Monday, July 19th 1999
The day I left Dubbo was beautiful and sunny once the river mist lifted. I walked Tara very early beside the Macquarie River before returning to pack the van. About 10.00 am we set off for the Western Plains Zoo.
They provide kennels for dogs - just a covered concrete pen, but clean and I gave Tara her mat and a bowl of water - still, it seemed like leaving her in prison.
The Zoo itself was fantastic. Really well laid out. I was exhausted before I'd got half way round. There was one of the most delightful wombats I've seen, quite active and friendly. The Cape Hunting dog, which is an endangered species, was delightfully playful and the giraffes are so elegant, almost balletic in their grace. I spent quite a lot of time watching a hippo munch and protect her calf in a most nonchalant manner. A family of small, black furry monkeys enchanted me with their antics - especially the baby, who was adorable.
I ran out of steam at about 1.00 pm and did the last half very sketchily, stopping for the elephants, (of course) the Asiatic lion and the Prewalski horses. These last were very attractive, including two foals. I skipped Australia altogether and collected Tara who was very pleased to see me.
We went on then to Dundullimal Homestead - I had hoped there might have been somewhere to eat lunch (it was nearly two o'clock at this point) but the picnic areas were not for dogs so I was reduced to giving Tara a run in the car park before taking a look around.
It was most attractively laid out and charming.
Since it was on our route out, I decided that I would stop at Bourke Hill - a designated leash free area. Well, what an insult! It was the most desolate bit of wasteland you ever saw. About the only saving grace was the reasonably good view over Dubbo. We did not stay long, and we did not eat lunch there either.
So on to Narromine.
The caravan park in the dog book has changed hands and had a big sign saying NO DOGS, but fortunately I found another - the Aerodrome Caravan Park - which is very pleasant and comfortable as well as being obliging with regard to email. I took Tara for a twenty minute walk before retiring to dinner and domesticity.