Sunday 12/7/2009
Today is Adams birthday so we an incentive to make Adelaide. We rise earlier than normal, a quick top up at Maccas, hot chocolate and fruit loaf, diesel again and of we go. No sooner than we have left the Hill when a warning light shows up on the dash. This was major concern because we discovered that our handbook and service record were missing. I quickly realized that they had not been put back into the car when we had it serviced before we left. What to do. At the next rest stop there just happened to be a Nissan patrol about our vintage parked. A quick polite request and I had a handbook to inspect. Seems that the problem could be water in the fuel filter which had to be drained. I concluded that only a mechanic could perform this task so on we went. The warning light stayed off for awhile which made me feel better. Further down the track we asked a traveller who was free camping at a wayside stop who also had a Patrol if he had any experience with this problem. He proceeded to inspect the offending filter only to gash the back of his hand in doing so. An embarassed Greg and Sharyn decided to move on. At the small stop that is call Yunta I decided to tackle the problem myself. I managed to drain something from the filter and thought I had done a good job. On starting the car I now know why I wasnt meant to be a mechanic. The car wouldnt start and when it did the engine did not sound good at all. Seems that I let some air into the fuel line but when it had passed all was good. The little light came on again but who cares we are in sight of home. It was a long and tiring trip and as soon as we had put the van into its spot we went to wish Adam a happy birthday. Gee it was good to get to bed.
A great trip over with no regrets. We had a great time with friends at Barmera on the first part of the journey and that continued with Robyn and Bob Simunsen until we parted company at Moree. A highlight were the hot spas at Moree and I would urge anybody travelling that way to stop and enjoy the therapy of the water. It does really work. Sharyn and I have decided that next time which should be next year that we are doing the quick dash to the warmer parts and staying put for some time. Thanks to everybody who have monitored this blog with a special thanks to Cyril. I apologised for the lack of photos but I found that all up the text was all I could manage given the time available.
See you next time next BLOG.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday 11/7/2009
A quick fill of diesel, $1.50 a litre and its off to Broken Hill. Nyngan was nice if you like quiet and boring. It is the middle nowhere after all. The road is littered with road kill mostly roos unfortunately. There were plenty of goats of the sides of the road but none dead. I guess this proves that goats are smarter than roos. Hang on there were no emus either. We are on the barrier Highway and streaking towards Cobar. You must admire the character of people who can live in these towns I guess you must have to be born to it. Next stop Wilcannia. On second thoughts no we wont stop because we were through it before we noticed it. By the time we made Broken Hill the sun was quickly disapearing. We went passed the first Park and made for the Big 4 park only to be told they were booked out. This the first time this has happened to us and we were ready to free camp if the other park was full. We secured a site at the other park such as it was. The weather was strangely warm considering what we had experienced on the previous few days.
A quick fill of diesel, $1.50 a litre and its off to Broken Hill. Nyngan was nice if you like quiet and boring. It is the middle nowhere after all. The road is littered with road kill mostly roos unfortunately. There were plenty of goats of the sides of the road but none dead. I guess this proves that goats are smarter than roos. Hang on there were no emus either. We are on the barrier Highway and streaking towards Cobar. You must admire the character of people who can live in these towns I guess you must have to be born to it. Next stop Wilcannia. On second thoughts no we wont stop because we were through it before we noticed it. By the time we made Broken Hill the sun was quickly disapearing. We went passed the first Park and made for the Big 4 park only to be told they were booked out. This the first time this has happened to us and we were ready to free camp if the other park was full. We secured a site at the other park such as it was. The weather was strangely warm considering what we had experienced on the previous few days.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Friday 10/7/2009
This morning saw us get an early start from Tamworth. Weather was cold but dry. We travelled west to Gunnehah and then to Coonabarabran. The roads were quiet so we made good time. Next stop was Gilgandra for morning tea and then to Warren for lunch. Gripping stuff this.
After Warren we took a right hand turn onto the Mitchell Highway and ended up at Nyngan where we found a passable caravan park for the night. The local IGA supplied us with some stores for the next couple of days and it was a barbie for tea. The weather here is strangely warmer than we have found over the last few days so the cook (Greg) had a beer whilst cooking the barbie. Stick around this gets more exciting. After tea we watch a Harrison Ford movie that also starred Brad Pitt and Sharyn got a call from Chris. After Chris finally got of the phone we watched the rest of the movie. Gee some people are just annoying arent they. Only joking Chris. We plan on getting to Broken Hill tomorrow so wish us luck. Cheers....
This morning saw us get an early start from Tamworth. Weather was cold but dry. We travelled west to Gunnehah and then to Coonabarabran. The roads were quiet so we made good time. Next stop was Gilgandra for morning tea and then to Warren for lunch. Gripping stuff this.
After Warren we took a right hand turn onto the Mitchell Highway and ended up at Nyngan where we found a passable caravan park for the night. The local IGA supplied us with some stores for the next couple of days and it was a barbie for tea. The weather here is strangely warmer than we have found over the last few days so the cook (Greg) had a beer whilst cooking the barbie. Stick around this gets more exciting. After tea we watch a Harrison Ford movie that also starred Brad Pitt and Sharyn got a call from Chris. After Chris finally got of the phone we watched the rest of the movie. Gee some people are just annoying arent they. Only joking Chris. We plan on getting to Broken Hill tomorrow so wish us luck. Cheers....
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thursday 9/7/2009
No hurry getting out of bed today as we are staying two nights. We drove around town and ended up at the Golden Guitar. Photos taken we returned to the shops for a good look around and buy some surplies. Tamworth caters well if you are a fan of junk food with every brand represented. We dined at subway and drove to the local lookout. Tamworth has a beautiful sport centre and entertainment centre. If you are into Country and Western music this is the place for you. Dinner at the local services club. We are planning a long trip tomorrow and an early start is planned, maybe. We spoke to both Adam and Darren and we think everyone will be pleased when we get back home.
