| Home |
Read about our cycling trip around Australia in our book - "Ants, Dust & Flies in my Coffee..."
Or
Triking Alaska's
Dalton Highway
Our Latest Book in
E-Book Format
Size - 27Mgb
(requires Adobe Acrobat Reader)
May 2017
01 May 2017
Leaving our camp this morning we were heading to Casino to visit an old Navy friend and his wife, but we were not going to take the simple way down the highway. Turning off the highway we made our way down back roads through Ettrick, Dyraaba Village and Doubtful Creek before making our way into Casino. Some of the road was dirt and some bitumen.
Arriving in Casino we made our way to the home of George and Liz in the gateway village which is situation on part of the old Casino airfield. Finding their home via help at reception we parked up and with George at work, we caught up with Liz.
Just 100m away from Gorge and Liz's place is a caravan park on the side of the old taxiway so we booked in for the night. $25 ($2.50 discount for CMCA members) a night for power, water, sullage, dump point, access to the village facilities and the nicest, cleanest ablution block we have seen in a long while.
Part of the caravan park and the old airport taxiway.
On the threshold of the runway. Light planes still land here but further down past the fence on the extended runway.
With George back from work we spent a very pleasant evening catching up with each other and reminiscing old times, including the fact that our first meeting and joining the RAN was 40 years ago this July!
02 May 2017
Saying farewell to George and Liz we topped up with fuel and headed out of town, turning off shortly afterwards and heading towards Grafton via another back road.
Farming and forestry with some bitumen and lots of dirt we made our way through Moongarie to Busby Flat and then taking a slight detour enjoyed morning tea on the Clarence River at Alice.
Downstream from the bridge.
More narrow and corrugated dirt road through more forestry and small holdings saw us pass through Baryugil and Fine Flower before climbing the hill and stopping for a view of the area at the Newbold Lookout.
Looking SW along the Clarence from the lookout.
Climbing the hill we were passing through open farming country, cattle grazing on the splendidly green grass in what looked like an alpine meadow fringed by trees.
We were heading for Copmanhurst where there is supposed to be a cheap and a free camp, but we detoured to the Lilydale Bridge where there is another free camp, and that was the end of that! What a beautiful spot.
A great camp spot even with a cloudy sky.
Crossing the bridge we found plenty of no camping signs and so turned around and went back over to where other people were camping. Driving along the river rock bank we selected a site and settled in for the rest of the day.
Relaxing after a hard days drive and subliminally planning a photo shoot.
The result of the subliminal planning. River foam swirls in the river.
03 May 2017
Waking to a nice day we enjoyed the morning sun before the clouds came back in. Catching up on photo's, the web page and generally doing nothing was is the agenda for today.
Joanne captured this shot on her morning walk. You can see our camp spot in the middle.
04 May 2017
Leaving our campsite on the river under grey skies we made our way to the small town of Copmanhurst where we investigated and almost stayed at the boat ramp camp. The campsites require you to drive along a river sand track and either camp up on the side of the bank or in the river on the rocks, all of which was possible for us, but we decided not to stay.
We watched a man leave his car and get on his paddle board go down the river and watched a man who drifting down the river in his kayak and fishing at the same time. He caught a fish while we were watching him and his old dog that was on the bank got all excited about it. The fisherman eventually came to the shore and we had a chat while his uneatable (even his dog didn't want it) dogfish floundered on the bank. Catfish, dogfish and bass are the catch here apparently.
Pano of the camping area at the Copmanhurst Boat Ramp.
Arriving in Grafton we stopped just long enough for fuel, shopping and the tourist information centre before heading back out of town to the Old Grafton to Glen Innes Road and which, according to the flyer promised a trip of flowing waters, steep embankments, dry ridges, and lush dark valleys. Leaving the highway behind we turned off towards tonight's camp on the river at Buccarumbi where the Boyd and Nymboida Rivers join.
Not far down the road we came to the Orara River and a large but narrow bridge that crossed it. After the bridge we were still passing through farmland and small holdings until the bush really took over and where the only farming was on small pockets of land cleared from the forest along the side of the very wet pot holed road.
Across the Bridge.
A look underneath.
The River itself.
Looking for a house with a white picket fence?
Onto the gravel we zig zagged our way along, passing a road crew grading the road before coming down a hill and into the small locality of Buccarumbi, which consists of just a few houses along the river bank, a bridge and small camping ground complete with toilets. The campground itself is a tiered arrangement but we chose to stay on the river pebbles.
Our campsite for today.
Looking upstream on the Nymboida River.
Part of the history of the old bridge.
Some of the remains of the old bridge.
A large bus with a man and two kids and another camper in a small van were the only other people around until a local canoe business came down with some customers. They set up, gave instructions and conducted practical assessments and then took their charges, mostly young adults, down the river through the rapids from right in front of us, and it was funny watching the paddlers trying to get their act together from their crash course in what they were about to do.
05 May 2017
Being down in a valley we figured there might be some mist or fog on the river this morning but the only glimpses of that were a long way upstream or a little bit downstream and closer to our camp.
