Chinese Tribute Garden, Young

I see red
All in a line Marsden Street The Wise Men The Gardens Mazdas Allambie Orchards Allambie Orchards 2 Off to pick some cherries The best fruit's at the top Cherry picker 1 Cherry picker 2 Three and a half kilos deseeded

23 November 2021 / Words and pictures by Peter & Annemie Wilson. Additional photos by Rod Nicholas.

The weather was overcast with the forecast for rain as 13 members in 8 cars assembled in the McDonalds carpark at Gold Creek. The drive to Boorowa had very little traffic on a good surface apart from the odd pothole from recent rain.

We arrived in Boorowa under a clear blue sky and dispersed to various cafes for refreshments. The Marsden Street Café was the most popular with our group. The Canberra Chapter Coffee Sommelier, Tony McDonald, agreed the coffee was of a high standard! Some members found time to “hit the shops” and release some of that cash that had accumulated during the Covid lockdown. The town is a good location to visit as the local council are committed to constant upgrades and maintenance. Well known for the “Running of the Sheep”, usually on the long weekend in October, this event has been deferred to March 2022. Another casualty of Covid!

From Boorowa it is a short drive, via Murringo, to the Chinese Tribute Garden in Young. The road was in good condition and had recent work to repair the very patchy bitumen that was present on our last run to Young. All arrived at the Gardens without incident and enjoyed a very long leisurely lunch in the almost deserted location. Clearly it is a very popular picnic area over the weekend. It was a good time to socialise and catch up with friends after a long time “locked up” at home.

After lunch we drove to the Allambie Cherry Orchard where Mike Lawless had organised the owner, Rupert, to be waiting for us. Due to recent rains and the cost of labour there were no cherries for sale, it was a pick your own event. A short instruction by Rupert on the art of picking and an arm pointing to the direction of the best cherries had us organised. A novelty for most, some members were more proficient than others. It is apparent we wouldn’t survive on the income from cherry picking.

Another caffeine hit at Allambie before the drive home via Wombat, Murrumburrah/Harden and Murrumbateman. A light shower as we approached Canberra forced some to stop and erect the roof. Otherwise, it was ideal weather for a drive in the countryside. We arrived home at 4.45 pm with 321 kms on the trip meter.

Thanks to all the members for an enjoyable day.

Peter and Annemie Wilson

There are plenty of photos, and a schmick 'live' map of the run - expertly taken by Lili Chi and Rob Wilko - on our Chapter's Facebook page. Take a look!