threesixfive: 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Childhood Memories II - Heddon Greta Drive-in

Childhood Memories II - Heddon Greta Drive-in
Originally uploaded by The Hawk of Battle

Ahhhh, the wonderful Heddon Greta drive-in . . .

Childhood memories - going to the Drive-in

Childhood memories - going to the Drive-in
Originally uploaded by The Hawk of Battle

One of my favourite childhood memories was going to the drive-in with Mum & Dad and my sister. It was an experience that has lingered in my memory and upon reflection, seems almost a cultural rite during the 1970's - 1980's.

I remember sitting in the back seat of the old station wagon trying to see the screen properly, wriggling in the seat; the old speakers that used to sit in the driver's window, the windscreen fogging up. Running amok and going to the lolly shop at intermission. Buying too much junk food and getting into trouble, cars revving, headlights flashing and horns honking when the romantic bits appeared on screen. Yeah, they were good times to be a kid . . .

Uploaded by The Hawk of Battle on 27 Dec 10, 8.10PM EST.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Bridle Track November 2010 - collapsed section

Bridle Track November 2010 - collapsed section
Originally uploaded by The Hawk of Battle

The Bridle Track is a part of the dynamic history of the Central West region of NSW. It was established during the gold rush period as a trade route linking Bathurst and the scenic Hill End area. It has been a "must-do" experience for adventurous visitors to the region, and unfortunately is now closed. I suspect permanently.

The Central West has experienced the best rains virtually in living memory during Spring 2010. In fact my parents had just returned from the trip of a lifetime through Europe and commented that the hill-country around Sofala was actually greener than Ireland had been two weeks before !

Unfortunately the rains have generated several land slips along the Bridle Track. The biggest slip took out one of the best sections. This section requires your attention. It has gorgeous scenery, but if you were to try hard enough, you could drive your car over the edge and the landing would probably be non-survivable. I reckon that it was the Central West's version of an exam for a Darwin award. It simply weeded-out the truly stupid from the population.

Unfortunately I feel it will be too expensive to repair and the Track will be closed permanently. My family will always cherish our memories of traversing the full track and spending the night at the Royal Hotel in Hill End.