Opposite our campsite and looking at the downstream overflow area as the morning fog lifts.
Leaving our camp and heading towards Dalmorton we climbed up and over a small spur as the road wound its way through the bush, escarpment and bush on one side, the river on the other and little room to pass any oncoming traffic.
Coming out of the bush into a clearing we saw the sign that denotes the ghost town of Dalmorton, which back in it's day had 5,000 people living in and around it, and was serviced by 13 pubs, a clear indication that gold was not just in the ground around these parts.
The town that was.
The town that was (taken from the You are here spot on the map above).
The school was down on the left where the cow and small tree are.
The Butchers shop and residence are here on the right.
Moving on from Dalmorton we went to see the tunnel that was carved out of the hillside in the mid 1800's. Keeping a good eye out for spots to reverse back to we arrived at the tunnel and after an inspection and guided by Joanne crawled through to the other side. Then, as we were not continuing on to Glen Innes found a spot and returned back through the tunnel to Dalmorton.
Will we fit through?
Will we make it?
Out the other side and back again with no bumps or scrapes.
Safely back in Dalmorton we stopped for morning tea in front of the old Police Station/Courthouse site and listening to the bell birds ping away, a stark contrast to the ore battery noise that would have filled this valley back when the town was living. Morning tea over we turned off along the Chaelundi Road near the old butchers shop, heading down to the river on a completely washed out road before crossing the concrete bridge.
Almost immediately after we had got off the bridge we began to climb, and climb we did. Up and up through the forest along a track that got very narrow and passing any other vehicle, especially a logging truck would have been an interesting experience. The further we climbed the narrower the road got until it resembled nothing more than a small clearing as it wound its way up and forest tracks with names of "Stop a bit Rd" gave an indication that someone had done it tough on the climb.
The surface also got worse and worse and with 4wd engaged we hardly got out of first or second gear as we made our way up the rocky, washed out track which continued for kilometre after kilometre. In fact the road was that bad we wondered if we had actually taken a wrong turn somewhere and were going the wrong way, but we were following the map, and the track we had put into the gps, so we continued on.
An easy part of the climb up from Dalmorton which took us from 208m to 1300m in a short distance.
Topping out at Mt Chaelundi the sign said 1377m before the road started to descend, but not before we found a small clearing and a lookout sign. Pulling over and parking up we could see plenty of blue sky through the trees and so took the short 30m walk to the edge.
The view down to where we have been from the lookout near the top at 1,377m.
Today's Climb Profile was quite steep.
Leaving the summit we began to descend, the track was now slightly wider and the surface slightly better, and the further down we went the better it got. Down in the lower parts we came to a very nice fern forest before eventually coming out into an open grassy area where the highland farming started.
Though the fern forest.
Out of the hills and into the open grasslands.
Joining Sheep Station Creek Road we joined a major road again at the small town of Dundarabin where we investigated a supposed campsite on a river reserve. Unfortunately the campsite turned out to be just a small clearing in the bush not far from the river.
Heading up the highway again we turned off towards Dorrigo and followed the winding road passing through North Dorrigo where the tree's were on their last leg of their Autumnal display of colour. Arriving in Dorrigo itself we saw what we thought was a railway dumping ground. Hundreds of carriages (some good, some bad) and a row of steam engines were all all lined up in what we found to be the Dorrigo Steam Railway COllection, reputed to be the largest in the Southern Hemisphere.
Looking for somewhere to stop for the night we made our way out to the Dangar Falls Lodge to see if it was to our liking, but despite being a short stroll to the falls, it was not for us. Heading back into town we eventually went to the local Ray White Real Estate agents and paid to stop in the showgrounds for two nights with the intention of exploring the area a little and giving the rig a wash.
06 May 2017
It was a bit cool last night and we awoke to a 5 degree morning. Brrr! So with the temperature so low there was only one thing to do, put the heater on and wait for the house to warm up before we got up.
Once up there was a town market to attend and some shopping to be done before heading out to see the sights. First up was to take a few streets that would give us the best view of our neighbours, the Dorrigo Steam Railway and Museum which sits on 53 acres and has 75 locomotives, 280 Passenger Carriages and numerous other vehicles, including one allocated and used by General Douglas MacArthur.
Some of the rolling stock.
Some of the 75 locomotives held by the museum.
The museum is not open to the public and will remain that way until they can raise the necessary 1.5 million dollars to comply with the Council's requirements for roads, parking, toilets etc. The museum raises money through memberships. You can view some pictures of the stock and further down the page is aerial views at http://www.dsrm.org.au/picture_gallery.htm
Moving on from the railway museum we made our way to Dangar Falls. The falls viewing platform is very close to the carpark but it is so small it only holds about three people at any one time and that causes a line up for the view.
Dangar Falls and some brave backpackers enjoying a swim.
Leaving the backpackers to their swim we made our way out of town and onto the Rainforest Skywalk where a gold coin donation gave us access through the souvenir shop to the skywalk as it juts out across the canopy and brings you to a great view.
Heading out to along the skywalk.
The view towards Bellingen and the coast from the skywalk.
