Friday, May 3, 2019

Day 31 - Fri 3 May: Echuca to Hay

Temp: 13-19 degC

Drive: 205km; total towed: 3042km

Ride/walk: 12km

Before going to bed last night we discussed moving on to Swan Hill. When we woke up this morning, we changed our minds and decided to head directly to Hay. It did mean that we had to head back to Deniliquin however, we didn't mind that. We do have a few things to do when we get home so, the longer we have at home the better.

After a coffee, we hit the road at 8:30am and didn't stop until we'd cleared Deniliquin. Breakfast was had followed by coffees to go. Next stop was Mathoura for a pit stop and a picture or two. We drove through here day before yesterday and didn't find anything worth stopping for but the info centre had a sculpture Wendy thought worth photographing.

We made camp at Sandy Point Reserve, Hay about 12:30pm. After setting up we jumped on the bikes and explored a bit of Hay. This is a town we have frequently driven through but not stopped in. Glad we made the effort this time. The free-camp we are in is a bit wet due to recent rain, but is very large. We thought we were in a spot of bother when we started to skid a bit however, Greg's marvellous driving abilities and the assistance of a real bushy looking character got us out of the bog. We parked up, set up, had lunch, and then hit Hay. Well, some of Hay anyway!

Whilst Wendy did the old Hay Gaol, Greg rode some of the streets. We met up in the main street and did the old railway station and then headed home.

A lovely van-made pizza, eaten over-looking the rest of the camp was the 'piece de la resistance'. Whilst Wendy did the blog, Greg chatted to the old guy next door.

Tomorrow we explore the rest of Hay.

Breakfast stop, not very exciting


Mathoura Info Centre - The Woodcutters sculpture

Hay plains

The old dude next to us - a rather quaint set-up

Us at Sandy Point Reserve, Hay

As above
As above

The wider camp site


St Paul's Anglican Church Hay

Boer War Memorial Hay


Battle of Beersheeba memorial

as above
Hay Park

As above


Hay War Memorial High School

Old Hay Gaol

Inside Old Hay Gaol

Armoury

Amway collection in the Old Hay Gaol, where else would you put it??

A rare wooden windmill from a 16ft-Clyde Windmill

A 'cabin' when the gaol was used as a maximum security child welfare institute for girls 

A 35ft "B" pattern "Comet" Windmill, one of only 15 built in Australia

Some old stuff in Hay

Commercial Hotel being restored

Ex-hotel now a pharmacy. Perhaps the name needs to be changed given the PC climate??

Presbyterian Church, Hay

Hay Post Office and Town Clock

Welcome mat

Hay train station - looks quite grand

As above

Murrumbidgee River

As above

Exploring Hay

Nothing better than home-made pizza and wine for dinner


1 comment:

  1. Looks great,say hello to Sue & Mark. We are jealous we aren't there, but we will be settting of on Tuesday morning

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