Trip to Sydney for Farewell Party

From Orange we headed out again for Sydney.  The Senior Missionary Couples were gathering for a farewell party for Elder and Sister Mangelson and Elder and Sister Byrum.   They were two of the couples that we became accainted with the first day we arrived here on our mission.

Traveling to Sydney we had to pass through Bathurst.   We were warned not to travel through Bathurst on Mon Oct 8th for we would never get through it.   The Mt. Panorama car races had just ended and there were more people there than ever before.     We had to go that way and just thought, "Ah, it can't be all that bad".   So off we went on our journey to the frightening city of Sydney.

We again enjoyed looking over the rolling hills covered with trees, sheep, cows and horses.  The sun was shinning bright.    Then we came to Bathurst.   We first noticed a pickup pulling a trailer.     Elder Tietjen commented that someone was moving.   I looked over the load and thought that this must be their move of all their odds and ends.    As I was pondering upon the contents of the trailer and pick-up I noticed other vehicles pulling trailer.   Just about every other vehicle was a camper or a camper trailer or somekind of a trailer filled with what looked like camping gear.    Oh, I finally realized that it was all the people leaving the races.   They had come for the week and camped the week here in Bathurst. 

We found ourselves right  smack dab in the middle of a long line of traffic trying to get through Bathurst

The picture above is looking towards us and the one below is looking behind us.

What normally takes 10 minutes to drive through town, it took us 1  1/2 hours.   We had left early enough in the morning to not feel rushed.   Good thing.  

We finally got through Bathurst and stopped at Elizabeth's home.   She is a very active member of the Bathurst Branch.    She looks like you might imagin a little Swiss Alps girl to look like.   That's because she is.   She has very long braids and her accent is so cute.    She loves, raises, and breeds St. Bernards.    Here we have made friends with one of them.   

Now that is one big dog

We again headed out towards Sydney.   The following are some of our adventures on our way.

We stopped to help someone in need.    They had 2 flat tires and only 1 spare.

Our Branch President had given us a spare tire that fit our car.  He did not want it anymore.     It just happpened to fit this car with the 2 flats.    So the spare was passed along to someone that was badly in need of it.   Yes, we still had a spare for our car. 

Next stop was Lithgow.   There is an information building shaped like a Big Miner's Lantern.   We have passed by many times but this time we stopped and went inside.    It also had a small gift shop inside.   We bought a boomerang here.    I just could not come home to America without getting a Boomerang. 

We are now to cross over the Blue Mountains before getting to Sydney.   Traveling through the Blue Mountains is an adveture in itself.   You have to pass through every tiny town on the way. 

Elder Tietjen got a phone call so he pulled over at this quaint little place called Full Throttle Diner. 

Next was the Lolly Bug Store in Hartley.   We have passed this cute little bug often and decided to stop.   Elder Tietjen commented "Maybe they will have a Butterfinger candy bar".  Sure enough they did.   But it cost $3.50 for the candy bar.    Valerie's Lollipopalo Company would be jealous to see all those lollies that they had.  $2.50-$3.50 a succor.    Elder Tietjen found him some peanut brittle for $4.00 and could not resist.   

Here is an example of how small and close together the little towns were.    And a few shot of some of the scenery as we passed by them.

2:22 pm leave Lolly Shop
2:29 pm Victoria Falls
2:32 pm Blackheath

2:40 pm Medlow Bath

2:45 pm Katoomba
2:55 pm Wentworth Falls
3:00 pm Lawson - lots of construction

3:17 pm Faulkan Bridge
3:26 pm Springwood - First Mountain Settlement
3:29 pm Waramoo
3:31 pm Blaxland
3:41 pm Glenbrook
3:44 pm Lapstone

4:30 pm we were in Sydney in a huge hospital.   We went to visit the Smith's from the Cowra Branch.  They were on this exact highway and had a head on collision.   They were so blessed as Sister Smith only recieved a broken collar bone and some broken ribs.   Bro Smith was just bruised up.   They feel so blessed to not have any head injuries.  Sister Smith says she felt the Lord with them the whole time and felt all would be ok.   They will be going home just 1 week after going into the hospital.

The hospital was a huge Mall in itself.   Food courts galore lining the front hall way.    Just finding the right building was a maze.   We were so glad to see the Smith's doing so well and had a good visit with them   

We finally made it to the  mission office.    I never feel really safe until we drive into the road going behind the Temple and over to the mission office. 

Look at that giant flower.  The wonderful building behind it, I think is where the Temple President lives.   

The Sydney Australia Temple sits on property formerly used as a school for boys. The buildings were renovated and converted for Church use including area offices.

We had a wonderful time visiting with the Senior Missionaries that we seldom get to see.   Most of them serve in the offices or close by the Sydney area.   We are the only couple out in the bush.   

Elder & Sister Mangelson served in the Public Affairs Office.

Elder Byrum (sitting) and Sister Byrum (standing) were serving as Member/Leader Support missionaies working with the Chinese English program.   They said that the Chinese youth that have come to school here are getting baptised and are really strong in the gospel.   

We had such a lovely time with all the Senior couple, our new Mission President & Sister Howes, and Temple Pres & Sister Barr.