No hurry getting out of bed today as we are staying two nights. We drove around town and ended up at the Golden Guitar. Photos taken we returned to the shops for a good look around and buy some surplies. Tamworth caters well if you are a fan of junk food with every brand represented. We dined at subway and drove to the local lookout. Tamworth has a beautiful sport centre and entertainment centre. If you are into Country and Western music this is the place for you. Dinner at the local services club. We are planning a long trip tomorrow and an early start is planned, maybe. We spoke to both Adam and Darren and we think everyone will be pleased when we get back home.
Wednesday 8/7/2009
A cold and damp Lennox Head was left behind as we headed for Tamworth. We travelled through Ballina down to Coffs Harbour. The drive to Coffs Harbour was wet with the windscreen wipers working overtime. We decided to change direction to the west towards Dorrigo and Armidale. This stretch of highway is called the Waterfall Way. We saw two waterfalls along the way which were very close to the road and running. Unfortunately there was no place to stop and enjoy the site so the view was very quickly over. The Waterfall way is very narrow and there were a few semis on the road. Its is a pretty drive but in my opinion not worth the effort.
We finished our days travel at one of the well known Country and Western haunts, Tamworth.
A cold and damp Lennox Head was left behind as we headed for Tamworth. We travelled through Ballina down to Coffs Harbour. The drive to Coffs Harbour was wet with the windscreen wipers working overtime. We decided to change direction to the west towards Dorrigo and Armidale. This stretch of highway is called the Waterfall Way. We saw two waterfalls along the way which were very close to the road and running. Unfortunately there was no place to stop and enjoy the site so the view was very quickly over. The Waterfall way is very narrow and there were a few semis on the road. Its is a pretty drive but in my opinion not worth the effort.
We finished our days travel at one of the well known Country and Western haunts, Tamworth.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thursday 2/7/2009
A quiet day.
Friday 3/7/2009
Sharyn, Greg and Anneli went for a cruise on the Noosa River on the Ferry that runs between Tewantin and the Sheraton Resort, Hastings St, Noosa Heads. All the locals were rugged up including Anneli who had a lambswool lined jacket on. For us Adelaidians a tee shirt was enough. After the cruise we had a sausage in bread barbie in Tewantin. After Tom had come home from work in Brisbane we all went to the warf area in Tewantin and had a seafood tea. Anneli again was cold so we had to sit by the gas 0utdoor heater.
Saturday 4/7/2009
We said our sad goodbyes to Anneli and Tom. Their cats were glad to see the end of us because Sharyn and I had given them a hard time by putting them outside. They are mainly inside cats and were outside their comfort zones outside. I joked that they would be standing on the verandah railings waving their paws at us. We had a good run through the M1 freeway until we got near to the Brisbane Airport where we suddenly enveloped in a massive traffic jam. We were bumper to bumper for about 2 hours travelling at less than walking pace. Being from good old Adelaide we have never experienced this before and we dont want to again. It was quite amazing to see men running from their cars to relieve themselves in the trees on the side of the road. When you think about it they just had no choice. We had heard that there was an accident on the M1 and when we finally reached the scene of the accident we realized why we were delayed. A driver of a semi trailer had failed to take a bend and had crashed through a concrete barrier. It was a fatal crash. We check into our caravan park a whole lot later than expected, had a quick clean up and drove to our friends ( Sue and Bob Beattie) place for a reunion and an enjoyable meal. Sue and Bob are old friends who some years ago lived in Adelaide.
A quiet day.
Friday 3/7/2009
Sharyn, Greg and Anneli went for a cruise on the Noosa River on the Ferry that runs between Tewantin and the Sheraton Resort, Hastings St, Noosa Heads. All the locals were rugged up including Anneli who had a lambswool lined jacket on. For us Adelaidians a tee shirt was enough. After the cruise we had a sausage in bread barbie in Tewantin. After Tom had come home from work in Brisbane we all went to the warf area in Tewantin and had a seafood tea. Anneli again was cold so we had to sit by the gas 0utdoor heater.
Saturday 4/7/2009
We said our sad goodbyes to Anneli and Tom. Their cats were glad to see the end of us because Sharyn and I had given them a hard time by putting them outside. They are mainly inside cats and were outside their comfort zones outside. I joked that they would be standing on the verandah railings waving their paws at us. We had a good run through the M1 freeway until we got near to the Brisbane Airport where we suddenly enveloped in a massive traffic jam. We were bumper to bumper for about 2 hours travelling at less than walking pace. Being from good old Adelaide we have never experienced this before and we dont want to again. It was quite amazing to see men running from their cars to relieve themselves in the trees on the side of the road. When you think about it they just had no choice. We had heard that there was an accident on the M1 and when we finally reached the scene of the accident we realized why we were delayed. A driver of a semi trailer had failed to take a bend and had crashed through a concrete barrier. It was a fatal crash. We check into our caravan park a whole lot later than expected, had a quick clean up and drove to our friends ( Sue and Bob Beattie) place for a reunion and an enjoyable meal. Sue and Bob are old friends who some years ago lived in Adelaide.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday 30th
Today was a quiet day. The weather was very friendly. The temp was a lot better than good old Adelaide. Tom and Greg went surf fishing at a local beach. Tom did the fishing and Greg stood guard over the beach. Unfortunately the fish were taking the day off, they must have heard of school holidays and just joined in. Sharyn went shopping and made sure that the plastic didnt feel neglected. Tom and Anneli had some visitors who were in town holidaying from SA.
Wednesday 1st July.
Tom who works in Brisbane left early for his long trip into the city. He rang later to say it only took him 1 hour 40 minutes which is quick and probably due to the school holidays. Anneli, Sharyn and Greg went to the Eumundi markets which is about a 20 minute trip from Weyba Downs. The markets are probably the best general markets in Australia which is a big statement but who is going to argue. A great evening meal of steak pie and vegetables. This startling news means that Greg is finding it hard to come up with something interesting. I could have told you about how Greg cleaned out the toilet in the caravan but that would just pi.. you off. Greg and Sharyn are staying put until Saturday when they are travelling to Brisbane to visit friends.
