Wildwood

You just never know what the day will bring sometimes and today was one of those days.  CCN and I decided we would head over to Bilpin to the Annual Flower Festival.  Bilpin is around a 40 minute drive from Blackheath and on the other side of the mountains.
  
I had to smile when I noticed out of the corner of my eye  a property called Wildwood was advertising on a small billboard that it was "Open for public viewing".  I just knew we had to pay it a visit as Wildwood from Berkeley in the USA is one of my blip buddies.  I hope you get a laugh out of this my friend.  

Well, let me tell you, the Wildwood property was absolutely magnificent.  A cool climate garden that is the creation of garden enthusiasts Wayne and Sue Tapping.  They began the garden more than 30 years ago.  CCN and I enjoyed a delicious lunch in the great little cafe that is open in Spring and Autumn.  We were delighted to have a chat to Wayne and Sue and I assured them that we would be back with a band of blippers in Autumn!!   What a great place for a blipmeet!!!
Here's a link to their great website: wildwoodgarden.com.au  The images on the site will give you a very good idea of just how wonderful it is.

My image is of the Maple and Clivia garden.  I don't think I've ever seen Clivia's look so good, the setting was just wonderful.  We just loved the garden and can't wait to return to see it in its Autumn Glory.  We have also made a mental note to revisit again in early August next year.  That's when they open the garden for the public to view 600 camellia's in bloom.  That will be quite a show.  We saw many of them flowering today and they were amazing.

Train Spotted!!
I have added an extra today of the 3642.  We couldn't believe our luck.  We were just leaving Blackheath via the back road to Mt Victoria on our way to Bilpin when we noticed a couple of photographers setting up on the bridge across the railway line.  As we waited to turn onto the highway another couple carrying cameras arrived.  In answer to our query, "Yes there's a steam train coming and it's due in about 5 minutes".  Woohoo, we parked the car safely and walked onto the bridge.  Before you could say Jack Robinson there were about 20 people on the bridge all waiting with baited breath.  And there it was.  I have to tell you, we were both so excited.  It was quite emotional and exhilarating at the same time.  There's something really romantic about Steam Trains.  I can understand after our little episode today why people could become addicted to train spotting!!