Monday 30th December
Undaunted by heat, bushfires or Brian’s accident requiring 4 stitches in a gash above his right eye, we set off only 21/2 hours later than planned.
Our first stop was for a late lunch, and despite the heat, a famous Denman pie, but the shop was closed over the Christmas period, so we had to be satisfied with provisions purchased from the local IGA.
Fortunately the gift shop, Precious Pieces, and the Newsagency were open and so the “big purchasing” was able to begin. I was thanked sincerely for helping the town.
The silo art at Merriwa took our attention as did the paddock like fairways and greens of the local golf club. See photos attached.
We detoured in Scone, a lovely looking town, to find the Anglican School, the Headmistress of which is a friend of Carolyn’s. We purchased petrol and an ice block (which collapsed in Brian’s lap) at Murrurundi and at the top of the valley stopped to take a photo of this pretty village nestled in the valley.
The Upper Hunter is very dry, with brown fields the norm. I wonder how the horse breeders are getting on as I haven't seen any grass on which the horses can feed.
The first motel we tried in Quirindi was booked out by firies, but there was plenty of room at Henry’s and I was pleased to be able to support the non-profit organisation that runs it, as all profits are used for aged care in Qurindi.
We dined, with the other intrepid traveller, Bill and Jill and Herb and Jessie, at Graze, Willow Tree, which probably would be the best dinner of the trip. Certainly the restaurant was very pleasant, the company convivial as we all got to know each other and our beef was OK.
Jill shared a fantastic photo of a "tyred" Christmas tree we saw on the way to the restaurant. It seemed such a symbol of hope in this drought-striken environment.
