Last night DaMan and I left for Parkes. We planned to stay somewhere about an hour or two outside Parkes to get to town in time to make it to the Elvis Parade. This being our first visit, we had no idea what to expect and where to stay and largely depended on luck... Apparently 8000 visitors booked out all available accommodation for the weekend. Wow!
Around 8pm we cruised into Canowindra, about 45 minutes outside Parkes and the Motel's carpark was full... no vacancy...we did not even try the motels, but since our last trip to the Oxley we've become quite partial to staying in Hotel/Pub accommodation.
I can recommend the Canowindra Hotel if you can put up with 100 Beer songs (all of which I would have chosen too!) and a couple of one-pot screamers partying on in the street after closing time. We did not mind. We got what we expected: clean sheets on a firm mattress in a 1950s style room...I've added a shot of the carpet!
After a couple of beers we decided to take a walk along main street and did the same first thing in the morning to give the cuppacchino machine a chance to heat up...and to make sure we did not not dream that town up last night...it's really cute! The buildings are all amazingly solid and progress has not hit that country town with all its might. It retained its 1930s integrity. Here are a couple of town shots...
Take away coffee and the worst date scones ever (they were sultana scones and yesterday's wares!)send us on our way to Parkes. It was very exciting! For once we were early! As we approached the town a big pink Chevy pulled out in front of us and I made sure to follow him! He was sure to lead us directly to the assembly area, where I had planned to get my footage.
Walking amongst the Elvises and Priscillas and their cars was a real treat. There was an excitement in the air you could cut with a knife. Everyone was bubbly and friendly. They had travelled from all over Australia to take part in this event. Showing off their pride and joy...and there were some awesome costumes and top notch cars (and bikes) assembling for the parade.
Main road was cordoned off and the crowds started to stake out their vantage points. As I wandered along on the streets, trying to take a shot of the police car in front, I somehow got caught in an amazing spot, right in the middle of the road at the pedestrian crossing at the start of the stretch, where everybody was excited and got ready for action, practicing their moves and loving it!
I wonder how do professional photographers deal with 'the shot that got away....'? There were hundreds of moments that will only ever remain committed to memory.
The weather was just right, but about half an hour after the parade dark clouds appeared at the horizon and it soon started to pour drops the size of cherries. Well that put an end to the proceedings and we headed home, wondering what would become of all those poor patrons in the park...
It rained all the way to the Blue Mountains, which is great for the farmers, who must have counted their blessings.
Once home I realised that all I need now is more computer memory to fit my 400plus Elvis pictures...here's what made it onto the hard drive:
Six more pages of photos: click here
