G’day, G’day, how ya goin’
(02/23)
Guess what? We made it to Kempsey – famous for the Slim Dusty Centre. Well, it’s probably famous for more than that but, for me, that was the reason for our visit. Some of you may be surprised to know that I am a bit of a country music fan. Others may know too well!
Once again, set-up of the Jayco Lark went pretty smoothly at the Kempsey Showgrounds except for the rain (and more rain and some wind thrown in just for good measure). Lesson #2121 - learnt how to read the BOM (Bureau of meteorology site). I think it’s a bit fictional to be honest. The radar kept saying there was no rain showing overhead but it was pelting down …. Who knows? We did have the bed flys up and nothing got wet so I guess that’s got to be considered a big WIN. We did bring the portaloo inside this trip because it was a bit of a walk to the amenities in the rain and mud and we don’t have gum boots with us (perhaps that’s an idea). It wasn’t really worth setting up the ensuite tent because it probably would have blown away – good look!
It was more a case of “When the rain tumbles down in February – not July”. I guess it could have been worse, we could have had to stand in the bar of a pub with no beer. There would have been nothing so lonesome, morbid or dreer!
The Slim Dusty Centre didn’t disappoint; however, I think they could really benefit from a karaoke machine to let the fans have a bit of a singalong to their favourite Slim Dusty song. Mine would definitely be “Leave Him in the Long Yard”. What about you, what’s your favourite Slim Dusty song?
I definitely came away thinking, “This old man was country, he left no doubt of that.”
These days, we spend so much time worrying about caravan weights, ball weights, GTM, GCM, ATM, GVM, kerb weight etc. etc. I’m not sure Slim and his entourage worried too much about that when he towed his caravan around Australia with ‘Old Purple’. I’m sure they took more than five outfits to keep the weight down and only 3 pair of shoes (thongs, runners and one other pair).
On our way to South West Rocks, we discovered a little town called Gladstone (NSW) which is nestled on the Macleay River. They have some beautifully preserved buildings, boutiques, heritage hotel and cafes. Very quaint little village.
I had been to South West Rocks quite a number of years ago and again, the views and beaches didn’t disappoint. See the photos – as the saying goes, a picture paints a thousand words.
We took the tour of the Trial Bay Gaol at South West Rocks and I may be wrong but I really feel it was probably a big waste of Government money! It took 13 years to build and I think was only operational for approximately 17 years. It opened in 1886, with prisoners there to build a break-water which was spectacularly unsuccessful and then it was utilised as an internment camp for people of German descent during WW1. From a real estate perspective it is certainly all about Location, Location, Location! Views to die for.
After we packed up at Kempsey we were keen to get to the sunshine to ensure everything dried out so we stopped on the coast at Old Bar (north of Forster and south of Port Macquarie) for a few days. Such beautiful beaches and perfect weather at least until the night before we had to pack up. We stayed at Lani’s on the Beach caravan park which is right on the ocean.
We went to Manning Point and found a really cute little café/restaurant – right on the water where you could see the fish swimming in the water below. Another spot was Wallabi Point and Salt Water National Park – a great little swimming spot.
However, we have had a crisis! My electric bike has stopped working. We suspect it got wet in Kempsey and it has taken on a mind of it’s own like in “I, Robot.” We have pulled it apart and are hoping for the best.
Next stop – Hunter Valley.
On a side note, I had forgotten that I would still need to wash clothes, towels and sheets! A bit trickier than doing it at home. I notice other more experienced grey nomads have proper pop-up washing baskets and proper peg holders. I have a couple of Coles bags and a plastic bag of pegs which I have to sit on the ground or juggle over one arm. That must be Lesson #2122 #traineegreynomads
