Saturday, April 30, 2011

Getting There
















It’s half the fun – according to the cliché. That’s especially true if you drive an MX5. I’m always looking for an excuse to drive it long distances.

I decided to drive to Sydney (Gosford actually) to link up with three blokes from my rifle section in Vietnam, and march with them on Anzac Day. One was ill, so that left three of us.

I had the option of flying, but decided to drive the MX5. These things are meant to be driven, after all, and I may not get the chance again any time soon.

















The route took me down the New England, stopping overnight at Tamworth.

This time of the year, the countryside is showing its autumn colour.










There were wallopers everywhere. I was breathalysed twice, once in Queensland, and once in NSW.
















I really don’t mind this at all. It’s worth the slight inconvenience to keep the drunks off the road.

I bought a couple of bottles of wine on the Granite Belt.





















 There was a relatively new Vietnam War memorial near Singleton, the location of my old recruit training battalion.















 And lots more colour in the country all the way to Gosford.
You can drive an MX5 in two different modes on a long journey. One is with the top stowed, the wind in the hair, taking in the smells and sounds of the countryside.

The other is with the top in place, and the air and stereo on.

Both have their place, but it's great to have the choice. 

On this trip I did both.