Toodyay

Now there’s a name. Toodyay.

The meaning of the name is uncertain, although it is Indigenous Noongar in origin – maps in 1836 referred to “Duidgee”, while some believe it was named for a local woman named Toodyeep who accompanied early explorers in the area. The Shire of Toodyay’s official history gives the meaning as “place of plenty”. On the other hand, local anthropologists Ken Macintyre and Dr. Barbara Dobson have postulated “that Duidgee most likely mimics a birdcall whose song once reflected the rich seasonal habitat of the bulrush-fringed pools and creek-lines of the Toodyay Valley”, possibly the Restless Flycatcher or one of that family.According to Noongar belief, a bird calls its own name. This name “Duidgee” is preserved in the riverside recreation area “Duidgee Park”.

All I know is, I was tired and hungry and wet. The rain was coming down pretty good by  now.

Memorial Hall

Look, an old telephone booth!

Just like home, every old town has an old mill.

Oh yeah, it was time to open up the umbrella. or brolly as I’ve heard it called here.

So we had some choices where to eat, but we chose the Coca Cola Cafe. It seemed to have all things Coke inside and out.

It lived up to its promise of a museum, all things great and small with Coke were everywhere.

This is how I look, cold, tired and hungry after  being in the rain on and off all day. We ordered a pot of tea for two and some “famous pancakes” and a muffin. I didn’t tell a soul that I am really big on Pepsi.

At one point all we could do was stand under shelter and watch the rain come down. I hope we get to go back there at a dryer time.