Heading back to towards Dorrigo we took the road up to the lookout and the Trooper Mark Donaldson VC park. Donaldson grew up in Dorrigo and went to school here before joining the Army and being awarded the VC in Afghanistan.
The view back over part of Dorrigo from the Donaldson Park.
Heading back to the showgrounds there was time to wash the rig before the sun started to go down and the cold of the evening set in.
07 May 2017
Leaving our camp at the showgrounds we passed made our way along the Waterfall Way Highway through some of the most scenic countryside we have seen. A mix of New England views and Gippsland's rolling hills it was a pleasure to view the vista's at every corned and crest.
Arriving in Ebor we found the free camp just out of town and settled in, unhooking and heading off to see the waterfall just nearby in the National Park. Photo's were okay but the sun was in the wrong spot and was rather harsh, so it was a case of coming back later on.
Upper Ebor Falls.
.jpg)
The Upper Ebor Falls as the sun begins to set.
Ebor Falls at sunset with the belt of Venus forming in the sky.
So with photographs taken it was time to settle in for the evening with two other campers and a cold night coming.
08 May 2017
Waking to a cool morning we packed up and headed off to the falls again, this time hoping for some mist or fog to help with the view and photographs, but it was not to be, so we settled for this cattle race instead.
Moss and a soft light on this captured our attention.
Heading off from Ebor we made our way along the Waterfall Way, stopping to see the Wollomombi Falls.
The Wollomombi Falls in the gorge.
A closer look at the falls.
Heading off again we made our way through the highland grassy plains where the sheep grow plenty of wool to keep warm. Turning off we made our way to see what the Bakers Creek Falls looked like.
Driving through the open grasslands we crossed Bakers Creek and climbed a hill and pulling into the parking area. A short 30m walk and we were surprised to see a view like this.
The Bakers Creek Falls were just a trickle but the gorge was interesting.
Back on the Waterfall Way we made our way towards Dangars Falls. Turning off the bitumen we made our way along a good gravel road as it passed 11 kilometres through various properties, grids across the road marking the boundaries as we passed along. Down a long hill as entered the NAtional Park, found a spot to park and headed off to see the sights.
A long, narrow ribbon of water makes up the Dangars Falls.
A slightly closer look at the falls.
11 km's later we were back on the road and heading towards our next destination, Gostwyck Chapel. Having seen numerous photos of the Chapel we could see the area from afar thanks to the colours of Autumn that surround it.
Arriving at Munsies Bridge we made a quick detour to view the strange shaped sheep shed that is part of the Gostwyck Station. Not able to go in and have a look at it, we were left to take a photo of it from the road.
The strange octagonal sheering shed of the Gostwyck Station.
Parking up in a clearing near Munsies Bridge (c1938), we walked across the bridge and the camera got a good workout. Despite the colours not being at their fullest it was still a beautiful sight and it was pleasant walking around taking photographs in the shade of the large Elm trees that surround the Chapel and line the driveway up to the main house.
Walking across Munsies Bridge.
Gostwyck Chapel was built as part of the Gostwyck Station and was dedicated to the memory of Major Clive Collingwood Dangar, MC who died in World War 1 and whose Father Henry Dangar emigrated to Australia in 1821. Henry and his brother bought Gostwyck in 1834. The Elm tree's were planted by a man brought out from England specifically for that purpose.
Many photographs have been taken of the Chapel with the red leaved vine in full colour, but unfortunately we were not here at the right time to see that, but it was still pretty good.
Our first view of the Gostwyck Chapel.
The front of the Chapel.
The view from the main house direction.
The Chapel looking towards MUnsies Bridge.
The Chapel looking towards the main house driveway.
The Chapel was not open to be able to view the interior as it is, according to the signs, Private Property and sitting on the same. Visitors are also not welcome at the main house but the driveway view is exceptionally nice.
From Gostwyck we made the short journey into Uralla for the night.
10 May 2017
There had been an intention to return to Gostwyck this morning for shots of the chapel in the morning fog (if it was there), but a warm bed and a cold night meant that it didn't happen.
We packed up and headed out again, making our way South down Thunderbolts way. Our first stop was at Irish Town just before Walcha. The town is no longer and the only way you would know anything was there was courtesy of one remaining residence and a sign.
The House and sign.
A slightly better view.
It would have been nice to have gone in but an electric fence and padlocked gate meant we were not able to unless we followed the directions on the sign. Making the last few kilometres into Walcha we stopped in town for morning tea and a look around town.
Leaving Walcha we made our way down the Aberbaldie Road through some beautiful countryside and various signed fossicking areas until we stopped for lunch at the Macdonald River.
Lunch over we decided to go that bit further today and get to Chaffey Dam just outside of the town of Nundle, but first we had to pass through the small towns of Ingleba and Niangala. Then we had to descend the steep and narrow Point Stephens Cutting. Dropping 600m down the range the cutting is narrow, winding and not made for long or large vehicles, and definitely not for passing.
Coming down the range
Once down the range we were making our way along the winding river flat road, farms all around taking advantage of the good land provided by the river to grow crops and hay.