Today was a quiet day. The weather was very friendly. The temp was a lot better than good old Adelaide. Tom and Greg went surf fishing at a local beach. Tom did the fishing and Greg stood guard over the beach. Unfortunately the fish were taking the day off, they must have heard of school holidays and just joined in. Sharyn went shopping and made sure that the plastic didnt feel neglected. Tom and Anneli had some visitors who were in town holidaying from SA.
Wednesday 1st July.
Tom who works in Brisbane left early for his long trip into the city. He rang later to say it only took him 1 hour 40 minutes which is quick and probably due to the school holidays. Anneli, Sharyn and Greg went to the Eumundi markets which is about a 20 minute trip from Weyba Downs. The markets are probably the best general markets in Australia which is a big statement but who is going to argue. A great evening meal of steak pie and vegetables. This startling news means that Greg is finding it hard to come up with something interesting. I could have told you about how Greg cleaned out the toilet in the caravan but that would just pi.. you off. Greg and Sharyn are staying put until Saturday when they are travelling to Brisbane to visit friends.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday 29th
Well today is Toms actual birthday and it was good wishes all round. A few presents, hugs and kisses and its all go. We gave Tom a metal gekko lizard wall plaque and a bottle of bundy. A present he got from a friend was a bottle of port, a box of chocolates and a dvd. The message with the present said to sit down in front of the telly with the port and chocolates put the dvd on and relax. I was curious about the dvd and it turned out to be a dvd of a blazing fire. We all went out to a restaurant called Maiseys in the evening and it would have to be the best presented and tasty seafood meal I have ever had. The oyster mornay was great.
Well today is Toms actual birthday and it was good wishes all round. A few presents, hugs and kisses and its all go. We gave Tom a metal gekko lizard wall plaque and a bottle of bundy. A present he got from a friend was a bottle of port, a box of chocolates and a dvd. The message with the present said to sit down in front of the telly with the port and chocolates put the dvd on and relax. I was curious about the dvd and it turned out to be a dvd of a blazing fire. We all went out to a restaurant called Maiseys in the evening and it would have to be the best presented and tasty seafood meal I have ever had. The oyster mornay was great.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Friday the 26th
Today we left Hervey Bay. We had a great time and we didnt really want to leave but we commitments in Noosa. We had a good trip travelling through Maryborough and Gympie. At Gympie we turn off into the older part of town and found ourselves travelling on very steep roads. Sharyn seemed a bit concerned but one thing about a deisel it will pull you out of any situation. We had never driven into Noosa and Lake Wehba where Anneli and Tom live so we managed to get ourselves lost for a short time. We worked on the theory that eventually we will find the correct way and we did. Tom and Anneli live a short distance from the shores of Lake Weyba and they have had a huge quantity of rain in recent times. We realized this quite soon after we arrived. They have a cement slab in there front yard in a lawn and wooded area. I had to drive onto the grass and then back onto the slab. When I went to backup I went nowhere fast because the rear wheel on the truck where slipping. Four wheel drive was required which saved the day but the ruts the car left in the lawn area will have to be fixed up before we leave.
Saturday 27th
Anneli and Tom have a beautiful deck overlooking their front garden and it is a great spot to have breakfast. Our host had a wedding to attend in the afternoon so Sharyn and I did some shopping mainly to buy a present for Tom whose birthday is on the 29th.
Sunday 28th
We spent a hectic morning preparing for a party that friends of Tom were giving him at their house. We cut up vegetables and meats for a unknown type of barbeque that all of us were eager to see. Toms two sons Derek and Gavin and Derek's fiancee Jodie are with us for the weekend for Tom' birthday celebration. We all drove to the friend's house at midday and with about twenty five friends and rellies we had a great afternoon. The special barbie was combination african and asian style. The host Phillip had constructed a firebox on legs that uses wood and heat bead for the fire. The cooking plate was divided in to eight seperate sections with two chimneys in the middle. The whole idea of the barbie was that anyone that wanted a feed had to collect the ingredients from the vegies and meats and sauces and cook it themselves on their own little section on the hot plate. It was a huge success and I'm sure that a lot of similar barbies will be cropping up all over the place.
Today we left Hervey Bay. We had a great time and we didnt really want to leave but we commitments in Noosa. We had a good trip travelling through Maryborough and Gympie. At Gympie we turn off into the older part of town and found ourselves travelling on very steep roads. Sharyn seemed a bit concerned but one thing about a deisel it will pull you out of any situation. We had never driven into Noosa and Lake Wehba where Anneli and Tom live so we managed to get ourselves lost for a short time. We worked on the theory that eventually we will find the correct way and we did. Tom and Anneli live a short distance from the shores of Lake Weyba and they have had a huge quantity of rain in recent times. We realized this quite soon after we arrived. They have a cement slab in there front yard in a lawn and wooded area. I had to drive onto the grass and then back onto the slab. When I went to backup I went nowhere fast because the rear wheel on the truck where slipping. Four wheel drive was required which saved the day but the ruts the car left in the lawn area will have to be fixed up before we leave.
Saturday 27th
Anneli and Tom have a beautiful deck overlooking their front garden and it is a great spot to have breakfast. Our host had a wedding to attend in the afternoon so Sharyn and I did some shopping mainly to buy a present for Tom whose birthday is on the 29th.
