Saturday 25 September 2021

ENTERTAINMENT WHILST ON THE ROAD

 

So the decision has been made, it is time for a holiday. 

Check the caravan; make sure the water tanks are topped up and the gas cylinders are full.

Throw some clothes in and stock up the cupboards and fridge.

Now you are ready to hook up and hit the road.

But:

what do you take for entertainment and enjoyment?

For sitting inside the caravan on those cold wet days, people often get out the board games. Or perhaps a deck of cards. 

The television is always a good stand by, but often the choice of programs leaves a lot to be desired. Making sure a few DVD's are included in the  holiday packing is a must, just in case the choice of station to settle on is causing too much angst. Now if I can be honest here, I get very frustrated when hubby constantly flicks through all the channels looking for something to watch.

But what else do people use for a bit of entertainment and fun.

I often see bikes attached to the back of caravans. Actually we did see one on the side of a major highway, and believe me that bike was in no fit state to ever carry another person. How sad if the caravanners never knew that the bike and caravan had parted company, until they arrived at their destination.We have a couple of fold up bikes which can fit in the back of our tow vehicle. But I do admit that my balance on the bike, and my body are not coordinating. So if you ever see me wobbling along a bike track, please get out of the way. 

It is probably safer for everyone if the bikes stay home in the shed.

Fishing rods, and even the odd tinny are also items that keep holiday makers entertained. And a feed of fresh fish can often be an added bonus.

Cameras also seem to be a must have for many people. The photos that I have seen which have been shared on various web pages are stunning. Those photos are such a good advertisement for our amazing country. But even the modern smart phone takes a fabulous photo, and the bonus is that quite often they will just fit in your pocket. 

It also appears that there are some travellers who have purchased drones and have embraced the growing hobby of drone  photos and videos. And yes, I am one of them.

A drone will put such a different perspective on your travel photography. But believe me,  they are a very steep learning curve. You will need to learn all the controls required to manage the path of your drone and then the controls required to take a decent photo or video. Many photos and videos are now languishing in my digital rubbish bin. And then there are the rules that you need to be aware of.

A chat with a fellow wanderer is a great way to fill in an evening and there is always a possibility that you will obtain some useful information.

But all in all there are many ways we keep ourselves entertained and occupied when we are travelling throughout our great land. 

So keep chatting to people along the way, and please keep sharing those awesome photos.

Travel safe and be happy 

🚙🚙🚙🚙🚙

Drone photo near my home


 


Friday 3 September 2021

DUNOLLY , A SMALL TOWN IN CENTRAL VICTORIA

DUNOLLY - A SMALL TOWN OVERFLOWING WITH HISTORY 


The past year has presented a huge logistical challenge to many travellers. It has been quite difficult to plan any holiday. So if at all possible, a spur of the moment pack up and go, can be the only plan needed.  It does not have to be very far, you are just grateful for a change of scenery . So we threw some clothes in the van, grabbed some food from the cupboards and freezer and  away we went, about three quarters of an hour from home. 

Dunolly is a small town situated in Victoria's Golden Triangle, surrounded by farming land  and the tall black trunks of the iron bark trees. The old buildings throughout the town  are testament to the value of gold which was discovered in the region . It is a town that was witness to many people trying to find their fortune. Yes, it grew very quickly thanks to the gold rush. And I guess that many left the town with no wealth to speak of.

http://www.dunolly.com.au/

 Gold is a very elusive mineral. And  modern day prospectors still return, all chasing that life changing nugget.  It is quite common to see a  4WD parked in amongst the gum trees, with its owner with head down and oblivious to their surroundings. 




When we visit Dunolly we park the caravan at The Dunolly Caravan Park.The amenities are clean and the people are friendly. And you may catch a glimpse of the spoonbills that visit the lake.  It is a very easy walk to the main street so if a meal at the local pub  is what you desire then you do not even need to start the car, just put on some comfy shoes and wander up the road. The main topic of conversation throughout the park focuses on prospecting. Whether it be the type of detector that one uses or the amount of rubbish you have collected from the bush. It is quite interesting to see the days spoils when the prospectors return. And there are always tips and tricks to be given to the newbies.



http://www.dunollycaravanpark.com.au

this old trowel made quite a bit of noise 










A  visit to the Dunolly Bakery is a must to grab some fresh bread, a scrumptious treat or hot coffee. A town is often rated by it's bakery so Dunolly rates quite high up on the scale.

If you decide to have a break from detecting then there is a plethora of historical sites to visit. And a surprise to us was the heritage listed Cork Tree which throws a shadow on  the railway station.


A drive will often surprise you with the discovery
of an old building


https://www.facebook.com/DunollyCorkTree/






            The Welcome Stranger monument is a few k's down the road at Moliagul, and you could make a round trip and visit Tarnagulla. 

The Dunolly cemetery  is also interesting. I was lucky enough to have a wonderful lady discover the resting places of two of my ancestors.

The museum, which is situated in the main street, is full to the brim with artifacts and interesting relics. So, if you are into history, it is a must to visit.

For a small town Dunolly has plenty to keep you entertained