Wednesday: Orange to Canberra

We had all been given strict instructions to be ready to roll at 8:45 this morning, and so we were. 9 am saw us all at the door of Orange TAFE (Tech) ready for our tour with the Campus Administrator Bridget. She was lovely!
The first stop, and the one we all requested was the machinery shop where Pop was known to hang out whenever possible. Walking into the 'shop' brought back many memories just by the smell of it. We were all very impressed with the absolute order and cleanliness of the place, just as Pop would have wanted it, and left it. Braden absorbed it all and had an inkling of the importance of it all. Joshie followed Braden.

From the college Ian drove us around to Lorella Circ. to see the old house, which was barely noticeable behind some lovely big coloured trees. I think everyone oohed and aahed over the beautiful trees and gardens around Orange, and a few were heard to remark "I could live in Orange." Nice town.

Then it was back on the road and off to Cowra, a one hour trip through beautiful and remote highland country. Mark to the bike once again and we all met at the Cowra Information Centre where  there was a very well presented hologram on the Cowra breakout. Lots of history lessons for the younger generation (the under 50's) and photos displayed of Pop Witherwick in some of the literature.

Lunch was consumed at the local park for the families and the coffee shop for the child-free.

Most then set sail for Canberra except Anne & Barry who took some extra time to go and visit the Japanese Gardens (all others having seen it or not willing to waste time and energy dragging children around it !!). What a beautiful place it was and well worth the stop.

Miraculously, we all then found our way to Singleton Cres. where the van was parked out front and all other families were alotted a room in the house. Good old David surrendered his room and stayed over with friends. Jenny had prepared a beautiful meal for the entire crowd, little ones being fed first and set up with a video to wind down and get sleepy.
To finish the night Ian gathered us all in the family room to ask one more question:
"What was the highlight for you over the last week?"
Answers ranged from:
"Rainbow Bay",
"The concert by the 3 girls"
"All the cousins having such a ball together"
"Visiting Dobby's Cres and remembering Pop at his bench"
"Greg's history of Pop" and "Greg's DVD of the motorbike history"
"Everything"
"Quality time with extended family"
"Learning more about Pop and the faith of the family"
"Seeing the Special in such beautiful condition in Ian's garage"
"The questions each night, especially the one on what made us cry recently" (very revealing!)
"Getting engaged to Jess/ Mitchell" and "announcing the engagement of Jess & Mitchell at Dobby's Cres".

Cam & Gayle had the job of offering the Welsh Plug award, and handed it to Mitchell for his ability to fit so well into a new and rather tight  family and be a good mate to the little boys. 

Finally, Greg read some journal entries from Ian's diary written on the Tasmanian ride, including some very interesting financial records of the trip. Mention was made of nightly games of 500, leading to outrageous challenges being sent out between Cutchie and Thompson brothers for a no-holds-barred match before going home. We will ALL watch THAT one with interest.!!

Ian finshed the night by thanking everyone who had a part in making the week so wonderful then offered a toast to the happy couple.