Sunday 28th
We spent a hectic morning preparing for a party that friends of Tom were giving him at their house. We cut up vegetables and meats for a unknown type of barbeque that all of us were eager to see. Toms two sons Derek and Gavin and Derek's fiancee Jodie are with us for the weekend for Tom' birthday celebration. We all drove to the friend's house at midday and with about twenty five friends and rellies we had a great afternoon. The special barbie was combination african and asian style. The host Phillip had constructed a firebox on legs that uses wood and heat bead for the fire. The cooking plate was divided in to eight seperate sections with two chimneys in the middle. The whole idea of the barbie was that anyone that wanted a feed had to collect the ingredients from the vegies and meats and sauces and cook it themselves on their own little section on the hot plate. It was a huge success and I'm sure that a lot of similar barbies will be cropping up all over the place.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Thursday the 25th June
Today is washing and cleaning day before we leave tomorrow for Noosa. The weather here today is overcast but still warm and not very good for drying. We went for our 4 Klm walk along the beach this morning and followed it up with some retail therapy this afternoon. The weather didnt get any better during the day and Sharyn has had to use the dryer in the laundry for the washing. We bought a small slow cooker earlier in the week and we are using it to cook tea tonight. Roby gave us the idea and I will report on the meal tomorrow. If I dont report well you know something went desperately wrong. I just remembered talking to a fellow traveller late yesterday who with his wife had travelled down the coast. They had stopped at a quiet place along the way and the unfortunate lady was attacked by sandflies. She was covered in bites and looked in a real mess.
Today is washing and cleaning day before we leave tomorrow for Noosa. The weather here today is overcast but still warm and not very good for drying. We went for our 4 Klm walk along the beach this morning and followed it up with some retail therapy this afternoon. The weather didnt get any better during the day and Sharyn has had to use the dryer in the laundry for the washing. We bought a small slow cooker earlier in the week and we are using it to cook tea tonight. Roby gave us the idea and I will report on the meal tomorrow. If I dont report well you know something went desperately wrong. I just remembered talking to a fellow traveller late yesterday who with his wife had travelled down the coast. They had stopped at a quiet place along the way and the unfortunate lady was attacked by sandflies. She was covered in bites and looked in a real mess.
Wednesday 24th June.
Greetings from Hervey Bay, Torquay to be exact. We decided to venture further north to seek out some sun before going South to Noosa. Today was the day we had hoped for and we used it by taking a long walk along the beach and then back along the esplanade. There are not many people in the streets I guess because it is not the hight season yet. Hey this sure beats the cold of Adelaide any time. In the afternoon we went to see the Botanical gardens but didnt last too long because of mosquitoes who seemed to be happy about some new blood around. We checked out one the resorts here which was great but the real reason was to get a two for one icecream at a shop in the complex. Hey we have to check out all the freebies were are not made of money. Next time we come up here we will be bringing the bikes, kayak and fishing rods. The facilities are great for all three. There are caravan parks all along the foreshore which are not of the standard of the one we are in (Big 4) but you are right on the beach. Whilst we were walking along the beach in the morning we recieved a phone call from Roby Simunsen from Lightning Ridge. Seems that soon after we left them in Moree she developed a nasty tooth ache. She had some serious work done on the offending tooth and she is well on the way to recovery.
Greetings from Hervey Bay, Torquay to be exact. We decided to venture further north to seek out some sun before going South to Noosa. Today was the day we had hoped for and we used it by taking a long walk along the beach and then back along the esplanade. There are not many people in the streets I guess because it is not the hight season yet. Hey this sure beats the cold of Adelaide any time. In the afternoon we went to see the Botanical gardens but didnt last too long because of mosquitoes who seemed to be happy about some new blood around. We checked out one the resorts here which was great but the real reason was to get a two for one icecream at a shop in the complex. Hey we have to check out all the freebies were are not made of money. Next time we come up here we will be bringing the bikes, kayak and fishing rods. The facilities are great for all three. There are caravan parks all along the foreshore which are not of the standard of the one we are in (Big 4) but you are right on the beach. Whilst we were walking along the beach in the morning we recieved a phone call from Roby Simunsen from Lightning Ridge. Seems that soon after we left them in Moree she developed a nasty tooth ache. She had some serious work done on the offending tooth and she is well on the way to recovery.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Monday the 22nd June
This morning we woke to more rain and more rain in fact it didnt stop all day. One local had the nerve to say that it didnt rain in Toowoomba. We made a trip to the industrial area and looked at few vans. We couldnt help ourselves we are always on the lookout for the new van. We bought a new jockey wheel which works very well. I just new that you all would be just hanging that.
Because of the rain we spent most of the day exercising or as some people call it retail therapy. We picked up a couple of bargains and all we have to do is take them home. Our evening meal was a recipe that I have to credit to Robyn Simunsen. Stir fried vegies with pasta and sauce. Thanks Robyn.
Tuesday the 23 June.
We woke to a dry morning but the only problem was that everything we needed to pack was wet. We managed to get away by 10am which was very good. We are getting more efficient at packing. We had planned to go to Kingaroy and visit Flo to sample her scones but she wasnt home. Well thats more story. We found a great wayside stop at a place called Cooya (Swinging bridge park). Another spot to check out for all you golfers out there is a town called Nanango which is about 24Klms South East of Kingaroy. The course looked great and greens too. Well the best plans sometimes go astray and that why we ended up in Hervey Bay. We rang and booked ahead and its lucky we did caravan sites in this neck of the woods are quite hard to find. Anyway we finally arrived in the dark after getting lost. The best part of getting lost was that we drove along the esplanade and it is the first time we have seen the sea since we left Adelaide.
Setting up the van in the dark is not ideal but we did it. More tomorrow if we can drag ourselves away from the beach. Cheers Greg and Sharyn. The wandering Wrights
This morning we woke to more rain and more rain in fact it didnt stop all day. One local had the nerve to say that it didnt rain in Toowoomba. We made a trip to the industrial area and looked at few vans. We couldnt help ourselves we are always on the lookout for the new van. We bought a new jockey wheel which works very well. I just new that you all would be just hanging that.
Because of the rain we spent most of the day exercising or as some people call it retail therapy. We picked up a couple of bargains and all we have to do is take them home. Our evening meal was a recipe that I have to credit to Robyn Simunsen. Stir fried vegies with pasta and sauce. Thanks Robyn.
Tuesday the 23 June.
