An extra day in Griffith due to the car getting a puncture yesterday, and being Sunday there were no tyre shops open.

As we like the town this was no hardship at all, except for the $750 we paid for matching back tyres, plus a wheel balance.   The tyre place was just around the corner from the camping ground so it was all very easy.

For those people who have not read my last blog, the wheel picked up a bolt from the road which went through the tyre.   As we were driving we heard a clanging sound at the back and thought it was mud from the huge puddle we drove through at Darlington Point, on the Murrumbidgee River.   But no, there were further clanging sounds plus a few bumps, and we knew we had a puncture.   As we were only about 30 km from Griffith, it did not take long for the NRMA Road Services to get to us.   So happy.

Other than that, we had an enjoyable day yesterday and today, just pottering around.

We were very keen to look at the Murrumbidgee River, which forms the basis of the irrigation system here.   So we set off to drive 35 km south to Darlington Point.   

The day warmed up, and the sun came out, after an early morning of -4 degrees and quite a heavy frost.

Thought it time I included a photo of me, plus Piper of course.

The river is very picturesque, and reasonably clear looking.   And plenty of reflections in the still water.

The river gums looked quite majestic.

Plenty of cotton growing down that way.   It was not long after I look this photograph that we got a puncture.

A little flat at the bottom of the tyre.

Today, was a bonus day.    So what to do.   We thought a lovely drive out to Lake Wyangan, and yes it was a lovely drive but were disappointed with the result when we got there.  First the huge sign, plus a few others, which stated all the things you were not allowed to do there.   I have noticed that Griffith loves 'the must not' signs but this place was overloaded with them.   I think the only thing you were allowed to do was drive in, and walk on the grass.   Nothing else at all!   And no dogs allowed.   Plus large signs saying that 1080 bait is used in the park and in the camping ground next door.   To kill the foxes apparently.   For those people who are not Australian 1080 bait is a super poison that has no antidote, and it is seen as the answer to all feral animal problems.   So I would not be taking small children into this area  either.  

A beautiful view of Lake Wyangan, from the window of the car.    The lake is partly man made, and partly naturally formed.                                       

                                         

So we went for a little drive around the area, lots of fruit trees, vineyards, fields of grain and water channels.   The oranges and nectarines looked so tempting, just hanging there, all ready to be picked.

We travelled on a number of corrugated gravel roads, which the car handled beautifully, made all the better with the two new tyres on the back.   Then Walter noticed a red dirt road and suggested we take that back to the main road.   We certainly had fun on this road, with the 4WD engaged, lots of deep mud, a few slides and quite hilly.    As it was a very long road our car was filthy when we reached bitumen again.   Thank goodness for automatic car washing machines!

Before I finish I must mention that Griffith is a town where all coffee is excellent!   Due to the Italian influence of course.   Plus the food is also very good.    There is a bakery on the main street called Bertoldo's Bakery which specialises in Italian cakes, biscuits and pastries, plus different breads and rolls, even pies, pasties, hot food and salads.   The tables are out on the street.   Inside it is mayhem, packed with people purchasing food and coffee, and noisy.    The shop assistants do a marvellous job.   This shop reminds me so much of life in Italy.

Also there are no photos of the camping ground, which I kept meaning to do, but kept forgetting.   It is close to the city centre, very old, with small sites, and most of them have ensuites.   We did not take one of these as we are happy with our own bathroom in the van.    There are also very smart newer cabins, plus old bunk rooms, and single rooms with bathrooms.    The people who do casual work on the farms live in the single rooms and bunk rooms.   A very multi national place.

And tomorrow we travel west to Balranald, via Hay, where we hope to stop for a few hours to see the Shearers' Hall of Fame.

Ever onwards.