This leg of the trip was chaotic to say the least, but pulling into the Armatree Pub on Friday afternoon was like a refreshing river amongst a brown and dusty land.
Armatree Pub, NSW
Caravans lined the edge of the pub and people carried their chairs over to the grass ready for an evening of good music. Like a moth to a flame, people sat around the firepit and along the back of the pub while we unpacked. Even though it was hot, it’s still funny how people are drawn to sit around a firepit – empty or not.
I battled the three boys. While Avery (3) and Hank (2) fought over cars, I cuddled Moss (5 months). It’s not hard to keep Moss happy that’s for sure and with the amount of cooing women around, he certainly had a lot to smile about.
The boys ran themselves to sleep, and I was able to sit down just in time for Catherine’s gig.
Catherine chose a red dress for the night – fitting considering it was Valentines Day, and after a successful night (even after a snake slithered onto the dance floor) we sat around, taking a moment to stop and appreciate the less chaotic.
Tullamore, NSW
The next day we left mid-morning on our way to Tullamore, NSW.
I’ll take a minute here to point out the super woman that Catherine is. This weekend she had Hank, Moss and her dog Rascal all while hitching and towing her 23ft Jayco Starcraft! On. Her. OWN! I was gobsmacked!
So our convoy of Jaycos continued to Tullamore. We decided we’d grab supplies at Tullamore for the rest of the weekend, but as we pulled into the town we realised the grave mistake we’d made. There was a service station – opened only on occasion, and the pub. Full stop, the end.
The main street (the only street) was lined with vacant or abandoned shop fronts like it had been pulled from a movie. I could almost hear the main theme music from ‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ featuring Clint Eastwood.
Kelly Brouhaha
The night was filled with fun and laughter and surprisingly there were people that must have come from all around. Avery and Hank had their first bush bath after they practically rolled in a mud puddle and they both went down without too much of a fight.
It was lucky because this time, I got to hear Kelly Brouhaha, a musician from Queensland who usually tours with Beccy Cole, who supported Catherine in Armatree and now tonight. And can I just say, what a talent! With a bluesy sound, Kelly’s unique and soulful voice is complemented by her finger-pickin’ guitar skills, and she is worth a listen!
Clancy Pye
Tullamore was gifted with not one, but three support acts. Clancy Pye, Oberon born and bred, looked completely at home on stage. The crowd was captivated by her, setting the scene for Kelly and Catherine to follow.
Josh Maynard was first up and drove three hours to support Catherine. From Cowra NSW, Josh warmed up the audience, and from the caravan as I put the boys down to bed, his acoustic rock sound lulled them to sleep.
Josh Maynard
We were up early the next day, packing the vans ready to head to Woodstock. We said our goodbyes to Kelly, who had joined our convoy over the past two days and headed North- East to Dubbo for a gig.
The pub was kind enough to make us bacon and eggs rolls to get us on the road and by 9am we were off again. The roads around Tullamore are a sight to see at the moment, with the carnage from the rains. With our country going from severe drought, to flash flooding, the trees couldn’t cope, and so brittle branches were piled high on each side of the road. It looked like a tornado had hit town.
We made our way through the large puddles still lapping the roads and made it to Woodstock just after lunch ready for a 2pm gig.
Josie and Catherine.
The pub had a welcoming vibe and it wasn’t long until families and friends turned up. Kids ran along the grass near the stage, playing tips and catch, while Josie Laver, Catherine’s support for the afternoon, entertained them.
Josie, who’s influences include the likes of Eva Cassidy, Patty Griffin and Gillian Welch, warmed up the crowd, ready for a relaxed afternoon of music and fun.
The boys enjoyed an afternoon of music followed by an evening bush bath on the lawn. We ended the weekend with a home-cooked meal and a cozy bed, and after the chaos of three boys, the travel and unpacking and packing up gear, we were zonked.
A few days off now to have a look around the area before we head to Nevertire NSW for the next run.
A bush bath for Hank and Avery in Woodstock, NSW.