Arriving in and passing through the small town of Woolomin we found the camping area at Chaffey Dam. Stopping at the gate come honesty box we selected an envelope, put some money in (fee is $5 a night) and drove in. There is a shower and toilet block here with $1 hot showers for those who want them, toilets, dump point and a rainwater drinking tap.
Quite a number of campers were in but there was still plenty of room for us. We selected a site but had trouble getting level even after digging a hole for one set of wheels, so we filled the holes back in and moved, finding a concrete pad on the other side of the dam. We set up easily enough but the phone reception was almost non existent and the non satellite tv was rubbish. The view and the sunset however were magnificent.
Our campsite for the night as the sun went down.
Another view as the sun went down this time using a long exposure lens.
10 May 2017
Waking to a cold foggy morning the warm bed was not enough to stop the photo's this morning. Rugged up against the cold it was nice outside and to be the only person up.
The fog shrouding the dam outside of our door.
The fog lifted after a few hours and the warmth of the sun was warmly embraced by everything and everybody.
After such a beautiful morning and while sitting outside a decision to stay longer was made and so after Joanne found a better phone signal spot we packed up and moved about 100m away, dug some holes for one set of wheels, leveled up and set up camp again, this time with decent tv and phone. Think we might have to stay a few days longer.
Later in the day, after lounging around in the sun and enjoying the view, we walked up the large hill opposite us for a view of the other side.
It was 4wd shoes to get up here that is for sure.
From the top we could see the small island that was covered in fog this morning.
Almost back down the hill and we could see both sides of the dam and the campers.
We are obscured over on the left, the ablutions block is straight ahead.
This magnificent Gum Tree is just near our campsite.
Walk over it was time for a shower which, turned out to just be on a light switch timer. We each put a dollar in the honesty box anyway and enjoyed a nice hot shower. Then it was back home for afternoon tea and to just enjoy the quietness and the view.
11 May 2017
Another cool foggy morning and rather than rolling over to catch another hours sleep in a warm bed it was up and at em for a trip to the top of the hill. Having heard that the views of the dispersing fog were terrific at the top it was time to see if that was true. Arriving at the top there was no view at all, so it was a case of amusing oneself with something else.
Quite a nice litter diversion while waiting for the fog to lift.
And then it lifted, almost as if someone had flicked a switch.
Heading back down the hill towards a side that we had not visited before the last of the fog and mist was dancing across the water and eventually dispersing, and then another nice view became apparent.
Such a nice view, made better by the warm sun.
12 May 2017
Another foggy start to the day and with no photography planned this morning it was great to stay in a warm bed. Once the sun had started to warm the place up and clear the fog we made a lazy start to the day, and that theme continued throughout.
Lounging around reading while soaking up the sun was a great way to spend the day and later on we watched the new arrivals come in and set up.
With cloud forming in the sky from mid morning the chances were that there was going to be a good sunset tonight, and although the cloud did thin a bit, it was still pretty good.
The perfect chance to practice a sunburst just before the sun dipped behind the hill.
And a bit later on the cloud came in for this shot.
Disappointingly the sky didn't turn a brilliant pink or red, but you can't have everything. Rain is supposed to be on the way so it will be interesting to see what photo's that brings.
13 May 2017
Another excellent day at Chaffey Dam after waking to a cloudy but fog free morning. The day was spent doing very little again except some more reading, talking with Merv and Jan who are camped nearby, then watching Merv fly his drone and finished up with sunset photography.
Despite the earlier clouds the sunset just got better and better as the sun got further below the horizon.
And reached it's crescendo like this.
14 May 2017
Another quiet day at Chaffey Dam. The only photo today was of the cloud building up as the day progressed.
The view of the dam and the weather building up from our campsite.
Yesterdays shot (the last one) posted on Facebook in one of the groups I follow (Australian Free Camps) attracted an unexpected response of over 850 likes, love's and Wow's and over 110 nice comments. Unfortunately the sunset tonight was not a repeat.
15 May 2017
Leaving Chaffey Dam this morning after a refreshing six days off we made our way into Nundle for a look around what is a nice little town. Streets in colour from the Autumn leaves and old world looking buildings adding to the character and feel of the place.
Leaving Nundle we made our way down the Crawney Road towards Crawney Pass. Up and up we went on the narrow winding road until we reached the summit at 1350m. With the tops of the surrounding hills covered in fog and low cloud we began our descent down to Crawney Station and the river in the valley.
Some of the wider Crawney Pass Road.
Up and down on the narrow dirt road we went, bitumen strips out the front of houses helping suppress the dust for a short period as we came into more and more horse country. Large Stables and various other associated properties were all through the area, especially around Timor and the small town of Gundy as we passed through. Before Gundy we crossed the river and the interestingly named "Stick em up" Bridge.
This small hut not far off the road made us stop for a look and a photo.
Before long we were in Scone where we made our way to the Scone Golf Club and the free camp on some adjacent Crown Land as it sits at the rear of the old Police Station/House and Historic Court Complex.
