After much checking and packing, we finally left Canberra in
the caravan to explore all there is to see on the way to South Australia and
back. Our plan is to spend the next few months making those big decisions –
e.g. will we stay here one or two days (or maybe more), or will we turn right
or left at this intersection?
Tonight we found a lovely camping spot on the side of the
Murrumbidgee River on the edge of a little town outside Wagga Wagga, named
Oura.
We had the entire place to ourselves
and had we wanted could have lit fires in no less that about 8 different
fireplaces, however we chose to stay indoors as it was quite a chilly
night.
The State of Origin was playing, however without TV reception, Bob had the choice of listening to it on the radio or not at all. He chose the portable radio with the earphones while I caught up with a few podcasts of Richard Fidler who presents a wonderful hour each day chatting to people from all walks of life.
The State of Origin was playing, however without TV reception, Bob had the choice of listening to it on the radio or not at all. He chose the portable radio with the earphones while I caught up with a few podcasts of Richard Fidler who presents a wonderful hour each day chatting to people from all walks of life.
This morning the sunrise was lovely peeking through the
trees as many birds awoke at the same time – thus waking us as well. We took
our time and we walked to the river to admire a huge gum tree with very large
and gnarled roots. This little town seems to have only one industry of a
timbermill and some dairy cattle. We
could see where there had been significant flooding recently as all the fences
had debris stuck to them. I imagine that
where we camped would have been under water back then.
We took quite a leisurely drive through Wagga Wagga and
headed to Narrandera, only about 100 km away.
The Tourist Information Office featured a very large guitar, as well as
some relevant information for us. We always
enjoy walking around a new town, and if there is a self-guided walking tour so
much the better as it gives us a feel for the age of the place, the industries,
the active community groups, the successes or failures of different buildings
and of course some history lessons as well.
We never remember dates after wandering around places, but we can always
remember the place more succinctly if we have “pounded the pavement”.
There were two interesting features, one being a very large fig tree which was subject to a Tree Preservation Order and was planted in 1870.
The second was a beautiful Royal Doulton ceramic fountain gifted to the town in honour of those who gave their lives in the Great War.
There were two interesting features, one being a very large fig tree which was subject to a Tree Preservation Order and was planted in 1870.
The second was a beautiful Royal Doulton ceramic fountain gifted to the town in honour of those who gave their lives in the Great War.
