Gum Bend Lake
Boat Ramp Facility
Flooded near our camp area

Monday the 1st of August
Liz had a woeful night with coughing fits that seemed never ending. Of course a lot of hot lemon juice with honey and panadol helped a little. I do not know what to do first thing of a morning with no walking taking place and it wont until the bronchitis has cleared. Aren't we a pair of happy campers.
I had breakfast and a couple of the blokes on their own asked us to run them up to the laundromat for they were running out of cloths. Had breakfast first and then run a shuttle service for we can only carry one at a time. When we first arrived there a woman using the four machines and when I arrived back with the second bloke nothing had improved. We were getting isolated drops of rain as predicted and where not to see the sun at all today just grey sky's. While I was doing all this running around into Condobolin Liz was resting up trying to beat whatever it is she has contracted though we believe it is due to the cold weather. The blokes never finished their laundry until after 12.30pm so the shuttle bus was in effect again. One had also made an appointment to see a doctor at 2pm which I was not happy about. However campers are campers and we must always help each other.
I had lunch which consisted of nice fresh cheese and bacon rolls that I purchased whilst in town and then read my book until 1.45pm and then drove Richard up the to the doctors and whilst I waited for him I read more of my book. Liz was having a sleep when I left.
There was not a lot you could do today for it was a Bank Holiday and most of the shops were closed. When Richard was finished I arrived home at 3.15pm with him telling me his tablets would not arrive until wednesday. I never uttered a word.
I walked up onto the bank of the lake and the first thing I noticed was that the goats had gone off the island. I had noticed two boats yesterday shuttling backwards and forwards to the island and I thought it was the council feeding the goats as they have been doing since we arrived. They must have removed them for their numbers would have increased in the past month or so. There was plenty of bird life on the lake including cormorants for their must be fish of some description and on dusk a notice a few happy campers set up their rods on the bank sucking also on a frothy or two. We are having an easy meal tonight for we have plenty of cold meat so Liz will heat it up in gravy along vegetables before we settle in to watch the footy show. It has been a day totally wasted just running up to town and back and Liz being shut inside with the diesel heater going to keep warm.

Early model Holden's
Ned Kelly robbing the stage
Bundaberg Rum Ute being stood up

Tuesday the 2nd of August
Another dismal night with light rain early this morning. We could hear the patter of rain on the roof and awning when we awoke and it was obvious that it was not heavy rain. Once out of bed we checked the buckets and we would have been lucky to collect 5 litres of water between them. It was to cold and miserable outside to light the firepot for breakfast so we used the inside facilities. After breakfast we noted that many happy campers that arrived yesterday had left and in our discussions with them they were all heading north into warmer climes, lucky buggers.
We had our showers and boy was the hot water tap turned up high to drive the cold out of our bodies. Especially Liz who is still suffering though last night did not seem to be as bad. Liz was to make a concoction of Honey, squeezed lemon juice, cider vinegar and a panadol and it tasted horrible I think it was the apple cider vinegar.
Needless to say that we have used that much honey we need to restock. After we cleaned up we went up to the foodland supermarket and purchased many items including honey and then back to camp.

Hawk flying off with ute
Australiana Mate
The Musical Ute

We then decided to go for a drive with the car heater going. We started driving on the road to Parkes and after about 39 kilometres we turned down the gravel road to go and have a look at the Ute's in the Paddock. All the ute's are old Holden's of various ages and all painted by local artists in many ways depicting something about the area or NSW. In all there are twenty ute's sitting in various forms and we particularly liked the one with the hawk flying away with the ute. They are all great and we spent an hour or so walking along the fence looking at each one and commenting that even though we had seen some ten years ago they have all been well maintained and in fact there were three more ute's added to the collection. The weather was still dismal though not raining at all, it was cold the radio indicating that it was only 10.6 degrees celsius in Condobolin today with the likely hood of rain for the next couple of days.
We were to watch farmers seeding there paddocks and on the way back we took the loop road which took us past many paddocks of lush green wheat and other grains. The farmers are happy with the weather for it may give them good crops to harvest this year. We also noted there was a lot of sheep in the paddocks and they were in good condition as were the lambs. We headed back to camp slowly of course and noted the gravel road though damp in places was not muddy at all. Back on the bitumen and the going was easy with a few caravans heading to Condo. The town was busy today with the long weekend over and we decided we did not need to do any retail therapy so back to camp.
We had a late lunch and started the generator up to replenish the house batteries and charge other items and then turned the diesel heater on to warm the place up, which it did in no time at all.
It may be a miserable day though getting out and about in the Terios certainly brightened the day up so now later in the afternoon we will stay inside and read our books etc before our meal this evening. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

First there were three an hour later there were five Magpie Geese

Wednesday the 3rd of August
A chilly night though this morning it was good to see the rain had gone and been replaced by high cloud. You could see the sun trying to break through and at around 10 am it succeeded. We had breakfast late this morning for Liz had a terrible night with coughing fits. We went to the medical centre at 9am and the earliest she can see a doctor today is at 3pm this afternoon.
We had a late breakfast and sat in the brilliant sunshine soaking up the warmth and read our books for awhile. We then drove into Condo and went to Vinnies and had a look at what was on offer. I was to get plenty of reading material and Liz picked up some gifts for the boys in Melbourne and then we went home for lunch.
Sitting in my chair I looked up and thought what are those birds and then it dawned on me that they were Magpie Geese. They strutted their stuff up along the fence all the time watching us. A graceful bird and maybe it is mating time for one bird was smaller than the other

Gathering nesting material
Five Magpie Geese in the water
Pretty little cocky's feeding on seed

We were to hear a lot of honking and then three more Magpie Geese circled and then finally landed and straight away there was a change of partner with one male seeing the other off in a flurry of feathers. They finally wandered off down through the wetlands. We had lunch and a couple of happy campers came along for chin wag and another delivered a big limb for us to cut up for our fire. Out came the chainsaw and it was cut up very quickly. Being river gum it was easy to cut and the chain on the chainsaw is still sharp. We may miss the heat of the gidgee wood though not the way it destroys chains and chainsaws.
Then it was time for the Terios shuttle first I ran Richard in to get his prescriptions from the chemist and then to pick up Liz for the doctors. While Liz was in the doctors I ran Richard back to camp. On the way out I saw many pretty small cockatoo's who appeared to be eating seed in the lush grass. On the way into town I was to see the flying V formation of Magpie Geese and they were to high to get a photo.
Picked Liz up from the doctor's and she then had to go to the hospital for X Ray's and to have a blood test taken. Then after an hour and a half this was finally done and then picked up her medicine and the then bread for breakfast. The only problem is that the blood test could not be taken at the hospital therefore Liz must be at the surgery at 7.30am in the morning and then into to see the doctor at 12 noon. A beautiful sunny day for a change though Liz's continuing coughing is a problem more so for I can do nothing to help her.

We never struck horses
Lachlan River in Flood
Catholic Church Condobolin

Thursday the 4th of August
A frost awaited us this morning and it was only 1 degree celsius. I set the fire and then it was 7.15am and time to take Liz for her blood test at 7.30am at Pathology. Thirty minutes later and we were heading back to camp for breakfast. Lit the fire and cooked the toast, boiled the billy and the morning was warming for there were no clouds in the sky and the sun was shining brightly something we have not been used to for a week or so.
I went walkabout and had a chat to Bill and Richard and then it was time for Liz to go to the doctor's and most of the day was spent either at the surgery or at the chemist. Whilst Liz was in the surgery I drove and bought bread and then drove down to the Lachlan River which is in flood though not overflowing its banks by much. I could see the Catholic Church which occupies the highest point in the town and is several story's high especially the bell tower. When I finally picked Liz up we went back for a late lunch and to sit out in the sunshine reading our books for the rest of the day and watch the next lot of happy campers arrive and set up. Hopefully the new amount of medication will help Liz overcome her ailment.

Sunset last Night
Magpie Geese roosting in trees
Beautiful reflections and birds

Friday the 5th of August
A beautiful sunset last night with just a few clouds on the horizon. It was a cold night and we went to bed early to keep warm and read our books. Unfortunately Liz was still suffering and even though we purchased in addition to the antibiotics cough mixture at $30 it did not appear to be doing its job.
Once again Liz was coughing violently and no amount of strepsils or honey and lemon would alter the situation. Needless to say we both had a sleep interrupted night.
This morning I could hear the honking of the Magpie Geese though I could not see them anywhere on or near the water.
I lit the campfire and really stoked it up for it was cold and frosty once again. Though the sun was breaking through the trees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We both only had a cup of tea and delayed breakfast for awhile.
I then spotted two Magpie Geese roosting on the dead limbs of a gum tree near the water. As I moved around to get a better photo they were really honking and I could not believe that only two could cause such a ruckus. Then they took off and in all there were seven magpie geese and they flew off towards the wheat silo's in Condobolin. A little later I was to see a few small birds in the flooded camping area and with the shadows cast on the water they were a little hard to see for awhile. It all looked beautiful especially with no wind at all and the sun warming up the day
I piled even more wood on the campfire and the firepot started to glow we had to move our chairs back. I had a couple of pieces of wood left from Yowah that had funnels in them and the looked a treat with the flame leaping out of their centre.
We sat by the fire for sometime and then we had a visit from our happy camper mates one who has a 31foot Longreach and it is a nice looking vehicle towing a Honda 4x4 on a trailer. He is the most layed back of the happy campers that drop in on us.
Liz was to pick up a bit during the day and she went around all the campers seeing if they wanted to go up to the RSL tonight in the courtesy bus. I all she had arranged for 7 positives.
We sat around in the sunshine reading our books and then it was time to have a shower and get ready for tonight. Liz was to cut my hair for next week in Melbourne. It has been a good day with the temperature at 4pm at 22 degrees. Though tonight will be cold again and when we come back from the RSL we will watch the collingwood football game before going off to bed.

