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But, minor hiccup really and we were back on the road inside an hour. Our first day’s travel was just about travel - we had a 1 night stopover at Armidale to break the trip. We made a special night of it though, and had a lovely stay at one of Armidale’s heritage spots, Cotswald Gardens Motel. The main building houses a beautifully restored restaurant and the food and ambience matched perfectly.
We travelled then through the beautiful New England Tableland - this time of year all the trees are flush with spring growth, blooming wattle everywhere, and the most amazing flats and rolling hills - down to the little town of Gloucester, where we spent the next 3 days camped in a motel with an outstanding view of the nearby ‘buckets’ - high peaks which are part of Barrington Tops National Park.
On our very first morning, luck was with us in the search for Noels’ early settler family history, we were in the Historic Museum checking out some original family photos 
As it happened one of the other visitors caught this and asked were we Farleys? It turned out that she has a direct connection to Noel through a shared great-grandparent, and she had only popped in to the museum to buy a souvenir tea-towel, 5 minutes either way and we would have missed her.That night we had dinner with Dorothy and her brother, amid much digging out of photos and family tales. Dorothy was also able to put us in touch with Margaret, another sister who lived about an hour away, on our route home.
On one of our day trips, we spotted an old historic cemetery, one that was not on our list, miles from anywhere, on a deserted stretch of road, so we pulled in to take a look. As we went through the gate, would you believe it, another 3 cars pulled up, 2 of them 4WDs, and a whole bunch of people piled out. It was like this pretty much wherever we went. Bloody tourists!
It was a great trip though, and when I have sorted through the hundreds of photos I took, I should have some bits and pieces to share.
It was a great trip though, and when I have sorted through the hundreds of photos I took, I should have some bits and pieces to share.
Our last night was another trip-breaker, we drove to just north of Coffs Harbour to spend the night at The Lorikeet Tourist Park at Arrawarra that had been highly recommended.
I have to say I agree, easily the best of it’s kind we have seen. It was a shame that it was raining, this was the first rain we had seen, and of course it is welcome, but we didn’t get the full effect of the park surroundings as we had to leave early next morning.
We did get to walk down to the beach, and I got a few rainy shots of the ducks at the pond right outside our cabin door. We will go back!
10 Comments
Seems like you had luck on your side a few times during your trip, Della, but all worked out well. Looks like a lovely part of the world, which we must get to when hubby retires and we can do extended trips around Australia. Thanks for all the info and lovely photos!
Well, I really enjoyed a bit of computer-chair travel with you on that trip. A very special one too, because of of the family history you dug up on the way. We always like to travel with a purpose too, and have been tickled to turn up photos of a couple of ancestors on regional museum walls.
What an amazing thing to find family like that Noel must have been very excited for sure. fate or devine intervention it was a great part of your trip that is for sure.
I will be back to read more and enjoy your day. I thank you for the coments left on my post about family and will look forward to reading more about yours.
Adelaide to Queensland is a long way but being an Adelaide girl and once living in Queensland I have done that. I will be thinking about you in Nov. when they arrive.
Lee-ann
What a lovely holiday you had Della! How lucky you were to run into Dorothy in the museum. Definitely the hand of fate there.
We lived in Soldiers Point in the Port Stephens area between 80 and 83 before returning to this country. You weren't too far away from that area while on your trip.
Sounds like you visited some very interesting places. What fun!
Nice to see the pictures too.
The New England Tablelands are beautiful aren't they?
What luck that you met Noel's distant relative. Of course, there is no such thing as coincidence! You were meant to meet at that time.
Glad you had such a lovely trip.
Keep well.
Lovely pitures. I enjoyed seeing them.
Janice~
Great photo's looks like you had a wonderful holiday and for Noel to find (see)those photo's of his ancestors makes your holiday more special
Della,
It sounds as if you had a great holiday.
That meeting in the museum really does give you pause to reflect on fate and /or destiny doesn't it?
Nice of you to share.
rel
I wonder why I've now got 'itchy' feet! It's all your fault, Della! ;)
hello from across the ditch !!! It looks like a great time was had by all. Makes me want to swim across the ditch and see it all with my own eyes.
I will mention your blog @ #477 on my blog 21 21 21 Blogs as your blog is worth sharing.
If you did want me to link me, it is easier via my profile number than by blog.
Thank you.
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