Introduction file= Thredbo.htm Dec-22
While waiting for the new PRADO, due about
mid Jan-23, we decided to visit some friends,
relatives and Tourist spots in NSW, including
Warrumbungles, Young/Boorowa, Thredbo,
Sydney and Nambucca Heads. See map--->
Our 1st stop was at Coonabarabran, near the
Warrumbungle Nat. Park, which also included
the Siding Springs telescope. WOW !
We then stopped at Parj's nieces farm at
Boorowa, near Young, NSW, where Linda &
her husband Cav (Paul) were in the process
of building a new house, having educated their
4 children. 3 of their kids had Engineering 
qualifications and 1 studying medicine. Guess
you can't get it right every time, Eh ?
We then went on to Thredbo which still had 
snow from a recent storm on the upper slopes.
It was VERY active with Mountain Bike riders
and summer tourists. 
Then on to GOOD old Sydney, where Parj
wanted to visit his University college, St. Pauls,
and the Industrial Estate, Perry Park, in
Alexandria, which Parj developed and made 
his EARLY retirement. Pam wanted to Eat at
Doyle's, Watsons Bay and do a MANLY ferry
sail, then Darling harbour. Much to do. Now
let the photos and text, tell the tale :-
Gold Coast to Coonabarabran, Warrumbungle Nat. Park and Siding Spring telescope.
At home, ready to roll in the old Hyundai Tucson.
An EXTREMELY capable and good car, be 
sorry to trade this in for the new PRADO.
Uneventful trip to Coonabarabran/Warrumbungle's.
The MIGHTY Siding Springs Telescope---------------->
This was the LARGEST of MANY on this site.
Stayed at AZELEA motel, very comfortable.
Pam stargazing in front of a display.
Pam showing size of Optical mirror used in
the main telescope, about 12 ft. dia ??
Warrumbungles to YOUNG / Boorowa, to Nieces farm.
The recent rains had caused some pot-hole damage to the roads, which made a battery lead jump loose.
We had stopped at Boorowa to go to Parj's nieces place but the car Electrics were stone dead. A friendly
NSW guy came over to help, un-asked, and quickly found the loose lead, and got us going again.
Our helper, Stephen O'Sullivan would NOT even accept any rewards. My attitude to Mexicans (South of
the Qld. Border, went up dramatically). Will try and express our gratitude when we get home.
We then went to Linda's and Cav's farm for a Xmas dinner and drinks. Linda and Cav are building a new
LARGE home on their farm, now that all their kids are independent. They are taking on a MASSIVE task
as their farm is remote, hilly and hard to get to. We wished them all the luck and HEALTH they may need.
Linda, PAM & Cav (Paul) at Boorowa. This is Parj and "lovely niece" LINDA. She and her
Cav/Linda's current home, while they are building husband Cav, will need ALL the STRENGTH &
building their NEW house on their own FARM.  help they ca get, get in building their new house 
This will be a MASSIVE task, as well as farming ! & running their "remote" farm, on difficult terrain.
Linda taking selfie of massive WIND turbines,
4 on their property. Nice little earners, eh ?
<---SILLY hat day, Parj & PAM on Farm tour.
We have to ADMIRE the tasks that Linda &
Cav are taking on, here, having bought up and
educated 4 good kids. Hope they can handle
this, in good health.
Boorowa to Thredbo, Parj's favourite ski village in Australia. Uneventful and scenic drive. We were 
amazed to see SNOW on the mountain tops, leaving Jindabyne in mid Dec ? Seldom see this mid winter.
We were happy to speed thru the Snowy mnts National Parks gate without paying. Elderly concession.
We were HAPPY to book into the THREDBO Alpine hotel, with a TOP floor mountain view, and parking
space at the upper level. Not having to LUG our bags up MANY flights of stairs. The Alpine Hotel is
very well located near everything, including Chairlifts, restaurants and amenities. Hard life, Eh ?
Meals, Booze, Chairlift passes were surprisingly reasonable ! Well done Thredbo. Happy to come again
Snow on the peaks, mid Dec ? This was also
visible exiting Jindabyne ? Recent snow storm.
