From this ......
to this ......
This posted 10 April 2017.
Whoops!
Monday, April 10, 2017
Four places to call home in 3 Weeks
2015 has been an exciting year of change. The biggest change has been moving home, from this Glenmore park to Point Clare The other two "homes" were our week spent in Windsor/Penrith and starting tonight, bunking in St. Clair with Mo.
From this ......
to this ......
Moved in back in 11 September 2015. Views from our deck and the jetty.
This posted 10 April 2017.
Whoops!
From this ......
to this ......
This posted 10 April 2017.
Whoops!
Friday, July 24, 2015
Bowral Break
I haven't written in here for a while, not since a short stay in Mudgee last year. This is our first 7 nights in the one place break since 2009, when we visited Em in Leeds. So we're clearly overdue for a holiday.
We traded our stay here for our once every two years timeshare. Might have been Hawaii where we signed up in 2007, or our home resort of Las Vegas but we left things a bit late and had exhausted time and funds for overseas breaks so Bowral it is. And the Southern Highlands have not disappointed!
Today we toured from here to almost Nowra. First stop was Fitzroy Falls. Lovely western arm walk and lookouts. Cafe spoilt by nearby road. Good displays in Nat Parks office but bored receptionist mostly interested in computer screen.
Look what my new toy can do!
We traded our stay here for our once every two years timeshare. Might have been Hawaii where we signed up in 2007, or our home resort of Las Vegas but we left things a bit late and had exhausted time and funds for overseas breaks so Bowral it is. And the Southern Highlands have not disappointed!
Today we toured from here to almost Nowra. First stop was Fitzroy Falls. Lovely western arm walk and lookouts. Cafe spoilt by nearby road. Good displays in Nat Parks office but bored receptionist mostly interested in computer screen.
Look what my new toy can do!
Location:Sebel Heritage
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Mudgee Break
Back from an activity packed three night mini break.
Everglades,Leura,NSW
It began at Leura, visiting Don's fabulous tulip garden for another Spring spectacular. He took me and Tiny for a stroll down the road to Everglades, a famous old garden where Allan Ricketts used to volunteer. Worth a visit, especially with Don's just up the road.
Then we hit the Great Western Highway for breakfast at Lithgow Maccas (probably a mistake but one shared by hundreds of people, even before 8am!) before deviating onto the Mitchell HWY (?) for Mudgee.
But we had a few detours along the way:
Oki's Kandos backyard, with observatory for the observant.
Harley fanatic with one of his rare bikes, worth a visit.
On the road from Rylestone to Mudgee.
Tess walking with assistance on broken (?) toes in the gully before the 100 steps
Till finally....
Another bloody motor cycle museum, this one near Mudgee
Took some shots for Russ P
Then another winery, winemaker David Lowe started at Rothbury
But his Mudgee, biodynamic (?) winery is outstanding to visit. Wines everywhere in Mudgee were pricey - $30 - so we hunted aged or bargains, and found a few. Be prepared to walk away without buying.
Mudgee is a thriving town, set among spectacular hills and mostly 500-1100 metres above sea level.
The Capertee Valley rivals the Grand Canyon - for width, anyway.
Stop at this lookout on the Sydney road - Pearson's Lookout.
Looks like a mesa to me.
Don't trust this program for long entries so will close. We left today on the weekend of the food and wine festival - maybe next year we will know about it!
Cheers,
Rob V
Everglades,Leura,NSW
It began at Leura, visiting Don's fabulous tulip garden for another Spring spectacular. He took me and Tiny for a stroll down the road to Everglades, a famous old garden where Allan Ricketts used to volunteer. Worth a visit, especially with Don's just up the road.
Then we hit the Great Western Highway for breakfast at Lithgow Maccas (probably a mistake but one shared by hundreds of people, even before 8am!) before deviating onto the Mitchell HWY (?) for Mudgee.
But we had a few detours along the way:
Oki's Kandos backyard, with observatory for the observant.
Harley fanatic with one of his rare bikes, worth a visit.
On the road from Rylestone to Mudgee.
Tess walking with assistance on broken (?) toes in the gully before the 100 steps
Till finally....
Another bloody motor cycle museum, this one near Mudgee
Took some shots for Russ P
Then another winery, winemaker David Lowe started at Rothbury
But his Mudgee, biodynamic (?) winery is outstanding to visit. Wines everywhere in Mudgee were pricey - $30 - so we hunted aged or bargains, and found a few. Be prepared to walk away without buying.
