Port Macquarie

From Nelson Bay (Port Stephens), I travelled to Port Macquarie to catch up with some friends. On the way to Port, I stopped off at a roadhouse near Karuah to see "The Big Ayers Rock" - one of the few "big things" I've stopped at on the way - although this may increase.

TIMBER TOWN

Just outside Port Macquarie, I dropped into Timber Town.   I remember going there when I was a kid, and it's no suprise that it seemed a bit smaller now that I've grown up.  It was still lots of fun and I particularly enjoyed the Blacksmithing and Bullock Train demonstrations.   They were having a bad day -when I arrived, I was informed there may not be any horse & carriage rides as the driver had called in sick, but the Bullock driver was going to attempt to run a couple.   Sure enough the guy took a couple of loads of people around.   However trouble kicked in on about the third run.   While I was looking at the church I could hear the cart approaching and then there was a huge crash followed by "whoa, whoa, everybody get off NOW".  The wheel had litterally fallen off the cart!!

 

LINK to a slideshow of other Timbertown photos.

PORT MACQUARIE & AREA

As mentioned, I caught up with Jeff, Tina and Family, and stayed for 4 nights at their house.   I had a fantastic time, reliving old times, watching the AFL Grand Final + BBQ with their friends, laughing 'till I cried over the "salami story" recounted by one of Jeff's friends.   (I might just skip over the hangover that followed.)

We also went on a road trip and picinic on Monday, which included some fantastic locations like Diamond Head camping area, North Brother from where magnificent vistas can be had (see below), and then on to Ellenborough Falls - which are the 2nd highest falls in the southern hemisphere.   They were all great sites (and sights) and as the saying goes "a good time was had by all".

I was also treated to a Sunday roast, which was delicious and something that I'm unlikely to get while I'm on the road, so it was greatly appreciated.

I think I may have created a monster (or several monsters), after showing the kids a game on the iPad called Machinarian - they all became addicted, and it looks like Jeff is going to have to buy it - sorry Jeff !!!

LINK to slideshow of other shots from around Port Macquarie.