A day jaunt to admire the Japanese Gardens at Cowra and nab a few caches along the way.  It is an easy drive to Cowra, via Yass and Boorowa.  Cowra has a population of 9,000 or so and has its own Aldi.  A word of warning re the caches though, a number are obviously missing but the owner has also disappeared off the scene.  Check your listings and latest logs before giving them a go.....like I didn't !

The Japanese Gardens were looking very lush and I understand they are their best in Autumn and Spring - especially when the Cheery Blossoms are out.  I meandered back via Young , Cootamundra, Coolac and Jugiong.

A little jaunt down the coast to escape the Canberra craziness....or is that my craziness!

Left Wednesday on a gloomy drizzly day for Nowra, via the Braidwood Nerriga rd.  First serious stop was the Naval Aviation Museum at Nowra.

Day 2 was a leisurely drive to Tathra with a diversion for pies for lunch at Tuross Heads.  Still grey and overcast but still a nice drive.

Final day, after breakfast on the beach, a few photos down at Tathra Wharf then a slow drive back to Canberra  via Bemboka Pie shop, and Cooma!

Ooooh, Post Script - a few wildlife highlights - near South Durras, some Quoll like rodent rodent thingo scurrying across the road and a Lyrebird doing the same near Bemboka - too quick for photos!

A mystery cache without coordinates.  The listing supplied a track with no reference points nor orientation and one had to work out where it was. I did receive a hint but it was still a challenge as I walked as I came to places where the trail branched off into different directions.  I knew from a previous log to expect a return walk of 16-17km and I had made up my mind if I didn't see a telltale landmark near the final location by 8.3 km, I would turn for home.  Phew.  At one stage, I was followed by a feral sheep I think (image attached). 

After the initial horendously steep climb out of Banks, the first few kilometres are on an open plain, surrounded by dense thistles.  But then, into a glorious forest.  Thankfully, today was overcast but it was still nice to walk in the forest though the webs were still a problems.  Some creek crossing added to the charm.  I'm glad I managed the distance, I think that means my body is back to good health, just need to work on the mind now!