Thurs, 2nd Oct, 2014 Sofala (Bathurst – dentist & Mt Panorama)

Another lovely day beginning after we warmed ourselves in the sun (4 degrees at 6.30am).  I don’t need to buy a hair straightener as the cold down here has done a great job flattening it. Texted Kayleigh to wish her a Happy Birthday. Found the kookaburra’s nest in the tree nearby – mum, dad and 2 kids – didn’t hang round for a photo though.

Headed into Bathurst for Steve’s dentist appointment and I organised to give whole blood as they had a mobile unit at McDonalds. Great view over the farm land from top of range as we left Wattle Flat. Steep wind down (I did this the other day!!), 950m to 700m in 3 kms.

First view of Mount Panorama sign.

Went into Bunnings to get replacement gas bottle and the chap saw the metal detector and had great delight in showing us hi finds – 1 oz nuggets etc. Got them from northern end of Lake Burrendong (near Wellington) – so will mark that on the map for next time. Had a cuppa at McDonalds so I could try their internet – so so slow so won’t bother with that. Lovely dentist did a great job making Steve’s front tooth look normal again. Now he has to find more gold to pay for it!! I got my 25^th Donation badge from the Blood Bank and the scales weren’t too bad – same as I was when we left!!

Did a lap around Mount Panorama. Starting on Pit Straight.

I was driving and got pole position!!

Where we usually sit on the hill on Sunday for the Great Race.

Our camping area in behind the pits and not far from Louis etc.

Up Mountain Straight – the photos don’t do justice to the incline. We will walk it too when we set up camp there.

Looking across to the Mount Panorama sign made out of rocks on the side of the mountain.

The plaque at the top picnic area opposite MacPhillamy Park.

Through Skyline and looking back to the Pits and over Bathurst.

Down through the Esses – I was going 30km/hr!!! and that was scary.

Round Forest Elbow and onto Conrod Straight over the hump.

Round the Chase and past the big hotel.

Didn’t pull into the pits.

Round Murray’s Corner back onto Pit Straight and I won the race!!!

Up the outer road to MacPhillamy Park for lunch. The Splashdown trucks were there dropping off the toilets and I spotted Kevin (met him over the years with Louis). Had a great chat. Decided to another lap of the track with the video camera so 8 mins later we completed it!! They do it in 2 mins or so!!!

Back on the road to Sofala again and up the range to Wattle Flat.

Stopped at the cemetery so I could check my emails and do our Induction for the V8s volunteering.

Stopped in on Sam and his wife Hayley (met further up the river yesterday) as they had moved to Ration Point. Lovely couple – keen to go to the race too so will give them our free tickets.

New neighbours moving in – not very chatty – just laid out their tent, pegged it and left!! Got the fire going for camp oven roast chicken pieces and vegies – yum yum – Steve can cook all the time!!