Mudgee to Bathurst - 15th July ~ 18th July 2010

We have planned this part of our trip around the wedding of Kate and John tomorrow. It is very cold and we will freeze at their wedding (but at least we will look nice in our new outfits.... hopefully!!) Looking forward, however, to catching up with Macca and Nicole for a few drinks. Once Sunday hits, we get into serious travel mode as we try and get to Uluru in the next 8 - 10 days.

The trip from Mudgee was very hilly and windy. It only took just over 1 1/2 hours and we could feel the cold as soon as we arrived. We are getting quicker with the caravan set up and were in town sorting out some repairs rather quickly - a small mishap by the kids on the TV antennae saw us without TV for 2 nights and this could have been disastrous!! Now all fixed and Pete could relax and watch the footy tonight while I worked with Ella on school work and checked the holiday journals were up to date for both kids.....

Today has been a busy one with a trip to Hill End to check out the old mining town famous in NSW. I found this fascinating as I have just finished teaching a unit of Gold to my Year 6 class in Term 2. We had discussed so much about the area and it was great to actually come here and see the buildings, mines and relics in the museums to appreciate how tough life on the gold fields was. Going into the mine shaft got the girls talking about the mine Uncle Mick worked in and how he must have been cold and wet each time he was at work - amazing how he just pops into their conversations so randomly...... I have posted the photos on Facebook of the day for those who are interested. The hardest part of the trip underground was climbing up the 7 ladders to get back to the surface of the land without walking all the way back through the mine. I had prepared myself that Pete and Ella would exit via the ladder and I would have the onerous task of trudging Zali back through the cold and wet mine shaft. Supringsingly, though, Zali came to the party and climbed all the ladders and safely exited the mine through the top - a milestone for our princess!!

Tomorrow is Ella's birthday and the Jamberoo family are coming up to look after the kids while we are at the wedding and to celebrate Miss Ella's 9th birthday. Looking forward to seeing them and know it will be a long time before it happens again!! I don't think there will be any surprise visits (besides Jen's visit to Broome) along the way.

Here's hoping tomorrow is a bit warmer than the top of 9 degrees of the last two days so we can enjoy the wedding!!