A Trip to Dungog: Adventures of Marty and Erin
Marty, a cherished member of our DAS community since 2017, has always held a special place in our hearts. Yet, even before joining our ranks, he was a well-known and beloved figure in our local community. Marty is a lover of a good yarn, a passionate yard sale aficionado, and an all-around legend, and his charismatic presence has undoubtedly enriched the lives of those around him.
For those fortunate enough to know Marty on a deeper level, his unwavering love for sports, especially cricket and AFL, is no secret. Marty's fascination with cricket goes way back to his youth when he idolized none other than the legendary cricketer Doug Walters. Known for his larrikin spirit and off-field shenanigans, Doug Walters was a true cricketing virtuoso on the field.
Marty had long held a dream of visiting the hallowed grounds of his cricketing hero's hometown, Dungog, where Doug Walters himself grew up. On a beautiful August morning, Marty and Erin embarked on a road trip adventure, setting off in the trusty DAS car, their hearts brimming with anticipation.
Their journey led them to the tranquil riverside town of Paterson, where Marty couldn't resist posing for photographs amidst the picturesque rows of plane trees. With memories immortalized in pixels, they resumed their quest, headed towards Martin's Creek, a town that serendipitously shared a name with our hero.
Upon finding a welcoming sign bearing the name "Martin's Creek," they couldn't resist snapping a few pictures to document this unique pitstop in their cricket pilgrimage. Hunger pangs and a thirst for exploration led them to venture further into the region.
Approaching the charming township of Dungog, Marty and Erin were greeted by a massive sign that proudly declared their arrival. Marty seized the opportunity to have his photograph taken beside the sign, even if it meant navigating slightly muddy terrain. It was a momentous gesture that symbolized his profound connection with the legendary cricketer's birthplace.
A short drive down the road brought them to the Dungog RSL, where they paid their respects to the fallen heroes before discovering the treasure trove they had been seeking all along. Inside a cozy bar adorned with a magnificent display dedicated to the larrikin cricketer and son of Dungog, Doug Walters, Marty's eyes lit up with reverence and nostalgia. Once again, he couldn't resist capturing the moment in a photograph that would serve as a lasting testament to his pilgrimage.
Their day continued with a visit to the heart of Dungog, where they savored the quintessential Australian experience of enjoying a meat pie and exploring the local shops. The desire to capture the town's essence led them to a scenic lookout, where they gazed upon the rolling hills and exchanged stories about the cricketer. Marty couldn't help but reflect on the life Doug Walters might have led while growing up in this idyllic town.
With a radiant smile, Marty expressed his heartfelt sentiment, saying, "It's a dream come true for me. I've known about Doug Walters since I was a young man, and I'd always said I'd like to visit his hometown. Now I've been able to do it. It's been wonderful to see the town where he grew up."
As the sun began its descent, Erin and Marty wrapped up their day with a visit to Stroud, another charming township just a stone's throw away. Here, they explored a small nursery and had the pleasure of meeting its owner. With hearts full of memories and a sense of fulfilment, the pair embarked on their journey back to Newcastle, carrying with them the spirit of Dungog and the indomitable legacy of Doug Walters. Marty's cricketing pilgrimage had not only fulfilled his lifelong dream but had also enriched the tapestry of our community with an unforgettable chapter of his life.