Parkes…………………………Days 72 & 73

5 June 2014

Yesterday we packed up and left West Wyalong, travelling north eastwards on the Newell Highway towards Forbes. By now we have left the plains and are in hilly country. We stopped for lunch at Forbes outside the McFeeters Motor Museum. Bill and Jan McFeeters's purpose-built facility houses over 40 classic cars. Cars range from veterans to custom cars, rare, common and just down right bizarre.

For a long time many of the family's cars were garaged in wool stores, but about five years ago the family sold some real estate, and used the proceeds to build their vehicles "a good home" - a purpose-built facility that is now McFeeters Motor Museum.

Nearly all the cars in the museum were driven in under their own steam, and some are still on some form of registration. The cars range from 1905 era to  1999. The display is stunning and the owners are happy to give you a tour and tell you about the cars.

Jan invited us to hop on this old 1910 Swift. This 2 cylinder vehicle was bought by the Warnes Family of Burra, South Australia in 1910. After 93 years, the family sold it to it’s 2nd owners, Bill & Jan McFeeters.

A change of hat for Denise------------------------

One of the most unusual vehicles was the Japanese Funeral Car. It was used by politicians or bureaucrats only. The car itself is only driven at mid day so as not to cast a shadow on the public as it drives by. This is because in Japanese culture it is believed that if you are touched by the shadow from the funeral car you will be cursed to die.

This is a Lincoln Continental car produced in the USA and remodelled in Japan.

There were old sculptures in the gardens of the museum such as this one.

We arrived at Parkes where we have joined in with the Happy Hour around the fire pit in the BBQ area and where we have met some nice people from all over.

Today was a day of technology instead of history. We all drove out to the Parkes Radio  Telescope.

An icon of Australian science, the Parkes radio telescope has been in operation since 1961 and continues to be at the forefront of astronomical discovery thanks to regular upgrades.

Astronomers from across Australia and around the world utilise the Parkes radio telescope to undertake world-class astronomical science. Affectionately known as ’the Dish’, the telescope operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year. This radio telescope was also featured in the Australian movie “The Dish”.

What an awesome sight and the Discovery Centre is also an interesting place to spend some time.

After this Denise and John went to have a look at the Elvis Museum while Lance & I were happy to just check out the Elvis Rhino at the entrance to the museum.

Tomorrow we head for Narromine, near Dubbo.