A different way to Canberra

 Frances has a developing interest in geology and "Stories beneath our feet " had a number of references to features between Bombala and Berridale.  We had never driven the Snowy River Way so it seemed like a few ducks lined up.  As well as this innovation we decided to come via Cann River as the fuel price there was the cheapest (diesel 181.9 c/l, cf 215.9 in Mallacoota or 186.9 in Bombala) between home and Canberra.  Here is our route: about 20km and 40 minutes longer than our normal route

We had taken the Pajero as: 
  1. I wanted to get a new rear light assembly as the sticky tape I had been using on it for the last 8 years was getting a bit iffy; 
  2. I wasn't sure what the road from Ando to Berridale would be like; and
  3. We might want to go into the mountains while we are in Canberra.

I have added a 4th element having done the trip: the Monaro Highway from Cann River to Bombala is in very poor condition.  We were pleased we weren't taking the Mazda which isn't designed for a goat track. 

We noticed smoke as we passed the end of Imlay Rd.  NSW Forests were lighting up a few windrows.

In fact the Snowy River Way was all bitumen and in better nick than the Monaro Highway.  Here is a view from a little way in.
A bit further on and a massive wind farm - I think ~50 turbines was visible on the skyline.
A closer view of some of the turbines.  Unlike a few punters - for some reason often right wingers, who are not usually concerned about conservation, perhaps they see it as a threat to their coal mining buddies - I find the windmills quite attractive.  I'm also far from convinced about comments that they are a threat to birds.  
Many of the cuttings along the way have been well overgrown.  This one still gave a good view of the various layers of rock in the area.  This is a fair distance S of Dalgety.



Getting closer to Dalgety (and thus the course of the Snowy River) granite boulders were available.  These were the first we saw, and were typical of the country for the next 50km (to about Cooma Airport - now renamed Snowy Mountains Airport for some reason)..

We went in to Dalgety looking for, but failing to find a War Memorial.  We did notice the Hall but failed to twig the significance of the three letters above the door, shown in that post.  This did give us a chance to cross the Snowy on a very fancy bridge.
Leaving Dalgety we saw several signs to the microbrewery.  We passed on those, as it was 8km off the road but found some product at Beans and Barley in Berridale.  Judging by this Session Ale, their zymurgic skills are quite satisfactory.
I presume the 'beans' section had something to do with this A frame.
Basically a steady drive through the centre of Cooma - reminding us why we go through Polo Flat when heading back to Mallacoota - and on down the highway.


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