March 2, 2014
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IT has been a while since I filled you all in on my daily travels and although few words have been written travelling has been extensive — hence the reason why no blog has been posted.
Obviously my trip to Queensland at Christmas time is now just a faded memory and I rely on photos or conversations with family to bring a smile to my face about that trip but since then I have driven into some of the most beautiful country and with recent rains have watched the countryside change like a view through a kaleidoscope.
One of my favourite drives is quite close and I travel this road almost every week — the Pipers Flat Road between Portland and Wallerawang.
This road has always brought a smile to my face and for a quick drive from suburb to suburb you could not ask for a more picturesque landscape.
Another road I like to travel and is quite near is the one to Palmers Oakey.
The last time I was on that road I was heading out to Col Ferguson's property to interview him about the OAM he received.
I must say, although this road is predominantly dirt and before the rain we have just had, it would be one of the best country roads in the district.
I was only about one kilometre along the dirt when I seemed to be greeted by Rosellas and little greenies (what I call the little green parrots that are everywhere in the wild).
They flew along both sides of the car as if they were my guide into the valley.
Cattle meandered along the road, so speed was kept to a minimum, and even though there seemed to be nothing but dry ground and dirt they seemed quite content as they looked for that tiny blade of grass that may have been missed by the drought.
It was quite stunning even in the colour of brown and grey (the trees still showed some greenery) and a trip that I would like to do again very soon so I can see the change in colour after rain.
It is one Sunday drive I would recommend to anyone, especially if you have a four wheel drive — your options will seem endless.
The drive of course was highlighted by the fact the Fergusons are one of the most welcoming families in the district.
Another trip I do regularly is one from home to Blayney.
This is another drive that takes in fascinating landscapes and if you look hard enough quite a lot of heritage.
Often I find myself early enough to do slight detours off the main highway and discover villages that were once thriving towns.
Remnants of these towns are one that tell a story of early Australia and if you stop and close your eyes you can picture just what the streets would have looked like.
I suppose it is like a breath of fresh air when you discover something that is right in front of your face yet just a little to the left.
Next time you are driving somewhere that you have been often, think about taking a road you have never been down — it may just broaden your horizons and you will see a normally mundane trip in a whole new light.
March 23, 2014
Seems I am still having trouble getting this blog completed but I have an update on the road to Palmers Oakey for you — I travelled it on the weekend through to Capertee.
After working a full week and then covering the Lithgow Show I decided to turn off from menial chores (housework that waits until weekends to be done) and do something I really enjoy — go for a drive.
There was a catch though, it was also the perfect opportunity to take my son for a driving lesson — off of the bitumen.
A quick bite to eat for lunch and it was all into the car and off to the Turon via Palmers Oakey.
The landscape had changed dramatically, what was once stagnant waterholes had transformed into running streams and the hillsides were the brightest of green you could wish for.
The road is still good even after the rain and best of all I (and the other kids) survived my sons first real drive on dirt road — it was a little scary in some places but he did ok.
I have taken some photos that I will add to the blog (before and after shots)and once again thoroughly recommend the drive when you have a spare three to four hours — don't forget to stop along the way and appreciate the creeks and river, there are some really good spots to teach kids how to skip stones and, teach them what not to touch in nature — plenty of stinging nettles are around after rain.
Definitely take a picnic and if you look really hard you may happen upon the relics of the Chinese diggings from the days of gold mining along the Turon.
Until next time — Drive safely and extensively!
PS: I will try and write a little sooner in future.