Back from Mudgee

So we are back from the Mudgee region, where we had never been before.  In fact, it is nice that not even hubby, who is Australian, has been to the places we go to. I quite like that it is a discovery for us both.

We stayed in Sofala at the Tanwarra Lodge Lodge which was a very nice and comfortable place.  Being that it was the Labour Day weekend everything was booked, and we were lucky to get a place even though it was not in Mudgee proper. It is run by a couple who came up from Sydney and built it to live in themselves, but eventually it developed into this lovely, welcoming B+B, where you are a bit away from the touristy areas but still within easy reach of the places recommended to see.

You can go fishing or fossicking for gold in the river Turon. I was very tempted but we have to come back another time and do only that. This time we had so much to see and do. I am sure I'll find gold, I just know it!

Sofala, in its heyday had a population of  25.000 people or more and about 10.000 were Chinese. Today it is just a nice, very small town to visit with, some old buildings, a great pub and a hidden gem, the Cafe Sofala. We ate there twice and just loved it.

Another cute little town, which was previously much bigger was Hill End. It used to have four churches and an opium den, and even an oyster bar in those days.The oysters were brought up from Sydney in lead containers, to keep the temperature but which also, quite understandably,  caused poisoning. Hill End has also inspired some of Australias finest artists. Russel Drysdale's painting of a cricketer was mentioned when you walked around the town.

I was also quite intrigued by this sign near the school, about the children in the gold mining towns in those days. It must have been such a hard life for the women and children! In 1872 there were 129 deaths and 74 of them were children.

So after an exciting first day with wine tasting and a nice meal at the Cafe Sofala,  we return to our lodgings to go to bed and this is what I find over the bed on my side!

Hubby managed to fumble and drop it out of the bowl that he had caught it in and it disappeared under the bed. Now, would you have slept in that bed?  I didn't think so! So I put on all the clothes that I had and took a blanket as well and spent the night sitting in the car. Aside from the stiffness and sleepiness the next day it was not all bad, because it was a full moon and a beautiful starry sky.

There is lots more to tell, but I'll save some for next time.  Back to reality, since I have to do some unpacking and laundry and shopping now.