Wed, 15th Oct, 2014 Bethungra Dam to Bowna

Cold morning as the sky had cleared but the wind was still blowing well. My clothes hadn’t fallen off the line so with a bit of sunshine now the jeans and jumpers should dry well.

I worked on my blog so was still in my PJs when Steve came in for coffee.

Went for a wander to the dam, we could see the dam wall at the end – it is only a small dam and suffers from blue green algae so you can use the water for anything here.

Packed up and was back on the road at 11.30am. They don’t like foxes here – one left to scare off the other ones I suppose!!

Found a keg letterbox near the viaduct under the railway line.

Through Bethungra, a small town with a pub (just been sold) and three churches all made out of homemade looking bricks. Will have to investigate next time. Didn’t even get the camera out!!! Into flatter open grazing country and silos etc for grain.

Very big silo at Illabo.

Onto Junee which is a historical railway town – to investigate next time too. Saw a sign for Monte Cristo Historical Homestead and Junee Liquorice and Chocolate Factory – that should be interesting. As we crested the hill leaving Junee had a lovely view over the pasture and crop lands.

Further on went over a very long bridge that went over the Murrumbidgee River and flood plain as we entered Wagga Wagga.

Had lunch just out of town in a small park so I could get good reception and upload to my blog.

Through to The Rock (that’s the town’s name) – which is a big rock looking hill. There is a Reserve here so will check that out on the way back. It is home to a famous bull used in Rodeos (or so a sign said as we entered town).

Jon rang with a work issue so we pulled over. Two vans pulled up to check we were ok – I waved them on and noticed they were Queenslanders. Thanks.

Lots of interesting places to explore along the way – Henty is famous for the Header – to do with harvesting grain etc.

We travelled beside the train line along way trying to work out what was on this train. Steel rolled up and there were other big flat sheets being pulled by three engines.

Turned back up the Hume Highway to find our camp for the night near a creek outside of  Bowna. Lovely purple fields.

 Not sure if the fields are just these weeds.

Rest area is nothing much but it is peaceful and we can have a fire.

Went for a walk to check out the creek, flowing but full of reeds and weeping willows. There was an ugly hairless bull as we drove in but he was laying down as we walked by so we couldn’t get a good look at him. Will have to check it out tomorrow to see exactly what it is. They had these lovely trees along their entrance.

I finished my blog uploading while Steve built the fire. Rang Mum and Dad for their news. Thanked them for our warm flannelette sheets, the heater and our new stable tables. 

Mum said Anita’s husband Brian’s mother, Bessie, passed away aged 93. Dad thinks Jeff Smith (from BSES days) passed away too but he will check with David LeBrocq. Otherwise all good at home.

Rang Anita, glad all is well and Bessie had a nice funeral and is at peace now. Good on Brian for walking the Kokoda Trail.

Made some tea and went out by the fire. The stable tables worked a treat - even have a light. 

Rang Rick and Kaylene and got Emma. Rick was home so had a good chat. Kaylene was out at Jacinta’s again which was good. Kaylene’s dad, Bill, still not doing too well. We will see him in November.

Rang Judy to see how Johnno is going – glad to hear things are happening to help him. Great to catch up with her.

The cool air was beating the fire warmth so time to go into the van.