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November 27, 2019

2019 BELLATA AND SURROUNDS

October 23rd .
Goodness so long since I did a blog hope I can remember what to do!. Trusty Lesley will help if not.
Melody, out housesitting friend from Bundaberg arrived on 22nd so we spent a night with her before leaving the next day. We stopped for lunch at Gatton and this “lake” is totally dry. Last year when we came through here it was almost full with a large amount of wild life. So sad.

Driving through Warwick, and just over the bridge, noticed this wonderful structure on the left so naturally we had a look. Apart from the sculpture for want of a better word, the roses were magnificent. We found out while walking around town that Warwick is called the City of roses- all street centres have roses in the gardens.
reading the story of this man’s dream for Warwick it tells how he died just before the foundation for his sculpure was erected so he is buried under his work of art.

Dry country west of Warwick.
Our first stop for the night was a Yelarbon Recreation Grounds which is a favourite of ours when travelling down to daughter’s at Bellata.
The further west we travelled, the drier the country became.
A few photos from Yelarbon where the lagoon has much less water than 12 months ago. After some months of problems between governing bodies, the silo here has finally been painted.

When we left Yelarbon to go to Goondiwindi we never travel along the Newell Highway but go along the Dumaresq river at the border and this time we pulled off the road to check out the 4 camp sites along the river. There was water but not a lot . A couple of them would be nice if there was greenery and more water.

As it was a Friday & I had read about a Cotton Centre tour around Gundy’s art work I rang them before getting into Gundy. Unfortunately the minimum they want on a tour is 4 so it was not possible for us to do the tour which is from 2.30-5.30. However, the lovely information centre ladies told us where we could see some.
The first three are opposite the airport. The jockey on his horse and the next one are down a private road & can only see the remainder on this road if doing the tour.

The above 2 are in lane ways in Gundy (Goondiwindi)
We were going to stop at the North Star overnighter just south of Gundy but decided to keep going down to Bellata.

We set up for the next 3 weeks. The wind was sooo strong and all you could see was smoke and dust. Saturday morning we decided to tie the caravan awning to the front & back of “Flo” ( our patrol). The wind was getting much stronger. Family got home Sunday as they had functions on in Narrabri. A few photos from property. From the front of the home it is usually possible to see the Nandiwa
ranges but they are totally obliterated by the smoke & dust. Fortunately they have bore water here so able to at least keep grass green around home but it is a full time job- finish watering it all & time to start again. The sheep are being grain fed as just nothing for them to eat in the field.

This porcupine often comes to dig in the green lawn and the day before this a couple of Skinks also came for some green pickings as well as the cat food.

Before we had left home we had decided to take a few days to visit some of the small towns to see their art work which we had read about. We headed west, with everything getting so much drier with even big old trees of all kind dead. Our first stop was Pilliga for lunch- could have stayed here but moved on. The cattle below are making the most of the few green pickings after a few mls of rain.

COONAMBLE
In 1818 George Evans discovered the flooded Castlereagh River near the present site of the town. In 1840 James Walker leased land in this district: his “Koonamble “ run, and it was used as a convenient camping ground and watering place.
We decided to go to a farm stay- Nakadoo- which is about 4k north of Coonamble. It is a donation place with hot shower, toilet, room to park . Lovely hosts who cater for school bus tours as far away as from Sydney. These tours certainly open city children’s eyes as to how they get their food!! One child about 8 was terrified when he was accidently squirted with milk from a goat when it was being milked. Some thought the eggs they had at home just came in a carton & were surprised when shown all the hens & collected the eggs. They have an alpaca, donkey, shetland ponies, many goats, horses, pig, lamb. There is a museum tour for $10 as well. We bought some eggs which had just been laid- still warm actually.

Not easy to get good photos as most were in their yards for the night. All the animals are very quiet and love being patted.
The next morning we visited the info centre and saw this stunning sculpture made from recycled chicken wire- artist Brian Campbell. It is called “The Bus” and depicts 3 children astride a horse on their way to school. There is a clean cut older lad, a lout in the middle with a shanghai and a girl on the back with her head in a book.

We asked how long to make and were told 3 months plus 200 stubbies.
As we had wandered the streets here in 2015 we did not stay very long- just long enough to see a few paintings and a cuppa. Many years ago a clever person did these depicting locals with their nick names.

This is one example.

. After a cuppa beside the dry Castlereagh River and a photo of the silo on the way out we headed down to Gulargambone, about 50ks. All these towns have the beautiful Jacaranda trees lining the streets.

Many of the building in town need some serious maintainence. One huge old Hotel looks the same as it did many years ago.

Travelling these roads, it is obvious there has been some harvesting done but the crops would have been very poor. Cattle and sheep were few and far between, probably because the farmers have had to sell off their stock due to the drought. There has even been some producers who have had to sell off their breeding stock and that would basically mean starting from scratch to rebuild their stock again, that is if they have the will to keep going!
Gulargambone has become known for, as well as street art, its corrugated iron galahs. They start along the highway leading into town.

