Friday the 1st of August
The weather is starting to warm up at the same time we are hearing about the wild weather the southern states are copping including Tassie. The day would reach 28 degrees celsius with just a slight breeze. After breakfast Liz did a bit of washing whilst I tried to straighten this computer out. It is all ok now with the exception of my e-mail receiver, it just keeps freezing up even so after deleting a large amount of e-mails stored. We then took a stroll down to the beach front and noticed a large ship and a small fishing boat passing on the inside passage of Morton Island. It was nearly midday when we decided to go out in Digger to the shopping centre.
When we arrived we checked the prices for alcohol at Dan Murphy's and then onto the shopping complex. They look so much alike wherever you go and first Liz went into Best for Less and purchased a top and then into a few of the specialty shops and then onto the food mall. We elected to have the asian chinese food and it wasn't to bad either then on to the K-mart and then into Coles to buy some food for our meal tonight. We then went back to Dan Murphy's after checking the prices at BWS. Liz purchased a bottle of wine and I a 30 can pack of XXXX Gold for some ten dollars cheaper than the outback prices.
We are both feeling a bit tired and lazy so we drove back to the motorhome and put our feet up so to speak and I cracked a few tinnies in the warm afternoon sun.
We will relax for the rest of the day and tonight watch the football again before going off to bed. Today is just a lazy day and the touristy things can take a back seat.

Saturday the 2nd of August
Cool sou/easter blowing this morning as I strolled down to the waterfront at Woody Point. The tide was out and it exposed many reefs and rocks offshore which must be a major problem for the boating fraternity. Back for breakfast and then showered and cleaned up the motorhome whilst Liz did a bit of washing.
Kerry and Julie offered to take us for a drive this morning which we gratefully accepted. We departed their house around 10am and headed to Manly which is on the opposite side to where we were staying. To get there we had to first go to the Caltex service station to purchase our toll ticket for ourselves tomorrow. Then headed back to the highway to Manly. Kerry has a little gadget that registers they have gone across the toll road and automatically takes it from his bank account. The roads before we arrived at the Gateway Bridge was pretty busy and as we approached the bridge you could see that it is very tall to allow shipping to go underneath. As we entered the bridge lane a chime went off which signified that the toll had been paid.
There are now two bridges each with six lanes of traffic which keeps things moving swiftly. Most of the traffic was going towards the Gold Coast so we turned off and before we knew it we had arrived at the township of Manly. It is a small coastal town located on Morton Bay and in the distance you could see the port of Brisbane cranes on the skyline. Other than the wind the day was nice and sunny with no clouds and the temperature would rise to 25 degrees celsius by days end.
We hopped out of the car and went walkabout and there were plenty of people in the parks and strolling along the footpaths alongside the bay. We were to see plenty of mangroves and then when we arrived at the Manly Marina it was just a sea of masts over a great distance. If they all put to sea at once then there would be a major blockage on the sea ways. We then went onto a small cafe where I had a cappuccino and Liz had a skinny Latte and Kerry and Julie had Latte's as well with scones, cream and Jam. Liz and I settled for a cake each.
We then walked along the waterfront a little more and noted the swimming pool, though open had no customers, as Kerry said it would only tourists from southern states that would swim this time of the year. Back in the car and Kerry drove around the bay side suburbs and again the houses were very large along with many townhouses and Apartment blocks. All very well laid out and most of the older buildings had a makeover to blend in with the new buildings.

We arrived at Redland Bay and much the same with many houses with glorious views of the bay and across to the islands. We were to see the ferry's going to the islands and it cost with your car $60 dollars return and as Kerry said there are many who go for the day as a further way to relax and enjoy the weather etc on a weekend. We were to see many boats out on the water and a whole heap of cars with boat trailers parked up. We then went to the Golden Circle Factory Wholesale centre and we spent an hour or so just looking through we ended up buying a heap of food at very cheap prices and we did not buy any Golden Circle fruit at all.
We were amazed at the amount of food on display including coffee's tea's etc. Whilst there I had the camera sitting in the back parcel tray of the trolley and I made a quick move and then I heard a loud bang and there was the camera on the floor. Oh no wrecked the camera I thought so I took a photo and the first push of the button was a bit slow the second start up was much better so I breathed a sigh of relief.
When I went outside to take more photo's and used the zoom facility and it would not work unless you used both hands and pressed down while you zoomed.
Bugger Bugger so after much discussion for we need a camera working properly to continue the photo's for the this diary and our trip we decided to go back to Costco and purchase the Nikon camera with a 34 optical zoom with a 16 gigabyte SD card.
So Kerry was helpful by driving near into the Brisbane central and then out through Petrie etc to finally arrive Costco. We purchased the camera that I could not make my mind up about last night for $234.99 an absolute bargain for what we received. I suppose if we bought that camera last night it would have been the one that fell out of the trolley today.
We did not arrive back at the motorhome until 5.30 pm and the drive was over a long period and we were to see much of the coast and the towns around Petrie Kallangur etc. It was a wonderful day all told and we were glad that we took up the offer from Kerry and Julie to go for this drive where we were to see so much.
We had a family pack of fish and chips for our evening meal and then settled in to watch the St Kilda V Gold Coast Suns after which we went to bed.

Sunday the 3rd of August
Took my last stroll down to the water at Woody Point and noted the lone fisherman trying his luck off the rocks. There were a few small fishing boats out on the water and the port of Brisbane was lost in a haze today.
Back had breakfast and then re-packed Digger for the trip ahead and then inside to say farewell to all, that is after a cuppa. Then it was time to drive the motorhome back onto the street to hook up to Digger and then away.
We all had our photo's taken together and said our final farewells and thanked them all for their fine hospitality then it was time to get back on the road. When we hopped in the motorhome we received a phone call from Helen who indicated that Dad was not coming out of the hospital today. We then decided to go to the hospital at Robina first before pushing on to West Burleigh. We set the hospital in the GPS and we waved as we pulled away and the roundabout was so sharp that Digger was pulling its usual act of throwing the steering wheels from side to side. Stopped pulled off slowly and then looked back and gave our final wave of farewell.
It wasn't long before we were going along the Woody Point Esplanade heading for the bridges to take us off the Redcliffe Peninsula. We noted the huge kites being flown on the waterfront as there was a strong wind that had appeared and those different kites looked great holding up into the wind. Needless to say we will have a heavy headwind with the possibility of showers of rain.
The sky was now cloudy and looked like rain though we did not get any as we travelled south towards the Gateway Bridge and then the Gold Coast Highway. The traffic was now starting to pick up and fortunately their are four lanes going into six as you drive up the Gateway Bridge. There was breakdown on the bridge and so one lane was blocked and we had to drive at 40 kph until we reached the top and then it was back to 80 kph down the other side.
The traffic was really picking up with so many side feeder roads and before long we were four lanes wide and we still stuck to our 90 kph and the trucks and other traffic passed us by. We could see the central high rises building of Brisbane and he sky line is forever changing to what we saw a few years back.