We woke to a dry morning but the only problem was that everything we needed to pack was wet. We managed to get away by 10am which was very good. We are getting more efficient at packing. We had planned to go to Kingaroy and visit Flo to sample her scones but she wasnt home. Well thats more story. We found a great wayside stop at a place called Cooya (Swinging bridge park). Another spot to check out for all you golfers out there is a town called Nanango which is about 24Klms South East of Kingaroy. The course looked great and greens too. Well the best plans sometimes go astray and that why we ended up in Hervey Bay. We rang and booked ahead and its lucky we did caravan sites in this neck of the woods are quite hard to find. Anyway we finally arrived in the dark after getting lost. The best part of getting lost was that we drove along the esplanade and it is the first time we have seen the sea since we left Adelaide.
Setting up the van in the dark is not ideal but we did it. More tomorrow if we can drag ourselves away from the beach. Cheers Greg and Sharyn. The wandering Wrights
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday 21st June
Today we said a sad bye bye to our travelling friends Robyn and Bob at Moree. We travelled to Toowoomba via Goondawindi. Being Sunday the roads were quite free of traffic and made our trip easier. The roads were generally of poor quality maybe some of the governments handouts could be used up here. Would you believe that as soon as we crossed the border it started raining. The Big 4 caravan at Toowoomba is quite a way off the highway and if Sharyn hadnt been on the ball we would have missed the turnoff. The sign was very small and Im sure that a lot of business for the park is lost because of this. We proceeded to set up the van and guess what, the jockey wheel decided that it didnt want to be part of our trip anymore. Tomorrow we will go shopping to find its replacement. After setting up we went for drive around the town and believe it or not we ran into rain and fog. The fog dropped visibility to about 50 metres and it was a challenge to find our way back to the van after buying a pizza fore tea. Darren contacted us on Skype but the connection kept dropping out. We finished our conversation on Sharyn's mobile.
Today we said a sad bye bye to our travelling friends Robyn and Bob at Moree. We travelled to Toowoomba via Goondawindi. Being Sunday the roads were quite free of traffic and made our trip easier. The roads were generally of poor quality maybe some of the governments handouts could be used up here. Would you believe that as soon as we crossed the border it started raining. The Big 4 caravan at Toowoomba is quite a way off the highway and if Sharyn hadnt been on the ball we would have missed the turnoff. The sign was very small and Im sure that a lot of business for the park is lost because of this. We proceeded to set up the van and guess what, the jockey wheel decided that it didnt want to be part of our trip anymore. Tomorrow we will go shopping to find its replacement. After setting up we went for drive around the town and believe it or not we ran into rain and fog. The fog dropped visibility to about 50 metres and it was a challenge to find our way back to the van after buying a pizza fore tea. Darren contacted us on Skype but the connection kept dropping out. We finished our conversation on Sharyn's mobile.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday 19th June
Our intrepid Travellers Greg Sharyn Robyn and Bob still find thereselves in Moree and are pretty pleased about that. The weather here is fantastic. Twenty two degrees and dry. The nights are getting warmer just to add to our pleasure. We all had an easy day. Sharyn and Greg went for an afternoon walk along the Mehi river and into to town to visit some galleries and shops. Another beautiful dip in the hot pools and its was time to cook our evening meal. We went to some trouble because it is our last meal cook at the vans together. Greg and Sharyn cooked a piece of lamb on the their Cob. ( a small weber style cooker) and Roby cooked that vegies on the electric barby. Robyn who enjoys going to extra lengths donned her after five wear and made pre dinner snacks and made a centre peice for the table. It was champagne all round and the people going past couldnt believe it. We then had the lamb and finished with a desert of crepes with bananna, apricot and berries. A nice bottle of red to finish it off and we are in heaven. As they say its a hard life. Did I say its going to be hard to leave here.
Saturday 20th June
A late wake up call was the order of the day. Bob is going to play golf and Greg decided not to.
Sharyn and Greg had a clean up morning. The truck got washed and the contents tidied up and sharyn cleaned the van. Robyn drove Bob to golf and went to the services club to rid herself of some unwanted dollars. Robyn did some washing and greg was Banned from photographing the caravan that looked like a chinese laundry. When I finish this undate I (Greg) am going for a swim in one of the coolers pools. 36 degrees. Tonight we are going out for dinner at the Services Club. Bye Bye
Our intrepid Travellers Greg Sharyn Robyn and Bob still find thereselves in Moree and are pretty pleased about that. The weather here is fantastic. Twenty two degrees and dry. The nights are getting warmer just to add to our pleasure. We all had an easy day. Sharyn and Greg went for an afternoon walk along the Mehi river and into to town to visit some galleries and shops. Another beautiful dip in the hot pools and its was time to cook our evening meal. We went to some trouble because it is our last meal cook at the vans together. Greg and Sharyn cooked a piece of lamb on the their Cob. ( a small weber style cooker) and Roby cooked that vegies on the electric barby. Robyn who enjoys going to extra lengths donned her after five wear and made pre dinner snacks and made a centre peice for the table. It was champagne all round and the people going past couldnt believe it. We then had the lamb and finished with a desert of crepes with bananna, apricot and berries. A nice bottle of red to finish it off and we are in heaven. As they say its a hard life. Did I say its going to be hard to leave here.
Saturday 20th June
A late wake up call was the order of the day. Bob is going to play golf and Greg decided not to.
Sharyn and Greg had a clean up morning. The truck got washed and the contents tidied up and sharyn cleaned the van. Robyn drove Bob to golf and went to the services club to rid herself of some unwanted dollars. Robyn did some washing and greg was Banned from photographing the caravan that looked like a chinese laundry. When I finish this undate I (Greg) am going for a swim in one of the coolers pools. 36 degrees. Tonight we are going out for dinner at the Services Club. Bye Bye
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Wednesday 17th June
7.00 and Robyn is in the pool for an early morning lounge. This is doing wonders for my skin and when I return be ready to see a rejuvanated woman. You have heard of the movie Cocoon well we shall return younger. You'se will see a different woman darls. You'se and darls are the lingo you must learn when in Moree. The morning was spent with a leasurely stroll around town naturally ending up at the local yum yum shop for coffee and muffins. Tonight we have our meal together and Sharon has the table set with large smiley sunflowers place mats. And I might add a blow heater for our feet as the night air is getting cooler. Not to be outdone Robyn has produced sweets with a candle as centre piece. Tomorrow night I plan to bring out the candelabra. More soaking in the magnificent pools, bed and no one slept well except Robyn.
