Everglades 19 Jan 2023

We had to get a “bigger bus” as 57 fun loving folk left Campbelltown for Leura at 9am sharp. There was a bit of drizzle as we left, and we had hoped for the sun to come out, but a little rain at morning tea and then a little foggy mist at the Everglades was not enough to dampen our spirits In fact it created a mystic atmosphere in the gardens and definitely not enough for people to get wet. The gardens are magnificent, and no matter what the season, all varieties of flora will be in bloom.

Rainbow lorikettes joined us for morning tea and even took tit-bits out of the hands of those sharing their Anzac biscuits. The sound of their chirping was music to the ears.

Many had never even heard of the “Everglades” which is hidden well into the suburb of Leura. Truly a delightful place to visit with the plain and simple home that was the original owners domain. Art Deco in design as it was built in the 1930's. The gardens contain exotic plants and trees from Europe, America and Asia as well as native flora. truly a sight to see which are well kept, and tiered in design. A grotto with its own waterfall would certainly have been tempting to swim in had the weather been warmer. There is also an open air theatre that runs the Shakespearean Play “A Midnight Summer's Dream“ during the year.

Leaving there we went a short distance to reach the RSL in Katoomba. Newly built after the original building burned down in 2017. Everyone enjoyed the meal they had requested, which really was a credit to the Brasserie cooks. A definite stopping off place when visiting the area.

On our return we stopped at the Leura shops for an hour and people had a chance to purchase the odd item of clothing etc. Also the coffee shop was a good standby. Finally returning to Campbelltown by 5:30pm. The winners of $25 gift vouchers were Marianne Greatiex, Lynne McGintey, Belinda Edwards & Lesley Simpson. Our thanks to Probus Inc. Campbelltown and the friends of members who joined us on the outing by helping make up our numbers. It is always an opportunity to meet other groups and share the fun and fellowship that Probus strives to enforce.