Never one to miss an opportunity, and after all life is the journey, not the destination. So on the way home from the farm sit, I planned a mini 3 day road trip.
We travelled along the notorious Putty Road (more on this in a later post) planning to visit the Hunter Valley Gardens.
It started to rain…
So abandoned that idea and after lunch carried on to Newcastle where I had booked a 2 night stay in an Airbnb.
It was a delightfully renovated home, immaculately clean and we also had the company of 2 adorable whippets.
Newcastle is a city I have always just bypassed so this time decided to have a brief 2 day explore.
It rained…
But the museum was open, then, when the rain stopped for a short time, we took a drive around the wharf area and passed the beaches.
The ocean was whipped into a frenzy around Nobby’s Head lighthouse which has been a safety beacon for ships at sea since 1821.
Next morning it was still raining, but the Art Gallery was now open. It closed on Mondays. So after a pleasant couple of hours looking around, we pressed on North towards home.
The rain was getting heavier…
Then it became torrential…
Time to stop for lunch and wait for it to ease up. So we pulled into Bulahdelah. Fortunately we could park right outside the Tavern and dash inside. The tavern is on the banks of the Myall River. Look at it…
It is in flood and creeping closer to the township. Some out lying properties were already cut off.
The next Airbnb was at South West Rocks. (We have been here before, check it out here)Another delightful home with a friendly hostess. Jennifer is a traveller so we had many stories to swap. After a brief look around the beach and ordering a pizza for dinner we went back to Jennifer’s place and had a movie evening, watching “The Castle” a classic Aussie movie, along with Jennifer and another couple who were staying the week with Jennifer.
Next morning the skies had cleared and it was only 350 kilometres to home. We are now travelling along the Pacific Highway, Australia’s Number 1 motorway. Although some parts still had road works happening, as the Pacific Highway is in the process of a major up-grade, a large part is now open and the going was good.
And the sun was shining…
The clouds were lifting and the sky was dramatic.
We are back in sunny Queensland…
So we arrived home yesterday and I am doing this post as I wait for the loads of washing to go through.
At this point I have not made, or even thought of, where too next…
Time to relax…
gypsy life 
Wonderful scenery Pauline and a dramatic view and feel for the flood.. Something we are seeing more and more of here in the UK.. so many properties ruined… Love those Whippets.. They have a lovely temperament..
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Weather patterns are certainly changing around the world. Those whippets did have a lovely temperament.
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I have been toying for a long while maybe too long to have a dog.. and while I want to rescue one, I have been dubious because of our young granddaughter.. But Whippets are so good natured, I don’t think I have ever met one without having a lovely temperament.. They caught my eye, and prompted me into that yearning mode again 🙂
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2 young children came to stay at the Airbnb at the same time as us and even though they were strangers the dogs were quite relaxed at having them stroke them. I like the short haired dogs too, easier to look after. I always had dogs when I lived on a farm in NZ but now they would not fit into our life style. That is why I enjoy them when we house sit.
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Yes my husband always had a dog when growing up.. We always had cats.. 🙂 And it was Cats that adopted us, 🙂 And they fitted perfectly around us while we were working, being independent Spirits .. And only went into a cattery when we had holidays.. A dog needs exercise and plenty of time.. Now we are both retired baring holidays we have that time.. We will make a commitment soon. If I keep pestering hubby long enough 🙂 😉
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So many breeds to choose from and now you also have the designer dogs!!!
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I have to say Pauline those ‘Designer’ dogs do nothing for me.. A good old Mongrel is just as loving 🙂 and probably more hardy, as lots of these finer breeds are inter-bred and have health issues .. 🙂
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I agree, but I did house sit a beautiful Labradoodle in Canberra. Here she is https://pommepal.wordpress.com/2014/07/20/welcome-to-cool-climate-canberra/
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She’s a heart melter.. 🙂
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Relax sounds good to me. Pauline 🙂 I’ve given myself a couple of days off too 🙂
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Good, enjoy them
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I love your skies. Fabulous shots! It is not comfy to make trips in the rain, but I am always glad afterwards cause it gave me an opportunity to know a place in different light. These dogs are adorable 🙂
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Not often we get to drive in rain over here Paula so we cherish it when it comes. Those dogs were so well behaved too
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What a lovely time you had. The rain I am sure was welcomed if inconvenient. It has been raining here for three days straight after four years of drought with more in the horizon. I love it and there was just a huge rainbow. I love the contrast from the monsoonal rain to the blue skies with puffy white clouds. Welcome Home!
