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"Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to you, Happy birthday to dylan, Happy birthday to you..." Ok, that's that out of the way, we can move on to more important matters...
No, I'm kidding. Today is an important day, as one 'not so little', little boy turns 8, and we're on the road, away from home and everything that would make such a day exciting. There were no presents when he woke up, and we all began the day as though there was nothing special going on. We'd had dinner last night, and that was his big do, which really wasn't so special, other than the fact that Jeremy and I had ribs, while he had chicken nuggets... Boring ... But then, when he thought the day was lost, we opened a cupboard and all these presents popped out with his name on them. You should have seen his face, he went from 'disappointed but not wanting us to know', to surprised and excited and hyper active in no time flat... Of course, the presents were Lego and money, really the only things you could take in a caravan holiday, but they were exactly what he wanted... 8 years old... Far out, where did that time go?!? Now, to the trip, and events of today...
I have to admit it, I'm confused... And before you all go smiling and nodding your heads like "yeah, I knew it, he's confused!", I mean I'm seriously, big time confused! I don't understand, and I want to know why is it so? We travelled about 260kms today. From Dubbo, through Parkes and Forbes and tiny little nowhere towns like Alectown, Marsden and Bundaburrah. 260kms along the Newell Highway, typical single lane each direction, country road with potholes, gravel shoulders, irregular surfaces and the occasional overtaking lane, but with a speed limit the entire way of 110kph... I don't get it!! On the coast, with 3 lane Freeways and Motorways, smooth pavement, wide shoulders and visibility as far as the eye can see, the RTA (in it's wisdom) is considering dropping the 110 limit to 100, presumeably for the safety of the traveller. Out on these country highways, they've lifted the limit to 110kph, with trucks, oncoming traffic, and suicidal kangaroos along the roadside... Why is that? Are country drivers better drivers, or are they just 'more expendable'? Do they need to get there faster, and the consequences don't matter? Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating for the limit to be dropped. I think cars these days are safer than they've ever been, and are capable of doing those speeds safely, even with the worst drivers behind the wheels. I think the Freeways and Motorways should be increased to 120/130kph, and people taught to drive better... Anyway, that's my rant, and my soapbox issue for the day. I feel better for having shared with you, thanks for listening.
The car and caravan travel really well between 100 and 110kph, but the '*#@&#' nice lady in the gps still insists I'm speeding, when I know I'm not!! We packed up and left Dubbo at 9am, and made a little detour via that really nice 'Village Bakery' we were told about. Anybody coming through Dubbo, there's a tip for you. Go to the Village Bakery in Darling Street, right near the train station, it's awesome!! We drove for 3 hours, and arrived in West Wyalong at 12pm for lunch, where again, we found Roundabout Bakery in the main street. (Anybody noticing a pattern here?) But, it was at this bakery that we learned the truth in the saying "it's not about how many friends you've got, it's about the quality of the friends you've got". We had lunch, and a cup of coffee, and one of the ladies in the bakery came over and asked "Is one of you boys Dylan East?" Dylan looked up and said "I am". The lady brought over a box full of donuts and said "Happy Birthday, Dylan". It seems that our friend Leanne from Bathurst had rung the bakery, and told them we were coming and organised this for his birthday, cause she knew we couldn't do a cake for him... How good is that? I'd say she found out where we were going for lunch, but she went out of her way to arrange a surprise for Dylan, and absolutely made his day!! Sometimes, words can't express the gratitude... . We made our way to Ace Caravan Park in town, where we met Jack (owner), and experienced some genuine country hospitality. After a brief chat, (he'd worked out we were in caravan parks from the back of the caravan), he was all apologetic for his little park and lack of facilities, and "it's not what you're used to", but it was gorgeous and well kept and clean. Very country and full of character. We've stayed hooked up so we can get an early start again tomorrow, and tonight, I believe will be a nice, peaceful, quiet night, in a small, quaint, little park of 30 sites and 6 cabins, and so far, only 3 other caravans in...
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Michelle Barrois Dylan how lucky your have a Gr8t Aunty Min :)Donuts yom yom yom