There were roadwork's on the Gold Coast Highway so we had to drive at 60 kph for quite awhile and then we were onto the concrete highway and the effects gave you the impression that you had a flat tyre when in fact it was the small corrugations in the concrete. The highway now bypasses a lot of the towns such as Beenleigh and Yalta and many more. We finally arrived at Coomarra and the we glanced sideways and noted Dream World on our left and down further we spotted Water World in amongst the trees on our right. Both attractions were running flat chat. We eventually arrived at Robina and then pulled in off the highway and into the hospital. The hospital does not look that old and we parked up in the railway station car park and made our way into the reception area of the hospital and then into the ward that Dad is currently in. I suppose it was a bit of a shock to see how much he has aged in the last two years and Helen was to tell us that he has aged more in the last twelve months. We stayed and talked with him for about an hour and whilst there the Doctor informed us that they are taking him upstairs to a ward later in the day and not releasing him today as first thought. We wished him well and we then followed Helen back to the house in West Burleigh. It was after 2 pm before we had a bread roll and a cuppa for lunch for we were famished.
Brisbane was playing Melbourne of the television so we settled in to watch the rest of the match. Tonight we will again go to the hospital to visit Dad and then back to the house and then off to bed, for some reason we are both very tired today.
Kilometres travelled 145s

Monday the 4th of August
A cold morning with intermittent showers were the order of the day. I took a stroll down to Ready Creek and was surprised that there were no signs of birdlife, back home for breakfast and after a shower Liz cut my hair with a number 4 setting.
Digger is unloaded again and boy is it carrying some weight when being towed, we need to have a look at what we are carrying for some of the gear we have not used at all on this trip. We just relaxed the rest of the morning and read newspapers etc.

The showers had ceased though the day was overcast and cool as we drove to the hospital to see Dad after lunch. On arrival we noted the beautiful outdoor relaxation area for both patients and visitors. We spent the next two hours in the ward with Dad who is starting to recover from his fall at home.
Then we went to the shopping centre and did a bit of retail therapy at the Reject shop, Big W and Aldi. We have not done the touristy bit as yet and we are wondering where the day has gone. We will go to the hospital again tonight and then back to watch a bit of television before going off to bed.

Tuesday the 5th of August
Read our books until early hours of this morning though we still arose at 6.45am. I went for a stroll again this morning and came across two Wood Ducks on the path near the house's. There was a heavy dew and the grass etc was very wet so I stuck to the footpath. Then I came upon Liz who was really striding it out going in the reverse direction to me so I dropped in beside her and we went back the way I came and then home for breakfast.
After breakfast it was time to check the house batteries for water etc. I topped them up with distilled water etc and they should now be ok until we arrive home in a month or so, packed the gear away and then went inside the house.
My sister Julie arrived and we had a bit of catching up to do for we haven't seen each other since the start of this year. We compared the usual family notes and that took over two plus hours before she went home. We will see her again this afternoon when we visit Dad in Hospital again today.
We then left to take Liz to the doctors for her INR test. Whilst Helen and Liz went off to see the doctor I walked down to the beach at Mermaid Beach. On the way I noted the very large smiling golf ball which was inviting all in to play indoor golf and to partake in the cafe as well.
I wandered down to the beach past many townhouses and hi rise flats and then onto the beach promenade where I noted the surf was up though being a cold day the lifesavers did not have much work to do. The only people in the surf were surf board riders and they looked great as they surfed the waves, the waves were not high though with the offshore wind they had plenty of white caps.
Back to the doctors surgery and Liz had not seen the nurse or doctor. In all she waited for 40 minutes before the doctor called her. Though in five minutes she was out after having the blood tested and it was great to see the reading has remained the same for these past months.
It was 1.30pm before we went then to the post office to pay a few bills and then noted the bakery nearby so went in and purchase three large sausage rolls and they were great tasting and fresh.
Helen then took us to see her sister and brother in law Peter and Joan. They have a unit on the bottom floor of a high rise apartment building right on the waterfront. Whilst the girls had a chat Peter was to show me the modifications he has done to the unit especially the replacement of aluminum windows for they are sitting virtually on the beach front thus salt affected.
He then then showed me how much the storms had eroded the sand dune which required him to install another staircase from the yard to the beach plus a new front fence and also the amount of sand bags that are now in place to hopefully to stop future erosion. Whilst on the sand dune you could see people walking along the beach and the hi rise apartments located near Mermaid Beach.
In the other directions you could see the surf pounding onto the beach and Coolangatta in the distance with more hi rise apartments of course.
There were two kite surfers going along the beach and with the wind they were really flying across the water and then coming back to surf the waves. We had a cup coffee with Peter and Joan and bid them farewell and went off to see Dad in the Robina Hospital.
When we arrived we found that Dad had been moved from his ward up to the rehabilitation wards which made us all happy, unfortuneately he will be there for another couple of days after we depart the area on Thursday.
When we walked in he looked really great and was looking forward to finishing this programme and coming home. Whilst we were there my sister Julie and niece Sulynn came for a visit and it made for a lot of noise with all the talk and light banter. Dad is now in a two bed ward and luckily the fellow on the other side was engrossed with his television.
We finally left after two hours and came home where we had another coffee and then our meal before settling in to watch the news.
We were to go back to the hospital to spend another hour or so and then back home to watch a bit of television and then off to bed to read our books for awhile. We have been surprise how cold it is during the day and especially at night. The temperature rose to only 21 degrees today with a cold wind blowing.

Wednesday the 6th of August
Awoke and out of bed at 5.45am for we are going to the shops that offer free goods and goods at next to nothing. We only had a cuppa this morning and then Norm and Julie came and picked us up as well as Helen.
We were heading to Logan in the early morning traffic which was going a little slow due to the ongoing roadwork's and we reached the concrete highway again and for all intents and purposes you thought you had puncture with the noise off the concrete. We arrived a the shop that distributes the free goodies and then made our way to the line. The people in the line were from all corners of the world and soon as the doors were open you carried your bag and held it open and as you went past various goods they put them in your bag everything from potatoes, onions, oranges, etc etc and so it went until the bag was full and with Liz following behind with another bag we obtained two of everything. Then out to the car and dropped them off.
Then back to the shop in the section where you pay and we bought quite a bit of stuff including groceries. We bought a huge bag of Hoki fish which we will have tonight with chips and salad. By the time we finished the back of the car was nearly full.
The free shop is only open for 30 minutes and believe me they put you very quick there must have been well over a hundred people pass through in that time.
Back in the care and we drove over to IKEA for breakfast and to look around the store. We arrived at 9.15am and the store does not open until 10am with the exception of the cafe for breakfast it opened at 9.30am. I was surprised how many people were there and went into the cafe for breakfast. When I saw the prices I could see why Liz had the Eggs Bacon tomato and hash browns and I had the big breakfast which is the same as Liz plus meat balls and a bowl of baked beans then we both had a cappacino as well.
By the time we had finished breakfast the store was open so we had a look about. That is it took us nearly two hours to go around the store for once you start you have to follow the arrows and they take you to every part of the goods on display. The amount of goods is enormous which includes the pre packaged kitchens, tables, chairs etc for you to put together. The company is a swedish company and a lot of their foodstuffs were from Sweden including the chocolates. We were to purchase a full 6 piece dinner set and a few other items and they had to also go in the car which was looking a bit full.
Then we were heading back home that is until they took a turn off the highway and then into another store where you can pay $25 for a full trolley of food and I mean full to overflowing of all types of food including frozen food. Norma and Julie bought one of these and we opted just of buy separately and it was very cheap. We bought knobs of polish salami for $2 and all other items we bought were very cheap and as we can only carry so much we did not buy any frozen food.
Then it was all loaded it was protruding into the back seat which made it a bit uncomfortable for Julie and Liz. The traffic back to the motorhome had not diminished and once again the roadwork's slowed things down a bit and when we finally arrived we were all tired and for lunch we only had a cup of tea for the breakfast was enough to keep us going.
When we repacked we then hopped into Digger and headed off down to Burleigh Heads.