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Yes the rain is always welcome. The garden loved it and it is so green and lush. I put a thick layer of mulch around so not too many weeds. But will have to get the secateurs out. Did you get a photo of the rainbow?
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I can comment that you have done a nice post.
Showing it how it was.
Looking forward to your next post showing Putty Rd.
and I hope you do a post showing the Newcastle Art Gallery.
It was all a great experience but I am pleased you are not planning another just yet.:-)
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Putty Road and art gallery still to come…
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The flood is scary, but I’m glad all in all it’s a good and rewarding journey. By the way, this is the first time I hear about Airbnb (what a name, huh? 🙂 ) So, thank you 🍸
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Google it, it is a great site for finding inexpensive accommodation and meeting new people. I love it.
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I always love the photos you post – even the rain! So glad you are home safely. I’m off to check out your last post. I think I noticed some amazing photos there. 🙂
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Love having you pop in for a visit Maddie. Hope you are having a creative time. How are the books coming along?
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I’ve been busy! Book #5 in my new series was published in December, and I’m working hard on #6. I enjoy writing lighter fare. I get to laugh at my own work. 🙂 Thanks for asking!
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You are amazing.
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Dreadful having to drive in that torrential rain when you can’t see through the windscreen, so glad you found somewhere to pull over! We hit similar weather between Canberra and Sydney in December 2014. Cars were pulling up all along the highway, which was also dangerous as they could have collided with one already parked there! Pity about the Hunter Valley Gardens, but an excuse for a short trip 🙂 Nice to see you home once again PP. Relax and enjoy!
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Quite a lot to see in that area that we missed because of the weather so will get back there “one day”….
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Always good to have a few ‘local’ places to explore.
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“Local” like a days drive away!!! But there is lots to see in my close-by stamping patch too…
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I was thinking more of an overnight stay or a long weekend. I want to do more of those so I can explore more of the UK.
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I think we may be doing more short trips this year. Unfortunately everywhere is a long drive in Aussie.
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That’s true. When my son visits and hares off across the country from London to Cornwall to Scotland all in a brief visit we look at him as though he is quite mad. But it is a 14 hour drive to Scotland I splutter. “Ma, we drive to Byron just for a weekend, no sweat” – our roads are not quite as empty as yours though!
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14 hours, non-stop, would take you from Brisbane to Sydney… The newly up-graded Pacific highway makes it easier, almost 2 lane all the way. I’m guessing he won’t be driving to Byron for the weekend from Perth!!!
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Ha, probably not, but I wouldn’t put it past him to fly there. He loves Byron and they have friends there I believe.
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Welcome home, Pauline. You certainly had some very varied weather on your way, but glad it brightened up for your homecoming. Those clouds are really beautiful. 🙂
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Jack was taking the photos through the windscreen, he took dozens of them, thank goodness for digital
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Ugh to driving in that torrential downpour. I love those whippets. It must feel good to be home but the lambs will miss you!
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It was lovely having the lambs to care for and by the time we left they were eating pellets and grass and looking all grown up, but still cute
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Goodness, what a horrible return journey you had with all that rain….. And I wonder how long it will be before you are on the move again!
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I think!! we may stay home for a while this year, at least only do short trips…
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Very good!
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Nice wandering Pauline, shame about the weather but it doesn’t seem to have stopped your fun!
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At least it is not cold rain and it is needed to make everything grow. My garden looks very lush and ready for a good trim, but it can wait a few days…
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So sad about the Hunter Gardens, but I guess you can pencil it in for another spontaneous little road trip on a finer day (maybe spring or autumn). Will look forward to the photos!
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It was a disappointment. We had visited many years ago (around 2000) Seemed to be more shops and cafes. Yes we will have to come back for another visit.
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QLD weather has been so good compared to the awful storms they’re getting in NSW. I’m so glad you made it through those floods. The Pacific Highway always seems to be under construction (just like the Bruce Highway) 😉
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It certainly is easier driving, but not very scenic. Will have to go along the old Pacific highway for the scenic drive, that should be easier too because all the trucks and fast traffic will be on the new motorway.
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Glad to see you had enjoyable things to do when there was rain and could then enjoy the sunshine. Welcome home.
janet
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Thanks Janet, always something to do. Just have to be flexible.
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So glad there was a happy ending to your road trip! I was starting to worry with all that rising water everywhere.
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So was I, not easy driving in those conditions. But we can relax now…
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