Our plans for a quiet few days in Bathurst, New South Wales, were slightly derailed when the turbo on the RAM started making noises that sounded less like a turbo and more like a dying whale.
A quick consultation led us to a mechanic in Orange, a not-insignificant detour, but sometimes you must make a sacrifice for the continued freedom of the open road.
The mechanic assured us it wasn't catastrophic, just "needing some attention," which is mechanic-speak for "expensive." So, with a half-day to kill while they tinkered with the innards, we decided to explore Orange. We've always found that unexpected detours often lead to the most interesting discoveries.
Orange, we quickly learned, is a heritage town with a distinct charm. The Town Hall, built in 1882, stands proudly, a testament to a bygone era.
The building is a striking example of Victorian architecture, complete with imposing columns and intricate detailing. The perfectly blue sky made for a great photo opportunity.
We spent the morning simply wandering, admiring the well-preserved historic homes.
Many boast meticulously manicured gardens, a clear sign of the pride residents take in their community. We noticed so many of these beautiful brick homes as we walked. It felt like stepping back in time.
Lunch called us to a bustling café, overflowing with locals and tourists alike.
The atmosphere was lively, the coffee strong, and the food surprisingly good. We were glad to see the town was so busy.
A particularly interesting example of the local architecture was the beautiful old church that we passed on our way back towards the garage.
A quick bit of online research showed the church was consecrated in 1912, and has been used every Sunday since.
The mechanic eventually gave us the bad news a replacement was needed. The detour, while unplanned, provided a welcome glimpse into the heart of a beautiful town, one that we wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. It reinforces our belief that sometimes, the best parts of a journey are the ones you don't anticipate.