The couple of photos above show just how dry this country has become- large areas of just bare dirt.
We found the info centre to ask about their street art and after a good hours walk managed to see at lease 23 as well as an amazing sculpture made from recycled chicken wire- same person as who had done the one up at Coonamble. The hooves even look perfect.

Like many of these old towns there are such sad looking buildings,

Leaving Gulargambone we decided to go through the Warrumbungles east to Coonabarabran. Driving through the ranges it was very pleasing to see the bush recovering from the bush fires last year.

When I first noticed that white above the tree line I though it was the moon but turned out to be the top of the Siding Spring Observatory at Coonabarabran. There is a parking area for vehicles to enable you to do hike up to the building but it was just too hot to go hiking as was about midday.
There are some high, long pulls going through here so was not a quick trip and got to Coonabarabran in time for lunch- naturally found a bakery!
As we were continuing east to Gunnedah out next stop for the night was going to be about 25k before Gunnedah.

Gunnedah dump was the first place to stop then the info centre for details as to where to look for interesting things to see. Wandering up the street, arrived at hairdresser & as HWMBO needed a haircut we organised a time for that before driving up to the Vietnam memorial on the water tank which was opened Anzac Day this year. the wall art is an ongoing thing according to ladies at the Tourist centre.

Pensioners Hill Lookout was our next stop with a view right around Gunnedah showing just how dry this great land is at the moment.
A couple of panorama shots over Gunnedah.

MANILLA
After this we headed NE to next town of Manilla where we also happened to have lunch with a good friend of mine from the 60s- she now lives Bathurst and was up her visiting family. Manilla is an RV friendly town so that was our stop for the night. It is a huge area beside the basically dry Manilla river. They have a donation box as well as dump point and small amount of water.

No water under the bridge but found a couple of waterholes a little further upstream (or maybe downstream?)
At one stage I noticed some ripples on top of the water and wondered what might be causing them- very soon this put part of its body out of the water & I think it might be a water dragon/ monitor, have only seen them once before in the NT so not sure. This bird arrived for an early morning drink- no bird book so not sure which parrot family it belongs with.

The wind and dust has not stopped since leaving Bellata- oh and add some smoke to the mix. A couple of snaps of bare hills and dead trees.

BARRABA
After lunch our next stop was the Lion’s Park just south of Barraba for the night- it is before you get to the painted silos of the water diviner which is very cleverly portrayed.

Pulled up about 5.30 and opened the fridge- it was not working the way it should have been working! OK blown fuse so should all be good as Bruce, naturally, had plenty. Changed that but still not working Someone up there was looking after us that afternoon. because of the New England highway being closed & as a family had to get back to Sydney the next day they had to take a detour They had not liked the look of the previous freedom camp so decided to do a few more klms and come down to here. Believe it or not, he was an auto electrician! An hour or so later he found the problem and fridge working. Just as well Bruce had some cans in the car- cans of beer!
BINGARA
Sunday was going to be our last night before heading back to daughter’s at Bellata so Bingara was going to be the spot for the night and this time decided to go to freedom camp closest to town beside the Town Common. There had been water released from the Copeton dam so there was actually water flowing. a popular spot as there were about a dozen vans along the river bank. Fortunately we found a spot large enough to get between a couple of travellers. I did as I do & asked one couple if they minded if we parked for the night- their reply was “Do you have dogs?”
Had a couple of drinks with them at 5.30 .

The horses wandering around were literally scraping the dirt to get down the the “grass roots” for something to eat. They do get fed as well and they are in good condition. took the horse photo from the front door.
Got a lot of info from the Tourist Centre before we came out here as to what street art they had in town. Not a lot but we had a wander to check it all out.

Bruce gets hold of camera and this is what he does- every time!
We had been inside the Heritage listed Roxy theatre before but decided to do an official tour ($5pp) It is in reasonable good condition and is used for various functions.
The photo below in front of the stage looks like wall paper but it is painted.

Who remembers rolling Jaffas down the floor? My Uncle had the piccture theatre in Gin Gin with a sloping floor, consequently there many Jaffas down that floor. Loved the Fantales as well.

Hope you can read the story of the Roxy.

Who can forget the wonderful Marilyn Monroe or The Magnificent Seven to name couple of movies.
Monday we headed west again to Bellata and over the Nandewar ranges with a couple of hairpin bends. We met another van heading east just after we had exited one sharp turn and I looked back & could see it directly below us!

wild

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April 22, 2019

2019 YELARBON TO THALLON

We left Yelarbon and heading for Goondiwindi for fuel- what a queue there and they had one bowser not working. We were finally driving on a part of the Barwon highway we had not travelled before. This green did not last for very far as soon obviously in severe drought the further we travelled for our next nights stop at Talwood Recreation grounds. This is a donation place with toilets, hot showers, and a dump point since we were last here. Donations to store please.

A quick cuppa here and a wander along the river then decision to change direction once again and go south to Thallon where there is a painted silo. Just as well we do not plan trips weeks ahead, or even days.

We are back into very dry country again and road kill started once green road edges came to an end.