With enough room for 6 to 8 rigs (if everyone backed up to the fence and did the right thing) we settled in. Unhooking we went back into town for shopping and fuel before coming back.
Later on Cliffy, came for a chat, telling us the land used to be vacant and had very long grass across it, until he began mowing it that is. He lives next door and so started to maintain it and then, being a past traveler himself, got the Golf Club to put in for it and to use it as a free camp. Cliffy left after asking about how they could improve the place and telling us the 24hr limit being imposed to satisfy the caravan parks was open to interpretation.
So after a couple of beers in the club to say thanks for the free camp it was time to settle in for what was a cool night.
16 May 2017
We awoke this morning the a cold morning, clear skies and golfers parking their cars and unloading their carts from their trailers. The other camper in what looked like a home made 5th wheeler was still in bed when we left. Stopping just over the road at the dump point to empty our grey water we decided not to fill our water tanks as the only tap there was at the dump point itself, and the standpipe nearby had a "Recycled Water - Do not Drink" sign on it. Unfortunately the one that said "Drinking Water" didn't have a tap.
Leaving Scone we made our way back the way we came and then took the Lake Glenbawn Road, turning off again and stopping for a look at Allan's Bridge, a swing bridge for vehicles. Unable to cross it in our rig because of the 3 tonne and 3m height limit we pulled up at a nearby school bus stop and walked over the bridge.
Allan's Bridge.
Looking back across the bridge to where we parked up.
Leaving the bridge we made our way to Muswellbrook via the back roads, leaving horse country and entering dairy farming. Pulling into Muswellbrook it was a hive of activity and we couldn't wait to get out of the place.
More back roads, this time around an extremely large hole in the ground where coal has been extracted for decades, we found ourselves on the Golden Highway, where, after having to pull over to let a huge mining dump truck bucket (9.3m load according to the pilot car) in what might be considered to be the main street, found the recreation area at Jerry's Plains. Being a free camp we pulled in, found a nice spot in the sun, leveled off and set up camp for the rest of the day.
17 May 2017
Six campers in last night and we awoke to a cool morning. Bella the dog was back to greet us as we opened the door. She had adopted us yesterday when we set up camp, and she welcomed the other campers when they came in. Turns out she belongs to friends of our friends Alan and Kay, so no wonder she says hello to the travellers.
We filled up with water and headed off towards Singleton for a dump point detour before passing a huge coal mine on a totally new road which had been built by the mine before rejoining the old and then and stopping for morning tea at Broke.
The information and sun dial sit on part of the convict built Blaxland Homestead.
How Broke became Broke.
Morning tea over we passed along the side of the Army's training area on one side and a National Park on the other. Making our way along the narrow road we arrived in the small town of Wollombi where we took a drive around town and then stopped at the pub to arrange a camp in their free camp out the back.
Our Camp for the night as seen from the Pub Verandah.
The 2007 Flood certainly was big. Compare this shot to the one of our camp.
After settling in we went up to the pub and had a few drinks which is the reason they have a free camp. It was fun sitting there listening to people talking about the campers down the back and then Herman the German (as he introduced himself), his wife and some visiting family members chatted with us. Drinks over we headed back down the small hill and settled in for the night.
18 May 2017
Waking to another cool, foggy morning we packed up and headed out. The narrow road was interesting to drive and thankfully there was little to no traffic, making the job of driving easier.
Being on the Convict Way it was not long before we found the first of many convict built culverts and spots to stop and check out.
The Murray's Run Culvert and part of the old road that ran across it.
Culvert information.
Coming to the locality of Bucketty we turned off the main road at the Bucketty Historic Road Precinct and began to retrace some ground we covered when we cycled around Australia, albeit in the opposite direction. Parking up just 100m down the road it was a case of walking back to view the culvert and old convict road.
The long convict culvert at a bend in the road with the sun finally coming through the fog.
Around the culvert there was a good part of the original convict made road.
This part of the old convict built road is more of a track than a road these days.
Scribbly Gum trunk on the side of the old road.
On the dirt again we were passing along a very corrugated road, climbing and then descending down to the St Alban's Ramp.
The convict built St Alban's Ramp.
St Alban's Ramp information.
More descending on a narrow, corrugated road we eventually came out of the bush at Mogo Creek. As we came into the opening we could see an old hut on the left and the open farmland on the right and naturally we stopped for a look.
The view on the left as we came into Mogo Flat.
The view to the right at Mogo Flat.
Side view of the old hut.
The hut from the front.
Heading off after investigating the hut we were still on the narrow road and it descended some more, following the creek for some time before climbing and descending then following the creek some more.
Rock formations and the filtered sun formed a pleasant view along the way.
Ferns and rocks in the shade as we make our way along made for a nice view.
Large rock overhangs on the side of the road.
More narrow rock lined road before St Alban's.
Before arriving at St Alban's we were passing across the St Alban's Common, land that was granted to the village by Queen Victoria. The Common is basically river flats as you approach the village.
The closer we got to St Alban's the better the dirt road surface became and then all of a sudden we were there. Pulling into a side road we stopped for a drink and something to eat.
