This overnighter was a great way to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary, doing what we love and touring the NSW countryside. We didn't book any accomodation until we knew the weather was suitable and had the option to wait until the next weekend if need be. As you'll see the weather was great and we got to explore some new roads and towns.
Day 1: Map (290 km travelled)
It's true, that not all who wander are lost. Sometimes we intentionally wander off to find that special new destination, as you never know who and what you'll come across.
So we made our way up the Bell's Line of Road with our first coffee break at the Tutti Fruitti cafe in Bilpin.
A great little spot to enjoy a coffee in the warm spring sunshine.
This old wooden structure off to the side is actually an old train carriage.
The carriage door still functional.
After our break, we head further down the Bell's Line and turn off at The Causeway. About half way along the road, is this unassuming little turn off.
Hartley Vale road takes you down in to Hartley Valley, a very well hidden gem.
As you can see, it's very narrow and turns to dirt road about half way down.
Hartley Vale at the very bottom of the valley.
The Comet Inn is a former pub that now serves as a great B and B in such a peaceful little hamlet.
Making our way through the valley and out through Lithgow, we head North and turn off to ride through Wallerawang to Portland for our lunch break.
In Wallarewang, we come across Lake Wallace, fed by Coxs River.
A fantastic free camp area with great views across the lake.
In the distance you can see the dam across the lake.
Here we arrive in Portland, a first time for us.
Portland boasts as being the town that built Sydney, supplying most of the concrete from its cement works, for the infrastructure since 1902.
Upon riding in to town, we choose the Coronation Hotel for a quiet pub lunch.
It was quite cool outside, so it was nice to sit by a warm coal fire inside the pub.
After lunch, it was time to head on to the little town of Sofala, for a short break and to catch up with a lovely friend of ours that we have met up with several times over the years.
This lovely lady is our friend Gwen.
Gwen is a young 91 years of age and lives in Sofala and often sells her home made jams and chutneys to the public, which is how we got to meet her.
After a good half hour chat, we purchased some chutney and it was time to head on to Rylstone.
This is the beginning of the Bylong Valley Way, which will see us through to Rylstone for the night then on to Sandy Hollow the next morning.
This is the Rylstone Hotel where we spend the night.
Out the back are these four lock up sheds that are available to motorcyclists to house their bikes for the night for peace of mind.
The stairway up to the accomodation of the pub.
We have been through this town before but Cath and I have never stayed the night together, so this was an opportunity to take a walk and explore the place. We always enjoy the rural towns with their history and tranquility.
This iron railway bridge, no longer in use.
Somewhere in here is a stream.
Ah there it is.
Then out of no where we stumble across these wooden carvings of Brolga Birds.
Further along the walk, this foot bridge.
The view down stream from the foot bridge.
We love how the country towns keep their heritage. This stone house a perfect example.
This flowering cherry caught our eye.
At the edge of town, there's this railway station, no longer in use, but has been restored.
It's platform is bare these days.
No need to look at your watch Cath. That train isn't coming.
The railway switch still seems to be in tact.
No trains in sight, but it still seemed weird to be crouching down in the middle of the rails.
Cathy, obviously having fun. We both love our time together on these trips.
Looking back toward the platform.
The local gala, enjoying the sunny weather.
Got to love the character of the country's stone churches.
Some of the town's official buildings still functional.
The Rylstone post office.
At the end of the day, before dinner, we enjoy another beautiful, country town sunset over a couple of quiet drinks togther.
The next morning, we were looking forward to riding the picturesque Bylong Valley Way. The scenery and the road itself is a favourite among motorcycle riders.
And it's not hard to see why. Not a car in sight.
Great sweeping bends.
Beautiful properties along the way.
Just past this spot, we came across a calf running all over the road in front of us, but we simply told it to mooooove. :)
Here we arrive in Bylong.
We took the opportunity to fuel up here.
Across the road, was this lovely old church with a number of headstones out front.
In the neighboring property, these very healthy beef cattle wander about, looking over the headstones.
Further on in Jerrys Plains, we stumble upon this country fair, and as we were due for a break, so we had a look around.
Well on our way home, we arrive in Kitchener and have lunch at the Khartoum Hotel. Another first for us but we wouldn't rush back.
My girl, patiently waiting for her lunch.
After lunch, we made our way through the lovely village of Wollombi.
The Wollombi Tavern is another favorite destination among motorcyclists.
Our final rest break before the last push home in Kulnura. By this time we are both quite weary.
Finally, we cross the Berowra Waters Ferry.
Another lovely spot we like to visit.
Unfortunately, all good weekends away must come to an end, but, as usual, we cant wait for the next one. Thankfully it's not too far away and it will be for the wool festival in Boorowa with it's famous Running of the Sheep.
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