Do not blink driving through the main street or you will miss the hotel/post office/local store as they are all in one. Many homes are deserted, as is the one above. The pub owner told us to park behind him but just outside his back fence by the tennis court as he had his lawns very wet keeping feed for the kangaroos. There were about 30 there and around out van when I got up for walk to let sleeping beauty sleep.
To not retravel roads we had been on a few times and to bypass going north to St.George then west to Bollon for the night, the barman told us we could head NW and go direct to just east of Bollon, which is what we decided to do- a bit more country to cover even though depressing with seeing what the graziers are trying to feed their cattle.

Passing through Dirranbandi guess who noticed a Bakery so yes we stopped as it happened to be cuppa time. After half a huge muffin each walking the main street took about 10 mins then on our way again. These small towns all keep their old railway stations neat and tidy.

How depressing is this sight right in town?

Some homes try to keep their lawns green but most cannot be bothered it seems. Below is an old wool press in site at the walkway they are creating around the railway yards. The centre of the main street at least is colorful with gardens and the forever flowering Bouganvillea.

If you cannot read the story of Tom Dancey here ask Mr Google.

Next stop Bollon. This town had its local Wallum Creek break its banks a few weeks ago and many homes had to be evacuated but they are still in drought as it was flood water .

As we have stayed here a few times before this was our next nights stop beside the creek, which has water taps for use, plenty of firewood, toilets and now a dump point. A walkway right into the showers has also been completed- the showers are only 15mins walk.

I had a couple of good walks along the creek and the water, as you can see, is still very muddy from the flood.

I noticed this dead tree way off in the distance where I could see (or thought I could) a lot of tiny birds. It was too far to go to the car for my tripod so could not zoom them right in as got the shakes and nothing suitable to use to sit camera on. Anyway finally got some snaps and the poor light did not help. ABID to the assistance once again. There were about three groups (not the correct word) of White-chested Wood Swallows. Only other place I have seen them was at Bedford weir. Must show our Dr when we get home as she has one almost identical to them on her wall.

I also had a wander through the small cemetry which back in 2006 I had photographed all the headstone inscriptions for the Bundaberg Genealogical Assoc. Anyway, took some of the tiniest.

A couple of these are back in the 1800s.
A bit further on a couple of horses came over for a rub.

Next stop Cunnamulla for fuel and water and still driving through drought country. We were going to ask here if anyone could confirm our thoughts regarding the “pulled” trees which looks as though a cyclone had been through. Do not look as though they have ben “pushed” by a bulldozer but “pulled by dragging a chain “. Our theory anyway.

Not a lot to see and wanted to get on the road as could see storms in front of us. It is a little hard to work out what the finished art work will represent because it works on different parts and not finishing one side first. It will eventually be right around the tower. He was working there on the crane while we were there.

This is what we were heading into.

Just after I got back into the van because of the rain starting the sunset turned a blood red. The water tower one is the setting hues in the east.

23rd. No rain overnight but as soon as started packing up down it came again, intermittently. Rang Thargaminda and not raining at moment but still overcast. Because we are really watching the days this trip decided to take off again.
More from Thargaminda.

[nogallery}

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April 20, 2019

2019 THARGAMINDA TRIP

From: Kay
Sent: Friday, April 19, 2019 8:39 AM
To: my blog
Subject: 2019 THARGAMINDA TRIP

Wednesday 17th April.
Well it has been so long since I have done a blog hope I can remember how to post it. Anyway, 5 days ago we decided that as we had nothing on for the following two weeks we would do a quick trip out west to observe the country while not in drought, so here we are at Yelarbon.
We left about 10am Wednesday and crawled through Brisbane traffic until reaching Ipswich then we were on the duel highway heading west. First stop was at Plainlands to have lunch with the son of my second cousin. Thankyou both for a wonderful couple of hours as well as the toasted sanger. Made out way for an unexpected top overnight at the Gatton caravan park. Very nice caretakers who warned us that they had about 200 backpackers in residence but the only noisy night was usually Fridays. As we can sleep with trains a few hundred mts away we were not worried- turned out there was absolutely no noise that we heard anyway.
Driving through the Lockyer Valley after Gatton saw the usual small crops being grown. Hard to tell while driving past. Managed a few photos.

Thursday we went up the Toowoomba range through Heifer Creek which is the way we always use if travelling south. Instead of going down to Warwick the along the Cunningham Highway we crossed the New England highway towards Clifton/ Leyburn for a lunch stop.
Bruce had to stop to check out a very poor crop of Soy beans- really need lots of rain.

By the way travellers, the hot clean showers behind the tennis court in Leyburn are now left unlocked for use so please put your gold coin in the container on the wall.
Passing through here it is very evident that they are still in drought approaching Leyburn and from there west.

We reached Yelarbon for a late lunch then a Nanny nap . As usual I like to go for a walk beside the lake here so set off , camera in hand hoping for some bird life on the water- was not disappointed. Spoke to man who was in the process of changing sprinklers along the green lawns beside the lake- does it voluntarily and is expecting the council to stop them at any time. There is also an ageing couple who live opposite the water who feed a few domestic ducks, a drake and an injured swan who had both legs broken when hit by a car. So funny to watch it walk because the poor lady often puts one foot on top of the other then falls over. She was having a shower in under the sprinkler as we went past . Unfortunately I did not bring my bird book with me so that is the reason I am not identifying the water birds. Reasonable sure of most of them but! Spoke to the couple feeding the domestic ducks as well as an injured swan who was hit by a car & sustained two broken legs. She manages to get around, very woobly, and occasionally steps on her own feet consequently falling over. The rescue people gave it to them to look after and he reckoned if he had the money he would get both her legs repaired. There was a pair of them but unfortunately one did not survive.

