Tuesday 10 September 2024
A quick stop for morning tea at the Ampol Service Station. Had it "on board" as we have 6 weeks ahead of us and don't need/want to spend money on coffee and lunch if not necessary.
For the first time in weeks the sky is overcast, but not unpleasant for the long drive ahead.
Millmerran
I was pretty sure I had this picture already (the one of the water tank, not the motorhome 🙂), and yes, checking my blog, I was here on my second trip to Bathurst with my camper in August 2017.
Today I had a bit more time and we walked around to have a better look. A nice spot for lunch as well and then we were on our way again.
Moree Showground
Today we made good time. Kevin wanted to get as far as Goondiwindi at least, and we made it to Moree.
As volunteers we are expected to arrive 2 days early at the rally, but as transport volunteers we are expected even earlier. We found out late and have now only 8 days to get down south instead of the 10 that we had planned for. Most of the sightseeing will therefore be done after the rally.
We normally don't go to 'paid' camps, but Goondiwindi has a high youth crime rate, and Moree isn't much better for similar reasons. There even is a warning to keep your doors locked! So a free camp without others around was not an option.
No exciting photos today.
[photo motorhome]
Wednesday 11 September 2024
Coonabarabran
Springtime in Coonabarrabran. Later, on the way, we see endless wattles in flower, paired with white bushes, interspersed with some purple flowers. A beautiful sight, but hard to photograph from a vehicle moving at 95km/hr.
Mendooran
Just a picture of lovely greenery and a nice sky near Mendooran.
Terramungamine Reserve
We have arrived at our camp for the night. Over the years it has become my favourite overnight spot. First with Frank, then on my own or with Patricia and possibly Dianne and now with Kevin.
We went for a short walk and explored the Aboriginal Reserve. It has preserved old grinding grooves. (Explanation in the photo series.)
Old trees here have long ago gone into survival mode. New trees have sprouted from the, then still alive, fallen trees. Many trees are old and gnarled. Beautiful when you observe them closely.
Also some pictures of the Macquarie River and two kookaburras. Some 15 years ago during the floods, the river rose to above where we are now parked. On our second visit we saw all the debris in the fences around the park.
Edit: It's spring. The wildflowers are out. We can't compete with Western Australia, but I couldn't resist a few pictures.
Thursday 12 September 2024
Terramungamine
Some vehicles on the road look out of this world... 😁
Parkes
Another of the centre-street blossoming trees. No idea what they are though.
The sun has disappeared and we have had a few showers. The temperature has dropped signifficantly and I am now wearing warm clothes and socks! So glad I remembered to take winter gear.... 😊
Forbes
We couldn't resist! The service station where we fuelled up had hot meals! What better than a serve of hot chips with chicken salt for lunch. 🤭
Followed by a brief walk through town, we took some photographs of well-preserved old buildings: the town hall and post office.
Cooinda Park Rest Area - West Wyalong
We have arrived at our camp for the night. Made it to West Wyalong.
It reminds me of a nightmare trip some 30 years ago. It's a long story, but we broke down here just before Christmas. We had to leave the car behind till just before New Year's Eve. We travelled the rest of the way by bus to our friends in Melbourne...
We're fine now. Albeit a bit cool, the sun is out again and we walked through the park where we are camped. A good campsite with toilets, dump point and drinking water.
Edit: the bird is a white-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)
[photo bucket]