We coincided with the school coming out so we were subject to slow speeds not to mention the amount of traffic lights that were red. When we finally arrived at Burleigh Heads we went first to the main shopping street and engaged in a bit of window shopping then onto the Burleigh Headland where we were to get beautiful views of the Gold Coast hi-rise buildings and beach's also Stradbroke Island in the distance. We watched the surfers catching the various waves and they did it very well with few getting dumped in the surf.
We sat there for some time just soaking up the last of the suns rays and noted the large fruit of the Pandannis close to where we were sitting. We decided to head back to the motorhome for we leave in the morning heading south. On arrival the first thing carried out was to reload poor old Digger with all the gear and connect the A-frame for towing in the morning. Tonight we will have our evening meal and then up to the Robina Hospital to see Dad for the last time this trip and wish him well with his recovery. Health wise his heart is as strong as, it is just that he is having problems with his legs though they are giving him plenty of rehabilitation to correct that, for a man of 89 years of age he is looking great.

Thursday the 7th of August
We woke to a brilliant sunrise this morning. We had our showers then breakfast and said our final farewell to Helen and telling her to give Dad our best wishes and then we were back on the road heading down the Pacific Highway and then inland to our next overnight stop.
When we pulled onto the Pacific Highway it was good to see we now bypass Coolangatta and Tweed Heads as we travel south. We set the GPS to Tenterfield and the GPS wanted to take us inland to Lismore when we wanted to go via Ballina. I reset the GPS and now we are going to Ballina first then Lismore.
There was a tremendous amount of roadwork's being carried out and they were tunneling under hills and mountains to create a new Pacific Highway. We pulled up at a roadhouse in NSW and was very happy to have to pay only $1.51.9 a litre for diesel much cheaper than on the Gold Coast Queensland etc. Due to these roadwork's we were to travel at 80kph for many kilometres. We entered our first tunnel where in the past you had a big climb and before we knew it we were going through our second tunnel. The second tunnel was actually a crossover point for Koala's over the highway.
We came across flat country and noted the mountains in the background and the sugar cane in the foreground. Then it was large Banana plantations for as far as you could see.
On the hills there were row upon row of Macadamia nuts under cultivation along with Almonds. We could see in the distance the climb up the large hill near Byron Bay and the large roadwork's and tunnels that would re-route the Pacific Highway away from that steep climb sometime in the future.
We eventually arrived at Ballina which you now have to turn off the Pacific Highway to get there, we were wondering what the bypass has done to the commerce section of the town.
Nothing seems to have changed that much in Ballina since we were here last so we continued on our way to pick up the Bruxner highway.

On the way out of Ballina we were to see the Big Prawn and we thought they only happened in Queensland not in New South Wales. While on that subject we have now entered a new State on our travels and the weather is warm with the outside temperature reaching 25 degrees celsius and no clouds at all and just a slight breeze and it would stay that way all day.
We struck a bit of a problem in that when we went to turn onto the Bruxner Highway they have closed the intersection for the Pacific Highway has been re-routed again. It meant that a U-Turn was in order and some kilometres back we were able to rejoin the Pacific Highway and then take the correct turn off to the Bruxner highway and Casino.
Now were on the Bruxner highway that was steadily climbing hills and small mountains and the first town we came to was Lismore and it had 8 round a bouts we had to go through and luckily Digger only played up once. Lismore is a large town and has all facilities and the population must be immense. We did not stop here for lunch for it was only 11.15am
Then we were again steadily climbing towards Casino going through some small towns and then eventually arriving at Casino. The parking in the city centre was all angle parking so we had to drive to the outer fringes to stop for lunch.
First we went to the Chemist to get scripts filled and then down to the local cafe where I had this humongous hamburger and Liz had a plate of chips with dipping sauce washed down with a cappacino each very nice indeed. Back to the Chemist via the Newsagency which is also the bakery and then we were on the road to our overnight stop at Mallanganee.
We were still in hilly country and we had to pull off the Bruxner Highway to go into Mallanganee and the football oval which has showers and toilets and they ask that you make a donation to the local fire station which we will.
Parked up and out came the satellite dish to watch the Marngrook football show tonight. Had a cuppa and then relaxed for the temperature was still on 25 degrees though I have a feeling that being down in a valley it could get cold tonight. It was a good day to travel and we enjoyed all the scenery along the way even the massive road works.
Kilometres travelled 218

Friday the 8th of August
Last night night we were sitting in the motorhome when we noted the kangaroo's sitting feeding in the middle of the football oval. It is the first time I have been able to take a photo of a kangaroo with a joey in its pouch. The joey was quite big so it may not be in the pouch much longer. This morning there was slight fog hanging around in Mallanganee and it cleared whilst we were having breakfast. Dismantled the satellite dish and then we were on our way towards Tenterfield.
We were to climb the Great Dividing Range once again and it certainly was steep requiring many gear changes. On three occasions we were to come across horseshoe bends and they took some getting around and other occasions we had a couple of switchbacks to contend with. You could see the fuel gauge dropping for it was very steep. The decline was nothing like the incline though we used the brakes a lot to slow down the Motorhome.
We were to pass through several small villages where the speed limit was 50kph and I wasn't able to make out what service they gave to the area other than plain living. We came came across a single lane bridge where we had to wait for a couple of vehicles that were coming our way. The going was now a lot easier and before long we had travelled the 90 kilometres into Tenterfield.
We were to drive through a avenue of trees that must look good when they leave up in the spring. We drove through the main street of Tenterfield and as it was all angle parking we had to park in a side street.
We then went walkabout and first into Targets and then Bruce's cheapo shop in both we made no purchases then along the main street and noted that there was plenty of coffee shops and bakeries, we stopped and bought a newspaper and then wandered back to the motorhome and drove onto the service station where we did a top of diesel at $1.55.9 cents a litre.
Then we were on way to Yetman on the Bruxner Highway. We had first to go on the New England Highway and then take the turn off on to the Bruxner. The land was undulating with mountains in the background and the sky at this point did not have a cloud and the temperature was 21 degrees celsius. We came across the Dumesque Valley where there were plenty of cattle and sheep as well as cropping. In one large paddock they were assembling a huge pivot to water the crops, they draw their water from a creek that runs through their property. We then turned off the highway and headed for Glenlyon Dam with the aim of staying there for a few days. Well that idea evaporated quickly when you could see the dam was nearly empty and the area was National Park with a fee of $27 overnight unpowered and an extra person boosted that price to $55 per night unpowered site.
We did not take much convincing to move on back to the Bruxner Highway and continue onto Yetman. We were to see plenty of good farm land used mainly for cropping though there was a lot of large rocks in some sections of the paddocks. At long last we arrived at Bonshore and thought we would stay here for lunch until we saw the sign to the Bonshore Weir which we thought we would investigate. Along the way we were to see plenty of the dreaded Prickly Pear Cactus and plenty of Cyprus Pines mixed in amongst the Gum Trees.
We were surprised that you could see the camping ground from the highway for it is in only around 500 metres in. There were two happy campers set up and the first thing we noticed was the amount of large Gum Trees that would block the sun off the solar panels. We thought close to the road and near the fence would be the best and this turned out to be a good decision. On speaking to one of the happy campers he outlined the shadows during the day and he could not get satellite television due to the trees. Where we set up wasn't the best spot in the camping area though we were able to get satellite signal for the football tonight with Richmond V Essendon. We will probably stay here until Monday though we will wait and see what happens.
Kilometres travelled 234

Saturday the 9th of August
We were awakened by the incessant screeching of the Corella's and the delightful warbling of the Magpies. The trees at the weir were shadowing all the happy campers caravans and motorhome. We had chosen the right spot for though it is close to the road and fence it received the sun on the solar panels by 8.30am and the others much later in the day.
I set up the table outside and then out came the firepot though we cooked our breakfast inside the motorhome and ate out in the morning sun.
Then off to get the wood to bolster our supply.
The wood was cut and then back to camp with it then used the chainsaw to cut to size for our firepot. Then down to the causeway and looked back at the weir and noticed all the birdlife. There were ducks galore and about a dozen pelicans and a few cormorants all working the waters behind the weir.
I noted the weir was a bit unusual to others in that they had used interlocking sheet piles to hold the water back.