Good Friday. Up for early walk before sunup. If I remember correctly these duck are Rajhar- or something like that. There are hundreds of them at the moment.

This poor fellow must be sick as I was able to walk up right underneath but too hard to see if legs or wings broken. Because it was not moving at all I thought it was dead or a toy.

All for now and as heading west probably not a lot of places to post.

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April 18, 2019

2019 THARGAMINDA TRIP

Wednesday 17th April.
Well it has been so long since I have done a blog hope I can remember how to post it. Anyway, 5 days ago we decided that as we had nothing on for the following two weeks we would do a quick trip out west to observe the country while not in drought, so here we are at Yelarbon.
We left about 10am Wednesday and crawled through Brisbane traffic until reaching Ipswich then we were on the duel highway heading west. First stop was at Plainlands to have lunch with the son of my second cousin. Thankyou both for a wonderful couple of hours as well as the toasted sanger. Made out way for an unexpected top overnight at the Gatton caravan park. Very nice caretakers who warned us that they had about 200 backpackers in residence but the only noisy night was usually Fridays. As we can sleep with trains a few hundred mts away we were not worried- turned out there was absolutely no noise that we heard anyway.
Driving through the Lockyer Valley after Gatton saw the usual small crops being grown. Hard to tell while driving past. Managed a few photos.

Thursday we went up the Toowoomba range through Heifer Creek which is the way we always use if travelling south. Instead of going down to Warwick the along the Cunningham Highway we crossed the New England highway towards Clifton/ Leyburn for a lunch stop.
Bruce had to stop to check out a very poor crop of Soy beans- really need lots of rain.

By the way travellers, the hot clean showers behind the tennis court in Leyburn are now left unlocked for use so please put your gold coin in the container on the wall.
Passing through here it is very evident that they are still in drought approaching Leyburn and from there west.

We reached Yelarbon for a late lunch then a Nanny nap . As usual I like to go for a walk beside the lake here so set off , camera in hand hoping for some bird life on the water- was not disappointed. Spoke to man who was in the process of changing sprinklers along the green lawns beside the lake- does it voluntarily and is expecting the council to stop them at any time. There is also an ageing couple who live opposite the water who feed a few domestic ducks, a drake and an injured swan who had both legs broken when hit by a car. So funny to watch it walk because the poor lady often puts one foot on top of the other then falls over. She was having a shower in under the sprinkler as we went past . Unfortunately I did not bring my bird book with me so that is the reason I am not identifying the water birds. Reasonable sure of most of them but! Spoke to the couple feeding the domestic ducks as well as an injured swan who was hit by a car & sustained two broken legs. She manages to get around, very woobly, and occasionally steps on her own feet consequently falling over. The rescue people gave it to them to look after and he reckoned if he had the money he would get both her legs repaired. There was a pair of them but unfortunately one did not survive.

Good Friday. Up for early walk before sunup. If I remember correctly these duck are Rajhar- or something like that. There are hundreds of them at the moment.

This poor fellow must be sick as I was able to walk up right underneath but too hard to see if legs or wings broken. Because it was not moving at all I thought it was dead or a toy.

All for now and as heading west probably not a lot of places to post.

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May 25, 2018

START OF PAINTED SILO TRAIL AS FAR AS RUPANYUP

Heading south from Walpeup the first silo was the Patchewollock one. This was painted by Brisbane artist Fintan Magee. He met local sheep and grain farmer Nick “Noodle” Hulland , he knew he had found who he wanted to depict on the silo. Most important reason he chose this man was because of his height & leaness he would fit perfectly on the tall slim silo, 35 metre high and built in 1939. It was completed in 2016 depicting the typical Aussie farmer, complete with “flannie”.

These statues are of the Mallee Fowl. Notice the head on the farmer with the Jackie Howe single?

After this was a slight detour east off the Henty Highway east to Lascalles.
These paintings were on 2 silos facing in opposite directions and were probably were the hardest to notice the great defination of the work. This one was done by Melbourne artist Rone. They are local farming couple Geoff and Merrilyn Horman whose family has been farming here for four generations. He worked for two weeks in mid 2017. He added water to his paint as a blending tool to produce a ghostly transparent effect.

. This tiny town has artwork over many of its old buildings.

We turned west back towards Hopetown the south towards Rosebery for the next silo.

This one was painted by Melbourne artist Kaff-eine. and she spent time in Lascelles helping Rone with his silo. Her painting on the left silo depicts the character of the female farmers who regularly face drought, fires and other hardships in the Mallee.
The silo on the right shows quiet moment between friends- man and horse. Akubra hat, Bogs boots and oilskin vest. This one was completed in 2017.

