We've Been Bush Again

As our planned trip to New Zealand next month has been put on hold until such time as flights are once again permitted, I took last week as holidays and we headed off in the van once again.

We headed off in the same direction as a few weeks ago.  Whereas the rain started at Gulgong last time, this time we left home in nice, gentle rain, which continued as far as Gulgong.

Like last trip we saw some components for the new wind farm at Crudine being transported on trucks.  It must be a huge job getting them all there.

We loved seeing paddocks of bright yellow canola in flower.  A definite sign of spring.  Some crops were towering above the tops of fences.  Such a great season.  There were also lots of wheat, barley and oat crops looking wonderful.

This time, instead of turning left to Dunedoo, we turned right to Coolah for lunch.

It is a lovely little town that we haven't been to for a few years and haven't walked up and down the street for quite a while.

I was hoping that the patchwork shop was still in existence and that, as it was a Wednesday, may even be open. Yes, it still existed, no it wasn't open.  It only opens on a Monday and Thursday.  I had a look in the window and it looked to have a nice selection of fabrics and precuts.  The building was surprisingly large compared to outside appearances.

Their little "Coolah Crafts" shop was open, so I had a peek.  

There were quite a few magazines and craft books for sale, being donated by members.  I was thrilled to find a little treasure.  

From Coolah, we headed on a new road to us.  It is fun to travel different ways for a change.  We travelled through the little town of Binnaway.  We had briefly called in here many years ago, but have little recollection of it.  There is obviously a strong rail history.

We found a little community craft shop and book exchange.  Mick found a couple of books and I found a little embroidery hoop, suitable for a Christmas decoration.  We like to get something from these little shops.

There was also a free camp.  The town is really small, but there were about 20 vans staying there.  On reading Wikicamps, there are hot showers for a small fee, and the amenities block looked to be quite new. There are some powered sites, where you pay $2 for three hours of power.  How good is that.  What a great way to go, just use power for dinner and breakfast.  What a great way to attract people to your small town. 

Along the way to Coonabarabran we saw lots of wattles in bloom and many varieties as well.  They make the countryside so colourful.

Finally, we reached our destination for the day.  Camp Cypress at Baradine.  The home of Scrub Stitchin'.

The reason for this trip dates back to our first Scrub Stitchin' at Baradine in 2018.  Chooky took us on a surprise outing to Dandry Gorge in the Pilliga Scrub to see the Sculptures in the Scrub.  It was a beautiful spot and Mick had also been to have a look while we were stitching.  We both decided that we needed to return to see the wild flowers in the spring, in a good season.  So we waited, and waited, until this year when the season has been extraordinarily good.

More soon.