We then went for a walk over the causeway and noticed the large farm whose name was "Emu Plains" we did not see any emu's though there were a lot of cattle and cropping country with large pivots no doubt getting their water from the weir.
We noted the large Prickly Pear which belongs to the Cactus family, though it is regarded as a noxious weed and they have introduced a butterfly that lives on them and finally kills the plant off.
There were plenty of corella's in the paddocks screeching and they must be getting seed on the ground also there were galahs though they do not seem to make much noise. On the way back we noted the large amount of swallows flying near the causeway and in the morning I will look to see if they have made any nests.
We had our lunch out in the sun for it was a nice 24 degrees celsius and again I am only wearing trackkies and a singlet. There is a dog that has either been left behind by campers or lives locally and it frequents the campground with all befriending it. I noted that it was growling at something on the edge of the bank and then retreating and on looking it was a snake of about 2 metres in length.
It disappeared into the long grass and reappeared about ten minutes later a bloke bought over a long handled spade and made short work of it and then buried it. We did not think it was the right time of the year for snakes and this one was obviously sunning itself. On checking what type it was, no doubt the poisonous brown snake.
We spent the rest of the afternoon reading out in the sun for it beats driving all the time from one spot to another. We will cook our meal tonight on the firepot and then stoke it up and sit by the fire until the football starts on the television. We are the only one able to receive a satellite signal due to where we are parked the others may have a better view on the weir though no signal due to the trees that abound.

Sunday the 10th of August
We watched the full moon rising last night whilst we ate our evening meal which was cooked on the campfire. After completing our meal we then piled the wood onto the firepot and before long we had a lot of flames and it radiated the heat beautifully for the chill of the night air was descending.
We watched the lights of the huge tractor across the weir that was sowing seeds into the already ploughed paddock. There were plenty of lights on the tractor that would have lit up a small village.
It was chilly this morning and it was giving us a taste of what to expect when we start heading south tomorrow. Lit the firepot and boiled the billy and then cooked our breakfast and even though it was cold it did not take long for the sun to rise above the gum trees and warm the day.
When we arrived at the campsite on Friday there to greet us was a red smithfield dog who we thought belonged to one of the happy campers. This was not so and it would appear that it has been left behind when people have departed. It is male and has a good disposition and when you tell it to sit it does so. He has been going around the various camps and getting fed. Today we gave it a few dog biscuits which I would usually use for red claw/yabby bait. It was this dog that alerted us yesterday about the snake being present. One of the campers called the dog "Lucky" and the name seems to have stuck. One of the happy campers has indicated that they are going to adopt it and take it with them when they leave tomorrow also.

Again today there is plenty of birdlife on the weir including ducks of the teal variety and of course the pelicans and a few cormorants plus water fowl. Those ever screeching Corella's are present in large numbers and it would appear they are digging up the seed that the farmer planted last night. Late this afternoon a lone Sulphur Crested Cockatoo's was feeding on gum leaves close to camp.
We had our lunch and now it was time to dismantle our camp and a few of the happy campers came over and delayed that for awhile. They were interested to see where we were going next and were surprised to hear we were travelling down into the cold weather. Packing continued and as if poor old Digger isn't carrying enough weight we also packed the left over wood into the back for our next campfire. We were surprised to see we could get dry firewood so close to this camp spot on the weir.
We then sat in the late afternoon sun and read our books until happy hour came around and then we went visiting the other camps saying our farewells etc.
With no fire tonight we will be coming in early for it is going to be cold once again and the barometer is starting to lean towards rain. We will watch a bit of television and then dismantle the satellite dish in the morning. It has been another good day and very relaxing.

Monday the 11th of August
We missed the camp dog this morning and when I returned from a walk Liz said he was tied up beside the caravan of the people who have adopted him. Liz stated when he saw that I was going for a walk he cried and tried to bite through the lead.
When I returned and after hearing this I took a few more doggie biscuits over and gave him a pat. We had our breakfast and packed away the satellite dish and then moved around to say farewell to the happy campers that were still here, though they are going today. When I hopped out of the motorhome and went over they were talking to the people that came in late last night and after standing there for around a minute I said to Liz lets go. When walking away I said see you later and kept walking for I felt we were being snubbed something that has never happened to us before in all travels over the years.
I just started up and Stan was at the door apologetic and wanted to shake my hand which we did and then we departed the excellent campsite at Bonshaw Weir.
On the highway and we only had to travel 70 kilometres to Yetman. Along the way it was very hilly and at one stage we went over a range that required many gear changes, there were mainly only trees besides the highway though as we approached Yetman cattle farms were appearing. On arrival it was a very small town with few shops and no fuel station so we pushed onto Warialda. After a few large hills we came down upon the flat country where you could see for kilometre after kilometre crops being grown. Those beside the highway looked poorly and the farmers had put their cattle onto the crop. It would appear that their has not been much rain at all this winter around this area.

We finally pulled into Warialda and as we came off the top of the hill we could see that it was much larger than Yetman so we pulled up and went walkabout. There we many shops and supermarkets though we just window shopped, so to speak. We noted the old courthouse was built in 1882 though it looked a bit younger than that, it was the architecture that gave it away; and then went to get fuel. Only one problem the outer pump was out of order and the first pump was under an awning only 3 metres high and height is 3.3 metres had I not been alerted by Liz we may have lost our air conditioner. Given this we drove down to the dump point and then we were on our way to Bingara. There were roadwork's being carried out and I don't think there has been a road we have travelled on where we have not struck roadwork's.
It was to get hilly again though not as bad as previous and again there were many farms with crops. Again a few of the crops had the stock turned in on them. Being captive to weather conditions must be terrible for these farmers.
Coming into Bingara we had to travel over a very small bridge even though it had lines indicating two lanes if you met another vehicle we would have been in trouble, especially if it had been a truck.
We pulled up and parked for it was obvious that this town was a lot larger than the previous two so we went walkabout again for it was only 11.30am. You could see the very old architecture of the area and how beautiful to see the old Roxy Picture Theatre that is still in use today though on a lesser basis. Right next door was Peters Milk Bar and to look into it was to look back more than a century with its old seating booths etc. They still had signs that indicated milk shakes for sixpence though they would cost more now. This and the picture theatre would bring back a lot of old memories to the grey nomads.
We continued up the street and into the Bakery where we purchased bread rolls for lunch and then over to the supermarket and had a look at their Liquor products for now in NSW liquor supplies are stocked by shops and supermarkets not just hotels. We strolled around a bit more and then decided to move on to our camping spot for the night at Rocky Creek rest area.
As we drove out of town we noted the vinnies store and Liz was not happy when I would not pull up. We were climbing again on our way towards Narrabri and the Newall Highway.
We were to come across those infernal flood ways as they are called and some are like driving into a moon crater and they cause you jump up and down. There are no warnings as to the severity of the flood way you find out the hard way.
We pulled into the Rocky Creek Rest Area and really it is not that at all it is perched up upon old glaciers and there is little flat ground and plenty trees so the solar panels are not working much. It also would be very difficult to gain satellite coverage due to this so we did not try. We had to unhook Digger to get into a spot that was something like level.
It was now 1.30pm and we had our lunch and had a look around the gorge. You could see the many small rocks imbedded in the larger rocks with a small water way running between them.
We relaxed for the rest of the afternoon and read our books for their was no sunshine to sit in due the many trees.
Kilometres travelled 225

