Stuck in snow, we had to cancel the kids' birthday party - but what a trip

As a photographer, I'm always on the lookout for moments worth capturing.

Last weekend, I found myself in the middle of a story I never expected! Stranded in Uralla, NSW, during an intense snowstorm with my young family.

The forecast had predicted snow around Guyra on Friday night into Saturday.

It seemed like the perfect chance to finally show my children, Asher, Maddie and Harper, the magic of snow. Something they'd been begging to see for months.

Saturday morning brought a light dusting around Guyra, and we loaded up the car, along with our energetic King Charles Cavalier puppy, Max, excited for a few hours of snowy fun before heading back to prepare for my twin daughters', Maddie and Harper's, sixth birthday party the next day.

As we drove north over the Moonbi Ranges, icy rain began to pepper the windshield. Then, near the top of the range, flakes started drifting down, transforming the world around us.

The kids' eyes lit up with wonder; there's nothing quite like the first sight of falling snow for little ones!

When we reached Uralla, we realised we didn't need to venture further; the town was already blanketed in a few inches of pristine white snow.

We stopped at Pioneer Park on the main street, where Sonya, the kids, and I built snowmen and played in the snow as it continued to fall heavily. The roads were quickly becoming slick and icy, so after a short while, we decided to head back.

Before we left, we made a detour to Armidale to pick up blankets, just in case.

From there, things quickly escalated. Returning to Uralla, the snow on the ground was a lot thicker, and as we tried to leave town, a lone police officer was turning back cars and informed us the highway was closed.

Advised of possible alternate routes, our attempts to detour over icy gravel inclines ended with us stuck multiple times.

Thanks to the kindness of strangers in 4WDs and a little tyre pressure adjustment we were able to get moving again. Heading back to Uralla, the snow still falling heavily, we encountered others who were stuck too and lent a hand to get them moving again.

The drive back was slow, nerve-wracking, and slippery. It soon became clear that we likely weren't going to get back home. Telling the girls their birthday party might have to be postponed broke my heart.

Realising that we would have to find somewhere to stay, with accommodation fully booked or unreachable, we parked in a quiet side street and took a minute to gather our thoughts.

By then, the darkness of the night was starting to descend, and the kids were getting restless.

The impact of the snowfall - the heaviest since 1984 - had virtually cut off power to the entire town, and phone service was intermittent at best.

Wondering where we were going to find a bed for the night and some food, we trudged to the local bowling club for news; the club's neon sign glowing like a beacon of hope.

The club was buzzing with stranded travellers and locals alike, and the staff graciously welcomed us; they even allowed Max to stay in the office.

Over a warm meal and a LARGE glass of red, the kids made new friends with other stranded children, and a little comfort returned to our weary hearts.

Looking back, I remember telling my kids not to get their hopes up for more than patches of snow on the side of the road. Instead, we got so much more, an adventure none of us will ever forget!

This unexpected detour from our plans reminded me how unpredictable nature can be and how communities can rally together in times of need. For a photographer, it was a real-life story!

For a dad, it was a lesson in resilience, kindness, and making memories, no matter what the weather throws at you.