Saturday the 6th of August
We had a good meal at the RSL last night though we were not to win a meat tray. One of our happy camper mates won two, one a lamb roast and the other silverside so needless to say he was very happy. We came home to watch Richmond win over Collingwood which displeased Liz very much.
This morning we lit the firepot and really stoked it up for it was only 4 degrees and overcast and would remain that way all day with the temperature only rising to 14 degrees.
We had our breakfast and then it was time to get out the washing machine and put up the clothes line. Changing and washing the sheets were the main items to wash though there was plenty more.
We Helped one happy camper that was about to leave and found he had a flat battery. On went the battery charger and in under five minutes his engine started and he was on his way travelling north. We have found plenty to do today as well as gathering wood for our fires over the next few days.
Today is a non photo day and we watched the birds going about their business especially the kookaburra's who were getting plenty of worms and the cormorants are still in the lake so there must still be small fish around.
I finished another book today so up town on Monday to get more from the op shop and other places. Tonight we will have the diesel heater going again for Liz's cough has not improved much at all. No doubt we will watch the football before going off to bed. It wont be long before we are moving the motorhome to storage and then on our way to Melbourne

Pelicans sitting on Island on Gum Bend Lake

Bush Pigeons fighting cold morning in trees

Sunday the 7th of August
We had rain early this morning though it cleared away by 7am when I hopped out of bed. If we hadn't heard it on the roof we would not have believed it for the ground was dry this morning.
I walked up to the bank around the lake and noted the many Pelicans getting ready for their forage on the lake waters and along with cormorants there must be fish in the lake. It was very overcast with the sun trying to break through, even the bush pigeons were huddled in the trees fighting off the cold. I was surprised to see so many happy campers pulling out this morning so early. There are only ten happy campers at the moment and I suspect that six of them are full time campers until moved on.

Back log in firepot
Loading wheat into carriages
Only two Engines to pull wheat train

Lit the firepot and boiled the billy and as usual of late we just had a cup of tea and a warm. For the firepot was really warm and more so when a back log was piled in. Even with a block buster there was no way that the log could be split completely. We finally had our breakfast and again a couple of the happy campers came over for a chat and so we chewed the fat for a couple of hours and doesn't time go quickly when this happens.
We had our lunch and cleaned up around the camp and then went for a drive up into Condobolin and then took the road heading west out past the wheat silo's and storage. We were to hear the gun blasts so they must be having trouble with the various birds that like wheat. The Magpie Geese appear to have moved on.
We were to sit and watch a wheat train carriages being filled and was surprised to see the wheat carriages being hauled by only two trains. We have noted the trains that go by the campsite usually have three trains pulling though we reckon about 160 freight carriages are being pulled. That train goes to Cobar and on to Broken Hill and no doubt brings the ore products back to the coast for shipment overseas or elsewhere. Any way we found it intriguing to watch the loading of the wheat and one of the rail workers told us that each carriage carried 60 tonnes and there were 40 carriages.
We continued on for the cloud had dissipated and the sunshine was streaming through the front window. We drove out about 25 kilometres and all along the way we were to note the amount of cotton on the side of the road though we did not see any being sown or farmed. We were to see only sheep and more sheep though the ground was very green and where they had grains planted they were growing well with the land still being damp. The farmers are expecting a bumper crop of wheat this year and added onto last year they are happy with their return.
We then drove back to camp and I split more wood and we have enough now to last until Tuesday when we will have our last fire. Sat out by the fire and listened to the St Kilda V Carlton match and it was pleasing to hear we beat them by over 70 points. Very pleasing indeed and tonight we are having silverside with white sauce and of course the normal vegetables. Then watch a bit of Television after coming in from the fire when it becomes a bit cold.

Sunset over the lake last night
Sun breaking through fog
Main Street Condobolin

Monday the 8th of August
A wonderful sunset last night with the sun reflection on the few clouds that were in the sky. During the night it was a bit cool though when I hopped out of bed at 7am the sun was breaking through the trees and the little fog that was around.
As has been the custom of late stoked up the fire until the heat coming off the firepot was very hot. On went the kettle and had a quick cup of tea before Liz arose this morning. Liz had another bad night of coughing costing sleep so I had no problems with her getting some sleep this morning.
Finally we had our breakfast by the fire and the sun was beaming down, with that and the heat off the firepot it was cozy indeed. After breakfast we had our nice hot showers and then it was time for Liz to go to the Doctors. I sat outside reading my book and she was in there for well over an hour. Once she came out she informed me that her IR levels were high and the doctor prescribed a bigger dose of wolfram. There is nothing they can do for her cough other than continuing to take the cough medicine. Hopefully before we leave for Melbourne on Wednesday she had everything under control. Liz has another appointment this wednesday week and then we will be leaving the area and heading west.
We went up to Vinnies and bought more books for our future travels we should now have enough to see us through until we arrive home in a bit over a month. Then onto the supermarket for a few items and then the bakery for bread rolls for lunch which looks like being late today.TJH
Into the bank for obvious reasons and then back to the chemist to pick up the scripts and medicine. The main street of Condobolin was busy this morning with a fair bit of traffic about. They have placed two palm trees on the pedestrian crossing which makes it easier from a distance to see where they are.
Finally back to camp for a late lunch for we bought a piece of fish each to put in our bread rolls. Washed down with a cuppa during the afternoon there were 6 new happy campers arrive and set up and you guessed it mainly parked as if they were in a caravan park.
A bit of a breeze came through though it did not detract from the warmth of the sun as there were few clouds about. The rest of the afternoon was spent in the sunshine in trackies and a singlet and reading. Only Richard came along to chew the fat with us today.

Tuesday the 9th of August
A cool morning with light cloud blocking the early morning sunshine. Lit the firepot and really stoked it up with plenty of wood, so much so that the firepot started to glow and it took only a matter of seconds to cook our toast for breakfast this morning.
After breakfast we started to dismantle the camp for we do not want wet awnings etc for tomorrow. Then unloaded all the camping gear from the terios into the motorhome front that is. I could not believe how much gear we are carrying in the car. This will need to be looked at for next year.
Richard and another bloke came and carried the A-Frame up to his camp and then I took our left over wood as well.
It was amazing we only stopped for lunch and it was 2.30pm before we had the car loaded for Melbourne and all the camp gear away. I just cannot believe how much clothing and other things are required for five nights away from the Motorhome. We appear to have just as much weight back into the car as what we took out, amazing.
We went and had our showers and came back and had a cappuccino and then settled in for the rest of the afternoon reading our books.
The cloud cover is heavy and there is a high wind blowing and I wouldn't be surprised to have rain before dark. As everything is packed there is no need to go outside anymore and the inside temperature at the moment is 19 degrees celsius just comfortable. We will watch a bit of television and then have an early night and up reasonably early for breakfast and then move the motorhome up to Richards site where he is going to keep an eye on it whilst we are away. We are both excited to catch up with all of our children over the coming days and looking forward to Jens' 50th birthday party. We cant believe how the time has flown today.

Wheat and more Wheat
Plenty of Sheep grazing
Wheat Silo's in the middle of nowhere

Wednesday the 10th of August
It rained on and off during the night and there was one clap of thunder that woke us up and no doubt other happy campers in the area. Out of bed at 6.45am and had our breakfast and then cleaned up and packed things away. We then took the Motorhome up to Richards Camp for he is going to watch over it for the next five or so days. I connected a new bottle of gas so the fridge would not run out over coming days and then disconnected the power. There should be enough sun to keep the house batteries charged over the period.
It was 8.15am when left Gum Bend Lake bound for Narrandra today. We first stopped in Condobolin to top up with unleaded fuel for the journey at $1.25.5 cents a litre.
At 8.40am we were on our way towards West Wylong and then onto the Newell Highway.
I set our speed at 105 kilometres per hour. We were to encounter plenty of wheat growing in the many paddocks and in some cases it went for as far as you could see. It looked really nice with gum trees dispersed over the extra large paddocks. Next we were to see plenty of sheep who were grazing for they had plenty of feed given the amount of rain. All the dams we could see from the road were full. Then we were to see large wheat silo's in the middle of nowhere and they were very big and of course the railway line run past them.

Mob of Major Mitchell Galah's
Canola as far as the eye can see
Bare trees coming into Narrandra

We were to see large mob's of Major Mitchell Galah's and big mob's of Sulphur Crested Parrots as well. We finally arrived at West Wylong and did not stop and as we turned onto the Newell Highway the lovely rose gardens had lost their flowers though there were spring bulbs growing and flowering well.
We were to see many more paddocks of Wheat and some other crops that I could not identify and then the beautiful yellow of the Canola plant and they were in paddocks as far as the eye could see. No doubt like wheat the farmers are in for a bumper crop due to the winter rains. Again the dams we could see were full of water and we were to see a mix of sheep with Alpaca's as their companions. It appears that the Alpaca's drive the wily fox away from the new born lambs etc. There were cattle appearing and we were to travel past a very large property where they advertise it as a joint China /Australia venture. We had a pit stop at Grong Grong and spoke to a couple of happy campers who were heading north. By now we were to see many interstate trucks going in each direction and our speed did not cause any problems for them. We had one B-Double come at us and the wind he created knocked nearly 10 kilometres off our speed, I could not believe how much wind he was pushing I have never felt the turbulence before that he created.
Before long we arrived at Narrandra at 11.15am and we drove through the avenue of trees though on this occasion they had lost all their leaves. We finally pulled up outside the Fig Tree Motel and I said to Liz that really we could have driven into Melbourne today for it was only another 430 kilometres away. We decided we would look at accommodation in Jirilderie and looking on the internet there was only one room left. We rang them and they said it was only one of the poorer rooms and then mentioned the price we decided to book into the Fig Tree Motel for it was $16 dollars cheaper for a four star room with all facilities including swimming pool, which in this weather does not appeal to us.