Tuesday the 12th of August
Last night we were to witness goats coming down the rock faces of the gorge to get access to water and then they had to climb back up. We were amazed how they picked they way up to the top of the gorge. They were on the opposite side to us and the we witnessed the same happening on our side with a different group of goats.
It was cold last night and I put another blanket on the bed and that turned out to be a good move for this morning when we awoke it was only 3 degrees outside and 4 degrees inside. On with the heater and in no time at all the motorhome was warm. Liz called for me to come and look at the outlet for the grey water and what a sight to see the water that must have been leaking out last night was absolutely frozen, we have never experienced this before in all our travels.
We said out farewells to a couple of happy campers we met last night and the hooked up Digger and we were on our way. We were climbing once again and the hills were getting steeper necessitating more gear changes than I was used to.
We came to sign that indicated twisty steep roads for the next 7 kilometres. Up we went and the many gear changes later we came to a horseshoe bend and down shifted and again and I thought we were going nowhere and then I could smell the clutch burning so I stopped the motorhome. I thought the clutch had been damaged so we sat by the road just above the horseshoe bend waiting for the clutch to cool. Along came the happy camper and he pulled up to give me a hand to unhitch Digger which took a bit of doing given that all the weight of the car was on the tow ball. Liz drove Digger forward and the hitch came away allowing us lift the A-frame and drive to the edge of the road out of the way.
I then backed the motorhome down into a farm lane way and waited for about ten minutes until the smell had disappeared and then started up and engaged the clutch and first gear and it wasn't a problem. Our happy camper mate stated he would follow us to make sure we were alright which was good of him.
Away I went and everything felt fine changing gears and accelerating through the gears so the climb up was uneventful and then down the other side holding back the motorhome on the gears and that felt ok as well. Down on the flat we hooked Digger up again and there was no further problems for the rest of the day with the clutch, thankfully.

On the flat it was awful to see the crop failures and the farmers had their cattle and sheep in the long paddock for this was the only feed that was green. We had to go very slow for we did not want to scare either the cattle of sheep onto the road in front of us.
From there the going was easy with the scenery of the hills with the haze and the blue sky behind them was beautiful. We finally arrived at the turn off that would put us on the Newell Highway and then into Narrabri.
We had to refuel and were surprised to see the cost of diesel was $1.60.9 a litre so we filled the tank and started to head out of town and as we had not showered this morning we headed for the showgrounds to use their showers and conserve our water supply. The showers were nice and hot and we stood under them having a good soak. This is something we cannot do in the motorhome for water has to be conserved so it is in and out quickly.
Back on the road and we were heading towards Coonabarabran and the rest area before that to pull in and have our lunch. The amount of trucks heading north was enormous and they were savaging caravans that were a little slow. We pulled up for lunch and met a couple of Tasmanians heading north so we caught up with bit of news on Tassie. This rest area was mainly for trucks and there was little room so we moved on.
We came into Coonabarabran and drove through the main street and noticed the bank that we use so pulled up and topped up the kitty for the trip ahead and then we were on our way towards Gilgandra.
The trucks we now coming our way and I pulled off the road where I could to let them pass for they were doing at least a 100kph plus, we were sitting on 90kph.
We do not want to go into Gilgandra today for already we feel we are ahead of where we should be on our ways south. So again this year we are misjudging where we should be which will mean we will need to park up for awhile or head back north and we do not want to do that. We have seen a lot of white line today though the surrounding countryside has been good and at the least the temperature had now lifted to 18 degrees. We were to see many healthy Canola and Wheat crops so we can only assume that they have been getting rain. We eventually pulled into a gravel pit for the night which is only 30 kilometres north of Gilgandra.
Kilometres travelled 270

Wednesday the 13th of August
The moon was huge and bright last night it was as if you were in daylight. The trucks woke us this morning trundling north and south so we were out of bed at 7.30am and had our breakfast, cleaned up and we were on the road to Gilgandra which was only 30 kilometres away.
The amount of B-Double trucks on the road is enormous, we do not think we have seen so many on the Newell Highway in the past. This could explain the bitumen breaking up in some sections and rough in others. The trucks were coming at us in waves of three or more and we did our best not to hold them up. At one stage we were doing 100kph and I did not feel comfortable with this at all so we dropped back to our normal 90kph and we both felt comfortable at that.
The fields of Canola were appearing once again looking very healthy indeed and there were many paddocks of wheat as well.
Again we were subject to roadwork's on the town boundary of Gilgandra and had to wait for 10 minutes to get the call to proceed, though it is in a good cause if it is going to improve the highway.
We drove first to the town centre and went into the IGA for fresh bread and rolls plus apples though no tim tams. We noted the prices were not bad with the exception of the meat that is quite expensive. As well as the meat section in IGA there are also two butchers in the main street along with two bakery's and Target plus many coffee shops. We went into Target and had a browse and there was nothing that appealed to us so we made our way back to the motorhome.
We then went around to see Mick, Todd and their mum and dad. They welcomed us with open arms and took us inside for a cuppa and a chat and then back to the workshop and the repairing of motor vehicles plus they do the roadworthy for registration of vehicles each year. I raised the problem with Mick about the clutch in the motorhome and he took it for a run and tried to see if he could get the clutch to slip which thankfully he could not. He thought that there was nothing wrong with the clutch and then quizzed me on my gear changing. The suggestion was that the hill that we climbed yesterday being steep I was not changing gears enough and it was placing load on the clutch unnecessary he informed in no uncertain terms to change gear more often on hills and do not rely on getting over them in sixth gear. I took this all aboard and was pleased that there did not appear to be any damage to the clutch and it was performing as it should.
Around to the Roadhouse to top us with diesel at $1.61.9 cents a litre and then we were on our way to Collie. When we came across the rest area some 19 kilometres from Gilgandra we decided that we would stay here for the night and move on tomorrow towards Condobolin. This would be the shortest kilometres covered on the whole trip. We were able to get television so we will not bother with the satellite dish. The rest of the afternoon was spent reading and having a poppy nap.
Kilometres travelled 59

