Cowra - How the World can Change

We were happily heading on our way to Melbourne to get the repairs done on the caravan. First stop was Cowra, about 4 hours south east of Sydney. We did manage to get in a little sightseeing done, before our precious April took sick.

Part of the war cemetary Cowra.

Cowra was the scene of one of Australia's most significant home based events of World War II, the Japanese breakout from the Cowra POW Camp. By the time the breakout was quelled, more than 200 Japanese prisoners and 5 Australian soldiers were dead. It was hushed up at the time, in the interests of National Security, but after the war, things changed a lot in Cowra.

Japanese Carden in Cowra.

Cowra has quite simply become Australia's centre for world peace. Cowra is where the Japanese War Memorial in Australia is situated. All of the Japanese servicemen killed in or over Australia, are buried in  this war cemetary. Australia's Peace Bell, presented by the United Nations, sits proudly in the city centre, able to be rung by anyone, in the name of world peace. Yes, we gave it a good ring! On the outskirts of the city, quite near the scene of the breakout, is the most beautiful Japanese Garden, set over 5 hectares (approx. 13 acres). It is magnificent, and whilst mid winter isn't the ideal time to visit, it is still quite something to see.

Parked at one of the
many churches in Carcoar

Nearby, are the old rural and mining communities, such as Carcoar and Canowindra. They have some magnificent old buildings, many of them churches, and all in various states of repair. Thankfully, many of them are enjoying a rebirth as either cafes, galleries and gift shops. In fact, in Canowindra, we found a gallery of works from an artist, Melissa Bauer, we had purchased our "Poppies" painting from. Apparently she is becoming "known". Go Mel! Get really famous. 

We also took a drive out to Young, cherry capital of Australia. On the  way, just outside Young, we came across some roadworks, where a large truck, choosing to ignore the reduced speed limits, threw up a good sized rock. It hit our windscreen with one of those "crack" sounds that you feel in your teeth, and left a big ugly star fracture. Thankfully it didn't split, but instead of sightseeing, we spent a couple of hours at the windscreen repair shop in Young. Still, Young seemed a nice town, and much bigger than Cowra, which surprised us.

We drove home via Boorowa, another quaint town, all the way looking at some lovely farming country, and a fastly fading puppy.

The rest of our stay at Cowra has been documented. Urgent trips to Sydney with April. April's sad passing, then a trip back to Sydney to see family and friends, and collect her beautiful little paw print urn, so April can continue the journey in spirit.

A special thanks to all of you, who have supported us through our sad time. We still have our moments, but the support has kept us going. Thank you all.