Mudgee is a thriving town, set among spectacular hills and mostly 500-1100 metres above sea level.
The Capertee Valley rivals the Grand Canyon - for width, anyway.
Stop at this lookout on the Sydney road - Pearson's Lookout.
Looks like a mesa to me.
Don't trust this program for long entries so will close. We left today on the weekend of the food and wine festival - maybe next year we will know about it!
Cheers,
Rob V
Location:Mudgee
Sunday, July 6, 2014
Port M to Pokolbin
Started the day with a cool walk towards Settlement Point
Met some friendly dog walkers who suggested a route through this canal development where every home had a boat ramp and private jetty
Lots of new homes possibly with a retirement lifestyle in mind
Flood mitigation works at the end of the canal.
I then walked along the mighty Manning River,only one in NSW remaining wild and un dammed. The sun was still low so no pictures. Will take Tess with me one afternoon on another visit.
This panorama is taken from one of the bridges on Park Street which leads 3k out to Settlement Point and the car ferry to the north shore.
Shades of Truman Show in the pastel coloured newness and sameness of the new housing.
View towards Port Macquarie from the west.
Washed the car (paid for the extreme treatment given the mud) before leaving Port and then fanged down the Pacific HWY for 300+k until taking the wrong turn for the vineyards at Hexham.
They have built a great road which bypasses all the old towns along the way to Cessnock but we took the old road. Greta was an interesting town and we did pass the memorial to the Rothbury Mine massacre- or riot as it is officially termed. The GPS was determined to take us strange roads so we abandoned itand found our way to Deaseys Road and Marsh Estate. Enjoyed a long and informative tasting with Andrew Marsh, son of the original owner and knowledgeable owner.
We have been visiting since 1985 with Dad and Mum and tiny Tim but their wines are expensive so we rarely buy. $400 a case (and they only sell in cases) is the starting price! They were already out of shiraz so we made our excuses - after an hour! - and left with a free bottle he gave us. We do have birthdays coming up:)))))))
About to wander down the hill for a tasting at Scarborough before dropping by Kelman Estate and then dinner with the Wilsons. Should be pleasant.
PS 6 July
Not uploaded at resort. Went across the road and chatted to nice American and signed up to a 2X6 bottles per year club featuring wines we know and like.
Then had a lovely dinner with Col and Leonie
and rose the next morning for the return trip ... via Gartleman's.
Another $250 poorer, we had renewed our membership, bought some win and found the new Hunter expressway to the Pacific HWY. Built for coal trucks of course,as it heads to Newcastle. Heard distant explosions all morning. Shame.
Back here in record time.
Till next trip.........
Met some friendly dog walkers who suggested a route through this canal development where every home had a boat ramp and private jetty
Lots of new homes possibly with a retirement lifestyle in mind
Flood mitigation works at the end of the canal.
I then walked along the mighty Manning River,only one in NSW remaining wild and un dammed. The sun was still low so no pictures. Will take Tess with me one afternoon on another visit.
This panorama is taken from one of the bridges on Park Street which leads 3k out to Settlement Point and the car ferry to the north shore.
Shades of Truman Show in the pastel coloured newness and sameness of the new housing.
View towards Port Macquarie from the west.
Washed the car (paid for the extreme treatment given the mud) before leaving Port and then fanged down the Pacific HWY for 300+k until taking the wrong turn for the vineyards at Hexham.
They have built a great road which bypasses all the old towns along the way to Cessnock but we took the old road. Greta was an interesting town and we did pass the memorial to the Rothbury Mine massacre- or riot as it is officially termed. The GPS was determined to take us strange roads so we abandoned itand found our way to Deaseys Road and Marsh Estate. Enjoyed a long and informative tasting with Andrew Marsh, son of the original owner and knowledgeable owner.
We have been visiting since 1985 with Dad and Mum and tiny Tim but their wines are expensive so we rarely buy. $400 a case (and they only sell in cases) is the starting price! They were already out of shiraz so we made our excuses - after an hour! - and left with a free bottle he gave us. We do have birthdays coming up:)))))))
About to wander down the hill for a tasting at Scarborough before dropping by Kelman Estate and then dinner with the Wilsons. Should be pleasant.
PS 6 July
Not uploaded at resort. Went across the road and chatted to nice American and signed up to a 2X6 bottles per year club featuring wines we know and like.
Then had a lovely dinner with Col and Leonie
and rose the next morning for the return trip ... via Gartleman's.
