Geelong
Well, I have arrived back in Geelong. I rang Mark and Michelle earlier to let them know my eta. Michelle rang me back to let me know that Mark was busy and if I'd like to see Geelong from the bay. They arranged to meet me later and took me out on a boat to show me around. We went to the place where we'll be doing a bit of work on the bus and I parked it up. At least now I have the little white car, to be known as LWC from now, to get around in. Started work on the shower and the other stuff on the bus and will probably be doing that for a week or so, then I'll get some sightseeing and fishing done.
Albury
Lots to see and lots to do around here. I spent a fair bit of time looking around the place seeing what there was to discover. I actually got to see a paddle steamer, not going unfortunately. Then I headed over the border to the sister city of Wodonga and had a look around before heading to Beechworth, where Ned Kelly was tried and convicted. Spent a couple of hours looking around and taking in the history of the place. Next stop was Glenrowan, you know the place where Ned was shot and captured, got there a bit late in the day to get into the shows they have there, Which brings me here to Violet Town, a beautiful little country town with two pubs, a dozen or so shops on the main street and not a great deal more at first look but I'm sure there is lot more around the outlying area.
Wagga Wagga
Spent the morning having a look around this town and discovered it is a pleasant mix of old and new. While looking around, I discovered that there is a beach on a bend of the Murrumbidgee. Well, it's called Wagga Beach and it feels like real sand. I stopped at a local market and had a look, bought some fruit and veges. Anyway, onto the next port of call. On the way to Albury, I stopped at the original Ettamogah Pub for a look around.
Japanese Gardens
I spent the morning exploring the Japanese Gardens, such a beautiful and serene place. It is a credit to Mr Ken Nakajima who designed the 5 hectare(12.5 acres) Kaiyushiki(strolling) gardens. It's been designed to represent the entire landscape of Japan and is the largest of its type in the southern hemisphere. There are over 120 different species of plants and has Koi carp in its two lakes. The garden employs three full time gardeners and an apprentice. If you get to Cowra, I would fully recommend spending an hour or four enjoying a walk around the gardens and cultural centre.
Cowra
About 20 km North of Parkes is the Parkes Radio Telescope, affectionately known as The Dish. Very fascinating and well worth stopping to look around. Inside the discovery centre is all the information about the complex and all the roles it has had, and still has, over the years. When I got to Cowra, The Visitor Centre has a display about the breakout from the POW camp, later I went for a ride out for a look. Most of it now is used for farming but some of the remains of the buildings can be seen.
Peak Hill
Got up this morning to a glorius day, had brekky and packed the bus and headed off. Passed through Coonabarabran, Gilgandra and a few other towns. Along the way is what is called The World's Largest Virtual Solar System Drive which has scaled models of the planets and some info about them, you can see more at www.solarsystemdrive.com . It is fascinating stuff and I reckon it would be a good way to break up a trip with kids.
Brisbane to Yelarbon
Well the bus was fully packed and I was ready to leave, though it was hard to say bye to my sister and nephews, but it was time to hit the road again. After a bit of mucking around in Brisbane, I was on the way out of town. Fairly uneventful trip and arrived at Yelarbon Recreation grounds, a community run spot for travellers. Beautiful area, well kept, nice and quiet, great place to stop for the night.
