Turon Technology Museum

24 August 2017 / Words by Theresa Bown Pictures by Jason Brown and Rob Wilkins

What possessed us to say “yes” to this extra early morning start, on Sunday 30 April,  a few of us laughingly ponder as we gather and befuddledly attempt to sign on for the start of the run. We pull our beanies down & snuggle deeper into our warm jackets as the morning dawns crisp and clear, the roofs are tucked away and the heaters are dialled up to full. It's a good clear run through the mountains with minimum traffic and stops, 20 zippy MX-5s in convey.

Nearing historic Hartley, the CB radios crackle to life with reports of enchanting sleepy valleys blanketed by the early morning mist on either side. Soon we're enveloped in the mist ourselves, suddenly solo travellers in a quiet world. Lake Lyell lies to the right, but there is only a fleeting glimpse of her sparkling waters for the sharp eyed traveller through the veil of mist. Not much further along though, the warming sunshine melts the morning mist to reveal clear, stunning blue skies and beautiful country landscapes - the poplar trees bedecked in their stunning yellow autumn colour are beacons visible for miles. Peaceful paddocks, grazing sheep with new lambs, cattle, a lonely brown alpaca, galloping horses and flocks of screeching birds - THIS is the joyful reward for us early risers today! What treasure is revealed as we enjoy these winding, less travelled country roads.

Morning tea is on the outskirts of O'Donnell beneath the spreading oak trees, the leaf covered ground crunchy underfoot. Sun warm on our backs, hot drinks, tasty treats & light hearted conversation restore body, mind and spirit. Next stop is the Turon Technology museum …. particularly interesting for the engineering minded traveller. We explore the collection of sheds steeped in that distinctive smell of engine grease and oil, discovering them to be well stocked with pumps and engines of all shapes and sizes from yesteryear. We are amazed at the design, sheer size and weight of many and agree all credit goes to the engineers and machine operators of generations past.

The smell of the BBQ entices us from our reflections of the past and reminds us of our rumbling tummies. We enjoy a relaxed lunch, meander back to the sheds to observe some engines now hissing and puffing in action before heading for home via Ilford and Lithgow. Thank you to Glenn Davies and Col for a well planned and outstanding day trip to Turon Technology museum - a feast for the senses from start to finish!