Miramsmeanderings: Mildura to Sydney

From Mildura an uneventful drive to Hay across the Hay Plains. Quite boring, in fact, but lots of heavy trucks thundering along. Hay CP was friendly and well run and it was a pleasant stroll into town for a coffee in the afternoon.
We took the shortest route to Grenfell the next day and made good time especially as this road was almost completely devoid of traffic. For the first half of the journey the land appeared unused but then we once again encountered wheat and canola crops. Set up in the small and neatly mown council van park and then walked up through town. Grenfell is an old town and has some charm but, sadly, there are many empty shops and buildings which gives it a generally shoddy look. There is a nice library and art gallery with a bicentennial quilt depicting the history and economy of Grenfell. Henry Lawson was born here so they make the most of his very brief time here. We visited his birthplace which is marked by a gum tree planted by his daughter in 1924. Went to the Railway Hotel for dinner. A typical country pub with the locals sitting around the bar as if they are there almost permanently. The meal was good, nicely presented and the waitress a gem. Our luck was out with the meat raffles though.
Grenfell to Lithgow turned out to be one of the prettiest drives with extensive views over lush rolling farmland and hills. Stopped in Carcoar, another historic village for morning tea. Carcoar is well kept and original and was originally destined to be a larger centre. However, things didn't work out that way. Worthy of a longer visit in future. Arrived in Lithgow at lunch time and in the afternoon drove up to Hassan's Walls, the highest lookout in the Blue Mountains. Wow 360 degree views. Too big to photograph. Then went out to another old village. Rydal, named after the English village where William Wordsworth grew up, has taken that on board and has gone into daffodils in a big way. Glorious gardens and public spaces bursting with daffodils. Really characterful public buildings and cute cottages. A delightful spot. .
Last day. From Lithgow we proceeded slowly down through he Blue Mountains along Bell's Line.
Lots steep ups and downs and a strong wind but lovely mountain scenery. Good views of the humungous Blue Mountains cliffs and valleys. Bought a home made apple pie in Bilpin, the apple orchard centre. Arrived at Narrabeen North Big 4 CP at lunch time. Had lunch and packed and left the van settled into storage for the next 10 days. Only 25 minutes to Angela's home. A family dinner over at Paul and Alisons' Matthew is developing fast and is a beautiful child. Given a photo book of his second year.

Bill and Henry Lawson in Grenfell