Jugiong

A wonderful week spent doing virtually nothing was a just reward after a lot of medical issues. So a week free camping at Jugiong was just the ticket.

Jugiong Valley - the camp park is in the middle just right off centre

Jugiong sits amongst lovely sheep farming country just 60km south of Yass and 40km north of Gundagai on the Hume Highway. It was also in a notorious region of bushrangers in the early colonial days.

Police Sergeant Parry killed by the Bushranger Gilbert near this spot.

In the main street of this arty village, you will find a hotel, a wine cellar/gallery and a great little cafe. You can even see some of the local art featuring balls various sizes created from barb wire are on display outside. The entry to the extensive camp grounds is just outside the Jugiong Cellars in the main street with a quaint arty cafe next door, which also shares facilities with the showgrounds, a picnic area complete with a children's playground and a public summer swimming pool.

The campgrounds are nestled along the quiet Murrumbidgee River and have well maintained toilets as well as a dump spot but no showers. You can fill up your water tanks here with quality drinking water. Dogs are welcome on leash in the camping areas  but not in the picnic or playground area.

The tranquil Murrumbidgee River

Our friends, John and Robyn arrived a few days before us and snagged a terrific river view spot in the whole area and our spot next to them gave us a nice view too. Setting up the awning and chairs was just about all that we needed to do upon arrival as our friends quickly set the kettle boiling for our first of many cuppas.

A view across the Polocrosse field to the RVs & caravans

Lazy days, lot of chats and laughter, games and reading were the main things to fill our days. Even the wet weather couldn't put much of a dampener on our enjoyment though we all cheered when the sun came out.When the weather cooperated, we enjoyed short walks with John & Robyn's dogs to go and feed the friendly neighbourhood horses.

Jugiong Anglican Church built in 1895.

We were delighted to have a surprised early visit from Rhonda, a friend, who popped in for a night with a promise to come back & join us for a couple of nights over the weekend.

Some of the art to be seen at Jugiong Wine Cellars

Glorious sunshine greeted us at last and we were fortunate to be here on the Saturday when the local markets were on, which is rather small but offered quality wire and metal sculptures, a second hand books, homemade chocolates and fudges, and free wine tastings of a local winery.  The local cafe, The Long Track Pantry, offered quality coffees and lots of home produce including a variety of chutneys and jams along with the regular cafe style food.

There's always time for a cuddle

On the Sunday, we found that Harden, a nearby town, was having a Spanish Wine and Food Festival, so of course we had to rouse ourselves to attend that whilst we were in the area.

Do you reckon there is enough Paella for 3?

We were also blessed to watch the reknown Jugiong Polocrosse game in action just outside our caravan door.

Jugiong Polocrosse in action

So all in all this is a lovely region and village to visit whether it be for a day or a week.

What is your idea of a perfect day?

Waking up in the piccaninny dawn just as the light is just starting to steal up over the bush, I love to grab a camera and walk as the sun comes up. I draw near to God in the relative quietness, seeing the bush come alive.

Saunders Beach

Eventually I make my way back to the caravan to enjoy a simple breakfast and a quiet read. My hubby’s ideal start to the day is to sleep in even though he knows he is missing this magical start to the morning.

When he finally awakes, we share a cuppa and occasionally a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs. (It is now hours after my original breakfast of cereal and thus becomes my morning tea).

Our rig

Packing a light lunch and some water, we would then drive and/or gently trek to some lovely spot. Maybe a bit of snorkeling amongst the reef or rocks might be a part of the afternoon, or maybe it would be a date with a book sitting in the gentle breeze under the shade of the gum trees in a comfy chair.

Gregory Downs

Rob is much more social than I am and would wander amongst the other Rv'ers and meet some new people or reacquaint himself with a previously met fellow travellers.

Happy hour is always a delight as we meet and chat with other travellers, swapping yarns and favourite places to visit over a nice cold beer or glass of wine.

Happy Hour at a beach

After a delicious dinner cooked on an open fire, chatting with our neighbours would often continue into the evenings around the campfire.

As others finally wander off to bed, Rob and I would mosey on into our caravan and play a few games of cards before retiring for the night.

No wonder this RV life is the life I love: A perfect day without obligations and cares, just full of warmth, love and companionship. What better way is there to see our beautiful country?

There's only one big thing missing... our family... if we could have them with us, including all the kids, then we might miss some of the peace but we'd gain so much more! That's  why we can't live on the road full time... we need lots of our family times too!