The day before our mini break we had a fabulous day out with Ali and Ann. Ali did the driving and our day started by having coffee in Bungendore which is about 20km from Queanbeyan. It’s a bustling rural town with some beautiful colonial buildings and artistic craftsmanship – one of our favourite shops was the leather shop followed by the wood works gallery (couldn’t afford much in this shop but it had the most exquisite woodwork.

The drive to Braidwood was about 55 minutes, through beautiful hilly countryside that was lush and green. We had lunch at the Albion Hotel with a few drinks. Then walked around the beautiful historical town with its colonial buildings just delightful, so much history.

For our Christmas present to each other we decided to take a mini break, leave the caravan in Queanbeyan and treat ourselves to a hotel stay away. We didn’t count on the caravan being in the repair shop, however, they were able to fit us in before Xmas which was great. We have been spoiled staying in the Cottage – it’s better than a hotel, its homely and the Ann and Ali’s dogs come and say hello, so I also get some doggie time – what more could you ask for. We set off for our 4-day mini break, I have to say it was great driving without towing the caravan.

Our first stop was again the town of Bungendore for coffee and snack, followed by Braidwood and down the Clyde Mountain, Mr C was driving the first leg. I had never experienced the Clyde Mountain, it is steep and winding, it’s in the Great Dividing Range and in the Monga National Park, there were several hair pin corners. All I can say is I was pleased we did not have the caravan. It was a beautiful drive, the National Park was spectacular and parts of it was like going through a rainforest, so lush and green with hundreds of tree ferns and small wild running streams. We were also lucky there was not much traffic on the road – except for the road works section.

We arrived in Batemans Bay early afternoon and booked into our hotel – it was ok. I was a little surprised by Batemans Bay, it was kind of ordinary, not what I had expected. I was thinking a booming tourist costal town, but it was quite the opposite, it was a little run down and shabby.

Mr C had lived in Batemans Bay with his brother many years ago, so he had noted many changes in the town and commented on how it had grown. The house his brother Jim built was still there, but other places like the caravan park had gone and the town was more industrial.

The following day we went for a drive up the coast, we first called into Durras south beach, nice spot, then on to Ulladulla.

We got to Ulladulla where it was a rainy cold day, however we managed to see the lighthouse and I spied a seal on the rocks. I walked along the beach, but it was cold, I miss the beaches at Yeppoon.

The drive back down to Pebbly beach was lovely again like rainforest country, however when I got out to look at the beach it poured down with rain and hailstones. The drive back up the hill was more treacherous now it was raining.

We took a leisurely drive back to Batemans Bay and had dinner at the Soldiers Club – unusual it was not called an RSL.

Next day was time to go to Eden, it was my turn to drive. Did I say I love it when I drive because I get to stop wherever I want to and without the caravan it’s much easier, although Mr C still has a whinge every time I stop – “where you going now“.

Our first stop was a town called Bodalla which has a lovely cheese factory and quirky shops and a lovely bakery – most of the towns have great bakeries.

As I was driving, I noticed a sign that said Historical Town 1 km, I did a right-hand turn and Mr C said, “where you are going“, me “I spotted a sign, just want see what it is“. To our surprise we came upon this beautiful town Tibla, the hills were so green, it reminded me of New Zealand – the street was full of old-style buildings, all dated from 1866 – 1900’s. They looked in great condition. I stopped and spoke to a store owner; she said every building was Heritage listed and you could not change the facade – you can have whatever inside but without changing the outside. For me the only thing that spoilt the town was cars all parked in front of all the shops – both sides of the street there were parked cars.

Eden was a beautiful town, known for whale watching, the “Humpback Highway” whales pass through as they migrate to the Antartica (Sep to Nov) we just missed it. Again, old colonial buildings, quirky shops and great cafes – we stopped and had tea and scones at a beautiful old-fashioned teashop. We stayed the night in a studio room in a caravan park – that was interesting, not to be done again.

Our journey back took us through Pambula where we bought a few dozen oysters from the Broadwater Lake for Christmas lunch. Mr C was driving now, he got the exciting drives, down Clyde Mountain and now up Brown Mountain how lucky was he – Mr C described it as “hard work”, me “exciting driving”.

It was the first time for me to see part of the Snowy Mountains, we had lunch at Cooma, guess what – yes, fish and chips.

We took a slight detour to a town called Numeralla, just past this town Mr C bought 50 acres of land back in 1973 costing $5000.00. He was interested to see what had become of the land. To his surprise he found the block, and nothing had changed, it was still a natural bush block. We joked that at least he didn’t miss out on a million-dollar development.

This trip to ACT / NSW has been one of reflection for Mr C and me, interesting the paths we both choose given we had many to choose from. I guess it’s called life.

On our way back to the cottage in Carwoola, we are picking up the repaired caravan from Fyshwick – it’s a temporary fix until we get home. They replaced the caravan air-conditioned with a second-hand one, the fan only works – at least it is waterproof.

Next blog – Christmas away from home: Travelling in a caravan.