A wetland and a little house

Monday 31 August

Reflections - at Hartley

After a night, cool enough to actually get into my sleeping bag in the middle of the night rather than just have it over me. The day has again dawned beautifully and I'm sitting contemplating taking off my mid-layer merino. 

Morning at my campsite

I have a little time to explore locally and while I had thought to visit Lake Canobolas, the walks there seem to be very park-like and they seem to be either very short or longer than I want to do this morning. Mayfield Garden was suggested to me, but I think that's probably not my preferred so I choose the Gosling Creek reserve walk instead. It is also one recommended by the chap near the peak yesterday.

Gosling Creek reservoir

It seems that my interpretation that the walk is a circuit around the lake is incorrect. It goes as far as the weir and then stops. This is clarified by a lady in a nearby house. My thoughts about navigating in Orange are not improved upon yesterday's efforts to find Baker's Delight.

Gosling Creek reservoir - a different angle

Anyway, I retraced my steps and takes the path I previously rejected as it had a sign saying 10 km, but the lady had assured me it was more like five.

Gosling Creek reservoir - yet another angle
 
Retracing my steps isn't really a chore as it's taking me along the lakeside and the shoreline has lots of bull rushes, bird life and frogs croaking; it's a sunny day and a pleasant walk. 

And the wattle is in full bloom.

The wattle is lovely

I proceed on to my home for the next three nights near Lithgow. Having camped for five nights in a row, the tiny house I have booked seems more than adequate. Having never been inside one before, I don't think I'd want to live in one, but it's perfectly adequate for three nights. 

bedroom and sitting area

As I drove through the front gate there was a welcoming party. A couple of mums clearly have someone on board as judged from the legs sticking out from the pouch. 

The welcoming committee

And my view from my balcony, over the dam, is rather lovely. 

A calm rural vista

I look down on the place where I may have a fire tonight if I wish. I'm not sure if I want to. I will think about it. 

And while most accommodation places provide milk of some sort in the fridge. This place has provided me with a bottle of red bubbles. A lot more useful than any of the milks they would have provided without advanced warning. 

They do have the luxury of coffee machine and a sufficient variety of pots and pans with which to cook.

Kitchen and bathroom area

After settling in and enjoying a cup of tea while reading the instructions for staying in the house, I wander down to the dam with its lovely reflections.

Reflections

I say hello to the tadpoles and wonder what on earth the exotic trees are. I do not know their twisted fine branches.
I may or may not find out what these trees are

I say hello to the mob of kangaroo that are grazing nearby, but they're not happy for me to come close.

Since I don't have to sit outside I don't.  I pull a chair around to the sliding glass doors and enjoy the view from the warmth of inside.  And it is easier doing everything to prepare and cook dinner in a kitchen, albeit a small, compact one.

And it's a delight not to have to get dressed in layers of fleece and put on boots for middle of the night trips to the toilet 😊  I am sure one's need for the facilities is directly proportional to the level of inconvenience involved.


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