Our Motel room on first floor Narrandra

Our happy hour Giant Fig Tree

It has a huge old Fig Tree and I would not hasten to think how old it is. In summer months it would be cool sitting under it for happy hour though we wont be for it is only 18 degrees. We checked into our room which includes free wi-fi among the many other things and set up for the night. We then went looking for Subway to have lunch and we could not find it. We drove out to the road house about four kilometres from town and had a crispy chicken hamburger each washed down with a cappuccino of course. On the way back into town we noted that Subway was attached to the Shell Service station I do not know how we missed it. Whilst out at the Road House we topped up with unleaded at $1.19.5 which was five cents a litre cheaper than the Shell Service station which is a Coles outlet.
We then stopped at the information centre to have a look see at what they had.

How's this old timer and van
Largest playable Guitar in Australia
Old Tiger Moth in Museum

There was an old Chevy ute outside with a camper trailer complete with white wall tyres. We noted that they had a lot of Aboriginal art including didgeridoo's for sale and including as they say the largest playable guitar in Australia. Then we went and had a look in the Tiger Moth museum and we wondered how they flew these planes given they were made of painted canvas no wonder they crashed a lot during the war. The museum is great and we had no trouble spending an hour looking at the photo's and memorabilia. They also had a visual display of the planes in action. These blokes were mad to do the things they did.
We then went to the IGA and bought a few things which included a box of cappuccino's and then around to Cole's and bought minimal items we can use over the next few days. Then Liz went off doing a bit of Retail Therapy whilst I sat in the car reading up a bit more on the town. Liz was able to finish off her present shopping for Jen and then we went back to our hotel where Liz fired up her tablet and hooked into the wi-fi of the Hotel.
It is now 4.30pm and it is starting to cool down after a good sunny day as we came down the highway. We bought a hot chicken and we will munch on that tonight rather than going out somewhere for there is not to much open after 6pm. We will watch a bit of Television and then off to bed to read before going off to sleep. We want to pull out of here by 8am in the morning bound for our motel in Preston which we should reach a bit after lunch dependant on how many stops we make along the way. As long as we are there before 6pm. I am convinced the terios would have had us in Melbourne by mid afternoon if we wanted it is going well and not missing a beat, touch wood.
Kilometres travelled in the Terios 252

On the road to Melbourne in fog
Jirilderie
Finley

Thursday the 11th of August
We were out of bed at 5.45am and had our showers and then crumpets cooked in our room for breakfast washed down with a cup of Tea. We reloaded the car and we were on our way to Melbourne at 6.40 am.
We were to encounter fog all the way to Tocumwal and then it cleared. With vehicles with their lights on they were not hard to spot especially the interstate trucks that were on the road early this morning. We were first to drive through Jirilderie and noted that all the trees had lost their leaves and the slight fog made them look eerie. After passing through we were to come across water channels that were full crossing the land just prior and after Finley. Finley was much like Jirilderie with trees bare and the fog again making the place look dismal.

Town Beach NSW flooded

Campgrounds Finley Beach flooded

The Terios was driving really well and we were sitting on 105 kph and it was doing it easy and even passing cars and caravans plus the odd truck or two. When we arrived at Tocumwal we drove down into Finley Beach and found there was a road blocked sign down into the camp area. We went near the toilet on the top of the bank and counted five squatters four of which were here when we passed through in mid May. Across the river we could see that Town Beach in NSW had been flooded and there were no happy campers there at all. When we looked at where camped in early May at Finley Beach all the camp grounds were under water for the Murray River was in flood and it could be that the floods will stay until November, that is if the rain stop. We then pressed onto Shepparton where we were going to kill time for we cannot book into our accommodation until after 2pm. On arrival at Shepparton we went to Aldies to buy a couple of things and then down to the K-Mart to buy slippers for Liz and then onto the SPC Factory to buy fruit etc for Jen for we rang her and found out what she wanted. Then down to the service station and refueled the Terios at $1.15.7 cents a litre. From there we went into the shopping centre and then the food court where we decided to have Subway for lunch. Liz was to have a six inch roll with chicken burger and salad and I was to have a twelve inch with shredded pork and plenty of jalapeno's, salad and hot chilli sauce then we purchased cappuccino's to wash it down very nice indeed. In all we spent over two hours in Shepparton again showing we could have driven down from Condobolin in one day. No doubt come Monday we will drive straight back with a few breaks along the way.

Dormant fruit trees Shepparton
Passing wide load Hume Highway
Green Hills on way to Melbourne

Back on the road and the first thing we noticed was that the traffic had increased and the driving of many was very erratic, do not leave to much space between the car in front or they will dive in causing you to brake quickly. We were to note the dormant fruit trees and there were more grape vines being grown and other fruit such as cherry's. The area was renowned for its stone fruit and now even looking at the product at SPC it is now sourced from overseas to the detriment of the local fruit growers.
We were on the Murray Gouldburn highway and the trucks had increased in number though we were lucky that there were two lanes which facilitated much easier passing. Before we knew it we were on the Hume Highway and were to come across a few wide loads that B-Doubles had trouble getting around. We were now in the hilly part of the highway and the hills were the greenest that we can recall seeing them in many years. We were to come across a few Canola crops that had failed not through lack of water just to much which had flooded the paddocks.
We stopped at the Hallam Service Centre which was only 50 kilometres short of Melbourne and you guessed it had another cappuccino though Liz was to have a cup of tea. We were killing more time for we could not book in until 2pm.
Back on the road and we were in the Melbourne traffic and all the traffic lights and as usual it felt like we were to find every stop light for we were stopping and starting. We finally arrived at out hotel/motel and went to check in. What a shock when enquiring where to park the car there was a flippant reply out in the forecourt and that will be an extra $9 per day or part thereof. Well needless to say it was a bit torrid for awhile for when I asked what security there was for the vehicle I was informed none just camera's that watched the area. Well I was not impressed to have to pay an extra $36 dollars to park the car for the period we are here and given that we will probably not spend a lot of time here that is quite rich.
We shifted all out gear to our room which was 7014 and found it was smaller and less equipped than the motel at Narrandra. Though I have to say it has a good outlook over the city centre even the wheel at the docklands even stands out. We had a look at the menu for our meal tonight and was staggered at the charges for basic meals and to top it off they insisted I give them my credit card which they debited with one dollar in case I used something in the room and come Monday if not they will refund the one dollar. The name of the place is the Breakfree Hotel and apartments in Preston. Do we recommend it? What do you reckon!
Kilometres travelled in the Terios today was 454 kilometres.

The Melbourne City Centre and high rises plus new apartment high rise's being built at Preston this morning

Friday the 12th of August
We had our evening meal in the restaurant here last night and it was good. We had Jen and Lucas join us and after they left for home we watched the footy show for awhile and then went off to bed. We did not need any rocking for we were both tired after a long day.
We hopped out of bed at 7.30am and then had our showers and munched on a bit of cold chicken for breakfast left from yesterday washed down with a cuppa. We couldn't believe it when we had the door open at 8.45am with the woman wanting to clean the room. We put her off and told her we would not be vacating the room until 9.30am.
So it was we left the hotel/motel at 9.30am and then put into the GPS the need to go to as shopping centre, it selected the Northlands Shopping Centre which was only a couple of kilometres away. The traffic was heavy though we navigated our way with no problems. We were to spend the next 2.5 hours in the complex which was huge.
A bit of retail therapy was the order of the day and we looked in the various shops along the way and then into Aldies and purchased a two slice toaster for $7.50 to cook our crumpets in our room for breakfast. Then into K-Mart and then Targets and then went looking for the Reject shop which was about 600 metres from where we were.
After purchasing firelighters and a few other things we went to the food court where Liz opted for noodles and I had a large bowl of Thai chicken soup and did it have some bight with it, very nice indeed.
After lunch we continued looking around places like Best and Less and Myer and made a few purchases then we decided to back to the pub. First of all we stopped off at Ray's and filled the 9 kilo bottle of gas and bought a gas heater to replace the one we left at home.
Back to our accommodation for a cuppa and found the cups had not been washed nor the tea bags replenished and the same with the sachets of milk. Liz went down to the reception and they were to give her two milk and three tea bags. This place I could not recommend to anyone though I have to say you have beautiful views of the City and the high rises. There are two cranes on the skyline here at Preston and they are building multi story flats/units. Looking down we can see the local school and where there were houses on single blocks now you see four apartments on the same ground they do not have gardens or grass to worry about. As usual Melbourne is overcast with plenty of clouds. I have made an appointment with Telstra to fix the problem I have with the dongle for this computer, at the moment I am using the wi fi from Liz. Tonight we are going to Jens for a meal and then home to watch the AFL footy game.

