Tumut & Roving Trip Oct 2024

  2 vans arrived at Oberon only to find out 1 couple ( who shall rename nameless ) didn't have their vans keys. There is a spare set in the van. What to do ???? After numerous calls to locksmiths they made there way to Bathurst, where a very nice locksmith, after some time, was able to get into their van. Spare keys retreived from inside and back they travelled to Oberon, wherre we decided to set up camp at the showground. A very welcomed Happy Hour was had.

      Next day trip to Oberon Dam, Reef Reserve, the lake and town. Friday we had to vacate the showground due to priior bookings and decided to head towards Goulburn. Rain and heavy fog set in so bad we had to pull up at Black Springs Reserve, which we almost missedwith the fog. Hail and more rain fell overnight so we stayed another day and read, played games amd relaxed. Rain finally over and the next day we moved on, stoping at Taralga and Goulburn before setting up camp at Gunnung Showground. The next day, Bev, our final member arrived so walked into town and had a beautiful lunch at the pub.

      Bev had been at Tumut for the State Rally where she reports was excellent. 84 vans from different clubs. Weather beautiful and for Happy Hour we meet outside the camp kitchen where we are entertained by Chris, singing 60's, 70's. Rotary are also there and cooking up sausages for us to enjoy. Good no cooking tonight. Very enjoyable afternoon catching up with people you only see at these rallys.

      Through the night it poured, must have been same storm as other experienced at Black Springs Reserve. Was suppose to be the Disc Bowls Competition this morning, too wet so moved to Saturday at 9.30 am. That afternoon about 3.30 thunder, rain and wind picked up. Next thing the power is out. When it ease, abou 4.45, I go up to see where Chris ( he is performing again ) is. He has set up inside the camp kitchen but with no power carn't play. Happy Hour most had in their van.

      Saturday see rain gone but overcast. Disc Bowls is set up then the 12 teams start playing. Mick and I are up against Summerland Caravan Club. After 3 ends no score from us. The 4th end we get a couple - final end we down 3 - 4. Guess what we win. Next club is Adra, we feeling confident when it comes over microphone that the players have never played before. Mick and I look at each other and I say "Think we are in trouble" Correct they beat us. They actually went on to play in the final when they received Runner Up. Congratulations.

      In the afternoon we had games of Golf, Quoits, Frisbee through hoops, Javlin Throw with pool noodle and more. Each team had 6 and was a lot of fun. That night most went to Tumut Bowling Club for a delicious meal.

 Sunday was an easy day with most sight seeing and we ended with Happy Hour and Chris playing. Avery good and relaxed State Rally.

      I meet up with the others at Gunning Showground. Luckily we have a rest day as one of us had to visit an Optometrist in Goulburn to have 5 pesky eyelashes pulled out. They had been rubbing on the eye and making it red and sore. Better now.

      Next day off to Yass for walk the town and morning tea. Op shops were visited where  even I bought a nice grey jacket. Onto Bowning Recreation Ground for the night. New toilets too. We walk up town which is very very quiet, nearly a ghost town.

       On the move again with 1st stop Boorawa and morning tea in the park. Onto Cowra where we camp opposite the Infomation Centre. Usual activities with walk into town and see Peace Bell. Then rose garden and as McDonald's right there Ice Cream. The 30cents cones are now $1.10 but Sunday's are $5.20....Expensive. In the morning pack up vans and move out to Japanese Gardens. Still gorgeous. POW Camp for a moving visit and just down the road is a painted water tower. 

    Carcoar Dam is home for the night after a visit into the town. Another very very quiet place. Heaps campers at the dam and once again very hard to find a flat spot. Amenities have been done up but still cold showers. Cold late afternoon so short Happy Hour and cool night.

      Trev has a mate who lives at Bathurst so into free camp which is at the skate park and they are able to catch up. It is Saturday therefore heaps kids on skate boards, scooters, bikes and roller skates having fun. Ages 1 to a couple guys in their 30's. Not once did I see them on their mobile phone, they just having fun.

      Back on the road and into Lake Wallace - What A Find - Huge flat grassed areas, plenty of room around the large lake. Toilets and hot showers, garbage bins and a dump point. All the essentials we need. Took a walk, plenty vans, motorhomes and tents but plenty of room. Late happy hour and nice and warm.

      Woke at 4.30 am, looked at tempeerature - 5 degrees...Brrr. By the  time we packed up was beautiful and warm. Toot stop for Allie at Capertee. Toot has mural of Regent Honey Eater and bird singing while you do your business. Onto Mudgee Showground. Hasn't that improved, new toilets, hot showers, laundry and a camp kitchen and only gone up $2.00 since stayed there in 2019. Bacon and Eggs for brekky - Yummy.

      On way home stopped at Merriwa Bakery for lunch and walked the town. Jerrys Plain for our last night of the trip. Naturally a long happy hour solving problems of the world.

       Our last stop together was morning tea at Broke. Great trip.

Report by Sue & Bev