We Had Visitors - Part 2

After the car races Tony, Lou and I headed off on another road trip.  Unfortunately, Mick couldn't escape from work this time.

Our destination was to visit Chookyblue.

Chooky suggested that on our way we call in to the recently opened Royal Flying Doctor Service Visitor Centre located at the Dubbo Airport.  

I didn't even know it existed, so was keen to have a look.  It was fascinating, and we could have spent quite a bit more time there.

While we were there, Mike Whitney was filming an episode of Sydney Weekender.  I found the episode here.  We're famous.  See if you can spot us.

We enjoyed an early morning tea in the on site cafe.  Rather decadent.

I want to visit again so that Mick can see it all too.

As we continued on our way, we quickly visited the little town of Gulargambone with its fun murals.

I don't remember the row of old shops being so colourful on previous visits.

Chooky's next recommendation was for us to visit the Outback Arts Gallery in Coonamble.

There was one display which was a room fully lined with quilts and bunting.

I love this quilt made from the cuffs of men's flannelette shirts.  Each one  was buttoned to the next, with the existing buttons and buttonholes.  Too clever.

"Snug" was the perfect description.

As can be expected the landscape on our trip was extremely dry.

This became more apparent once we left the main roads, as there was usually some vegetation on the roadside verges. 

 

When you were driving through paddocks with no roadside fences you realised how bad it really is.  Thank goodness for ground water and  hand feeding.  Most importantly, resilient and tough people.

On the upside, we had a beautiful sunset and there were no dust storms during our visit.

It was wonderful to stay a couple of nights with Chooky and Mr Chooky.  Miss Jules and Mr Jules came over for dinner one night as well, which is always fun.

I know that meeting Chooky was a highlight of Lou's trip. Staying on a working outback property was also an experience I know both Tony and Lou enjoyed.  On our full day out there, us girls went to town and did girly things, like have lunch in a delightful cafe/gift/homewares store.  You may be a long way from the big smoke, but it doesn't mean you can't play ladies.  While we were doing that, Mr Chooky took Tony on a working day, feeding stock.  I think we got the better deal.

All too soon, it was time to head back to our place.

We made a detour to have a look at Burrendong Dam.  It's level was at 4% at that stage (mid October), it is now down to 3% and falling.

One final activity had to be ticked off the wish list when we returned to Bathurst.  Tony was able to drive around the Mount Panorama race circuit.  This was the first opportunity there was, as the track had been closed to the public for the rest of their visit.  I think he was one happy chappy at the end of that exercise.

And that brought their visit to an end.  It was sad to send them on their way home.  They were an absolute delight to have stay.  We were so pleased to have them visit, as we have visited them on several occasions.

I wonder how long it will be until we can catch up in person again.  Not too long I hope.