Thursday the 14th of August
A cold wind the this morning as we left our camp area. Thirteen kilometres later we were to arrive at Collie and then take the turn left towards Condobolin. We had the wind mostly at our rear which was good. We were going through cropping country and again you could see that the crops had failed no doubt due to lack of water. We were to travel through Gin Gin and then onto Trangie for we were going in the back way and thus dodging the traffic on the Newell Highway and Dubbo etc.
We configured the GPS to take us the shortest way and needless to say it took us on the same roads as last year. We were now getting into country where the crops of wheat and canola looked excellent and looked as if they had plenty of rain. They are still working on the water channels that will be used to water that hungry cotton paddocks. The water is coming from the Macquarie River and that at the moment looks a bit sick through lack of water. They really need a good soaking rain out in this district to help the maturity of the canola and wheat crops etc.
We were surprised to see two different herds of cattle in the long paddock being droved towards a water hole some ten kilometres on. We were to see the stockmen had set up their camp around this waterhole so we are not aware of how far the cattle have travelled looking for food. We arrived at Tullamore which is a large town with a decent sized shopping centre and again we did not pull up just took it slow seeing what there was to see. We pulled up at the Rabbit Trap Hotel at Albert and took a few photo's and then moved on towards our goal today.
We had quite a few two trailer road trains coming at us and we think they are moving wheat from the storage's at Condobolin which are very big, We arrived at Fifield which is a very small town which is renowned for the their alluvial Platinum mining which has petered out. They now rely on agriculture and cropping to survive.
We made the turn and then came across around about 10 kilometres of gravel road which was good for they are preparing it to bitumen which will make run through this area excellent. We were now on bitumen all the way to the turnoff to Condobolin which was only seven kilometres away.
Out first stop was to top up with diesel at Unc's and as usual he dropped the price from the advertised $1.61.9 to $1.52 cents a litre which was good. We then moved on through the town centre and then onto our favourite spot at Gum Bend Lake. Looking at our previous diary we have arrived a day earlier than last year with the Dog Show on this weekend and the show on the following weekend.
We set up and then noticed that Sally and David and John and Mary from Tassie where there so we said our hello's and then had lunch at around 1pm.
We set up the camp and the fire was lit and Liz is making pumpkin and potato soup for our meal tonight for we are not feeling all that hungry. Set up the satellite dish for the television reception is not all that here.
We had happy hour and then we will sit around the fire tonight until the Marngrook Football Show starts and then we will come inside. The temperature at 3.30pm is a sunny 19 degrees celsius.
Kilometres travelled 255

Friday the 15th of August
The sunset last night was an awesome sight with reflections on the lake itself. We had a good happy hour with plenty of discussion amongst those from Tassie.
This morning there were a few clouds about though not enough to block out the sun on the solar panels. It was good to able to sit outside and cook our breakfast on the campfire and just relax and watch the birdlife flying about. After breakfast out came the washing machine and then the generator and Liz was able to wash all the heavy items such as trackkies etc that had been put aside for the last week.
I went out with David in his truck to gather wood which was cut in lengths and then divided between us when we arrived back at camp. With the help of Liz the wood was cut to size for our firepot in no time at all, so to speak. Unfortunately we bought some dry wood back that was infested with small black ants and as we did not want them finding their way inside the motorhome we dealt with them straight away.
We went over and had our showers which were the best yet as hot as you could stand it and a nice shower rose to virtually pelt the water down upon you, very nice indeed. The showers and toilets are all tiled out and are spotless with the caretaker hosing and mopping them out each morning.
Before we knew it lunch time arrived and today all we had was block cheese with salada biscuits and washed down with a cup of tea. Then we spent the next few hours soaking up the sun and reading our books.
We then decided to jump into Digger and go up into Condobolin and do a bit of shopping, first we went to Vinnies as usual I had the woman behind the counter entertained while Liz had a look around the racks. They say that the stock has dropped since Target closed down in the town for they used to put their new clothes that wouldn't sell in their shop into Vinnies.
Then down to IGA and had a look at a few items though we refused to buy cauliflower at $8.99 and they were not that large or cabbage for $6.99 and very small. We bought some chicken thighs to make soup over the weekend and a few other items. They sell Liquor in the store so we had a look at their stock and I bought a 30 can box of Carlton Cold for they wanted to much for XXXX Gold.
Back to camp and unpacked then over to have happy hour again. Tonight the bus is coming down to take a few of us up to the RSL for a meal and few drinks and probably the pokies. They have their meat raffles tonight and who knows we may or may not win a meat tray. It has been a good day and we are still watching the people up on the bank who are the communication centre for the Variety Bash from Western Australia who are arriving Condobolin on Tuesday. They have two large Dipole antennas set up for that radio communication.

Saturday the 16th of August
The RSL bus picked us up last night and took the seven of us to the club for a meal etc. We had David buy our drinks with our money of course for the members get it cheaper, then we ordered our meal. In the meantime we bought tickets in the meat raffle and it was great to win one which consisted of a very big chicken and around a kilo of sausages. In fact everyone on the table won a meat tray which was great. We were to hear people on other tables say "not again". The bus delivered us home and we were to catch the last quarter of the Carlton V Geelong game which the Geelong won in the last five minutes of the game by five points.
It commenced around 5am this morning and was steady rain all morning. We were unable to use the firepot even though the wood had a tarp placed over it last night. It was to wet so we cooked our eggs and bacon plus toast and cuppa inside the motorhome with the heater going for it was a bit chilly.
After breakfast I read yesterdays paper and among other things noted that there were coupons to buy at $2.50 a dvd of David Attenborough's essential collection. So we went for a drive and it was very wet and we had to go through a patch of muddy ground with Digger slithering and sliding before we were on the bitumen. We arrived at the Newsagents and bought the paper and the aforementioned " The life of birds" The mastery of flight and " Life in the freezer" The ice retreats. We intend to watch these during the day before the football starts this afternoon.
While Liz was looking at gifts in the Newsagents I slipped into the Bakery next day and noted the chocolate muffins with strawberry on top, so I bought two. Just as I was paying Liz came in wanted to know what I had bought and I told her two small custard tarts. Funny she did not believe that and insisted to look what was in the bag, when she saw the two chocolate treats she said what about our weight. I stated we would worry about that tomorrow.
We drove out to see the dog show though we found that this has been postponed until tomorrow due to the rain and then onto the showgrounds where all the show people have arrived to set up for the 120th Condobolin Show next weekend. We noted the big rides had arrived at the ground and they would not be liking the rain at all for it would shorten their set up time. One lot of people who would be enjoying the rain would be the farmers that are cropping, for the rain is not heavy just a soaking downfall that will no doubt stay all day.
We have three groups of happy campers pull out this morning for places unknown and we wished them safe travels, though we doubt if they will find a dry spot for the rain is wide spread over the state.
Due to the lack of solar power I have set up the generator under the awning out of the rain and switched on the battery charger to recharge the batteries. Then we had our morning tea with those decadent chocolate, both white a dark, mud muffin with a strawberry on top they were absolutely beautiful. Even when Liz was saying not to buy them I noted she enjoyed tucking into hers and there was nothing left.
The day is dull and there will not be much action so we just relaxed and watched the DVD's and will have our evening meal and then watch the football. In all I have put 35 litre's of rain water off the awning into our water tank and unfortunately the rest has been poured onto the ground away from the motorhome.

Sunday the 17th of August
It rained all night, not overly heavy though steady enough to form large puddles in low lying areas of the campgrounds. We used the rain water running off our awning to fill the main water tank of the motorhome then three 20 litre drums for drinking and washing. In all we gathered over 70 litre's of water. We noted that one happy camper had parked yesterday in a low lying area and this morning both his caravan and tow vehicle were in the water. He was able to move the car to higher ground after he donned gum boots.
The rain became intermittent this morning and now and again the clouds would allow the sun to shine through thus the solar panels transferred power to the house batteries. I was able to light the firepot and we cooked our toast and boiled our billy for breakfast though the slight breeze was a bit cool.
We then went into Condo, as the locals affectionately call Condobolin, to the Newsagents and bought the sunday paper plus another Attenborough Essential Collection DVD this was entitled "The private life of plants" We then drove around to Foodworks and purchased a couple of items though we were mainly looking for small candles.,
Then we went out to the Dog Show near the showgrounds and spent a couple of hours looking at the various breeds of dogs. The judging was underway and to say that the dogs were mollycoddled would be an understatement. They were groomed and groomed again. The largest dog we saw was an Irish Setter it was like a small horse.
We then walked over to the stalls and had a look at the merchandise on sale there were items for dogs including doggie nappies and then there were the usual bric a brac. We noted that Sally had a stall selling all types of goods and was doing a roaring trade. We purchased a few books and then we came on home for lunch.
It had started to rain again and I stoked up the firepot and placed a piece of tin over it to ward off the rain. We had hot dogs for lunch and they were great plus a couple of tim tams.
After lunch a few more happy campers arrived and we recognised a few of them from last year and they were Tassie's as well.
The rain disappeared and the clouds thinned out so the solar panels were really doing there work in charging the house batteries. We drifted around the ground having a chat to other happy campers and then before we knew it happy hour had arrived so we all gathered and spoke about all and sundry.
Liz cooked a beautiful chicken casserole on the fire and we had it on a bed of white rice for our evening meal, very nice indeed. Then watched a bit of television before going off to bed.
It has been another relaxing day with all the changing moods of the weather.