Thursday 18th June.
Up early and the boys are off to golf. Interesting course, enjoyed themselves, maybe they will tackle it again Saturday, fees $10.00 a round. The girls shopped a bit, only a bit, home to wait for the boys and again into the pool. Mrs. Simunsen celebrated her 99th birthday back in Adelaide so it was a phone call back home. It's flathead for tea, we know you are all interested in what we are eating. You word for the month ecocaching, goggle that, very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity of putting a few words down, your guest writer Robyn Simunsen.
7.00 and Robyn is in the pool for an early morning lounge. This is doing wonders for my skin and when I return be ready to see a rejuvanated woman. You have heard of the movie Cocoon well we shall return younger. You'se will see a different woman darls. You'se and darls are the lingo you must learn when in Moree. The morning was spent with a leasurely stroll around town naturally ending up at the local yum yum shop for coffee and muffins. Tonight we have our meal together and Sharon has the table set with large smiley sunflowers place mats. And I might add a blow heater for our feet as the night air is getting cooler. Not to be outdone Robyn has produced sweets with a candle as centre piece. Tomorrow night I plan to bring out the candelabra. More soaking in the magnificent pools, bed and no one slept well except Robyn.
Thursday 18th June.
Up early and the boys are off to golf. Interesting course, enjoyed themselves, maybe they will tackle it again Saturday, fees $10.00 a round. The girls shopped a bit, only a bit, home to wait for the boys and again into the pool. Mrs. Simunsen celebrated her 99th birthday back in Adelaide so it was a phone call back home. It's flathead for tea, we know you are all interested in what we are eating. You word for the month ecocaching, goggle that, very interesting. Thanks for the opportunity of putting a few words down, your guest writer Robyn Simunsen.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tuesday the 16th June
We had Planned an early start but the Simunsens were a bit tardy. Not that that worried us whats the hurry. We travelled the longest distance today nearly 400 Klms. Luckily neither couple like travelling all day. We travelled from Dubbo to Moree passing through Gilgandra, Coonabarabran and Narrabri arriving mid afternoon. We continued our duel with cowboy semi drivers and strangely impatient caravanners. We had lunch at a spot called Tooraweenah which is the turnoff to go into the Warrumbungles. The mountains looked so good I felt like travelling that way. The Gwydir caravan park here at Moree welcomed us with open arms. Once we had set up the vans we donned our togs and soaked our bodies in the hot spa pools which are a stone throw away from our sites. They have four pools available each one different temperature to the others. They range from 35 degrees to 38 degrees. This doesnt sound like much but it does make a difference.
We had Planned an early start but the Simunsens were a bit tardy. Not that that worried us whats the hurry. We travelled the longest distance today nearly 400 Klms. Luckily neither couple like travelling all day. We travelled from Dubbo to Moree passing through Gilgandra, Coonabarabran and Narrabri arriving mid afternoon. We continued our duel with cowboy semi drivers and strangely impatient caravanners. We had lunch at a spot called Tooraweenah which is the turnoff to go into the Warrumbungles. The mountains looked so good I felt like travelling that way. The Gwydir caravan park here at Moree welcomed us with open arms. Once we had set up the vans we donned our togs and soaked our bodies in the hot spa pools which are a stone throw away from our sites. They have four pools available each one different temperature to the others. They range from 35 degrees to 38 degrees. This doesnt sound like much but it does make a difference.
Monday 15th June
Dear reader monday wasnt a good day for me (GREG). The afternoon was spent in OPSM having a eye examination. I have had problems with blurring in my right eye and decided that I had better do something about it. Unfortunately I had my pupil dilated as a part of the examination and this stopped me doing anything in the afternoon. In the evening we went to the local RSL with Bob and Robyn to a family reunion where we met with some of their rellies. A good time was had by all. Great food and great stories. Some photos will follow.
Dear reader monday wasnt a good day for me (GREG). The afternoon was spent in OPSM having a eye examination. I have had problems with blurring in my right eye and decided that I had better do something about it. Unfortunately I had my pupil dilated as a part of the examination and this stopped me doing anything in the afternoon. In the evening we went to the local RSL with Bob and Robyn to a family reunion where we met with some of their rellies. A good time was had by all. Great food and great stories. Some photos will follow.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Sunday the 14th June
Greeting Blog fans. Today we travelled from Condobolin to Dubbo. We stopped in Parkes along the way. Parkes would have to go on the cold towns register. We took refuge in a Big W where we bought me (Greg) a new pair of trousers. We then went to Maccas where it was also warm.
We struck rain along the way and some impatient drivers who werent to pleased about slow caravanners being on the road. Some drivers take incredible risks. Dubbo on the Macquarie river looks like a pleasant place and we are staying here for two nights. Robyn and Bob are catching up with rellies here and we are going out to tea with them tomorrow nights at the local RSL. Stay tuned for some pics. I had to consult with the guru (my son Darren) on how to do this so I hope his info is good. Cheers Greg Sharyn, Robyn and Bob.
Greeting Blog fans. Today we travelled from Condobolin to Dubbo. We stopped in Parkes along the way. Parkes would have to go on the cold towns register. We took refuge in a Big W where we bought me (Greg) a new pair of trousers. We then went to Maccas where it was also warm.
