Bill and Shirley's Excellent Adventures: Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport

Camp at Blowering reservoir

Tie me kangaroo down, sport
Tie me kangaroo down
Tie me kangaroo down, sport
Tie me kangaroo down

Dozens of kangaroos grazing

After our feast of art galleries, museums, politics, history and environment in Australia's National capital, Canberra, we turned Snowy around and headed for home. Southbound, down the Hume Highway to where the dog sits on the tuckerbox (9 miles from Gundagai) and then turn off to Tumut. And this is what I love about Australia. Stop in any country town and visit the Information Centre. You'll always be greeted by a welcoming smile from volunteers who love to tell you about the area. They'll shower you with maps and local knowledge to help put you in the direction that you want. When you have the good tips, it's time to enjoy the town. Picnic in the pretty gardens or wander down the main street for a coffee and a spot of local op-shopping. When in the mood, fossick through the shelves and racks and chat to the ladies from the local church charity.You never know what treasures or good read you'll find. Just love the country towns.

The lull before the storm

It came to pass that afternoon
At the Info Centre in Tumut
"Take The Snowy Valley Highway, a glorious drive
I promise you won't regret it."

T'was great advice we did receive
The countryside so peaceful
At Blowering Dam we camped the night

Snug inside Snowy

With very few other people.

Kangaroos grazed in a void of hush
Not a breath of wind on the shores
Mirrored waters reflecting the sky
Perfection, demanding applause.

And so we sat, ignorant of fact
Of what was about to unleash
Kangaroos wink at the warning signs
In Nature's diverse pastiche.

Chiaroscuro effect surround us now
As the first great blob crashed down.
The lull before the storm had gone
And we were about to drown.

Around these parts, things change quick
And in a wink, no doubt.
"Better get in and pull down the roof,"
Intrepid Bill did shout.

The wind did scream and the rain did pelt
As safe inside we huddled.
Kangaroos grazed, undeterred,
nibbling the grass untroubled.

Shirley.

NEXT MORNING.......

Morning coffee at Corryong the next day

Bright and sunny as clouds raced away

Leaving our camp, we drove across the ridge and through the hills, passing apple orchards with crops shrouded in white nets against birds. Sleepy Sunday morning... perfect river setting in Corryong... coffee break. Back on the road...a leisurely meander... views across the valley to Mt Kosciusko, Australia's highest peak.

By afternoon we pulled into Henry Angel track head. Here we rediscovered the trail that explorers, Hume and Hovell walked from Yass to Port Phillip in 1824. A gloriously spacious and well provided camp spot...HOT WATER! Not to be missed.