History we should all know

An early departure had us arriving in Cowra ready to check out the Japanese Gardens. Well worth the entry price, we even hired the audio guides. Spectacular is the only word for it; we have been before but it was just beautiful, a sunny day, manicured lawns and people scattered around all enjoying the vista. The small peace bell had a beautiful tone that you could feel inside your chest - very much like chanting meditation in yoga. We took lots of photos and came out quite relaxed and zen like.

Up to the lookout for lunch and then we headed into town to sound the large peace bell, the only one in the world that is not in a capital city.

Across the road to the Art Gallery and the National Photographic Portrait exhibition - some excellent photos and a wide variety of subjects.

Cowra is a neat, tidy, clean and well loved town and all around are strong links to Japan. There was a POW camp here during WW2 with prisoners from Japan, Formosa, Korea and Malaysia. They also had lots of Italian internees. The Japanese prisoners rioted and over 300 suicides or were killed. A part of Australian history not commonly known or discussed much. The town has built strong relationships with Japan and has done much to heal both sides, a Japanese Cemetery is beautifully kept and shows respect from both Australian and Japanese citizens.

A fascinating, interesting and educational day.

Young at heart

We packed up early saying a fond farewell to MossVale and headed further south west, through Goulburn, we didn't stop this time until we hit the Big Merino on the way out where we discovered a great little coffee shop Grit. Great coffee, busy with locals and a light and bright atmosphere. Food looked great but it was too close to breakfast for us. Maybe next time.

On to Gunning and then Dalton where Ross taught in 1978 for his practice teaching stint Had a chat with the groundsman, only 12 students these days.

Then we just had to make a detour to Harden Murrumburrah for Chinese. If you have followed us before you know we went to this little out of the way quirky Chinese in 2013 and had the best chinese food ever. Ross just had to return............. It was just as good! The old ladies son was working there and so of course Ross had a chat. It was lunch in the park before we headed out again.

Through Wombat and into Young, you can tell when the canola ends and the cherry blossom begins, just beautiful. Onto the information centre, art gallery and into the Caravan Park - an ensuite tonight yay!

We were invited to drinks with a "follow the sun" promotion couple who won $25,000 worth of products - free grog and prizes. Then home to the van to finish the Chinese for tea.

Into town this morning after a slow start and cloudy day with a few showers. In for a coffee at Art of Espresso a training cafe. Great coffee and a great atmosphere. Lots of Fair Trade coffee and chocolates. Would have bought some for Xmas presents but I was worried I'd eat it before we got it home. Sorry kids.

A history walk around the town the site of the Lambing Flat Riots. We also headed to the Chinese gardens just outside town, very peaceful and pretty. Spring flowers are just starting to bloom, I've never seen such thick wattle flowers.

Home to the van and a cook up on the BBQ - home made patty, bacon, egg and a ton of salad on a multigrain bun. Great food, no need for tea.

Southern Highlands rerun

Back to the southern highlands, we enjoyed our visit so much last time we returned for a rerun.  We headed down the motorway and around the back of Sydney, pretty easy really and made it in good time to Moss Vale Caravan Park where we had a good site reserved. Under the trees and on the grass with a direct run to the amenities block. Yeeee ha.

Thought we could fit in a drive around Bowral and checked out the tulips in Corbett Park - very pretty and the houses in the area are just gorgeous. So different from our beachy area and very much more like the UK.

Continued in a loop around the back of town and headed to an open garden called Moidart. A house and garden built in the1930's. Five acres of beautifully structured gardens with many mature specimen trees, a Sunken Rose Garden, Terraces with perennial borders, Woodland Garden, and garden walks through bulbs and blooms in spring. Again reminiscent of England.

The following day we headed back into Bowral and Mittagong to check out the gardens, Dirty Janes Antiques and Garden Shop, always fun and then to Zaffreto an industrial style shop with absolutely beautiful bits and bobs that I would love to buy except they don't really go with a beachy home. Oh well we can admire them anyway.

A wander up the road past shops old and new, with plenty to check out and strange and wonderful items for sale. Back to the Milk Factory Gallery to check out some new artists and their work.

Getting hungry so we thought we'd head to Biota for lunch - two hats and a reasonably priced bar menu - thought we could brag up to James and Ruby - but they are shut on Tuesday lunch - bummer. Looks really good too. Oh well maybe next time.

Alternate venue - off to Berkelouw Bookstore and Bendooley vineyard. Fabulous bookstore but booked out because it's school holidays grrrrrr!

So it's into Berrima for lunch in the van in the park. James sourdough again, yum yum. A wander around the town, art galleries, potters and wood artists. We even run into an artist that we saw in Silverton last year - he is painting his grandsons car with an emu on the petrol tank.

A big walk around Moss Vale and we settle in for a cool evening. Once again the Southern Highlands are a delight.

You can take the girl out of Newy but you can't take Newy out of the girl

Back home to old stomping grounds. Newcastle is such an eclectic mix, I love coming home to visit the relatives and catch up. We stay at Villa Valencia with my sister and she is a bit of a saint to put up with us, even when she is in the middle of kitchen renovations.

Head out for lunch with mum n dad and catch up even though we only saw them a week ago at South Golden Beach. They have a great little unit at Valentine and they still have a wonderful verandah with views of the lake. Just like when we were kids.

Out and about that evening with a walk along the harbour to Nobbys, trying to catch sight of the resident seals. No such luck, but the sunset is spectacular. A wander down to Scott Street and meet James and Ruby for tea at Scotties, an upmarket Fish n Chippery. A great evening was had by all!

James and Ruby pick us up early for a coffee at a hole in the wall at Adamstown, great pastries and coffee, before Ruby has to head to work. Catch up with ma n pa again and a walk with Roxie ( Kerri’s dog)  work in the yard and a very pleasant day in the sunshine.

Sunday brought the Farmers Markets with James, the Seafood Markets and then off to Bunnings and Masters for Kerri's kitchen renovation stuff. A world of choice available to the common man.

Tea at James and Ruby's; their flat is gorgeous and they have created a real home. Candle lit dinner with grilled prawns, braised fennel, freshly baked bread and fresh asparagus and feta salad. Followed by roast rhubarb and ice cream. Yum, Yum and Yum again. It's great to have children who can cook!