckily the volounteer guide at the Hall of Fame was very enthustiastic and some of the enthusiasm rubbed off and I think Di will be safe.
Note: managed to swap the out of date beer for some Carlton Draught
Dinner tonight, you guessed it, more meat from the meat raffle. This time some very nice pork chops and roast vege's and the weather nice enough to eat outside for the second night in a row.
After tea, off to the pub and this time I managed to get Di inside for a couple of drinks and a listen to the band. Now while I didn't see her singing along (not even to that timeless classic The Gambler,
“You gotta know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em.
Know when to walk away, know when to run.
You never count your money, when you're sitting at the table,
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.” .
Anyway as I say, Di wasn't singing along but I did notice a bit of foot tapping action under the table. Yee Haaaw
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