Crookwell on the Great Dividing Range

We saw a sign that said Crookwell, and decided it sounded nice enough to visit. We crossed the Marden Bridge over the Wollondilly River and into farming country. It is only 40 odd kilometres from Goulburn, along country road, yellowish brown tufts go grass on the ground dotted with green trees, big blue skies and bright sunshine. You can see cattle and sheep grazing, or sitting in the shade. As we drove along there was a big body of water with a pelican at the edge. This is the Pejar dam built with rock and earth at the junction of the Pejar Creek and Wollondilly River. Just before you get to the town there is a Crookwell Wind Farm with 8 turbines that can generate energy enough for 3500 houses. Oh yea it is a windy place. This was the first wind farm to supply the National Grid.

 Crookwell Wind Farm

 Bare but beautiful!

Here, you are at 946 m height here on the Great Diving range. The water flows in 2 directions here. It can flow westward into the Crookwell River or east to the Wollondilly River through series of flats and gullies. Crookwell town is on the banks of River Crookwell. Again this is a one street town with friendly people and close community spirit. Walked into the tourist information centre and had a wonderful conversation with the lady. It turned out that she came from the same part of Western Sydney as us. This chat set us up for the next day’s visiting. 

 This si the side road with no name really... did not notice the bottle shop behind untill this pic was taken!

 See how empty it feels.

There are 2 churches to visit in Crookwell. St Andrew’s is an old stone Presbyterian Church. This was closed but one could peep in through the windows. Pretty stark inside, I thought. The other church is just around the corner (not knowing that we went to the sock factory and had to return). St Mary’s Church is a catholic one and made of local blue stone. The side door was open and it was good to look around. 

 St Mary's Church

There is a small sock factory and shop called Lindner in the next block. They make all kinds of socks, in all colours and thicknesses. I asked for the warmest ones they do as my feet refuse to warm up during winter. The shop owner was very helpful and suggested a couple of them. I got one pair to see how they felt. If they are good then I shall send-off online for another few pairs. In fact I am waiting for the alpaca woollen ones which she said would be there in my size in a few months. So currently I am sporting nice bright pink thick bed socks. For that present, I drove back to the hotel and yes it was a long day of walking but we had a good time.