Stroud, NSW, Australia

A view of Stroud from Silo Hill

Nestling in the heart of the Karuah Valley, Stroud is one of the nearest small towns to Suzi and Neil's home. It is an historic settlement, part of the original land grant made to the Australian Agricultural Company (AAco) in 1826. Robert Dawson, the company's first superintendent, named the settlement after Stroud in Gloucestershire, England, as the lush rolling hills reminded him of the Gloucestershire countryside.

Stroud has an old world charm, as many of the original convict-built buildings have been preserved. Yes, this was a place where British convicts were sent to the penal colony to work. Thanks to the Stroud & District Historical Society Inc, much of the history of this town has been documented, and old buildings preserved. I popped into the newsagent's to get a copy of the Stroud Heritage Walk, that lists all the places of interest, before setting off to explore.

The Stroud Court House, dating from 1877, replaced the original 

Police Station/Court House (circa 1840). It ceased being a court house in 1974.

The Anglican Rectory - built by convict labour in 1836

St John's Anglican Church, dating from 1833, also built by convicts using locally made bricks.

Quambi House, formally a school, built in the 1830s, and now a museum of local artifacts

Stroud School of Arts, where Katelyn goes for her ballet and tap classes

One of the two cannons on Silo Hill

These cannons were made in England, and shipped to Sydney  in 1866 to help protect the harbour during the Crimean War. When the war ended, they were sent to Fort Scratchley in Newcastle, but by 1909 they were obsolete, and sent to Stroud to decorate Silo Hill.

Stroud Post Office, originally built in 1884, was restored for its centenary in 1984. 

It is said to be one of the best examples of an early Australian post office 

in the whole of the Hunter Region.

Stroud remains a fascinating snapshot of early Australia. I was intrigued, and charmed, by this small rural town, buried in the countryside.

Birthday Party in Moonan Flat

We travelled over the mountain to Moonan Flats for our friend Mandy's special birthday. The road over the pass was in bad condition, so we had to bump slowly along, trying to avoid the potholes. Eventually we arrived at the Victoria Hotel, where a surprise party had been arranged.

Mandy, centre, was surprised as people gradually arrived at, 

what she thought was, a quiet family lunch

Mandy's mother, sisters and brother-in-law

People gathered on the back terrace of the Victoria Hotel

Guests entering into the festive spirit

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed catching up with old friends.

I love the old-world feel of the pub

It definitely has that country feel!

We were shocked to see how very dry the Upper Hunter Valley was. Not a blade of green grass to be seen. We drove past dry and dusty pastures, and creeks reduced to a trickle, or even just piles of dry rocks. In places, the once "Mighty Hunter River" had become a series of muddy puddles. The farmers here were desperate for rain.

Fortunately, since our visit, the rains have arrived and the pastures are becoming green again. Maybe, when the land fully recovers, the farmers will be able to survive the dreadful effects of the drought, and recover their livelihoods.

We Visit Forster, NSW, Australia

Forster Main Beach

Suzi has the builders in. They are adding an extra room to the house, so we all decided to escape the dust and noise. Katelyn was very excited that we were off to the seaside. We went to Forster Main Beach for a day of sand, sea and fun.

After a typical seaside fish and chips lunch, we headed for the beach. Unfortunately, the water was rather too cold for swimming, but the sandy beach was perfect for playing in!

There's even a submerged wreck in the bay.

Forster's salt water swimming pool

We decided to try the salt water pool, but that was also too cold for Katelyn to swim in.

...instead, she played in the sand with Suzi and Neil.

Here is Katelyn the mermaid.

Over Christmas, this beach is crowded, but now is a great time to go.

The coastal town of Forster, was named after William Forster, a one-time Premier of New South Wales. It is renown as an adventure playground, with whale and dolphin watching cruises, fishing, sailboarding and scuba diving, making this a popular holiday destination.

Enjoying the Australian Countryside

A view from Suzi's house

I am presently in Australia visiting my daughter, Suzi, and her family, who have moved into a new area near Stroud, a small country town one hour north of Newcastle.

The landscape is looking rather dry

They are on a cattle station, surrounded by gorgeous views of gently undulating hills, and forests of indiginous trees. Unfortunately, they desperately need rain, so the landscape is rather dry. Fortunately, we are expecting rain in the next few days, so the vegetation should green up again soon.

Another beautiful view

I have been trying to take photos of Katelyn and her new brother, Brandyn. But, although Katelyn is a great model, her brother, at three weeks, is not always so cooperative!

Katelyn and her dog, Tinker

However, I eventually managed to catch Brandyn napping. So sweet!