We struck rain along the way and some impatient drivers who werent to pleased about slow caravanners being on the road. Some drivers take incredible risks. Dubbo on the Macquarie river looks like a pleasant place and we are staying here for two nights. Robyn and Bob are catching up with rellies here and we are going out to tea with them tomorrow nights at the local RSL. Stay tuned for some pics. I had to consult with the guru (my son Darren) on how to do this so I hope his info is good. Cheers Greg Sharyn, Robyn and Bob.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Saturday 13th June
Today we travelled from Lake Cargelligo to Condobolin NSW a trip of only about 90 Klms. We needed a nice sunny day to do the washing and we got it. The trip was uneventful except for a local lady and her daughter who had broken down. We stopped to help and shortly afterwards another local stopped so we left them in his hands. Condobolin is a beatiful town on the Lachlan River. The river has quite a bit of water in it which surprised us. We drove to a free camp area just west of town and would be a good site to stay at having good amenities including hot showers. The caravan park is of a good standard and they allow campfires. We had a great tea and sat around the campfire until about 8pm. Would you believe the footy is on and we cant get it on the Telly or radio. Tomorrow we travel to Dubbo.
Today we travelled from Lake Cargelligo to Condobolin NSW a trip of only about 90 Klms. We needed a nice sunny day to do the washing and we got it. The trip was uneventful except for a local lady and her daughter who had broken down. We stopped to help and shortly afterwards another local stopped so we left them in his hands. Condobolin is a beatiful town on the Lachlan River. The river has quite a bit of water in it which surprised us. We drove to a free camp area just west of town and would be a good site to stay at having good amenities including hot showers. The caravan park is of a good standard and they allow campfires. We had a great tea and sat around the campfire until about 8pm. Would you believe the footy is on and we cant get it on the Telly or radio. Tomorrow we travel to Dubbo.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Friday 12th June.
Today we travel from Hay to Lake Cargelligo. Where you say. Well when you leave Hay and travel along the the Mid Western Highway you come to a little town called Rankine Springs. Well you hang a lefty there and travel north and bingo Lake Cargelligo. Before left Hay Sharyn and I needed some exercise so we walk into town across the bridge over the Murrumbidgee and after buying so bread returned to the park. The road out of Hay is quite narrow and out of ten I would give it a five. We passed some road workers who were repairing the road with small areas of tar and we had drive down the middle of the road to try and avoid it. The cars will still have tar underneath I'm sure. We came across a wide load convoy and I'm sure the lead vehicle was trying to force us off the road. The scenery coming into Lake Cargelligo is quite beautiful. The fields are wet from quite good rains and the grass is coming up and making everything green and lush. We couldnt pull off the road anywhere because to do so would have been quite dangerous due to the mud. The caravan park at the Lake is like an open field with plenty of room between vans. The lake if suffering like some many others from a severe lack of water is quite shallow. We went to dinner at one of the two hotels in town and had our meal alongside a great fire and we had desert at the other hotel down the road. We had no sooner sat down at this hotel when a lady came out and gave us a pen and a great key ring. I have no idea why but I just suppose they recognized us as being needy or something. Sharyn has had a shower and I will finish this and watch some of the footy until the gap between the scores is too much. See ya Greg and Sharyn.
PS Tomorrow we travel to Condobolin.
Today we travel from Hay to Lake Cargelligo. Where you say. Well when you leave Hay and travel along the the Mid Western Highway you come to a little town called Rankine Springs. Well you hang a lefty there and travel north and bingo Lake Cargelligo. Before left Hay Sharyn and I needed some exercise so we walk into town across the bridge over the Murrumbidgee and after buying so bread returned to the park. The road out of Hay is quite narrow and out of ten I would give it a five. We passed some road workers who were repairing the road with small areas of tar and we had drive down the middle of the road to try and avoid it. The cars will still have tar underneath I'm sure. We came across a wide load convoy and I'm sure the lead vehicle was trying to force us off the road. The scenery coming into Lake Cargelligo is quite beautiful. The fields are wet from quite good rains and the grass is coming up and making everything green and lush. We couldnt pull off the road anywhere because to do so would have been quite dangerous due to the mud. The caravan park at the Lake is like an open field with plenty of room between vans. The lake if suffering like some many others from a severe lack of water is quite shallow. We went to dinner at one of the two hotels in town and had our meal alongside a great fire and we had desert at the other hotel down the road. We had no sooner sat down at this hotel when a lady came out and gave us a pen and a great key ring. I have no idea why but I just suppose they recognized us as being needy or something. Sharyn has had a shower and I will finish this and watch some of the footy until the gap between the scores is too much. See ya Greg and Sharyn.
PS Tomorrow we travel to Condobolin.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Thursday 11th June
Today we travelled from Gol Gol through to Robinvale where we had morning tea by the Big Windmill. We then travelled to Balranald where we crossed the Murrumbidgee which unfortunately looked more like a creek than a river. We stopped for lunch about 100 Klms short of Hay on a rough stop on the side of the road and then continued to Hay. The highlight of a boring trip was the sighting of a large Eagle on the side of the road. We intended to Free camp at a spot called Sandy point alongside the Murrumbidgee on the edge of town. The information centre suggested that we didnt. We drove to a road near the spot and walked in and the site was quite dry and fine but the evidence of the local hoons using it for a bit of fun in their cars put us off so we are staying at the Big 4 caravan park.
Today we travelled from Gol Gol through to Robinvale where we had morning tea by the Big Windmill. We then travelled to Balranald where we crossed the Murrumbidgee which unfortunately looked more like a creek than a river. We stopped for lunch about 100 Klms short of Hay on a rough stop on the side of the road and then continued to Hay. The highlight of a boring trip was the sighting of a large Eagle on the side of the road. We intended to Free camp at a spot called Sandy point alongside the Murrumbidgee on the edge of town. The information centre suggested that we didnt. We drove to a road near the spot and walked in and the site was quite dry and fine but the evidence of the local hoons using it for a bit of fun in their cars put us off so we are staying at the Big 4 caravan park.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Saturday 6th cont.
