Moseying at Molong

It’s interesting, the people you meet on the road. After leaving Yass I moseyed along, checking out the craft display and some of the old buildings at Cowra. I stayed overnight at the showground at Molong. Molong is a quiet little country town in the central west, somewhere south of Wellington and somewhere north of Cowra. I stopped in Canoeists to get some groceries, sorted them into what went into the ute and what went into the van. Left the hatch on the van open while I ducked back in to get some water. Was so concerned with closing the hatch I drive off with the roof winder in place. Duh!! Last time I did that was in 2002. And just like last time, it wasn’t there when I reached my destination. It was just as well I have a bed in the ute! I met a fellow named Bill at the showground, who lent me some square pipe and a shifting spanner to use as a makeshift winder so I could raise the van roof enough to switch the fridge off from the battery setup. He’s been on the road for the last 12 years, since his wife died. He’s in his late sixties and hopes he has the health to do another ten to twelve years travelling. He alternates between his van and a camper trailer, depending on where he’s going. Bill’s been in the military for 30 years, done tours in Croatia and Vietnam, then became a builder with his own business. He spoke of some of the personal costs of war, and of his many and varied experiences since. We chewed the fat over places we’d seen in Australia, and then pulled out our maps. He showed me campsite he’d recommend staying at and places to avoid
along my route, as he is now returning from the places I’m going to.
And just like that, a couple of hours had passed. But how enriching for me, and lovely for him, to be able to tell our stories and share in each others lives for a brief period. In the busyness of our everyday lives, it is easy to go week after week without really connecting with people. Can I encourage you to take the time, see the sights, smell the flowers and have real conversations. You may find, like I did, it’s enriching for both of you.