High Street Preston
Fairfield Shopping Strip
Vegetables outside fruit and Veggie shop

Saturday the 13th of August
Rain during the night which helped to wash the mud of the Terios. This morning when looking out over Melbourne the sun was shining though there were traces of smog over the city. We had crumpets in our room cooked in our new toaster which I had to place in the bathroom to avoid the smoke detector in our room. The interesting thing is that the bathroom in larger than our bedroom. Jen was to inform us that this hotel/motel used to be a hospital which they converted. After breakfast I was surprised to see Liz making the bed and when I questioned her she said at least it is now made properly.
We went down in the lift and then into the Terios and drove down to High Street Preston and then turned off to go to Thornbury. We arrived at the shopping strip and parked up and went walkabout. We were to notice that most of the coffee shops were busy serving breakfast to the hungry masses. Though it was sunny the morning was cold with a lazy breeze. We noticed that many shops placed goods out on the footpath and on the one side there were two green grocers not far apart.

Further up the street cheap prices
Trojan Horse at train station
Train going across railway crossing Thornbury

The vegetables were quite cheap especially the Broccoli at $1.99 a kilo one of my favourite veggies. Wonderful what a bit competition creates in the way of prices. We wandered along and went into an op shop run by MS though we were to buy nothing at all. We went as far as the Fairfield Railway Station and noted the large wooden horse or dog we could not tell which. I noted there were speaker holes above its eyes which from which they probably play music. We saw the boom gates come down and a city bound train pulled into the station.
We made the error of crossing the street which was in the shade and would have been at least 5 degrees colder. We checked out a el cheapo shop for a few things for tonight and then crossed back over into the sun. Then bought some biscuits from the IGA for morning tea etc.
We went to Rob's and Jens place for morning tea and Rob was out at soccer with Lucas. Both boys play a good game and show no fear in attacking the soccer ball. Jen was to go out and get a few things for tonight and then we settled back and relaxed for Rob is picking up Robert,Dianne and Carol and Danni off the plane from Tassie around 2pm. So now to relax and enjoy the sun streaming through the window and then will eventually read my book which is nearly completed.

Having a chat at the Party
Jen's 50th Birthday Cake
Jen's Blowing out the Candles

Back to the hotel/motel to get ready for Jen's 50th Birthday Party tonight at the Bowls Club. We no sooner arrived back when there was a knock on the door and there was Robert and Dianne who had just arrived by plane from Tassie for the party tonight.
We went downstairs and had a pizza and a few beers etc for it was happy hour and the prices were reduced. When Rob arrived to pick us up we did not recognise him in his 60's gear it was only that Liz remembered the number plate of the car.
When we arrived at the bowls club it had been decorated and there were hundreds of balloons suspended on the ceiling and many other decorations. We thought we were in another era when Jen's friends arrived dressed in gear from the 60's.
It wasn't long before the music from that era started and everyone was up dancing away and the more liquor consumed the noisier it became. They had the Sydney V St Kilda match on the television away from the entertainment area which I visited regularly. My nephew from Queensland had come down for the party and he was pleased being a Sydney supporter that they thrashed us by 70 points.
Then it was time for the birthday cake to be cut and then Jen blew out the candles to the strain of Happy Birthday and then the party continued. Around 11 pm Liz and I called it quits and then caught a taxi back to our lodgings and did not waste any time heading for bed.

Northland Shopping Centre
Tiger Land Richmond
All enjoying our Foo (Soup)

Sunday the 14th of August
There were a few hangovers this morning which kept some of our family in bed later than the norm. We had our breakfast and then drove down to the Northland Shopping Centre and finalised our shopping for our return to our motorhome tomorrow morning. First we were to go to Aldi and bought a few items of meat that was cryovaced and then some rice.
Coles was our next stop to buy some skim milk and few other groceries. That is all we needed to do and we had a quick look around the complex without buying anything.
Back to the Terios and then rearranged things so we could put more of course into the back.
We then drove down to Thornbury and refueled the Terios with unleaded at $1.08.5 cents a litre and then the generator drum and tied those down. Then around to Jen and Rob's and found that they had partied on until 3am this morning and they were having breakfast at 11am.
Robert and Dianne finally arrived and we chewed the fat for awhile whilst people were recovering from last night. We decided to go and have a large bowl of Vietnamese Foo (soup) as it was now 1.30pm. We drove down to Richmond and drove under the bridge which sports the tigers emblem of the Richmond Football Club.
Parking the cars was a problem for the area was very busy and it was 2.15pm before we sat down to eat.
We ordered virtually the same with Liz and I opting for smaller serves. Even the boys had their own bowls and it took awhile to finish with some not doing so due to their hangovers. In all it was a good meal and so we then decided to go back to the house. As we drove down Hoddle Street we were to see a large steel sculpture of what we were not sure, though it started the area that is settled by those of Vietnamese extract. We noted that there are plenty of all races of people eating out in the area both inside and outside on the footpaths.
I used the GPS to get back to the house and we arrived there first then after about ten minutes Rob was to drive Robert and Dianne out to the airport and I went along for the drive. I was to note the massive changes to the airport since I travelled out of this area many years ago. It was amazing and there were at least 200 taxi's were in a holding area waiting to be called for a fare at the airport departure points. We said farewell to Robert and Dianne and then drove home to Thornbury.
We watched the Geelong V Richmond footy game and was surprised to see Richmond surrender a 38point lead to lose by four points.
We had a bit of a chat with everyone and said our farewells at 7pm and headed for the local Hungry Jack's for a burger for our evening meal for were not really hungry. We were back in our room at 8.15 and watched a bit of the Olympic Games before packing our bags ready for departure early in the morning heading back to Condobolin.

Big Strawberry Koonoomoo
Liz & Kay Finley
DC3 coming into West Wylong

Monday the 15th of August
We were out of bed at 5.45am and under the shower and then had a cup of Tea before we booked out of the Hotel/Motel. Down to the car and had to rearrange things to fit in all the luggage. We had fuelled up yesterday so we were out onto Bell Street at 6.30am and boy wasn't the traffic heavy. It took us a long time to reach the road were we turned onto Sydney Road and then onto the Hume Highway. And the traffic was thick until we arrived at the Craigieburn turn off. The GPS wished us to take the turn towards Craigieburn though we declined staying on the Hume Highway. We eventually arrived at the Wallem Service Centre where we pulled in and had a egg and bacon roll washed down with a cappuccino.
Back on the road and there is no doubt we can reach Condobolin by mid afternoon. We stopped at a small town and topped up with fuel and then on our way again, it cost $1.14 cents a litre. We passed the Big Strawberry at Koonoomoo where you can pick your own or have all wonderful strawberry delight in their cafe. When we reached Tocumwal you could see that the Murray River had dropped around a metre plus so it may be alright to camp there in three weeks or so. We went into town and bought the newspaper and then we rang Mick and Kaye and found they were at Finley some 20 kilometres up the road.
We finally arrived and then we went into the bakery and had another cappuccino and caught up with the latest news as to where they have been and their future travels. We may catch up with them on our down in a couple of weeks, we bid them farewell and we were back on the road again heading north.
We arrived at Narrandra around noon and we re fuelled and whilst I was doing that went and bought a large cappuccino for me to take away. Then we were on our way and we were striking a lot of interstate trucks heading south and again some of the wind they were pushing was amazing.
It wasn't long before we were driving into West Wylong where we were to see the old DC3 on the outskirts of town, we took a left turn and then a right and before long we were on our way to towards Condobolin. With only around 70 kilometres to go Liz took over the driving whilst I read the newspaper and again before we knew it we had arrived and were heading toward the lake and our Motorhome.
When we arrived the first thing we did was fit the A Frame to the Terios and then took the motorhome up to where we camped last week, there were a few happy campers up there so we had to pick an alternative spot which was no problem.
Unloaded the car and then Liz put it away and then we had Happy Hour with our next door neighbours which was great.
Neither of us are hungry so I suppose breakfast will be our main meal, we will watch television for awhile and then have an early night having driven over Seven Hundred kilometres back in one go and having used $154.71 in fuel there and back.

Set up for the Condobolin Dog Show
Pampered Pooches with shiny coats

Tuesday the 16th of August
We went off to bed last night at 8.15 and read for about ten minutes before dropping off to sleep and it was around 8.20am this morning before we even thought of getting out of bed. Yesterday was a long day.
We had our breakfast and it was time to catch up on the washing, up went the clothes line and in no time at all Liz was hanging the clothes out. There was a nice breeze blowing which should dry them pretty quickly.
We decided to go to town and buy something for our meal tonight plus the newspaper. It will be good to have veggies again. We came back to camp and then I decided to reload the Terios with all the gear that it normally carry's. I noted the roof rack had moved back so undone the clips and moved it forward again. It is surprising how much gear we are carrying though by packing anew allowed me to better arrange all the items.
Then it was lunch time so all we had was a cappuccino and some of Jen's birthday cake we felt was enough. Though we did have an orange for Liz and me I had a pear.
We hopped into the Terios and went and checked out the Condobolin Dog Show.
The first thing we noticed was that they went to a lot of trouble setting up their Gazebo's to shelter their pampered pooches. We could not believe the ends that the competitors went to in their dress code and their Dogs were slick and shining in their coats. We arrived during their lunch break and they were conducting a raffle and there were plenty of prizes on the tables. Many were exercising their dogs and many were just having their dog sit on their lap. Of course you had the yappers and they were mainly small dogs. We had seen enough for we were still a little tired and the day being sunny with no clouds had the temperature at 23 degrees celsius at 3pm. We noted across the road the carnival people are starting to arrive for we believe either this weekend or the next the Condobolin Show is on. Of course we will not be here for that for we are moving on on Thursday subject to Liz's report from the doctors on Wednesday. Liz is going ok and now seems to have thrown her dose of bronchitis and now does not cough so much of a night.
We went back to the camp and Liz was to take down the clothes for they were dry and I put away the clothes line and poles we were using. We had a cup of tea and then had a natter with our next door neighbours who are a nice couple and good to talk to.
Happy hour arrived and we settled for another cup of tea before coming in to cook our evening meal. We will a bit of television and then off to bed to read and then drop off to sleep.