Monday the 18th of August
We had a little rain early this morning and the day was overcast with a chilly southerly wind. Though cold we lit the firepot and cooked our breakfast and boiled the kettle. We decided then to have our breakfast inside in the warmth of the motorhome.
There were a few happy campers leaving this morning that had shared our fire last night, so we bid them farewell and wished them safe travels. All those that are calling in here to camp are all heading home to the various states though there are more Victorians than others.
We had our showers and then Liz went off with Sally to play bingo at the RSL Club and I sat around reading my book and keeping the fire going and then I went uptown with David and bought the paper and another of Attenborough disc's. Back and then it was time to have lunch and I decided against it for I had a nice peppered steak pie in town so only had a cuppa.
Then read my book again which I am deeply engrossed in and then due to lack of battery power I went into the barbecue area and plugged into power. The problem was that the glare was to great so here I am in the men's toilet on power to complete this section of the diary. Already I am attracting smart arse retorts from those who haven't a clue how to operate a computer.
Some of the happy campers feed the birds with bread and it attracts all sorts. There is one crow that dominates the area and stuffs bread into to its beak piece after piece whilst fighting the other birds off. There are plenty of water fowl on the lake again today along with around a hundred cormorants and two pelicans that are drying themselves off before starting to fish again.
Late afternoon saw many more campers come into the grounds and there are now 16 motorhome's, caravans and campervan's set up. Due the water laying about they are starting to congregate as if in a caravan park. Liz was to arrive back from Bingo and informs me that she won one $30 prize and a $10 one as well they are in the form of vouchers that can be spent in any shop in Condo. Oh well off to happy hour and to hear the latest from the new comers as to what is happening in other areas.

Tuesday the 19th of August
It rained a little during the night and then cleared away. Though later in the morning it became a bit overcast not allowing the sun to shine through until around 9am. Liz and I went for a stroll around the bottom of the lake and as we passed the nice green paddocks there must have been at least 30 rabbits eating the grass. A few of them would be nice in the camp oven that's for sure.
Returning to the lake we were to see the lone Goose along with water fowls feeding near the bank. Around further we saw the Swans and a lone Pelican also feeding. Then the sky filled with flying cormorants coming into land on the opposite side of the lake. When we reached the end of the bitumen we could see plenty of water fowl just swimming about with a few feeding on goodness knows what.
There was no wind so the stroll was quite nice and the temperature at this time was around 12 degrees and later in the day it rose to 19 degrees before the clouds came over again.
We cooked and ate our breakfast outside and the sun was breaking through the cloud and when Liz went inside she indicated that the solar panels were putting 8.6 amp into the house batteries, which is great. We visited other happy campers after breakfast and had a chat and noted two new comers arrive and set up. It is good to see so many people close together and no arguments.

It was time for lunch and then Dave and his dog came over for a visit followed by the dog from the previous rest area by the weir. He is looking alright though they may be spoiling him a bit and not letting him off the lead to run around like other dogs are doing at the moment.
We were starting to get heavier cloud and it looks if some of the clouds may contain rain. We banked the fire to cook our meal tonight and then hopped into Digger and went drive about. First we visited the grain storage site at Condobolin near the railway lines and noted that all the steel silo's were full of grain and then noted the amount of wheat that was under thick tarps along with heavy netting strung over the tarps to thwart the Corella's and other bird from chewing through the tarps and getting at the wheat. There must have been thousands of tonnes under tarp waiting to be shipped out and if the crops this year are good and they should be after all these rains then their storage area's may not be big enough.
We went then around to Mitre 11 and the tip shop and found there was not much there to choose from though we were surprised at the amount of good bikes and wheelbarrows that were there for sale. They had been fixed by the tip shop bloke and as he stated he couldn't understand why such good 10 speed bikes had been put on the tip with nothing wrong with them let alone the wheel barrows.
Around to the newsagents to buy the paper and the essential collection DVD which today is again with Attenborough entitled "Smart Sharks". It could be that we will end up with the whole fourteen DVD's who knows.
Into the bakery and bought bread rolls for our lunch over the next few days. Then we decided to go back to camp and just relax which we are finding it easy to do. Liz went over to visit Sally and did a bit of craft work.
Happy hour again with all the campers and then cooked our pork chops and vegetables on the firepot though we ate the meal inside for the cold night air was descending. We will watch a bit of tellie tonight for I have finished another book this time the author was Lee Child. Another restful day and boy could I get used to these.

Wednesday the 20th of August
This morning was wonderful and warm with just a hint of fog with the sun streaming through the trees. The usual, light the campfire and cook our breakfast and it was good this morning to be able to sit in sunshine and enjoy the the animals and birds moving around. We have come to like the warbling of the Magpies they are really great as if they were in a choir.
I had to do a dump run this morning so I also took Dave up into the supermarket for him to purchase groceries etc plus a hinge for the new firepot and then back to the camp. I sat and read for awhile and Liz did likewise and then I assisted a new camper set his satellite dish up for the first time. When he told me how much he paid for the lot I was astounded the way that some retailers rip off the unknowing. Then I assisted Mauri making a firepot for Dave and it was different to the way I would have made it however each to their own.

Liz and I then went back into town and first stop was to buy petrol for Digger and check the tyre pressures which had not altered from when we left Tassie. Around to Vinnies and I bought three books two were hard covers and only 50 cents each, I couldn't believe it. Liz made no purchases though had a good look about. Onto the Chemist to stock up on pills for Liz and then into IGA where Liz was to cash in her $30 voucher she won at bingo at the RSL. That went on mainly liquor and then we bought bread, apples, marmite and a few other items. Then we returned home and it was a late lunch and then Liz decided to go for a walk around the lake which is about 3 kilometres all told. I opted for a poppy nap.
We are amazed how each day brings different birdlife and animals in the area around the lake this morning. I was to see colourful parrots though I could not capture the whole group so I elected to take a photo of two in a tree one male and one female. There were ten Pelicans on the lake along with two swans. The Pelicans were catching small fish and making a meal of it .
On Liz's walk she was to see the wild goats that are living on the small island in the middle of the lake and we do not know whether they swim to the island or did they cross over when the lake was dry. There were Heron watching for movement in the water and then they would thrust that long neck forward and catch what we think were small fish.
The lake which is nearly full, being man made, is leaking on at the top end and to date it has killed many gum trees and bought salt to the surface. The Lake itself is filled with water pumped up from the nearby Lachlan River normally in times of flood. The towns water supply comes from the Lachlan River as well.
We held our showers of late today for we are going up to the RSL for our evening meal and take some more tickets in the meat raffle which is very popular. The RSL send a small bus down for us and then takes us home later in the night when we want. Tonight there will be two runs for there are over 16 happy campers going up for a meal. Another good day and we really are not looking forward to moving on for we have established quite a few friendships in the area as well as the town. Though we are staying for the Condobolin Show on Saturday and then we will move out on Monday morning heading for Melbourne slowly of course.

