The first couple of weeks of my journey felt a bit strange, and it took me a while to find the reason. It wasn't that I'm travelling without a definite definition or return date; it was social isolation. I didn't want to contract or convey Covid and as a result I was avoiding all social contact. But a man mowing the grass at the Barmedman Pool stopped for a chat and I really enjoyed it. Also, he put the word on me to visit a cafē in town. I did and a woman there gave me zucchinis out of her garden as well as selling me coffee: country friendship and kindness. The book at Ariah Park for Grey Nomads to record what they spent in town reminded me that the quid pro quo for cheap/free camping is that they put money into local economies. In Narrandera I went to the swimming pool where the guard explained that they don't put the lane ropes out in because they can't stop the kids climbing on them. I also went to the museum, where I had a very long session with the volunteer curator in which we exchanged memories prompted by pieces of historical brick-a-brack. Looking around Narrandera was fun, but I soon set out along Irrigation Way to see the country that had generated the city's prosperity. Leeton, where I spent nights 25-27, was developed as a centre for the irrigation district. Designed by Walter Burley Griffin, it advertises an annual Art-Noveau Festival. I found many factories that process fruit, vegetables and rice: all familiar brand names. The Oasis Caravan Park, a little bit out of town was welcoming. A few elderly people appeared to be living there comfortably, there was a group of young men from the Pacific going through some sort of orientation program, a number of other people who obviously had jobs, and one group of holiday makers. The National Park campsites along the Murrumbidgee were all closed because of recent flooding, so spending nights 28-29 at Gogelderie Weir Park was the best alternative. The Weir itself was quite something.
1 Comment
Ray Wiedmeyer
8/2/2023 02:46:01 pm
Thanks for sharing February's travels. I wonder about the reason for closed down businesses in some of these towns. Has there been the movement of folks to bigger cities from the rural areas because farming has changed?
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AuthorIn mid 2018 I started recording each night I sleep in Bertha: sometimes just for myself, sometimes to share with friends and other travellers. Archives
February 2024
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