As there was not a painted silo in Brim in 2014 that was going to be out stop for the night. This recreation area has a few power poles with amenity, toilets, children’s play area, boat ramp. Cost is $10 into the donation box.
The artist for the Brim silos, six of them, was Guido Van Heiten and was the first in the Mallee completed in 2016. It depicts an anonymous multi-generational quartet of female & male farmers.

This area at the camp site is rather large with sites set out among the trees.

Still travelling south the next own was Warracknabeal which has the biggest antique/secondhand shop I have ever seen. We spent an hour in there , me looking and Bruce talking. That town got $ from us just in that store. I did not even look at furniture as knew could not take home anyway.

Lets get out of here and head down to Sheep Hills which was just a deserted pub and not much else, except another work of art.
This was painted by Melbourne artist Adnate and his tells the story of the Indigenous people and their land. the photos are of two elders Uncle Ron Marks and Aunty Regina Hood. The tow children are Savannah Marks and Curtly McDonald.

The next town we arrived at was Minyip which happened to be the town for the setting of the past TV series The Flying Doctors. They are not letting folk forget that either with planes & signs everywhere.
Found a tiny store where we were able to get a couple of items as well as some liquid refreshments.

Now heading to Rupanyup for the night and the last silo for the time being.

This one was painted by Russian artist Julia Volchkove who concentrated on the towns youth. The female is Netball player Ebony Baker with AFL player Jordan Weidemann. It was finished in 2017 and is in monochromatic styleand these are very squat silos. Had to take photo to the side because of a power pole right in the middle. If you are down this way these works of art art worth coming to see.
All for now and heading down to Ballarat.
Cheers.

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May 25, 2018

LOXTON TO UNDERBOOL

Heading south towards Pinnaroo where we are going to head east into Victoria. We have been detouring off the highway to see the tiny towns/villages which
have gradually been bypassed over the years. This one is Paruna and there was not much activity. The enquiries sign is in the store window and at a guess, the man at the the old home next door was the owner.

These old sandstone (I think) buildings with the light and the darker colour down the edges are rather distinctive to SA & Vic.
Not long before we were at Pinnaroo and here we had a cuppa after some more old deserted buildings. Not many vehicle services at this motors I would not think. All these old Hotels are spoiled buy the amount of modern signage!

Sorry about the Postie on his bike and notice the same style with the brick on the Hotel.

There were many tiny towns along the Mallee highway, mostly with the highway being the main street with just a Pub, General Store, maybe a Post Office but that was often in the Store.

Glimpsed this abandoned home in same style of brick.

There was a sign pointing to the Kow Homestead just off the road so headed in there for a look. It is an old home, stables, cookhouse and the necessary outhouse. Signs not easy to read but Mr Google will tell the story I would think.

Moving along the turn to the Murray-Sunset Pink Lakes appeared but as we had been there a few years ago, bypassed it this time. Here are a few photos from that trip. Everything at that time looked so much greener.

We decided to stop at Underbool for the night. This is another small town which is catering for travellers. There is a very clean amenity block with toilets and hot showers. The showers are $3.50 and we noticed as few truckies making use of them as well. A nice camp kitchen and cost $10 power. More abandoned stores we discovered after going for a wander. Wanted to use the Post Office but it was not open. So far we have not been able to sit outside for a drink or cuppa because there still has not been any sunshine. Usually totally overcast but no rain in sight.

Locked so could not lock him up!
A few ks after Underbool was another great little stop for $10 with same facilities. This is where we stopped last time when we drove past it was crowded. You can get the key from the tore to open the hall to have look at the huge patchwork wall hanging.

Here we turned south to start the silo trail.

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May 21, 2018

WEETHALLE ONWARDS TO LOXTON

After leaving West Wyalong showgrounds we were still travelling along extremely drought stricken country.

This was a short drive across to Weethalle to see out first painted wheat silo. This trip south is mainly to do the Silo Art Trail In Victoria.
.

Weethalle is a town with the main street being the highway. While there, went into a tiny second hand shop & had a chat to the owner, or rather Bruce did while I browsed.

Checkout the top shelf of jugs in the middle & you will see a minature jug & if I remember correctly he paid over $200 for this.

Not sure if this this RSL would still be used and it would not be a town if it did not have a Royal hotel.

Our destination for today was going to be the RSL club at Hay for the night. The rest area is beside the club on the highway going south into Hay. Sorry but forgot to take a photo. There is a Bowls club on the site which is not used, as they could not compete with the other club in town. Had been told about the great Chinese Restaurant in the club so we went and got some takeaway for dinner that night- believe what you hear as it was the best we have tasted since Bundaberg or the restaurant in Narrabri.
The next day we revisited the old Railway station where there is a museum set up about the Dunera Boys.

Back to town for a cuppa then a drive to check out the river site where we have also stopped a couple of times before the RSL was available. Filled up with water, dump point etc.
Driving along the Hay Plains the amount of cotton (irrigated) was huge. There were modules and bales everywhere.

Had decided to go into the Yanga NP outside of Balranald to maybe stay there for the night. Even though just a dust bowl that was not a problem. Managed to get a site on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. There is a big wool shed here but we did not pay it a visit as we have seen many wool sheds in our touring.