Colourful Parrots after seed etc
Our feathered friend for brekky
Terios loaded with wood for our next campfire

Wednesday the 17th of August
The nights are now warm and the coldness of the morning has disappeared and hopefully stays that way as we move on tomorrow. There were a few clouds this morning though not enough to block the sun and the warmth. We had breakfast outside and noted the colourful parrots searching for seed etc. The problem was that there were about ten of them and they would not bunch up for a photo. Whereas the other birds walk around your feet looking for crumbs etc. Once breakfast was cooked we sat out in the sun and then placed the empty plate with bread crumbs at my feet and this didn't deter the birds coming and pecking away at the crumbs.
We cleaned up and then it was time to run one of the happy campers into town for a few groceries who does not have a car, on our return I picked Liz up and took her to the doctor's for her appointment. The doctor was happy with her recovery though he did tell her he was close admitting her to hospital last week for he was afraid she may have contracted pneumonia, which gladly wasn't the case.
Then round to the RSL to book the courtesy bus to come and collect us at the camp grounds and take us into the club for a meal and few frothy's and wine and a feed of course. As yet we have ignored the poker machines though we will buy a few tickets in the meat raffle. You never know your luck we could win something.
It was now noon so we came back to camp for our lunch.
Filled the chainsaw up with fuel and oil and off we went to cut some wood for our next campsite. We travelled out past the wheat silo's and noted the train was being filled with wheat to cart somewhere probably for overseas.
We had to drive around 5 kilometres along the highway before we spotted wood suitable for our campfire. Out came the chainsaw and cut and then split into small sizes for our firepot. While we were there Liz spotted a dog coming towards us and it looked like a silky terrier. It looked worn out and we did not have any water we could give it and one stage it looked like it wanted to jump in the Terios.
We finished our loading and tied the wood down and headed back to camp. Of course the day would not be same without having a cappuccino and then relax reading our books for awhile. Over to the showers and then back and packed away the ground cover and chairs and a bit of other gear laying around.
Happy hour arrived and we did not worry about it for we are going out tonight to have a meal and few. We wont arrive back until around 9pm and then watch a bit of television and the off to bed. It has been a beautiful warm day something we haven't been able to say for some time.

Back on the road again
Large body water along the way
Wheat as far as the eye can see

Thursday the 18th of August
We were out of bed at 7.30am and over to the nice showers at Gum Bend Lake for the last time this year. They certainly are a credit to the caretaker and the council for allowing us to camp and use such good facilities. However, all good things must come to an end.
We had our breakfast and finished packing and then said farewell to the many happy campers we had met whilst here. Especially those that accompanied us to the RSL last night. We had the Chicken Pasta dish and it took all out time to eat it. We did not win any of the meat in the meat raffle's.
The last we were to say farewell to was Richard and then we were on our way.
Liz drove out to the showgrounds and waited whilst I went out to Unc's to fill with diesel at $1.10 a litre which is 6.9 cents cheaper than the service stations. Being the fuel distributor helps keep the price down.
We then hooked the car up and we were on our way to Lake Cargelligo. It was a beautiful day with no clouds and just a few small ones at the end of the afternoon. The going was easy and we were to see large expanses of water along the way with some paddocks of grain effected by to much rain. There was little traffic and there were Cyprus Pines appearing in number along the road side and we were to see many very large paddocks planted to wheat or canola.
We came around one bend and as far as you could see was wheat growing and the wattle by the side of the road was flowering so maybe spring is not that far away.

Welcome to Lake Cargelligo
Grocer and Bank
Set up and view from under our awning

We finally arrived at Lake Cargelligo and went straight to the dump point and then we drove through town out to Dead Mans Point. When we arrived we noted there were six caravans and we parked up near the road and now have these beautiful views out across the lake. We parked this close to the bitumen road for they are forecasting rain for Friday and Saturday and possibly Sunday so we are close enough to the road to get out should it become boggy.
Out came the awning and then the ground cover and table then set the firepot up to cook our meal tonight as well as to stoke up to sit beside tonight if it is not to cold. At the moment the temperature is 23 degrees and a little breeze. Very comfortable indeed.
After lunch Liz walked around the area and noted that many of the happy campers were fishing to no avail though. We were to sit out and admire the view and watch the many diver birds swooping down on what must be small fish of some kind. Then set up the television and as it was pixulating on some channels so out came the satellite dish and in no time it was set up and going with clear television. We will watch the Marngrook Football Show and then probable go off to bed and read. Tomorrow we will go walkabout and look to see what the area has to offer.
Kilometres travelled today108

Moon rising last night over Lake
Sunrise this morning over Lake
Rubbish Bins afloat at Frogs Hollow

Friday the 19th of August
The full moon rising last night was a sight to see especially at it was near 7pm, it was casting its beams across the lake towards us. This morning the wind had picked up and we had lost the blue sky's of yesterday to be replaced by heavy cloud and higher winds coming out of the north west. I lit the campfire and boiled the billy and cooked the toast though we sat inside to eat due to the chilly wind.
After cleaning up we drove into town in the Terios and first went to the chemist and then down to the tourist centre. We had a look at all the static displays. We will go back tomorrow to take some photo's of the static displays. Then went for a drive down into Frogs Hollow the alternative camp ground to where we are.
What a surprise there were no happy campers at all for most of the camp grounds are covered with water from the Lake. All the rubbish bins were in the water and were rocking to the movement of the waves on the lake. It actually looked a funny sight.

Lake Cargelligo Weir
Egret watching us at Weir
Plowing Cotton Fields for replanting

Then we thought we would take a trip out to the Weir and have a look at the camp ground there. We drove 10 kilometre's back towards Condobolin and then turned onto a gravel road for 12 Kilometres and then 2 kilometres into the weir.
They were good bush campgrounds with plenty of wood available for campfires. The weir itself was underwater with the Lachlan River in flood and needless to say there were no happy campers here at all. So really the only useable freedom campgrounds are where we are at Dead Mans Point. We hopped out and had a walk around and in more settled weather this would be the pick of the camp grounds though you would need to be self contained for there are no facilities at all.
We were to note the Egret watching us and now and again his head would drop as he picked up a morsel. We stopped on the way out for we had noted Cotton Fields which were being ploughed ready for the new crop no doubt. All the water channels around the fields were full and had the plastic pipe laying on the bank ready to flood the land for the cotton.
There were many fields under cultivation and they were large pieces of machinery that were being used for ploughing and drilling of the seed.
We drove back into Lake Cargelligo and to the chemist and then up and parked and went into Vinnies and then into the Foodland Store where we restocked with groceries and veggies.
Put fuel into the Terios at $1.23.9 cents a litre and then headed back to camp. It was not a good day for sight seeing maybe tomorrow. We had our lunch at 1.30pm and then decided to pull in the awning and roll up the ground cover. Out came the generator for there is not enough solar to replenish the batteries. We only left the table out with the generator underneath. It turned out to be a wise decision for the wind turned a full 360 degrees and bought with it high winds and heavy rain. Luckily I covered the wood early this morning. There were only two of us camped when we arrived back for the rest had left fearful of the weather conditions, no doubt. Though it does not matter where you go you will run into this weather today unless you travel 6 to 7 hundred kilometres north. Already we have five other campers arrive and more can be expected no doubt later into the night. The day may be rough weather wise though it is good to look out across the lake and watch the diver birds and others trying to catch fish and this morning we were to hear the Whistling Kite that we haven't heard for some months. Tonight we are just having an easy meal and then will watch the football West Coast V Hawthorn game.

Tourist Centre Lake Cargelligo collection of Butterfly's
Collection of polished Agates at Tourist Centre

Saturday the 20th of August
What a wonderful morning after yesterday and its rain. This morning there was not a cloud in the sky and it was warming up quickly. This is good solar panel weather. I decided to pull the awning out and lit the fire for breakfast.
We had bacon and eggs plus toast and a cuppa tea. The bacon and eggs were cooked in our trusty camp fry pan that we bought and saw being made at Ballarat many years ago. The view this morning was once again great while we had our breakfast and it is amazing how many locals drive out and have a look from the point and the happy campers. Each and every one gives you a wave.
Out next door neighbours, so to speak, came over and questioned about the firepot and when he left he left the impression that he would be making one himself. We were somewhat amazed to hear that on average they travel 500 kilometres a day. When he leaves here he is driving to Shepparton in Victoria, we could not believe it. Oh well if that is what they like.
We cleaned up and were surprised to see the wind pick up out of the south west and with it came the heavy clouds. Though the clouds were intermittent and did not affect the charge rate on the solar panels.
We drove down to the Information Centre and took a few photo's of the butterfly's that had been created from various types of rock and agates, some created from petrified wood all very nice indeed. A few were from stone from overseas country's such as Brazil.
The agates had been polished to a high shine and were mostly from around this area and the were very good to look at. There was display after display which kept us captivated for some time.