LADY Pamela posing Infront of our VIEW 
window, Thredbo Alpine Hotel----------------------------------->
Not a bad view to wake up to, Eh ?
Another view out of our hotel Window. Going up chairlift, $45 daily pass, reasonable.
All facilities easy walking for Oldies. The Mountain Bike riders were "amazing"
LADY Pamela on top of Crackenback. She
was disappointed that the Boozer at Eagles
NEST was closed, sigh !
Serving WENCH on duty at Thredbo PUB.
Booze prices were very reasonable, as was 
food. Serving WENCH was kept busy----------------------->
Thredbo to Sydney, via the Coast as far as possible.
We wanted to drive North along the Coast, as far as possible, via the lovely NSW coastal towns.
At Sydney, Parj wanted to show Pam the Industrial ESTATE, "Perry Park" that he developed near
Sydney airport, some 20 odd units in 20,000 sq. metres area. This was the job that retired Parj at an
early age in 1987. Parj had been a Project Manager on many High Rise Major buildings in Brisbane and
Sydney, for several MAJOR companies, Civil & Civic, James Wallace, Fletcher Watts, as an employee.
The Perry Park was a "development job" that Parj and his partner, Alan Cardy, took on themselves.
This job was finished and let successfully, only weeks before the Market Crash of Oct=87. We were SO
fortunate at finishing this before the crash, which could have RUINED us, that Parj decided to retire at
an early age, and NOT risk ruin/bankruptcy in any future developments. 
Parj also wanted to visit St Pauls college, where he attended Sydney University. 
Pam, off course, wanted to have lunch at Doyle's, at Watsons Bay, to a Manly ferry trip and visit Darling
Harbour. The 1st hotel we had booked into was the "Ultimo Hotel". This proved unsatisfactory in many
respects, including remote parking and poor room. Were able to cancel this with the aid of Booking.com
& get a VERY good hotel at Potts Point (Kings Cross) with MAGNIFIVENT views of the Harbour bridge,
Opera House, Sydney harbour +++. Great hotel, The Macleay in Macleay St. Thanks Booking.com.
Perry Park Industrial Estate, Alexandria, near When Bob Hawke called a SNAP Federal
Sydney airport. 20 Units in 20,000 sq. m. This Election in 1987, the Electoral Commission
development retired Parj in 1987, @ age 44. leased the last two units to count the votes.
The Fully leased development was then sold
St Pauls College, Sydney University. Parj
spent 2 years here, doing his Civil Engineering
degree. 
LADY Pamela outside Doyle's Watson's Bay.
Poor Pam, had to eat in Pub next door, as
Doyle's wasn't open yet----------------------------------------->
View of BONDI Beach, returning from Doyle's
View from the TOP floor of MacLeay hotel, Potts
Point. Great place, do it again------------------------------->
On Manly Ferry trip. PAM was delighted.
A POOR photo of Australia Sq. (round tower)
Parj used to work on the 45 level, as a 
Project Manager for Civil and Civic.
In 1972, Parj moved to Brisbane, to Project
Manage the LARGEST building in Brisb. At-->
that time, the MLC building, cnr George/Adel.
streets. Finished before time & cost------------>
View of Darling Harbour. Hard walking for us
oldies, and hard to get TAXI home.
Pam & Parj celebrating a GREAT trip together.
Taken at home, after SAFE and enjoyable trip.
We were advised that our TOYOTA PRADO 
was on the ship, due in Brisb., mid Jan-23.
Look out Australia, the Grey NOMADS will
be travelling again, VERY soon------------------------------>
Conclusions.
Very enjoyable trip, visiting lovely places in Australia and seeing old friends and relatives again.
We need to do more homework on accommodation bookings, as some were "deceptive". Luckily, 
Booking.com, used for MANY years, were able to resolve any disputes, cancellations and changes.
Our average daily trip distances of about 500 km were comfortable. We try NOT to travel at dawn or dusk
to avoid animals on the road, and usually try and check into accommodation before 4.00 pm.
Every trip teaches us how to PACK less, and pack what is MOST important.
The Warrumbungles, Boorowa, Thredbo, Sydney were absolutely terrific. Great place to live, our OZ, Eh?
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