Had placed a thermometer outside just to see how cold the morning would get- 2 degrees before the sun came up & was just wonderful to get back into the van where it was 23 – thankyou diesel heater.
Filled up with fuel at a deserted card only BP servo on the outskirts of Balranald – only $1.33 compared to the other servos up to $1.50.
Heading directly west now towards Euston & Robinvale, either side of the Murray river and into wine country and Victoria.
Our next night was spent at Lake Benanee where we had stopped previously. Still no sunshine and parked behind some trees to block the cold wind coming off the lake.

Travelling on, we had wanted to spend a night in at Bottle Bend on the Murray next before Mildura but with totally overcast weather that would not have been a very smart thing to do. However we did drive in to have a look. The last time we were there a couple of years ago there were no signs and was very easy to miss the turn off the highway. Much work has been done since then-there are many little signs pointing to various camp sites.

. The photo with the inscription should “now logged off”, not “not logged off”
Memories of 2012.

We had already eaten/cooked all of our fruit & veges before reaching the Quarantine check point so were really looking forward to getting more when we reached Loxton.

I was having trouble with my modem which would not turn off, no matter what I did to it. Found a Telstra shop in Mildura and he had it fixed in a second and he showed me what to do if it happens again. I badly needed new wool lined slippers so also got a pair of those while in the complex. Rang out friends down at Loxton to let them know when we would be arriving. About 4 years since we last were here.
Arrived and set up at friends at Loxton on Friday 19th.
21.5.18
This was an unexpected way to say goodbye. Faye & John had decided to have camp oven dinner. They have this wonderful setup here for visiting friends with caravans. This includes Magpies who fly inside when nobody is looking and try to get grapes off the table.
An extra bonus visiting them was that John had enough correct sized foam and time for a small job for us by renewing our van seats. We only thought about that when we got here, as had forgotten how handy this man is with his hands.

There was rather a cold westerly wind sneaking around the back of the kitchen and I reckoned in between both fires would be the spot. We could have gone inside but not when there were fires burning.

22.5.18. Goodbye from Loxton until next time with huge thanks to Faye & John for their usual great hospitality and friendship. Wonderful to be able to sit & chill out for a few days. Till we meet again.

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May 14, 2018

ON FROM PORT MACQUARIE

14.5.18

We left Port last Wednesday and because we have been passing through places we have been before we did not stop and do the touristy things, Gulgong being the exception. Travelled down the Pacific highway and turned west at Raymond Terrace, already decided that we were going to stay at Broke. This detour took us right through the centre of the Hunter Valley wineries. No, we did not stop and the reason being we were here a few years ago and stayed with friends at Mt View which overlooks the wineries, and are going to call to see them on the way home, hopefully.

These 2 tiny old churches are opposite the Broke rest area, which is a very big area and only one set of flushing toilets a well as 2 demountables. Just dust everywhere (drought) and we had to remind a couple of overseas backpackers who pulled under some trees, which had signs on them “Do not park under these trees” .They were obviously rotting . The trees not the backpacker! The whole area is useless if you want solar as barely a spot without tree cover.. Plenty of privacy as so far apart.
The following day we went up to Singleton to have a cuppa with friends who have housesat for us a few times. They are in this beautiful 1883 home, original owner probably a wealthy Pastoralist. The name of the home is Pelegrin.

Second photo shows the caoch house on the left

There is a huge mining industry around Singleton

Anyone for a butternut pumpkin rotting in the ground, at least the cattle will eat them. Headed off towards Merriwa to spend the night behind the hotel. Also a dust bowl but a couple of rubber mats down & the problem solved. In Wiki camps there were folk complaining but you put up with these things when on the road. They also did not like the Rooster crowing at dawn. To me, that was rather nice as it took me back to farming days. OK it was about 5am but out of bed anyway. The meal the night before was the best Chicken Schnitzel we had had for a long time. Thank goodness I ordered the children’s size

While travelling west we were heading straight into a very strong westerly, there were frequent light showers and was bitterly cold. Found out that there had been snow at Orange which is only a stone’s throw away.
Toilets inside Merrima Info centre.

Very appropriate signs for the district we are travelling through.
Before we left we wandered around to the tourist centre/Arts & Crafts. This display would have to be one of the biggest I have seen regarding home made arts & crafts. Many of the items would never get used in our climate as made from pure wool. Did purchase a bottle of the nicest zucchini relish I have ever tasted and now wishing I had got more than one. Bruce naturally was into the machinery.

The only green is irrigated pastures and the cattle are really in good condition.

Passed through Ulan also under/above ground mining.

Gulgong is described as an Historic town and only driven through previously. Many, many craft shops set up in small old buildings. One of them all proceeds go to restoring the Old Opera House.

It was bitterly cold, misty & not very nice weather for wandering around the hilly streets, which are very narrow & not Caravan friendly at all. Took a few photos of some buildings but had to end up running back to car before heavy rain started.

Last Saturday was a celebration of when the first Model A Ford was sold in Australia, from a garage in Gulgong and there was going to be over 3000 vehicles here to celebrate.
Just a few for enthusiasts.