Lake Cargelligo Solar Thermal Plant

We then went for a drive out to the Solar Thermal Plant for a look see. Unfortunately you can not get near though you can see the solar panels on the ground over the fence and the towers that are used for some purpose. The sign indicates that this is " Australia's First Fully Integrated Solar & Thermal Energy Storage Power Station - 3MWe"
We are still none the wiser how it works for they do not even have information on the plant at the Information Centre. We noted that a few of the Towers had very bright lights beneath them again we do not profess to hazard a guess, though we are sure there would many who would.
We then drove to a Bird Hide and that was well in the water also so we went to the showgrounds and filled our empty water drums and then went looking for another Bird Hide in a different area and again it was surrounded by water for the Lachlan River has certainly filled the lake to capacity and more.
On to the bakery and bought some rolls for our lunch and then back home stoked up the fire and then had our lunch. The wind was blowing harder so we once again pulled the awning in and now it can stay in for we would be packing it away tomorrow.
We went for another drive and noted all the shops were now closed including the Information Centre and this included the two supermarkets as well the only business open was the two service stations and of course the Hotels.
We had seen the signs in the windows urging on their local footy team the "Tigers" so we went around to the grounds expecting it be rugby the ground had AFL goal posts and for central NSW this was strange. No football for they must be playing away. Back to the camp and noticed two very elderly people setting their camper trailer up in the middle of the campgrounds and they were having a hell of a battle due to the wind. We went over to lend a hand and they dismissed us quickly in a nice way. Oh well you can only offer.
We were to note a group of Ibis flying overhead heading across the lake. We had a late cappuccino and then settled in to read our books inside of course with the sun streaming through the windows when not blocked by the clouds. Tonight we will cook inside due to the cold wind and then settle in to watch the AFL Collingwood V Sunshine Coast. It should be a good game.

Tranquil Lake this morning
Pelicans fishing by shore
This is the name of our campground

Sunday the 21st of August
A warm night and on going outside this morning at 7am there were no clouds present just sunshine and no breeze at all. The lake itself had no ripples on its surface and there was plenty of birds flying and checking the lake for food. We were to see 6 or so Pelicans working a small bay for fish just along from our camp at Deadman's Point. The way they were lifting their beaks they must have been catching many small fish. Again the diver birds were out the front of us, it is amazing how fast they drop from the sky when they spot a small fish.
After all this, I lit the firepot and boiled the billy and cooked crumpets for our breakfast this morning. I was great sitting in the sun watching out over the lake for there are no happy campers to block our view.
The usual cleanup and then we went for a drive to have a look at the cliffs we could see in the distance. We were to drive past a couple of houses where they appeared to be celebrating the Tigers win yesterday, they were still were wearing their Tiger T/Shirts and we can only suppose they had been to bed last night.
When we arrived at the cliffs we discovered that the local Lions Club had beautified the area and placed tables and barbecues for people to use. It was very scenic indeed and a large board gave an outline of the lake and where it feeds in from the Lachlan River. In fact where I thought the Lachlan flows through the lake it doesn't there are several barrages plus a weir that determine how much water is diverted into the lake both for local domestic use and for agricultural use.
We then dropped around and bought the newspaper and then into the Foodland Supermarket that was open today. We only made one purchase and the we made our way back to camp for lunch.

The largest grain storage shed and Silo's we have seen to date
Draught Horses in nearby paddock

After lunch we hopped back in the Terios and went for an afternoon drive. First we drove to the showgrounds for water and then noted the huge wheat silo's and the longest grain shed that we have come across in all our travels over the years.
We then drove out past the airport and the several large farms until we reached the road to Cobar and then drove out around 10 kilometres and then drove back by a small rural road that was gravel. As we neared the intersection where we turned to go back to our campsite we noted the four draught horse feeding in a paddock. Apparently these horses still till the ground like in old times and the owners treat it as a tourist attraction along with a railway museum. We did not drop in for at the moment it is closed so back to camp. We were now experiencing a slight breeze as we read our books and even though a few clouds appeared it did not stop the solar panels charging nor did it make it cooler sitting out in the sun. Even though I had my trackies on I had discarded my shirt and soaked up the sun.
We had a kind local drop of wood for all to use which we thought was very kind of him. As usual there are the greedy one's, the people in the camper trailer made four trips and cut up the wood into smaller sizes and put it in there trailer. We did not bother for we have sufficient for our firepot. We had a call from Ian who has now left Yowah and indicated he will be here tomorrow afternoon. We were leaving in the morning so he is going to ring us and tell us how close he is and we may stay another night for he has been a friend for years. Another good days and we are wondering if we can have three fine and sunny days in a row. That would be wonderful. A happy camper from Tassie has pulled alongside us and made themselves known and they have travelled up to Townsville and then across into Western Australia and then across the Nullabor and up to here all in six weeks. We make no comment.

Not a nice day today
Wattle starting to bloom
Welcome to Euabalong

Monday the 22nd of August
Early this morning we awoke to rain on the roof and promptly went back to sleep. Hopped out of bed at 7.50am and on going outside the rain had stopped though we had very thick cloud which at one stage the sun was trying to break through.
It was windy coming off the lake and I still lit the firepot and boiled the billy and cooked toast for myself and Liz had cereal, of course we had breakfast inside. Cleaned up and then decided to go for a drive to Euabalong some thirty kilometres on the Cobar road. The rain had stopped, it was still threatening though the cloud was now higher.
It was an easy drive and along the way there were paddocks of at least 60 hectare's sown with wheat, the paddock was as far as the eye could see, there was a smattering of trees throughout. The other paddocks were lush and we were to see plenty of black Angus feeding on the lush grass's it was nearly up to their belly.
We were to cross the bridge which spanned the Lachlan River which was still in flood. In the lower part of the country it was inundated with water and as we came closer to Euabalong we were to get a sprinkle of rain. We arrived at Euabalong and council workers were working building a rock garden around the sign and they pulled their machine out so as we could take a photo which was good of them.
We drove around the town and found there were no shops only a hotel which wasn't open at that time. This morning we did not have a shower for it was a bit cold and we were leaving it until this afternoon. As usual we carried our shower gear with us and lo and behold there were nice hot showers at the football ground at Euabalong so we took the opportunity to shower which saves our water for tomorrows shower.
We suspect it must get very hot here during the summer for all houses had the water cooled type air conditioners fitted and on some they had three satellite dishes. We were to see no people at all they must have decided to stay indoors though we noticed that there were a few smoky chimneys. After driving all streets we then headed for home.

Welcome to Murrin Bridge
One of the Aboriginal Centre's
Aboriginal Art on Football Ground

We spotted the turnoff to Murrin Bridge which was only 2 kilometres in off the road. So we drove in for a sticky beak, It is an aboriginal community with a population of 150 so the sign said and all the homes are modern brick. They had a large childcare centre and there were plenty of kids there. We noted they had their own Centrelink and Medicare Office. There is aboriginal art all over the town though some has been defaced. They had their own football ground where they no doubt play Marngrook on weekends.
We then drove back to the road and headed back to the Lake. When we arrived at the bridge over the Lachlan River we pulled in down a track to look for future campsites. There were plenty there though not at this time due the river being in flood.
Whilst there we cut some wood for the large fire tonight even though it is overcast and cold and windy. We drove into town first and bought fresh bread rolls for lunch and then arrived at camp unloaded the wood and then inside to have lunch. Around 1.30pm Ian arrived and set up his fifth wheeler near us and hopefully he will block a bit of wind off us.
We are expecting Mick and Kaye to arrive later in the day so we will have a good old chin wag this evening before going in to watch the footy show on television via the satellite dish.

Us, Mick and Ian at the lake
Load of cotton heading out to ?
A couple of old building in Lake Cargelligo

Tuesday the 23rd of August
We are still at Lake Cargelligo and true to form it rained during the night. Luckily we have the wood covered with a tarp. When we came out this morning the overcast weather put a damper on things though during several periods during the day the sun shone through the clouds enough to allow the house batteries to charge up.
Though there was a bit of a breeze we lit the firepot and cooked crumpets and boiled the billy. We were to eat our breakfast inside.
Mick and Kaye and Eric and Margaret plus Ian are still here so we came together and sat around the fire until it was time to go and replenish the water drums. Out to the showgrounds to do that and then we checked out Frogs Hollow once again and there were no campers there. We were able to pick up driftwood that washed up on the shore and the garbage bins are still in the water.
We then went into the town centre and bought the newspaper and then into the supermarket to purchase a few items. Then into the Collectable's shop and bought a few items and then onto Vinnies where I bought a coat that will help to drive the cold out, at a good price. We drove up past the museum and looked at the old machinery through the fence for it does not open until tomorrow. We were to see a B-Double with a load of Cotton bound for who knows where. Then we looked at several old buildings that were obviously from yester year.Back to the motorhome for it was time for lunch and we had a bread rolls where the others had pies etc.
During the afternoon we lit the big fire and sat around telling story's and keeping warm in the intermittent sunshine. We were to all place potatoes in alfoil in the fire for our evening meal. Whilst they were cooking we had happy hour with several other happy campers that came to our fire. Then the potatoes were cooked so inside where we cut them open and filled them with all types of good things and the after that we went out and built the fire up and enjoyed each others company giving the television a miss tonight. Our friends from Devonport are moving on tomorrow and we will be heading toward Hay on Thursday.
It will be later in the night before we come inside to go to bed and really it has been a good day sharing every one's company and telling of story's of travels etc.

