Road Trips

Over the past few months, we've enjoyed a few family roadtrips.

1. A trip to Albury in southern NSW for my father-in-laws 80th birthday party.

We encountered stormy weather on the drive down, which made for some amazing views.

Gunning Wind Farm

After the storm

Lake Hume

2. A quick trip to Blackheath in the Blue Mountains last month revealed beautiful autumnal streets.

3. A recent soccer trip to Mudgee gave me a chance to photograph my old home town in all it's wintry glory.

Lake Windamere

This post is part of Saturday Snapshot

Magnificent Mudgee

I spent 18 years of my life living in the gorgeous town of Mudgee in Central West NSW.

I don't get back to visit my dear, dear friends anywhere near often enough.

But when I do go, I love sinking back into the warm embrace of those who have known and loved me for most of my life. Old friends and old places that make me feel instantly at home, safe and at peace.

My recent visit included non-stop lunches and dinners and trips to local wineries.

It was exhausting, but soul satisfying at the same time.

Just seeing these photos again makes me feel warm and gooey all over.

Lovely Mt Frome

My besties back yard

Another side of Mt Frome

The lunch time view at Lowe Wines

This post is part of Saturday Snapshot

Saturday Snapshot - Capertee Valley

On our way home from Mudgee last weekend, we stopped at one of our favourite lookouts. 

It's halfway between Mudgee and Lithgow and overlooks the glorious Capertee Valley.

According to it's own publicity, Capertee Valley is the widest enclosed valley in the world.

It features "cliff escarpments, a volcanic plug and buttes rising from lush green grazing land."

In the middle of summer, you have to imagine the lush, green grazing land!

And on this summer's day, the horizon is all hazy with bushfire smoke.

But I still think it's beautiful in any season.

To apprectiate the full panaroma effect of this photo, please double click on it to open it up in your photo browser.

This post is linked to Saturday Snapshot with Melinda at West Metro Mommy.

Saturday Snapshot - Mudgee

Back in Mudgee for the weekend. It's 40°C in the shade.
Thankfully we scheduled some pool time into our busy weekend!

Sunset over the Blue Mountains (near Little Hartley) on the drive up last night.

The clock tower in Church St. I love the wide, open streets right in the middle of town. 

I've spent many happy hours over the years at Mudgee Swimming Pool. Lovely to now share it with Mr Seasons.

The next door neighbours!

Saturday Snapshot - Mudgee Revisited

I recently had a trip back to my old home. 

It was a very nostalgic trip for me as I caught up with friends and familiar places.

Sadly the area is all but drought declared as they have had no decent winter or spring rains.

Today I thought I'd share a few of my pics from the visit on Saturday Snapshot.

 The local war memorial in a pool or roses.

 The preschool I taught in for 18 years.

The grass problem finally solved by synthetic turf!

 Last time I saw the theatre it was looking unloved.

So glad to see it repainted and looking good.

I saw sooooo many great movies and shows here over the years.

 View of Mt Frome from my friend's property.

 Mt Frome with cows!

 It's so dry at the moment.

This paddock is just a 2 minute drive from the CBD.

 Pretty weeds!

 My (old) garden surviving (just) the dry weather.

So glad I planted so many trees and shrubs 13 years ago.

My friend's neighbours!

But I got too close and scared them away from their shady resting spot.