11 Sep Country Towns And Country People
I arrived into a frantically busy Wauchope NSW late afternoon.
To tell you the truth – I got lost en route.
I exited the highway around Kew for what I thought was a scenic route to Wauchope.
It was scenic – just in the wrong direction. One would have thought I would work that out, as I rode back towards a storm front I had just ridden through. But, noooooo!
It was the corrugated, heavily graveled dirt road that made me come to my senses!
Anyway, I did manage to find a supermarket and butcher, before making my way to the Wauchope Showgrounds – my campsite for the next few days.
It was after dark by the time I set up camp. That didn’t stop me cooking up a magnificent feast, with my trusty head lamp on lol
This morning, I met camping neighbours, Mr Hughes, his wife Miss Fanny and their loveable boys Mr Luka, Mr Elliot and Mr Aaron from Brittany, France’s north westernmost region.
Tired of the daily grind, they decided to take unpaid leave, pack up the kids and hit the road for adventure.
They are spending three weeks sightseeing Australia’s East Coast before heading over to New Zealand and then back to Europe for an extended road trip for 11 months.
Both Mr Hugues and Miss Fanny believe their sons are getting more of an education, travelling.
I bid my new friends a temporary farewell and rode off in search of a something to eat.
Throughly enjoyed brunch at the popular Curlys Cafe – a local business participating in the Motorcycle Friendly Wauchope initiative.
The cafe’s very friendly owner, Miss Belinda, welcomed me with her wonderful banter as soon as I walked in the door.
She is a fun lady who prides herself on customer service. I watched her fussing over her customers, making sure everything was just right!
I got chatting with a pair of her happy customers, Miss Fay and Miss Margaret.
Before I left, Miss Fay suggested I take a ride out to her hometown, Beechwood and visit the pub- 7kms from Wauchope. Why not I thought.
Thinking it was the pub, I pulled up outside the Beechwood Cafe and Bar. A quaint unassuming building from the outside, but wow, inside is a different story – a bright and modern space. A real gem!
Miss Mandy, Miss Loretta and Miss Kath thought so too. They were enjoying a delicious lunch (all home cooked) along with old fashion milkshakes.
Just up the road I parked out the front of my original destination, the Beechwood Hotel.
I was greeted by a group of Aussie larrikins on the verandah enjoying the sunshine and a beer – they made for a great photo!
Publican, Miss Belinda rocks a fabulous pink hairdo. I took a stool at the bar, enjoyed a refreshing sofa water, conversation and banter with her customers.
Like the Beechwood Cafe and Bar down the road, the pub has a great vibe. Modern, yet retains its original charm.
This is why I love small country towns. Often, they are dismissed for being dull and boring-you know, ‘nothing to see or do’ etc when in fact, they are full of hidden treasures like I so often find.
And the people. Welcoming – always up for a chat and banter in many cases. They are blessed with an extra ‘dash’ of humour too.
I finished off the day back at camp with members of the Moto Fest committee; Miss Jenny, Mr Toddy, Mr Mick. They arrived at the Showgrounds bearing gifts and delicious treats.
Such fun company well into the evening. I felt very special with their efforts to welcome me.
And guess who joined us – my fabulous French Family.
Seems, they cannot get enough of country hospitality either.
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