Wednesday 13th
After a leisurely morning we caught up with Ross and Rochelle Hewson and daughter Sarah, from NZ. Sarah is racing in the Triathlon on Sunday, unfortunately we will miss her race. It was lovely to spend some time with them all. We had a delicious dinner with them in the evening , after they had been to the Opening Ceremony for the World Triathlon Grand Final.
Thursday morning was a very early start as we had to be out of the caravan park before 6am to avoid all the road closures. We had packed up most things Wednesday evening so that all we had to do was hook up our vehicle and unhook the power. We were on the road just before 6am heading Sydney way.
After a great run we stopped for the afternoon and evening at Diamond Head Campground on Crowdy Bay. (P- we stumbled on this place by accident. We stopped at a little village for a siesta and lunch. I found a hand painted sign that said “beach camping” so we followed yet another narrow goat track and found this awesome place). What a beautiful spot. We camped just 60 metres from the beach on a nice grassed area, with kangaroos grazing around us. After setting up it was off for a walk before dinner. A lovely walk up to a lookout with some amazing wild flowers blooming along the way. The walk wasn’t too long but was a good chance to stretch the legs after a long morning in the car. This would be a lovely spot to come back to and spend some time. There is a great beach and numerous walks around. After sticking the toes in the water and discovering the temperature has dropped quite considerably we decided not to swim, but it looks like a great swimming beach.
Next morning (Friday) we weren’t so rushed to get away so left the campground about 8.30. Today’s destination is Richmond on the outskirts of Sydney. I quite enjoy the drive down the Pacific Highway. It’s quite picturesque and as we bypass Newcastle and cross the Hawkesbury River there are some great views. We hit Sydney traffic just after midday. There is only about 8 kilometres of non freeway that we have to negotiate, so it’s pretty easy and we reach our destination just before 1.30. After lunch and a rest we are off for a walk around town, then down to the local cemetery where we want to check out some grave sites of some of Australia’s first fleet convict/settlers/pioneers. It’s amazing to think that these grave sites are tucked away in a corner of this old cemetery. 
(P-We enjoy and find fascinating the Modern history of our country. The European settlement that we are very fortunate took place (if it didn’t I might have been living somewhere in the United Kingdom!!!!). It’s fascinating to wander the cemetery’s and find the “First Fleeter’s” (arrived 26 Jan 1788) graves then research their history. We also wandered the cemetery’s in the neighbouring town of Windsor and found many more including the ancestors of one of my very good Client and friend’s! (That just makes it more interesting!) I think I may study some of the excellent published research of my families and where they are buried and spend some time wandering around looking for their grave sites in the future).
Saturday, well what do you know, there is a Vintage Machinery Show on here over the weekend!!!!Now it’s Philips turn to tell you all about it…….
(P- I am sure I mentioned the Sydney antique Machinery Club annual rally to Judith —- well maybe she was asleep! She just couldn’t believe how coincidental it was that we were camped just 3 Km away from one of NSW largest Vintage Machinery rally’s! Oh and also the Kenworth Truck annual show and shine ( over 400 “Beasts of the road” on display).
Not to forget my wonderful wife — there was even “fibre craft” there which she had never seen! A vintage rope making machine which she found interesting and was given the rope at the end.
I haven’t informed her yet but I have instructions for her to “take up” this almost forgotten art in my inherited 1958 “ Weekly Times Farmers Handbook” WOW how lucky is she!!!!
“Coincidently” I have found another “activity” close by for tomorrow- I am sure I would have informed Judith of that also ( and she has forgotten!)
Tassie Travellers 