The historic Settlers Arms from the front beer garden.
An old Dodge sits rotting away out the front of the Setters Arms as the leaves fall.
Leaving town we crossed the bridge and turned towards Wiseman's Ferry where we crossed the river on the ferry and then climbed the very steep and very narrow road (made narrower by the road works). The climb was quite steep and was a second and third gear climb and definitely made easier by being in 4wd.
Passing through Pit Town and then Windsor we made our way into Richmond where we had booked into the Richmond Club's Wanderest for the next four nights. At $10 for a years membership of the club and $10 a night (max of 4 nights) for a powered site it is the cheapest place to stay anywhere around Sydney. The only downside of the camp is it is in an old carpark with some slight slopes and being reasonably close to your neighbours, and it is right under the flight path for RAAF Richmond but other than that, it is still good. Power, water, dump point, toilet and shower it is a great camp spot for visiting the city or as a base for visiting the Blue Mountains.
20 May 2017
Having settled into our campsite we spent yesterday running around getting things and visiting old haunts, one of which was the house we lived in at Orchard Hill's. Wow! What a change to that and the Penrith area. The tree's we planted along the driveway have grown beautifully and are way taller than the power lines now and it was so nice to see that they have flourished.
This morning we took a drive up to Mt Wilson where we had seen beautiful photos of the autumn colours in the village. Driving up to through the hills was very nice. Turning off towards Mt Wilson we followed the very narrow road for about 8 kilometres and we knew we had arrived by the autumn colours, or what was left of them. We drove around the village, taking lots of the small lanes and roads all the time passing more leaves on the ground than still on the tree's. We were obviously about 3 weeks too late for the best view's, but we did miss the crowds.
Mt Wilson is very, very popular during the seasonal colours, so much so they have to rope off the side of the roadways to get people to park properly. Driving around we found a couple of lookouts and so stopped for a look and to get some shots.
We named this one the Coffee Scroll Rock at De Faurs Lookout.
Making our way down Wyndham Street we took a turn off towards Wynnes Lookout, passing nice homes with almost finished autumnal trees and plenty of leaves on the ground. Dropping down to a very small parking area with a hut and small water tank we enjoyed views across the Blue Mountains, and even some mossy rocks in the bush.
One of the views from Wynnes Lookout.
Mossy Rocks at the lookout.
Looking back the way we came.
Heading back to the highway we found some spots to both view and photograph Grose Valley and then took a walk up the track to view and photograph Mt Banks and the valley.
Mt Banks on the left and the Grose Valley.
Heading back to Richmond we stopped for fresh apples and a homemade apple pie from a roadside stall.
22 May 2017
Leaving Richmond after a great stop at the Richmond Club, we made to Penrith in the fog then onto Picton via The Oaks.
With Sydney and surrounds as far as Moss Vale not offering anything interesting as far as camps were concerned (or cheap or with good good enough comments) we took some back roads out of town and following the railway through Thirlmere, Hilltop, Colo Vale, over the freeway and down to Moss Vale via the outskirts of Bowral. We stopped in a sort of gravel pit at an the intersection near the Mowbray Park Conference Centre and considered stopping except that it was right outside a house, sp decided to move on. We were looking for somewhere to stop along the road and on wikicamps but there was nothing that excited us enough to stop so we ended up in Moss Vale.
Parked up at the showgrounds we received a message from our friend Bungy in Queanbeyan who said he was not there for the next two weeks, so, subject to change, we spent the afternoon looking at maps and gps maps to plan the next stage of the trip as we make our way South through NSW and some places we haven't been, or seen for quite some time. So many ways to go and so many choices!
23 May 2017
Moss Vale was a hive of activity as we left town this morning. Taking the road out and then turning off we were passing through highlands countryside with it's quaint English style villages and towns of Exeter, Bundanoon, Penrose, Wingello, most of which still had some nice and autumn colour.
Passing under the 3.7m high rail bridge as we approached Marulan we came to the Hume Highway where we took the side road around the heavy vehicle weighing and inspection (8 tonne and over) centre that has been there for decades. Taking a wrong turn we ended up dong a loop around the place and then coming back onto the Hume once again before following it for a few kilometres and taking the turn off to Bungonia.
Up hill and down dale for a bit on a reasonably narrow road we arrived in the small village of Bungonia and stopped for morning tea. A look on wikicamps showed that there was a free camp right where we had stopped and so we investigated it a little more. Joanne spoke to a man who lives in "the old cop shop" and he informed confirmed the camp spot for self contained vehicles. And so that was the end of today's drive.
The small rest area, information boards, tables, BBQ and donation spot as you come into town.
We initially thought that this might be the camp area but apparently it is anywhere you like on the large grass area behind. Driving up the road a little and then turning to go between the large cypress tree and the old Police Station we found a nice level spot on an old grass tennis court.
Our Camp Spot on the old tennis Court, right next to the now hardly used, weed ridden tennis courts.
The view back to our camp from down near the creek.
The Bungonia War Memorial and old Police Station in the background.