A contrast regarding size was this Lincoln Continental. We were speaking to the young family loading groceries in to the “trunk” and it was HUGE. They said it weighed 2 ton a 1956 model and loves the juice as you can imagine. They have had it for 20 years with 2 previous owners since it was imported.

Our stop for Saturday night was at Yeoval, also another pub thanks to Pubs Australia group. A large area , wet at the moment because of showers.
Went into the pub for a drink before dinner – roaring fire place to sit in front of but was not a good idea as had to go outside to van later. Good hot showers/toilets open all night if needed. We had the place to ourselves.
The weather next day had improved somewhat with blue sky as we headed to Cumnock. Had read about a Bicycle Art Trail Cumnock to Dubbo and as we approached Cumnock these sculptures began to appear roadside. Shall show a few photos but I managed to snap 27. Why? These a some of the best. Anyone travelling with children down this way should not miss them. Mr Google talks about them.

Driving through Cumnock we noticed so many deserted homes.

This tiny place was tucked back between 2 homes. Shall have to delete the name on photo as should be Cumnock! Senior,s moment!
Did a slight detour off highway into Cargo .

decided to spend the night at the rest area opposite the Cowra information centre. It being Saturday afternoon, there were no parks available because of hockey fields beside rest area and parks were filled with Mums bringing children for the sport. They gradually left and 3 vans, including us, moved up to the area for overnight. There is a dump point here as well as toilets available ay Maccas as well as the public ones above the grounds.
We did not do any of the tourist things here as all done in past years.
Into Showgrounds at West Wyalong for a couple of night for washing, dump shopping etc. $20 with friendly caretaker. A change to wander the streets with out bitterly cold wind & nice sunshine. Some beautiful old buildings.

The work in building these places, in my humble opinion, needs to be congratulated, especially the age and how they have weathered time. Sad to see so many new signs adorning them.

15.5.18. No destination planned for today except to stop at Weethalle to see a painted mural- hopefully as there have been a couple of towns who said they did not have any. One was Cumnock.
Porridge cooked which the smell woke Bruce so time to close till next time. 3 degrees outside at 7am.

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May 10, 2018

NARRABRI TO PORT MACQUARIE

Well more than a couple of days have passed after vowing that I would attend to this daily! We did a day trip down to Mendooran to visit friends who we met while travelling. Just a 500k round trip but we Aussies often do a trip like that! So good to catch up Robyn & Bob & love your 5th wheeler. Enjoy while you can my friends.
Had lunch in the old pub there & as usual a huge meal.

Their daughter’s minature ponies.

A few photos of cotton being picked/harvested at our daughter’s.

Love this place for sunrise/sunset photos.

Early morning crop duster.
Rolling the awning up we realized that the spring on one end was broken so that would mean finding somewhere to get repaired.
After saying a goodbye to family and attending to groceries, water & dump in Narrabri we headed down to Gunedah and the country did not improve at all- so depressing .

Did not stop here as been here quite a few times so headed east to Tamworth.

Just north of Tamworth we noticed a van repair sign, so did a Uturn to see if they could do the repair instead of finding a place in big town. The small country town was Moonbi and 30 mins later we were away with a new spring. A new one would have been $300 but they had one taken from another van for $100. It was like new. Good country hospitality.
That night we spent at Bendermeer. This is a huge rest area, donation box at entry, off the highway but after dark the traffic was not a problem. Down in a hollow so knew it would be cold in the morning so we parked well away from other vanners as we would definately have heater going.

Wandered over to the old bridge for a look. This is higher than the new bridge which was built over the river and you would have to wonder why?

The MacDonald River with the old bridge as a walkway. Timber structures under are starting to rot.

Taken from new low level bridge with the old one up river.

The colours of autumn are so different down south – colours which we do not see in our part of QLD. The deciduous trees make such a mess!

These came down to say hello and they look as though they could do with some care.

4.4.12
Thursday morning we were still going east and down the Moonbi range, which we have been down before. There were a few vans coming up but what a long pull.

This person greets you at Walcha

Once again the streets are lined with Autumn colours. AS we had previously stopped at the towns on the way down we did not do it again.
As soon as we got over the range the country certainly changed colour, with signs that it rained over here. The elevation height 1152 mts.
On the way down the range we did a couple of walks into the waterfall & gorges. The first was the Aspley Falls which were non existent.

No, we did not do the walk down these steps as I would have never got back up.
We had a cuppa there and were joined immediately by this Currawong.

This water is top side of the falls but that is as far as it goes.

These were the only wild life we saw on the walks.

These falls did have some water!

We did not do the 5k. The walk we were on was sealed the first few meters then gravel with “ups and downs”. Only bird calls were obviously small birds but could not see them.

Da enjoying the view .

Continuing on down the range around hairpin bends which I took some photos showing them on the Navman

We were going to go as far as Ellenborough rest area but had lunch at the Stockyard Creek area & decided to stay there for the night. Right beside the road but traffic noise does not worry us. The noise from birds, which we could not see, was unbelievable. I am thinking they might have been Bellbirds.The noise stopped very suddenly about 4.30.
The only others we saw were couple of parrots and some Fairy Wrens .

