We have made it through to Port Macquarie after having a night in Wingham with Leanne’s sister Sandra and Don.

It was a bit of a grim afternoon and early evening in front of the box watching the Knights clean up the Panthers in the NRL. Sandra is a big Panthers fan, she was generous in defeat! The Panthers with the Knights down a man for all the second half couldn’t organise their attack to beat a 12 man side, great defence though from the Knights.

The next morning the four of us had brunch at a local cafe in town.

On the way in we had a detour to see the flood washed out bridge over the Manning, to be replaced in due course. Timing uncertain.

Brunch was rather good, some generous serves as well. We do all like our food!

The town was buzzing for a Monday morning, cafes all busy. It seems that a few young ‘uns have taken over the cafes from the oldies and brought a bit of energy to the game. The street scape has also been freshened up with some new shop fronts and murals.

After brunch we said our farewells and got back on the road to Port Macquarie, about 90km up the highway.

We had made the booking in the CP on the ‘Express Checkin’ basis. What this actually means is you don’t talk to anyone about your site. I suspect a machine allocates the site; you then get an email, after paying, with the details, entry codes, park rules etc. Don’t have to speak or deal with anyone, just drive on in! All a bit soulless! The odd thing is at the end of your stay you get a survey asking you to nominate someone on staff who gave you great service. Strange PR! Enough of this rant. Overall the park was not too bad for school holiday times.

Now one of the reasons for dropping into the ‘Port’ was to check out the old motel we stayed in 50 years ago on the honeymoon. The then Motel El Paso, Room 506. Would they let us check it out? Allthego gave the same banter about staying there recently and leaving something in the room. She said we couldn’t get in Room 506 as there was someone in it.

The reception lady was eager to get a copy of our old bill to show the new (latest) owner! He came out and was keen to have a chat about how the place had been refurbed and expanded since our visit in 1976. Accomodation prices had gone up too, no longer $18 a night. Name changed to ‘El’ Motor Inn. He wanted to get rid of the Mexican flavour!

He was ok for Allthego to go and have a look at the view from the verandah outside 506. A cleaner was nearby and granted access into 510. She had worked there for 24 years and said the rooms were the same layout.

A good visit with a friendly reception! Now back to the caravan!