24 May 2017
Having taken a day off in Bungonia we unhooked the house and took a trip out to the Bungonia National Park. The views at the lookouts were pretty good but the photography just didn't make the grade and all shots taken were thrown in the bin. We also tried to find an old bridge on the road to Goulburn, but struck out there as well, so apart from a day off, it just wasn't the best day.
25 May 2017
Leaving Bungonia after a second cold night and foggy morning we made our way towards Sandy Point and then turned off towards Nerriga. What we thought was going to be a dirt road was in fact bitumen and so that made the drive easier but also a little more mundane.
Arriving at Oallen's Crossing of the Shoalhaven River we found a spot to park up in what was the camping area. With the new bridge taking over from the old water crossing and lots of people from Sydney coming down to ride their trail bikes etc, the camping on what is Crown Land has been stopped. Pity, because it would have been a great camp!
The river here is fairly shallow and a large shale type embankment nearby diverts it over some rocks before it makes its way under the bridge and on to Nowra and out to sea at Shoalhaven Heads. We spent a bit of time looking around and taking some photographs before heading off again as the fog had almost lifted.
Some of the Shoalhaven River as it flows through Oallen Crossing.
Nerriga is a small town of a few houses and a pub and that is about all, but it is a nice little town that used to be in the middle of nowhere (still is) on a shocking dirt road from Nowra to Braidwood. Once (back in the 1980's) touted as the next big thing in the area the road was to be sealed and then used as the easy way between the coast at Nowra and Canberra. Well, the road to Nerriga has been sealed and some spots afterwards but it sure hasn't become the road it was supposed to have. Still, it suited us and we moved on.
With nothing that interesting to see or a place to camp in Nerriga, we made our way down towards Braidwood, taking a slight 2.5 km detour to investigate a camp at Stewart's Crossing and that was as far as we got.
Coming down to the river and around a corner we had to cross the river to get to the camping area. Flicking the 4wd switch after a quick check to see how deep it was and how fast it was flowing we made our way across the river and took the small track off to the right where we could see some campers. Sand, soft and wet was there to greet us. With plenty of tree's around to use our winch on if we needed to we decided not to air down and cautiously made our way in and around the water hazard to find a spot down at the end where we figured we would have plenty of sun for the rest of the day, and if we were lucky, first thing in the morning.
Stewart's Crossing
The river sand beach just down the bank from our camp.
The view just out of our back window.
26 May 2017
A cold 2.4 degree night and a very foggy start to the day this morning, but perfect one for some photography. Rugged up against the cold and the fog it was fairly easy to get shots of fog shrouded tree's, but the river was a different story. Too fogged in and to be honest, not that great a shot so it was a case of heading back to camp. And then the good shots came!
The view just out the back of our camp.
One of many fog shrouded scenes around the camp. This one on the road just up from the crossing.
And then the sun finally decided to get up over the hill and tackle the fog.
We almost decided to stay another day but eventually packed up and headed off down the road towards Braidwood where we arrived after crossing the Durran Durra range and then coming out of the bush into open sheep and granite country.
Morning tea was in Braidwood while catching up on the Internet (no signal at Stewart's Crossing) and a walk down the street for Joanne before we made our way out to Majors Creek for a campsite. And after the short 15km drive we found the camp at the recreation ground but couldn't get in! The gate was overgrown by two large cypress trees and they would have got the better of the roof ornaments on the house so we made our way back into Braidwood and took up a spot next to the golf course at the Braidwood Serviceman's Club carpark, as shown on wikicamps.
27 May 2017
$20 all you can eat Chinese was the buffet in the Braidwood Servicemen's Club last night and we indulged to our stomach's content. Nicely full we walked across the carpark and settled in for the evening.
Waking this morning to a cool but not cold morning we set off after the fog had lifted and made our way towards Araluen and on towards Moruya. Passing through more sheep and granite boulder country we began our descent, stopping only for a photo of the valley and the fog below.
The Araluen Valley with it's river of fog.
Arriving in town we passed through what really is just a small village. Some nice homes and pleasant surroundings passed as we made our way to the dirt road. The sun was breaking through some of the threatening cloud and dispersing the last of the mornings fog.
Nice hill, fog and cloud vista's along the way as we left Araluen.
Onto the dirt and past the Unsuitable for Caravan's sign we were winding our way through the hills and following the river through the Deua National Park. Second and third gear driving with speeds up to 40km/h we were on a narrow road with plenty of blind corners and some hairpin bends to negotiate.
Some of the better parts looked like this.
The surface along the way was generally quite good, some corrugations around the corners, crests and swales, but overall it was good. The narrowness was the main issue and taking it easy rather than powering through the corners of vital significance, especially in those parts where there was a steep bank on one side and the long drop to the river on the other.
We could hear a couple of 4wd drivers talking on the radio and then there they were in our mirrors. Finding a suitable spot we pulled over and let them past, following which we had a chat with them on the UHF. Both vehicles had TJM plastered all over them and it turns out they were from the Wollongong TJM Store.
More of the track.