Wednesday the 24th of August
Oh for a good sunny day again. When we went off to bed last night after sitting by the fire for sometime we looked up and noted the clouds had cleared and the stars were shining which we thought would bring about a good day to day. This was not to be for when we hopped out of bed it was overcast and a very cold wind was about. The only redeeming feature was that when throwing a few pieces of wood on the fire that looked to be out it came back to life and then more wood and it was going again.
We didn't light the firepot in fact we emptied it of ash and then packed it away. Their was enough hot coals to cook our toast and crumpets and boil the billy for breakfast which we ate inside the motorhome. Eric and Margaret left us today to go to Hillston and then down to Hay where we will probably catch up with them later in the week. Of course we all bid them farewell and a safe journey.
As are stopping another day along with Ian we went out and cut more wood and then back to camp. Liz was then to drive into town and we had a hot pie for morning lunch of course washed down with a cappuccino.
Mick had taken Kaye to the hospital to have her dressing changed and unbeknown to us he drove out to Euabalong for a look and also cut wood so we now have plenty for today and tonight.
Unfortunately it started to rain so we went under the awning for awhile and then back by the fire which we had stoked up and found a log with a hollow centre where the flame was coming from once it caught alight. We had a lunch and then sat by the fire and given the cold wind the fire was to warm us up until it rained again.
At the moment the three of us are running our generators to charge our house batteries for the there is not enough light or sun to do so. Though I have to say that the waeco battery seems to be going well and holding plenty of charge for the Waeco fridge where we have meat and some wine and beer.
The rest of the afternoon was spent either by the fire which kept loaded with wood or under he awning having a good old chin wag reminiscing on our time together in the Island Wanderers Chapter of the C.M.C.A..
With a bit of luck we will be able to sit out by the fire tonight and enjoy each others company before going off to bed and likewise tonight we will not switch the television on as we did last night. Again oh for a bit of sunshine and good weather.

Oh no! the sun is shining today
Our fire this morning with kettle
Mick with the vacuum cleaner in action

Thursday the 25th of August
We could not believe it when we came outside this morning the sun was shining over the lake and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. This would continue until mid afternoon when the wind became colder and the clouds appeared blocking the warm sun.
We had porridge for breakfast by the fire and a nice cup of tea. We were in no hurry today to do anything so we sat around the fire with Mick, Kaye and Ian talking about all and sundry. We had two happy campers come to visit and they informed us that they were leaving and travelling north to the the sunshine, they hoped.
Ian started to pack up and had a cup of tea with us and then he departed heading for his home in Barallen, only problem is that he left this favourite chair behind. We may have to deliver it to him on our way south sometime next week.
We drove into town and once again checked out Frogs Hollow which showed the lake had dropped by 2 metres and the wheely garbage bins were now out of the water. Then into the newsagent and bought the paper. We were to go to both the Foodland and Friendly grocery store's for we needed to stock up on groceries and meat for the travels ahead. Then it was back to camp for our lunch which was a little later today and then stacked the groceries etc away.
We sat outside behind the motorhome to avoid the wind and then we read our books. Later in the day we packed away all our outside gear and hooked the Terios to the motorhome for we are definitely leaving in the morning.
I am getting continual notice from the computer saying that the hard drive is not functioning properly and should back up all our files. I am rushing today's section which hopefully I can load up before the whole hard disc crashes.
Mick on returning from town was to vacuum out his car and motorhome and then they had their lunch having been and replenished their larder also. They are leaving on Saturday after Kaye's visit to the local hospital for the changing of her hand dressing.
Though tonight we will put plenty of wood on the fire to sit beside after our meal this evening before we come inside to watch the Marngrook Football show.

What a wonderful morning
Cliffs by the lake on other side
Cormorant drying out near our camp

Friday the 26th of August
What a wonderful morning to awake to. Sun shining brightly over the lake and there was no wind at all. We were to cook our breakfast inside this morning for everything was packed yesterday with the exception of the satellite dish which will be done shortly.
After packing away the television and satellite gear we came outside and chewed the fat with Mick and Kay and took in the wonderful views of the lake this morning. We were to note the orange coloured cliffs in the distance and the Cormorant drying itself in the sun. It looked quite nice with the reflections of the nearby trees.
We were to say our farewells to Mick and Kaye and the two happy campers from Western Australia who like Mick and Kaye are moving on in the morning.
The lights were checked on the Terios and then we were on our way into the centre of Lake Cargelligo and out onto the highway heading back to Tullibigeal. The going was easy and the sun coming into the front of the motorhome certainly warmed us both up. We do not have far to go this morning and as usual we were to see paddock after paddock growing wheat and before long we were to see many small hills and mountains along the way.

Cattle in lush pasture
Tullibigeal Cafe
Pioneer park and our camp spot at rear

We were to skirt those so the road was flat for most of the way. We were to see a lot of Cyprus Pine alongside the road and cattle either eating or sitting in very lush pastures. The traffic was nil so the it made for easy driving and before we knew it we were taking the turn into Tullibigeal. We noted that there were no happy campers in the rest area so we came in and set up. We were to note that there had been a few changes mainly in the electrical posts. On this occasion they wanted us to back in where last time we had to drive in.
It did not take long to set up and then we had lunch out in the brilliant sunshine and today the temperature at last reached 21 degrees. After lunch we set up the satellite dish and readied that for the football tonight and then off into the nice hot showers. I was wonderful to take our time showering when in previous days we had to be quick due to the water storage in the motorhome.
Liz was sorting out the washing which we will do in the morning and hang out to dry on their rotary clothes line. It wasn't long before we went over to the co-store where they seem to have everything imaginable and purchased a few things and then down to the Tulli Cafe where had a cappuccino and had a chat to the locals that came in. It would appear they have had heaps of rain and this is the first fine sunny day they have had for awhile.
Oh well it is happy hour which we will have on our own and then over to the Cafe to pick up the fish and chips we have ordered for our meal tonight before we settle in to watch the West Coast V Adelaide football game tonight and then off to bed after a sunny relaxing day.

Washing day at Tullibigeal
Jim & Liz off touring the village
Liz having a wine at the pub

Saturday the 27th of August
What a wonderful morning after a slight frost. We did not feel the frost for we had the electric heater going this morning as well as last night. We even had the electric blankets turned on and so when we went to bed after the football the bed was nice and warm.
We never hopped out of bed until 8am this morning and the sun was shining brightly and the wind had dropped out. We cooked our toast in the electric toaster and of course boiled the kettle on power.
After breakfast Liz cleaned the motorhome inside and then the washing machine was bought outside and hooked into power then the washing for the last week was carried out. The sheets etc were pegged out on the rotary line that is supplied with the camping area. The reason everything is free and they only ask for a donation, which we will leave, is that the land and the facilities were a joint venture of the Australian Wheat Board and the local shire council. The area is maintained by local people and this morning a farmer and his wife were on the cleaning roster for today. Needless to say we spent sometime talking with them and they gave us the run down on the complex. The main beneficiaries of the happy campers is the Tulli Cafe the Co-op and the Hotel.
After the washing was done and hung to drive we sat down and read our books in the brilliant sunshine. We heard a diesel motor and it was Mick and Kaye arriving from Lake Cargelligo. They set up and Kaye was to show us the results of her visit to the hospital this morning. They set up and we sat out chewing the fat, so to speak.
Lunch time arrived and we all went over to the Tulli Cafe for a cappuccino and some tucker for lunch. They had a tricycle sitting outside so Liz and I sat on it and did a short trip around the road and back to where we found it. It was difficult to drive.
Then into the cafe where Mick and Kaye had a hamburger and chips each and I had two spring rolls and Liz a chicken roll washed down with a cappuccino. I was a bit surprised to find that the cappuccino cost $6 a normal sized cup. Though it was all enjoyable so back to camp later.
There was another happy camper come in and they set up close by and we noted instead of dogs as travelling companions they had a cage full of birds who were chirping away. We said our hello's and found that they were both born in this area and are back visiting their relatives.
We sat in the sun and I stripped down to my singlet and pulled the bottoms of my trackies up. My legs and arms this year are as white as for the weather had not been kind to us this trip.
Mid afternoon Mick, Liz and I went over to the pub and had a few schooners and Liz had a large glass of wine. We were to spend a pleasant couple of hours in the hotel talking to the locals and having a bit of a joke and then they changed the television over so we could watch the Geelong V Melbourne game which Geelong won by over 100 points.
Back to camp and Liz was to gather in the washing and fold it and put it away and then we had a late happy hour. Tonight we are only having a small evening meal probably sausages in rolls which is ok by us and tomorrow we will have a baked meal with all the veggies.
Tonight we will watch the football again before going off to bed with the electric blanket after enjoying the company and the fine weather which at 4.30pm was 21 degrees celsius and no breeze or well time for another beer before our evening meal.

