Wed, 11th November, 2015 Morley’s Creek RV Stop, Gundagai (exploring Gundagai)

Remembrance Day – Thinking of those who kept our Australia safe so we can be doing what we want today.

Rain early this morning, now cool and overcast. Back into jeans and jumper – need clothes for all seasons in one day down here!!

The sun is trying to peer through the clouds. The sheep have snuck in for the greener grass.

The ducks are on the other side of the van.

Headed into town to the dump point which is at the old railway station, built in 1886. It is the longest timber railway station in NSW. It is closed today.

Where they had to cut through the hill to put the road in.

Onto the platform for a photo of the railway track and the cutting just as the rain starts again.

Stopped at the historical bridges, built in 1867 and over 800m long.  Took photos through the window as it is still raining.

Then did a dash to the sign on the bridge. A bit wonky now.

The railway bridge.

Back down Sheridan Street (reminds us of home) and in the park near the Info Centre were statues of Dad & Dave and Mum & Mabel.

Into the Info Centre – great old photo of the railway bridge.

Chatted with the ladies about the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and what was happening in town this weekend. Museum’s and the Pool’s 50^th anniversary, big race horse meeting, the Snake Gully Cup and the markets.

Went in to view a magnificent marble creation by the chap who made the Dog on the Tuckerbox, Frank Rusconi. He was a monumental mason and built 20,948 hand cut, turned and polished pieces of NSW marble to showcase the beauty of the State’s marble. It is amazing. It took him 28 years to complete, starting in 1910. He made all the pieces before putting it all together in 1938 without a plan of any kind.

The front door contains 41 inlaid pieces – so fine delicate work.

He lost the sight in one eye at the end but still finished it and then went on and made another creation, a cathedral, with only the use of one eye.

Frank Rusconi, working on a monument in a cemetery.

There were also displays of different rocks – some Gundagai marble.

An ‘Old Fashioned Shack’ representing Gundagai in Song built by the members of the Mens Shed.

Photos of the Murrumbidgee River in flood in 1974.

An aerial shot showing the bridges over the Murrumbidgee.

Stopped at Woolies to top up the fresh vegies etc – on our diet!! Had to sit for a while as the heavens opened when we came out.

The rain has stopped and the sky is clearing so went for a drive around. Onto the flood plain and under the railway then the Prince Alfred bridge towards the showgrounds and race course which is across the creek from where we are camped. A sign says ‘Welcome to Gundagai – The Premier Horse Town’.

Looking back at Mt Parnassus which has a lookout at the top.

Then across the flood plain to the Murrumbidgee lined by trees and the hills.

In the middle of the floodplain was a cairn for the site of the old school as Gundagai was first situated on the flood plains in 1838. After being washed away a couple of times in floods they moved the town up onto the hillsides after another big flood in 1853.

Down the road to meet the other end of Prince Alfred bridge where it crosses over the Murrumbidgee.

Past the Old Bridge Inn.

Up to the Rotary Lookout (330m elevation). The sign could do with an update.

Wonderful view from here even though it is overcast – at least it isn’t raining anymore.

Zoomed in on where we are camping, our van is hidden behind the trees.

Looking down on Prince Alfred bridge where the road rejoins it to cross the river.

Back down to the river to check out the rail bridge over the river which is flowing fast.

In the middle of the golf course was this monument. It is the site of the first building in Gundagai, ‘The Rose Inn’, erected by C Norman. The hotel survived the great flood of 1852, when Thomas Lindley was proprietor but his wife and four children perished in the disaster.

Interesting looking home as we head back to the van.

The sky is clearing and it has warmed up. Two more vans have moved in beside us. Met Jan and David from Mt Dandenong area in Victoria. Checked out her van as it was an American import and chatted generally. Went back to my blog then joined them for drinks later. Had a wonderful time chatting and David got out his guitar and entertained us with some great songs with funny lyrics. He used to play in clubs etc in his younger days. As the sun started to set the temperature dropped so we decided to get a fire going. I had put on a big pot of sweet curried sausages so I fried up some vegies and we all shared dinner around the fire. David continued with the guitar and singing, which we enjoyed and I had fun joining in too.

Some stars were out but it was still hazy though that made the satellites stand out as they passed overhead. Two possums wandered around the big tree nibbling on the leaves. I had put out the vegie scraps but they didn’t come down for them.

Lovely night – it is wonderful how easy it is to make new friends while travelling. Will look forward to catching up with Jan and David again in the future.