We stopped at the small carpark to the Deua River Camping Area (tents only) for morning tea before continuing on as the 4wd convoy we could hear on the UHF got closer and closer, though they never passed us.
Back on the bitumen we came into Moruya and passed straight through, heading for a camp at Congo in the National Park and right near the beach. On arrival we found a nice little camping area along the side of the creek as it arrives at the ocean. A number of other campers were already in and had the best spots not only for the view, but the level ones and the sun which is limited because of the trees. Toilets and a small camp kitchen were the only amenities but the view was very nice and all for $8 a person per night (off season).
We tried to level off enough to capture both the view and the sun, but had trouble doing it and apparently they don't like you digging holes to drop your wheels into. Staying connected was not an option as the ute poked out onto the roadway so in the end we reluctantly decided to move on.
Stopping at the Bodalla Cheese Factory we bought some cheese (Warning: The Wattle seed and Pepper is HOT!!) and then headed off down the highway past Tuross Head to the Beachcomber Caravan Park at Potato Head.
Winding our way in via the rough dirt road we eventually found the park in a nice clearing between the trees and the beach. Off the grid the park uses solar power and solar hot water. It has limited powered sites and as part of the CMCA Dollarwise Scheme allows you to camp there for $10 a night (off season only) if you are totally self contained and do not use the facilities. Well, considering the spot we have, just one row back from the beach and with nobody in front of us, it is a bargain, and will do us for the weekend while we figure out what we are doing next, especially considering we don't usually follow or explore the coast.
Not a bad view for $10 a night! Beach photo's tomorrow.
There were plenty of people in last night, some sitting outside at their fire pits braving the cold wind listening to music while enjoying a drink or four dozen, but they didn't bother us. We thought it funny how they are paying $40 a night to have a front row site unpowered and we are paying $10 for almost the same view. We also found there is slow but reasonable free Wi-fi in the park and so we used it to update apps and the like and to research our forward trip a little.
We also found out that Potato Point is around the corner where we turned into the National Park, and we are actually at Blackfella's Point in the Eurobodalla National Park. Interesting that Political Correctness has not found this place yet.
28 May 2017
Slipping off to sleep last night as the waves pounded the shore was wonderful and waking to the sound early this morning just as good. A look out the window showed the dark giving way to the light on the horizon and the oranges and yellows starting to rise.
Sunrise.
Even Skippy and his mates were enjoying the sunrise.
A little later the Emu Bob clean up crew arrived.
One of many rock formations along the beach to photograph.
A little closer to the flow in between dodging the waves.
A little rock canal looking towards the holiday units on the hill.
The large rock on the right kept me entertained for a while trying to get that cascading water look.
Changing over to the headland (Potato Head Side) worked better for cascading water, but the incoming tide and stronger sets meant one eye on the lens and one on the water.
Most of the people left today and that just means we have a better view of the ocean, and if the weather continues like this we might even stay another day.
Tonight's sunset was a brilliant pink last night as the sun went down and the clouds enhanced the view, so as usual it was time to get some shots.
With the sun setting in the opposite direction the pink in the sky over the ocean formed very nicely.
And the reflections of it were just so nice.
29 May 2017
Another day in paradise started with a slightly cool morning but clear skies. In the meantime we decided to stay a while longer here. The day started off with a trip to Reception to book some more days here. Then it was time to take a gas bottle up the office for filling ($25), to collect 30 litres of water in our containers (no tap hook ups here) and then, as there is no actual dump point here, to arrange for the septic tank lid to be opened so we could make use of it. Then it was back to sit in the sun and enjoy the sun and the beach.
Of course sitting and looking at the beach conjured up some photographic ideas and so it was a case of clambering over the rocks and taking some shots.
Time to try some fast shutter speeds (1/4000th of a second).
And then some slower shutter speed (1/6th of a second)
The rest of the day was then spent processing photos and generally doing not much. The sun goes behind the trees here around 4pm and so around that time it is time to rug up and shut up ready for the evening, it is also time to prepare for sunset photography with sunset around 5pm, but there was none tonight.
29 May 2017
Venturing out today we took a the short trip to Narooma for shopping and picked up 30 litres of water from the taps at the boat ramp on the way. Being in the cheap camps here we have no access to water unless we pay for it, so as we were going to town anyway we got some there for free.
Back at camp we ate lunch lazing in our chairs and looking at the beach and generally enjoying the peace, solitude and view. Joanne has also been out with her camera and managed to get these shots over our time here.
Waves, birds and rocks.
Wet feet
Kangaroo Sunset
31 May 2017
A cool morning this morning but thankfully the sun warmed the place up before the wind also got up. We spent the day doing very little but as usual the camera came out for a workout around sunset and afterwards.
Nothing like a long exposure to turn the waves into mist as the lights at Potato Point come on.
May has been a great month for exploring, for plonking in a few spots for a while, and for photography. The weather has been sort of kind to us and although the nights and early mornings have been cold the days have been great.
Mark Twain once said "...years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do that by the things you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - and so we will.
|©Andrew & Joanne Hooker | Default Screen Size 1024x768||Last Updated |