5.4.12
Very quiet night with nobody else stopped and no traffic.Heater on about 5am as rather cool. There are composting loos here and reasonably clean.
Tried to get some photos coming down the range but not easy.

Continued on down the range, passing through Ellenborough and Wauchope at which we did not stop and have a wander as here many years ago.

We were soon into Port Macquarie for 5 nights. As we had already been here before we did not do the “touristy” things. Reason we did this big detour on our trip was to give daughter Sally support on her first Ironman competition.
Booked into our motel, a rather old one , with only about 20 van sites as most are now cabins.

The sunset from the motel room door and dinner with Sally & girls as well Kate & Andrew & boys. Good friends of Sally and Andrew is doing the Ironman once again.
Saturday was a reasonably quiet day with Mitchell Trent & Sophie also arriving to give Sally support. The cousins, especially the 3 girls, also enjoyed each others company as they do not get together too often.

One dolphin way in the distance.
Had to go shopping to buy Bruce some jeans as yours truly had somehow forgotten to pack his. He said he could wear his farming ones he always packs in case of work being needed on car or van but that was not happening.
The next 3 days were to be rather long & tiring , especially Sunday where we were at Sally & the girl’s motel room at 6.15am to watch her enter the water for the first leg which was 3.8km.

7.4.13

There were over 2000 contestants a few well into their 60s.
Next leg was the 180k bike ride!

Phone photo and not the best but mounting her bike

Smile & wave at 90k mark.
.

End of 180k then heading out for marathon length run, 42k.

The next just over 5 hours was waiting at motel for she & Andrew to come past on their final circuit before the finish line.

There were literally thousands of spectators at the finish line, which was kept open to 12mn, the cutoff time to finish the full course. We were sitting having a champers at the motel & they were still running past at 11.30pm. Determination! 7.30am to 11.30pm .

From memory she finished about 9.30pm.

The loud music, the banging on the barriers, the yelling was soooooooooo loud- Bruce had his ears turned right down which I would have loved. There was even a proposal just before the finish line! The poor announcer, an American, must have had a sore throat next day as he called out eg “Sally you are an Ironman” as all of the over 2000 contestants crossed the line. As well a how many they had done.

As they go through the finish line they are asked if they want medical aid or food but she said she was just wanted to sit & have some food. They do get soup, sandwiches, fruit, drinks at comfort stops along the way if they want it but they all take something with them. Bananas, energy snacks etc. We crawled into bed about 12mn with hot water bottle to back & heat beads to other parts!
Monday Bruce & I both had very sore feet & I had muscles aching I did not know I had!
Tuesday I did washing, house work & Bruce washed the car & packed up to leave Wednesday.
All about ironman and sorry if I have bored you in my travel blog but we are rather proud of our 44 year old baby.

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April 13, 2018

2018 FIRST TRIP SOUTH TO VICTORIA

Well, after 12 months at home, after having it rented for 4 years , we have finally got away with the van until the end of July. Have a good friend house sitting for us so we have no worries as far as home is concerned.
Day 1 was via D’Aguilar highway through Kilcoy, Esk, Gatton then up the Toowoomba range via Heifer Creek as far as Leyburn for lunch then Usual Yelarbon for the first night. ApproachingKilcoy this cloud looked as though it was at ground level.

This cyclist greeted us at Esk where we stopped in front of the Bakery for a cuppa!
Next stop was Leyburn for lunch at a free/low cost rest area.

Onto Leyburn Recreation Grounds where we always stop when travelling to family at Bellata. Hope all travellers put a donation in the tin.

There are always plenty of Corellas here & one of these pairs thought too early to wake up. Love these birds even with their noisy habits evening and early morning. The further south we go the drier the country becomes.
Arrived at Yelarbon with the only green grass where the caretakers have been watering around the amenity block. Woken up at midnight by a group of 4 German girls arriving and parked right next to us- this is a big recreation ground and there was only one other van here so there was no need to stop so close. This seems to be a trait with overseas travellers! There were enough lights shining so darkness was no excuse about not being able to see.

Day 2. Up for a sunrise photo and walk along the Yelarbon Lagoon.

A few Red- Rumped Parrots and the sunlight on the front of the Willy.

There is old machinery displayed around the grounds- Bruce always interested in these farming implements . Glow from the sunrise.

You can see just how dry by the, was going to say dead grass, but mainly dirt!
Another late night watching the final night of swimming.

Day two we left much earlier than normal – 7.30am. Planned to get to Bellata before lunch. So very dry but there is a small amount of water in the water holes beside the road. Surprisingly very little “road kill” along the roadsides but I guess there is no green picking along there either. Had a stop at the Moree Information to get a supply of their Caramelised Capsicum which we love with cheese. They now have Beetroot relish which is also very tasty.
Arrived at daughter’s in time for lunch .
Day 3 up for a walk before sunup. There are cracks on ground that you can loose a spanner down!

Lots of wonderful old machinery which has passed its use by date by many years. This Fargo Would be a restorers dream!

It is a full time job here trying to keep the grass green around the house- just as well bore water. Going to local to-night for dinner for Son-in-laws birthday and 13 year old grandson cooked breakfast this morning.
Shall post this now & back in a couple of days.

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