The Big Holiday...... Day 2

Overnight at Finlay, we planned the next couple of days. Dubbo on night 2 with Wednesday morning to have a look around Western Plains Zoo. Then on to Moree where we would stay Wednesday night. That would give us a reasonable run into Brisbane on Thursday where we can meet up with the Hutchy's. The bookings were made (at Best Western's) and off we went.

Got held up a bit by two huge Mining tip-trucks on the back of very large semis, but eventually got past them. Found a way-side stop for a toilet break, with one of those environmentally friendly toilets - boy, what a disaster those things are. Stank to high heaven, almost taking your breath completely away. Wonder the kids didn't pass out, having their noses much closer to the ground. The greenies must be really proud of these little victories.

Lunch break taken at West Wyalong, after a photo op for the kids at the old RAAF DC3 in the local park. This really opened their eyes a bit, especially when they were told that new jet planes were MUCH bigger and more powerful. No multi-nationals at WW, so had a cafe style lunch. Not too bad, but typical cafe food - not hugely appetizing.

Started telling Ben to keep an eye out for the giant "Satelite Dish" as we were nearing Parkes. For some reason, I seemed to remember it was on the right-hand side of the road (at least that bit turned out to be correct) BEFORE we reached Parkes. No sign of the pesky thing (maybe, the greenies had stolen it - creating too much green-house gasses?), so stopped at the Tourist Info Centre at Parkes Discovered it was another 24Km up the road - at least we hadn't missed it. And, it had its own visitor's centre to boot. Ben & Chloe amused themselves with something a little lower on the tech scale while we discovered all this.

Realized we would have time to drop into the visitor centre at the Parkes Observatory. Ben, as expected, found this experience really fascinating. I even bought a $58 short-sleeved fleecy windcheater (a BIG buy for tight-arse me) and we got them a few little knick-knacks for memories. The big dish there is really big - why, I believe you might even be able to have a hit of cricket in it!! Had our first nice coffee at the kiosk there - a relaxing break.

From there, on to the Motel - Blue Diamond Motor Inn - at Dubbo. Paid $8 for 12 hours of wireless internet hook-up hence this very timely update. The local delivery service for meals decided to take two weeks holiday at this time, so it was off to Safeway for some vital supplies (bottle of bubbly) and Red Rooster for dinner. Nice two-room unit again, with bunks and a single in the second bedroom and even a bath as well as a shower. So Ben has had his shower and Chloe was able to have a bath which she really enjoyed. At the moment we are trying to settle Ben and Chloe who are still too excited to sleep.