Another $250 poorer, we had renewed our membership, bought some win and found the new Hunter expressway to the Pacific HWY. Built for coal trucks of course,as it heads to Newcastle. Heard distant explosions all morning. Shame.
Back here in record time.
Till next trip.........
Location:Tuscany Wine Estate
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Dungog and Glocuester
Back to Blogpress after puzzling and failing with Dayone. Hate that program. I'm good with apps but Dayone is just useless.
So here is the entry:
Safely arrived at the Country Lodge after an enjoyable drive north through Dungog, viewed Chichester Dam and then forestry roads and dairy cows till arriving just before 4 here at Gloucester. Snowing on the Tops tonight:)
Barrington Tops NP
Stayed here to see in the new decade .... 1970!
Rose would remember. One hot summer. Cattle yards behind the rooms.
Chichester Dam - worth a look next flood.
So here is the entry:
Safely arrived at the Country Lodge after an enjoyable drive north through Dungog, viewed Chichester Dam and then forestry roads and dairy cows till arriving just before 4 here at Gloucester. Snowing on the Tops tonight:)
Barrington Tops NP
Stayed here to see in the new decade .... 1970!
Rose would remember. One hot summer. Cattle yards behind the rooms.
Chichester Dam - worth a look next flood.
Location:Bucketts Way,Gloucester,Australia
Driving Day
The purpose of our northern NSW excursion was to see Peter and Kathleen in Tamworth. Pete has been battling health issues recently so we set out about 9 from our comfortable motel in Gloucester for Tamworth, via Thunderbolts Way.
Perfect driving weather and spectacular views.
A great roadside stop at the high point on the Way. Views back towards Barrington.
Read for yourself where we are. Thankyou Rotary!
Sad to say but we owe the good roads to the timber industry!
The road passed by Nouendoc, scene of the capture of that crim on the run for 7 years in these mountainous parts.
The altitude is over 1300 metres in places and features that tussock grass found in the Victorian high country. No pictures I'm afraid.
Passed slowly through Nundle (enthusiastic cop apparently) and enjoyed lunch with the relos in Tamworth. Much the same as ever.
No photos I'm afraid but Pete in good spirits. Impressive cochlear implant and his portrait of a famous local artist was fantastic. Tess and Pete talked chemo while I fixed Kate's internet issues. Hope she upgrades her data allowance soon! 2G will not go far in my family:)))
Setting out after 2.30 meant we would arrive at Port in darkness. I was keen to complete the twisty Walcha road in daylight which we managed, avoiding 7 swamp wallabies along the way! Fortunately, they are the sit and watch variety, not the "Quick, lets hop out in front of this car" variety of roo,common elsewhere.
Shared a seafood plate in the restaurant. I was tired.
But woke to this view in the morning!
Now off for a walk.
All my own work - sorry!
Location:Park Street,Port Macquarie,Australia
Gloucester Tops
30 June Continued
After our Barrington visit, we decided to tackle the Gloucester Tops. This meant a descent back down the gravel and onto a windy country road through hilly farmland behind the Buckets.
The first of 6 Fords across the Gloucester River. This is staged for screen on our return!
I was delighted to be able to drive the Rav through some river crossings, even if it was on concrete and only a few inches deep. Any real rain would make them a challenge very quickly. I will add some video later.
The mud sticks like concrete! This is at the end of the road at the Tops.
Fallen timber everywhere along both mountain roads but fortunately Parks staff had sawn paths for us along the way.
View from Gloucester Tops to the south.
We were determined to reach the Falls view lookout but it was hard work!
Iphone not up to this shot but do have some awaiting uploading on the Sony. Sounded more impressive than it looks. In two sections. Track closed to the base due to damage. Worth re-visiting.
- All my own work - sorry!
After our Barrington visit, we decided to tackle the Gloucester Tops. This meant a descent back down the gravel and onto a windy country road through hilly farmland behind the Buckets.
The first of 6 Fords across the Gloucester River. This is staged for screen on our return!
I was delighted to be able to drive the Rav through some river crossings, even if it was on concrete and only a few inches deep. Any real rain would make them a challenge very quickly. I will add some video later.
The mud sticks like concrete! This is at the end of the road at the Tops.
Fallen timber everywhere along both mountain roads but fortunately Parks staff had sawn paths for us along the way.
View from Gloucester Tops to the south.
We were determined to reach the Falls view lookout but it was hard work!
Iphone not up to this shot but do have some awaiting uploading on the Sony. Sounded more impressive than it looks. In two sections. Track closed to the base due to damage. Worth re-visiting.
- All my own work - sorry!
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