Oh it was chilly this morning!!! FROST!!! But all good it was a glorious day after the cold, cold start - got quite hot by the middle of the day! Layers weather!
The countryside around Cowra and Canowindra (our visit next post) is magnificent at the moment. Green, fertile and lush with healthy looking crops and animals. It's a picture! Loving road tripping the beautiful and interesting central west of our country!
Besides the natural beauty, history abounds!
COWRA
Cowra is nestled on the Lachlan River in the heart of NSW and Wiradjuri Country. Loved roaming amongst the beauty and history! The Prisoner of War breakout in 1944 that occurred here and everything that has "blossomed" from that fateful event is a fascinating peep into the past and another great Australian story.
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| FROST! Cold but pretty! |
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| River Park as you drive into town across the bridge - what a beautiful blaze of colour ! |
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| The Lachlan River |
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| The bridge pylons linking the town and area to the Wiradjuri |
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| The lovely Rose Garden at the entrance to town beside the Information Centre |
An early morning stroll through town............rugged up and I blew steam the whole way!!! Haven't done that for a long time!! lol
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| The main streets were stunning with autumn colours |
Some interesting little snippets associated with the historic buildings in town............
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| The memorial to the memory of the four Australians who bravely does in the prisoner of War breakout |
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| Usually the Bell's stand in capital cities but it fittingly stands here in Cowra for its contribution to the aims of world peace and international understanding. |
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| When you stand beside the bell a story is told about the history and purpose of the World Peace Bell, when the story finishes you are asked the ring the bell - what a special feeling! Brought tears to my eyes! |
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| Was really nice looking at and reading the tiles surrounding the bell - a moving reminder of what is important ! |
Cowra from Bellevue Hill Lookout - the autumn hues made it even more stunning - nice to see the inland towns in their autumn glory!
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| The bridge over the Lachlan as you enter town |
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| The Grain Corporation |
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| The beautiful countryside |
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The Kaiyushiki (strolling) garden was designed by Ken Nakajima and opened in 1979-
so beautiful, peaceful and tranquil - we all need to walk here! |
The lush gardens and cascading streams represent the landscapes of Japan: where the hill is a
mountain, streams are the rivers and ponds inland lakes and the sea.
Enjoy it with us.........
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| The Information Centre has a fantastic, informative display relating to the break out and the events of that fateful day |
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The theatrette presentation telling the story of the breakout is exceptional!
The story is told using a unique nine minute, hologram style production. In it a local girl Clare Symonds tells the compelling story of the Cowra Breakout and its aftermath. Excellent presentation!
Local children refer to Clare as the as the Cowra fairy! her personal story is moving, and the imagery real, and the result is a breathtaking depiction of that day and the times. Moving!
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| A photograph of the camp |
The reality hits when you actually standing where and amongst what is left of the POW camp!
Worth some more reading about this largest prison escape during WWII.
Pete's older relatives in Canowindra remember the time vividly, and when talking to his aunty today about it she gave us an incredible insight to how it was for the locals at the time. She remembers being terrified!
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| Again, when you stand near the tower you vividly relive that day in 1944 through the moving narration |
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| Looking out over the area where the camp stood |
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| There are remains of the buildings scattered around the area |
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| Resolutely standing guard with in a residential are, the brick structures mark the original entrance to the headquarters of the 22nd Garrison Battalion, the unit responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Cowra POW Camp. The gates are flanked by rosemary in a sign of the remembrance and commemoration. |
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| The avenue of Cherry Blossom Trees that line the streets from the Japanese Gardens, past the POW Camp, to the War cemeteries - 5kms of them |
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