Rodeo ring and Wheat Silo's
Angus cattle feeding
Welcome once again

Sunday the 28th of August
We were up around 8am this morning and we all went and had showers. At the moment it is a bit overcast with heavy cloud and this would clear by 10am leaving blue sky's and a very sunny day with the temperature at 3pm at 23 degrees Celsius.
We had our breakfast and watched the morning show on television and then cleaned up and came outside to sit in our chairs and enjoy the sunshine and the company of Mick and Kaye.
Morning smoko arrived and needless to say we had a cappuccino each and a few biscuits. Before we knew it was lunch time and once we had finished with that we thought we go and have a look at the village for it is bigger than we thought over the years of passing through here.
First we drove out to the sports grounds where they play both aussie rules, rugby and tennis and basketball. We were to note that the local side the Grasshoppers defeated the Lake Cargelligo Tigers by 11 goals in the Grand Final. We were informed that celebrations in the town went on for a full week.
We were to see the Rodeo ring and the wheat silo's in the background.

Bottle tree in front of School
Bloke splitting wood
Tulligigeal Community Hall
We then drove along a gravel road for about 5 kilometres and found ourselves in farming country. Of course the fields of wheat and pastures for the cattle especially the Angus breed plus sheep were grazing. We found ourselves some kilometres from the town centre when we came across the road to West Wylong and then after a short distance we were to turn off onto the Tullibigeal Road.
We came across the Mitre 11 though it was closed so we couldn't drop in for any bargains. We had noted there were a lot of housing behind where we camp so we were to drive on all the streets. We came across the school with a bottle tree in front and the large school caters for students from kinder right up to year 12.
As we were driving around we came across a bloke splitting wood with his hydraulic ram and he certainly had some split. I thought that the local people would get there own wood for the bush was close by. He was to inform us that B-Doubles came and loaded up the wood and it was sold in Canberra umpteen kilometres away. We had a good talk with him and it was interesting to watch the wood in the round being split so easily by the ram. We went on further and discovered the very modern community hall where most of the celebrations for the grand final win had taken place.
In all we noticed that there had been a lot of shops now closed in the back streets and most of the homes were modern brick though a lot were very old as well. There were a lot of old cars and trucks parked up in paddocks by homes so this area would be a restorers delight given all the different models and makes.
We finally arrived back at camp and sat out in the late afternoon sun reading and just chewing the fat so to speak about all and sundry. Time for happy hour so better get to it. Again it has been a good day nice and warm though you can bet it will be cold tonight when the sun goes down.
Lined up waiting for depot to open
On the weighbridge
Loading Wheat from Silo's
Monday the 29th of August
A rather cool night I expected a frost this morning though this wasn't the case. We could hear heavy diesel engines this morning at 6am and when hopping out of bed there were 10 B-Double grain trucks lined up. They did not get onto the weighbridge until nearly 8am. We were speaking with one truck driver who informed us that he had come from Young in NSW morning and a bit peeved that he was losing time for the wheat complex was not open at 7am as it was supposed to be. He indicated that this loading station in Tullibigeal was one of the slowest in the state for loading due to the sampling and weighbridge being in two different areas of the complex. He was doing a load wheat back to Young and then onto Barallen for the next load which will have him finishing very late this evening.
We were to have our breakfast and noted the sun had gone behind clouds and would remain that way for most to the day. I put the chairs outside and we caught what little sun that was available and then watched the trucks first going onto the weighbridge and then onto being loaded and then back to the weighbridge and back to the Silo's to either take more on board or take some of the wheat off due to weight limits. In all after going to the sampling station it was taking over an hour and a half to get on the road with their load.
This was to happen up until midday when they closed loading facility down for the day.
Along with Mick we went over to the cafe and ordered a hamburger for lunch and then ordered fish and chips for our evening meal tonight. We have had a lot of junk tucker over the last few days though we have to say it tasted alright.
The rest of the afternoon was spent sitting out outside reading and just talking for we are both going in different directions in the morning so there was minimal packing this afternoon and I will take down the satellite gear in the morning and then on the road south.
Mick and Kaye have not had television since they have been here so we have invited them in to watch their favourite show on television "Home and Away" When that is over we will watch the Talking Footy show before going off to bed. Today we have not been out in the Terios, basically just sitting around the camp doing next to nothing. We are hoping that it does not rain tomorrow whilst we are travelling for it is forecast.
More Wheat & Mountains
Yellow Gold
Daffodils blooming at West Wylong

Tuesday the 30th of August
A warm night and we were out of bed this morning at 6.45am and under the showers. We were still hooked into power so we cooked our toast in the electric toaster and then boiled the electric kettle for our cup of tea. After breakfast we had a chat with the local cleaners of the facility and thanked them for their hospitality and then left a donation in the box.
We have really enjoyed our stop here and also the fish and chips for our meal last night and again two pieces of fish and more chips than we could eat for $10 excellent indeed.
We started packing away for today's travels and first the satellite dish and stand were packed and then down off the leveling blocks and unplugged the power.
I then drove the motorhome onto the weighbridge and it weighed in at 4.8 tonnes and plus the 1.40 tonne for the Terios. Back and hooked up the car and then said our farewells to Mick and Kaye and we were on the road towards West Wylong. Mick and Kaye are going up to Burcher for a few days then onto Condobolin.
On the road and the first 70 kilometres was as smooth as with the last ten quite rough. We were to pass wheat paddocks with mountains in the background very beautiful indeed and then past the paddocks of gold, so to speak, which of course was the beautiful crops of Canola in full flower. In one paddock I looked at the speedo and it went for two kilometres by the road and back as far as you could see. Again Magnificent.
We were to drive through a few very old towns with buildings that would have been over a hundred years old. We finally arrived at West Wylong and went walkabout to stretch the legs.

Different Grain Crop
Beckom Rest Area
Truckers Memorial Beckom Rest Area

The first stop was the Bakery where we had a cappuccino and Liz a sausage roll and a peppered pie for me. All very nice and no wonder I have put most of my weight loss back on through lack of walking and eating junk food galore in the past fortnight. We then went into the IGA and it was good to see that prices were lower than we were used to for a while. For instance a knob of 1kg Devon in the outback was $5.79 and the same brand in the IGA West Wylong was $2.79 and it went on with both the groceries and fruit.
The meat is a very high price no matter where we went with normal sausages now $12.99 a kilo, Mince etc was high as well. Steak was cheaper than lamb.
Back to the motorhome and just before we pulled out of West Wylong we noted the old red bus from Western Australia was parked up. The last we saw of them was two weeks ago at Condobolin.
Back on the road and the going was easy with a tail wind most of the way and there were trucks appearing and we were pulling over for them to overtake. Those trucks must have been doing in excess of 100 kph the way they caught up and passed us for we were sitting on 90kph.
We were to see more crops along the way both wheat and canola and then we were to see one crop that we have not been able to identify as yet. The sky was getting duller and rain is expected today and for the rest of the week so we made a decision to pull up at the Beckom Rest area for the night and then see what tomorrow brings. We are parked on bitumen and irrespective of how much rain falls we will not get caught out. There were no other happy campers there when we set up and then in pulled the couple from Western Australia and parked behind us. We were to chew the fat for awhile for they were interested to see where we have been since we left them at Condobolin some two weeks ago. This is the fourth time we have met up with them in the last couple of months. First at Narrandra then Yowah, Condobolin and now here at the Beckom Rest Area. They are heading next to the Barmah Forest on the Murray River. We were to note that they inform that Beckom is the home of the Bunyip. Then we we had another look at the Kenworth Memorial to a truck driver who was killed near this area. It is all highly polished chrome and and has solar powered lights at its base, very nice indeed.
The rest of the afternoon was spent reading the paper and then our books. I found that we could get television here so there was no need for the satellite dish. Who knows we may even have a snooze for awhile this afternoon.
Kilometres travelled 140

Joined us in rest area last night
Canola and mountains
A happy group this morning

Wednesday the 31st of August
The rain commenced last night at around 9pm and on occasions the wind was blustery and lasted until 10am this morning. Last night we had a interstate transport B-Double pull in beside us and I could not believe how many lights he had on the complete rig, they certainly lit up the night and reflected on the wet bitumen. This morning I had run out of gas for the fridge etc and was not looking forward to changing over bottles in the rain. I couldn't believe my luck when all of a sudden the rain ceased and I was able to change bottles over. The day was still very overcast with more rain predicted up to 50mills in our area today. We took the decision to remain at the Beckom Rest Area for another night and see what tomorrow brings.
Out came the tarp and it was anchored between the Terios and the back of the motorhome. Out came the generator for it does not look as if we will get much sunlight today, under the tarp out of the way and then the rain commenced again, what luck.
This morning we had two interstate trucks come in for a stopover and of course our happy camper friends in the red bus were still here.
We had our breakfast and started to read our books with the rain tumbling down on the roof, then the rain stopped and we could not believe it the clouds cleared allowing our solar panels to do there job along with the inbuilt battery charger even if only for an hour.
Our happy camper mates in the red bus came along and indicated they were moving into Narrandra for their window wipers had ceased to function and they would use this break in the weather to travel the 80 kilometres for repairs.
Whilst we were saying our farewells we noted the sheet of water a truck and trailer had thrown up just down from us on the Newell Highway. There was a small amount of flowing water covering the highway and we were to watch many caravans not slowing down and going through the water at speed. We were to see one caravan aquaplane and looked like causing an accident though it righted itself and the following traffic having seen this were slowing right down to travel through the water.
I am sure we have made the right decision not to move today for no doubt there will be water across the highway further down as well. We had our lunch and settled in and had a poppy nap and then read our books. At the moment we are the only happy campers here in this rest area. As the battery's should be charged later in the day I will pack away the generator etc for our move tomorrow. Watch the news tonight on the television for a while and then off to bed.


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