Went to Dinner at the Barmera Hotel with Jack and Lorrain Boyd and some of their friends. The C@W Band were boring but some people loved doing the Military two step to their music. Jack asked for our money back because of crowding etc. We ended up with a great table and the rest of the night passed pleasantly.
Sunday 7th June
The morning was spent visiting Henry and Tina our neightbours from Adelaide. Coffee and said goodbye. Sharyn and I went hunting wood for the evening fire. It was Bobs birthday so we have happy hour and a barby. Robyn organized a candelabra and the cakes were small lamingtons.
Monday 8th June.
The moring was spent having coffee with Jack and Lorriane and said goodbye as they are travelling to Cairns with friends. Afternoon was wet and the evening campfire was interrupted. We also cleaned the van for the next leg of our journey.
Tuesday 9th June.
Said goodbye to our new friends at Barmera and with Bob and Robyn travelled Gol Gol which is 4Klms past Mildura over the river and in NSW. The journey was marked with showers and aggressive Semi trailers and we were happy to get to our camp. We continued our Progamme of catching up with friends. Brian and Marlene Hall and Dickie and Sharon Scurrell just happened to be staying in Mildura at a time share for a week so we had to have Dinner with them at the RSL Club.
Wednesday 10Th
Its a hard life but someone has to endure it. Bob and I played golf with Brian and Dickie at Wentworth. We missed out on Coomealla because of a group of ladies who thought it was their right to take up the course. Had great pleasure in filling up the Patrol with a 20 cent voucher that saved up eighteen dollars. The intrepid travellers just love saving money on fuel. We had an easy tea. We are free camping at Hay tomorrow night so we are charging up all the batteries tonight.
Went to Dinner at the Barmera Hotel with Jack and Lorrain Boyd and some of their friends. The C@W Band were boring but some people loved doing the Military two step to their music. Jack asked for our money back because of crowding etc. We ended up with a great table and the rest of the night passed pleasantly.
Sunday 7th June
The morning was spent visiting Henry and Tina our neightbours from Adelaide. Coffee and said goodbye. Sharyn and I went hunting wood for the evening fire. It was Bobs birthday so we have happy hour and a barby. Robyn organized a candelabra and the cakes were small lamingtons.
Monday 8th June.
The moring was spent having coffee with Jack and Lorriane and said goodbye as they are travelling to Cairns with friends. Afternoon was wet and the evening campfire was interrupted. We also cleaned the van for the next leg of our journey.
Tuesday 9th June.
Said goodbye to our new friends at Barmera and with Bob and Robyn travelled Gol Gol which is 4Klms past Mildura over the river and in NSW. The journey was marked with showers and aggressive Semi trailers and we were happy to get to our camp. We continued our Progamme of catching up with friends. Brian and Marlene Hall and Dickie and Sharon Scurrell just happened to be staying in Mildura at a time share for a week so we had to have Dinner with them at the RSL Club.
Wednesday 10Th
Its a hard life but someone has to endure it. Bob and I played golf with Brian and Dickie at Wentworth. We missed out on Coomealla because of a group of ladies who thought it was their right to take up the course. Had great pleasure in filling up the Patrol with a 20 cent voucher that saved up eighteen dollars. The intrepid travellers just love saving money on fuel. We had an easy tea. We are free camping at Hay tomorrow night so we are charging up all the batteries tonight.
Friday, June 5, 2009
We had a compulsary stop at the Waikerie Bakery and we indulged in some health food. This means that we shared an Apricot struessel bun. The evening meal was at the Cobdogla Hotel with Bob and Robin Simmonsen and new friends Pat, Ron, Di and Bob. The meal was great and the entertainment was interesting to say the least. We were entertained by Dolly Parton, Slim Whitman, Marty Robbins etc. All impersonators of course. Well to be positive they all tried their hardest and who am I to criticize, I cant sing.
THURSDAY 4th June. BARMERA
An easy day. We walked into town to have a look around and buy some grub for tea. We had a barby tea around the campfire. Two of the boys had brassieres. Not to be confused with female apparel. The night grew cold be we retired to the van and watched half a movie starring Will Smith titled Seven Pounds. Must remember to watch re rest of it.
FRIDAY 5TH JUNE. BARMERA
The girls went into town to do some retail therapy at a clothing store they found and I stayed at the van talking and solving the problems of the world with Bob and Ron. Bob Simmo and I played golf at Barmera country club with six other golfing trajedies. We hired carts to save the grass and its lucky we did because we just finished before dark. I often say that the most amazing things happen on golf courses. I was playing an iron shot on the eleventh hole and as I played the shot I felt two objects hit me on top of my hat. I couldnt believe it, the tee had broken in two and both pieces landed on my head. Lets see the expert pull of that shot.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE BARMERA.
Spent the morning catching up with Tina, Henry, Eddie and Pam who came up for the weekend. Walked the main street listening to buskers playing various styles of Country and Western music.
THURSDAY 4th June. BARMERA
An easy day. We walked into town to have a look around and buy some grub for tea. We had a barby tea around the campfire. Two of the boys had brassieres. Not to be confused with female apparel. The night grew cold be we retired to the van and watched half a movie starring Will Smith titled Seven Pounds. Must remember to watch re rest of it.
FRIDAY 5TH JUNE. BARMERA
The girls went into town to do some retail therapy at a clothing store they found and I stayed at the van talking and solving the problems of the world with Bob and Ron. Bob Simmo and I played golf at Barmera country club with six other golfing trajedies. We hired carts to save the grass and its lucky we did because we just finished before dark. I often say that the most amazing things happen on golf courses. I was playing an iron shot on the eleventh hole and as I played the shot I felt two objects hit me on top of my hat. I couldnt believe it, the tee had broken in two and both pieces landed on my head. Lets see the expert pull of that shot.
SATURDAY 6TH JUNE BARMERA.
Spent the morning catching up with Tina, Henry, Eddie and Pam who came up for the weekend. Walked the main street listening to buskers playing various styles of Country and Western music.
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