Saturday 16^th June

A day to take the leisurely drive to Hay – it is about 175 km from Narrandera. The landscape is very flat, however we passed through a cotton growing region, where the round bales were very neatly packed in in a bright yellow cover, which I estimate would have been at least 3 metres high.

After settling into our camp spot at the Hay Showgrounds we rode our bikes into town to gain an appreciation of the size of Hay and to take a trip along the Hay Nature Walk track.  Here we found 3 beautiful stainless steel sculptures, and one I particularly liked so am posting it here.

This is named "Lang's Crossing"  and is an interpretation of the three stages in the historical development of the Murrumbidgee River here in Hay. It depicts a cross section through the river.  At the lowest level, wheel tracks on the river bed represent the earliest crossing by ford at a point just downstream from this location.  In times of flooding crossing was unreliable.  Above that is a representation of the punt that was later brought into service as a safer and more convenient means of transporting people and goods across the river.  Ultimately, a bridge soars clear over the water, making its crossing independent of the vagaries of the river itself.

The Showground was hosting a Merino sheep show, so Bob wandered down to have a look.  He said everyone was wearing the traditional “cocky uniform”, i.e. the moleskins, long-sleeve blue shirt, tie , hat and RM Williams boots.  By that time of the day there was quite a bit of beer and champagne swilling and the local CWA were selling cakes and craft – so typical of a country town!!