Monday 7 March 2022

A Weekend Away - Thursday

As planned, we headed off on Thursday for a long weekend away with our caravan, travelling all the way to Wellington, about two hours up the road from home.  It took us five hours to get there, as we stopped in Orange to have a poke around and delicious morning tea of coffee and cake - our weakness.
We then had a poke around Molong as well.  That is the beauty of these weekends, rather than just driving straight through on our way to somewhere further afield, we can have a nice look around places closer to home.

As we neared Wellington, we called in to the Wellington Caves complex.  

We have stayed at the caravan park here on a few occasions with a group of people.  It was always a good choice, as you could bring your tent (that was us), your caravan, or stay in a motel room.  We had some great nights with big camp oven cook ups.  I had been through the Phosphate Mine on one of those occasions, but it is many, many years since we have visited the actual cave.

Firstly, we popped into the visitors centre.  I forgot to take a photo, but it is a nice, modern, new building.  Very different to the older kiosk, which is rather cute.  The times are a changing.

Our plan was to find out what time tours are, so that we could come back the following day and go on a cave tour.  Something we haven't done for a very long time.

While we were there, we had a look through the new centre telling all about the fossils found in the area.  The main one featured is the Diprotodon.
There has always been a model of one outside the caves.  It has moved location, but was still there.  The plan was to take more photos the next day.

We then visited the Japanese Gardens within the complex.  We had visited here when we came with our group of friends, although that is some years ago.
The gardens have changed a bit since our last visit.  Under all those small trees there is a nice rocky feature, but it is nearly impossible to see now.
The pond is still nice and peaceful, with lots of large koi carp.  However, you couldn't stand near the edge of the pagoda overlooking the lake, as it is roped off, due to the floor needing replacing.
Mick is standing on a very low concrete bridge.  Last time we were here, there was a lovely red arched bridge.  I have a really nice photo of Mick standing on it.......somewhere.
Among all the greenery, there was this one branch on the Japanese Maple that has already changed colour.
The entrance gates are lovely, but from the outside, there are lots of COVID and safety notices that somewhat detract from the overall effect.

Overall, although they are still lovely, the gardens are looking a little neglected and overgrown. It was sad to see the red bridge no longer there, as it was a real feature. I hope they will get the attention they need, although it looks like the red bridge will never be replaced. 
When we went back over to the van to have our lunch, some movement on the ground caught my eye.  This trapdoor spider sat and posed as I took its photo.  The hole is about an inch in diameter.  No, I didn't get down close.  Zoom is a wonderful thing.

Our next stop was to check into the caravan park.  Fortunately, we had booked, as all the powered sites and cabins were fully booked.
The sites were lovely and grassy, as well as being nice and roomy, both in width and length.  
The view from the back of the van was overlooking the Macquarie River and the beautiful old railway bridge, which is still in use.
And looking the other way.  Such a nice outlook.
There are three goats down by the river.  These two were very friendly, particularly the white one, despite the long horns.
This one stood back and was a bit more reserved.

We ended our day just relaxing at the van.  The couple in the van next to us, along with their little pug dog, were really nice, so we had quite a chat with them.  

It was a very laid back day to start our weekend.


7 comments:

Susan said...

I always enjoy your travelogues - I have been to Molong - for a visit in my early to mid teens I think - for a true city girl - it was "different" that is for sure - staying on a farm.
hope the rest of the weekend went well too.

Maria said...

A great weekend enjoying visiting lots of interesting place..

Gail said...

These little trips away are so fun! I'm glad you had a terrific time!

loulee said...

Looks like the start of one of your great weekends away.

Fiona said...

lovely trip... you reminded me to visit our Japanese Gardens soon when they get some Autumn in...
Hugz

Jenny said...

Lots of interesting things to see, the museum in particular. You can keep the big scary spider though!

kiwikid said...

Had to laugh at the spider posing for you! Great day away.