Grenfell 13 October 2009

Left Rankins Springs and headed east through a series of small villages to West Wyalong. There is no East, South or North Wyalong; however there is a Wyalong that sits like a pimple on the rump of West Wyalong. Apparently in the 1880’s, all the gold diggers preferred to stay where they were, rather then go to the new town that the Shire had planned for them – go figure! West Wyalong has managed to retain the charm of yesterday, while catering for the needs of modern communities and we spent a pleasant day wandering around the town. Had fun trying to buy a postcard! Must have little call for them!
We were going to go down to a mineral pool south of here; however the weather turned cold and windy, so we headed towards Grenfell. The countryside has taken a dramatic turn, with undulating hills of rich wheat fields and sheep grazing on the stubble. Grenfell is a smaller town then West Wyalong and is obviously struggling, with numerous empty and boarded shops and very cheap housing. We enjoyed the many examples of fine Victorian buildings that would have been demolished in more prosperous towns in the name of progress. After a walk through the town, we settled down near the disused railway station for the night. The Goods Depot is now the community Men’s Shed. One of the blokes made us very welcome even offering use of the blokes’ toilet out the back. Are there any working railway stations left in country NSW? Soon they could all be Sheds!