Thursday the 21st of August
We boarded the RSL Bus and went up to the club for our meal and entertainment. There were 14 happy campers that went up and we had to put two more chairs on the bus to carry us all.
We had chicken and others had hamburgers and lasagne etc. There were only two on the table who won a meat raffle so the pickings tonight were lean. Back on the bus for home and then inside to have a few more and watch a bit of tellie before going off to bed. There is no doubt that the Condobolin RSL Club is one of the best we have seen for meals and entertainment. On friday night the have the look a like band Flabba playing so we will be going up for that.
Brilliant sunshine again this morning and it would stay that way all day with the temperature reaching 24 degrees. Went for a walk to admire the birdlife on the lake again this morning, there were now 5 swans swimming and feeding on the lake plus all those pelicans and water fowl plus cormorants. Cooked our breakfast on the firepot again this morning and after that carried out a few repairs on the motorhome and out came the washing machine and Liz did all the sheets and bed linen as well clothes etc. Strung up an extra clothes line and then settled down to read our books.
We had our lunch and then read more and then more happy campers came for a chat so the books were put on hold while we all chatted away about last night and some of the other things that were happening on the lake.
We had a few more happy campers come around for a chat and it was decided that we would cook our chicken early and let it go cold and later in the afternoon cook a leg of pork on the Baby Q while others did a leg of lamb and chops and rissoles. Where we will all come together for a community meal.
Terry indicated that he would bring out his guitar at happy hour and entertain us. It looks like being a good evening.
Of course it is time to watch the marngrook football show again tonight and then off to bed.

Friday the 22nd of August
We had a wonderful time last night with one of the happy campers Terry setting up his musical gear. He entertained us for over two hours to much acclamation. In all we had at least 36 happy campers gather to listen to Terry to perform. the photo above was just a few of them. He has a wide repertoire of music though sticking mainly to country and western.
He played a request for Liz and there was no doubt that he could read his audience well for the type of music was enjoyed by all. He does many gigs on the road as he and Marree his wife travel around the outback before returning to their home in Tasmania for the summer months.
We had a heavy dew dropping off the awning this morning and there may have been a chance of a slight frost though if there was it had dissipated when hopped out of bed at 8.30 am this morning.
Bob our next door neighbour, so to speak is still, in hospital undergoing tests and his wife spends all day with him returning in their motorhome to sleep in the park with her friends. This morning we had to help her with the generator as it was stopping frequently. A quick check and the oil level was low with a small top up it started again and never missed a beat.
That what I appeared to do all morning was helping others with their repairs etc fitting a thermometer to Mauri's Baby Q and then Neil to drill a hole so as he could fit an outside connection for his satellite cord into the motorhome whereas at the moment he has it going through the passenger window.
Before we knew it it was lunch time and after that I drove Digger up the tap near the lake and gave the car a good wash. Into town and to the chemist, newsagency for a paper and another DVD. the last one in the series is tomorrow. Then onto IGA for a few small items and bakery where we bought coffee scrolls as a treat.
We drove around to the showgrounds for it started today and the area was very busy with plenty of children for it must be a holiday today in the town. We will be going tomorrow and it is only $5 for pensioners.
Back home and just relaxed for the rest of the afternoon reading our books in the lovely sunshine and 24 degree temperature. We are going up to the RSL tonight for the floor show and a meal as well as buy a few tickets in the meat raffles. There are so many happy campers going tonight that they have to order two bus's.
We will arrive home hopefully to catch the last quarter of the football match tonight and then off to bed.

Saturday the 23rd of August
What a wonderful night we all had at the RSL last night with a meal and entertainment. There were 19 happy campers all told that ventured up on the bus supplied by the RSL. The meal was wonderful and then the meat tray raffle we were not to win anything though two on our table won 3 trays between them. The entertainment, what can I say it was absolutely first class with the band calling themselves Yabba. For three hours they were to belt out all the old ABBA tunes and they certainly had the audience enthralled. They were dressed like the ABBA group though they had six on stage and a sound engineer. People were to applaud their show continually and towards the end people were up dancing with the music turned up a few octaves. We did not hear one bad word against the band though there was plenty of praise. On the way back in the bus the happy campers were quite boisterous and on our arrival at camp we sank another few stubbies before retiring for the night.
This morning was again a bright sunny day with no clouds in the sky though later in the day a few drifted across and the temperature high was 26 degrees celsius. We had our breakfast and for some reason the internet would not connect yesterday and again this morning. We had our breakfast and cleared away and then we went up into Condobolin.

First the newspaper and the last of the DVD's of David Attenborough and then along to the post office to use the phone to talk to Telstra about the lack of internet service. I had the computer set up in the car and when I rang I was surprised to be connected straight away without queuing. Though it was another twenty minutes before I was put through to the technical people. I then had to set the computer up in the phone box which was not easy especially with the sun on the screen. Then the technician walked me through steps to take including renewing the drivers for the mobile internet connection. A few other tweaks and then we found it still wouldn't work. They gave me a few more instructions and blow me down the bloody thing started to work again. They are going to ring me tonight to see if everything is ok still.
Then we went off to the Condobolin Show. When we pulled up there were plenty of cars though few people we thought and most of the carnival rides were not doing much. We walked around side show alley and noted there were plenty of rides and games etc. We run across a few of the happy campers and we compared notes and then we pushed on and Liz was to buy a couple of show bags which were not cheap. We noted the rides varied from $9 to $15 a ride no wonder they were not patronised much, though we were to note later in the afternoon that the rides were getting busier and probably tonight it will improve even more.
We came across an old Verbeek 73 key concert organ that was playing away. It is portable on the back of an enclosed trailer and is of Belgium origin and the organ works were established in 1884. It was certainly a work of art and nice to listen to.
We then went into the marquee to look at the various items that had been judged and awarded prizes etc. There was every thing from cakes, eggs, vegetables and many other craft items on display with the winning sashes etc. The Condobolin RSL Pipe band were entertaining along with many school children or should I say young adults on drums. It was great to listen to.
We were getting a bit peckish so we looked around the food stalls and elected to have sausages in bread with onion and gravy and a container of chips. The day was really getting hot so we sought a bit of shade down by the shearing competitions and watched the shearer's in action for awhile before going onto the arena events such as the dressage etc. We had missed the grand parade which was a pity. We headed then for the old cars section and what a beautiful sight to see so many cars and small trucks that had been restored plus the small stationary engines that were all running or should I say chugging along.
By now it was getting late in the afternoon so we decided to head back to camp to do the diary and check to make sure the internet was still working. We were to have happy hour and of course the main discussion point was the show last night at the RSL and the show today where many happy campers had attended. Another beautiful day with plenty of entertainment and then tonight we will watch the football that we missed last night.

Sunday the 24th of August
Another fine sunny morning as we ate our breakfast by the fire and at the same time soaking up the fine sunny conditions. There was a slight fog hanging over the lake this morning and it was picturesque. Again the birdlife was prolific on the water and on land. We cleaned away and then hopped into Digger and went into Condobolin and the newsagent for the paper and then onto IGA for bread and a few items to help us over the next few days and finally onto the bank ATM for a cash withdrawal.
On arriving back in camp out came the camp oven and we were to cook chicken and baked potatoes on our last fire for lunch. Liz cooked peas and corn and carrots plus a bit of gravy to go with our meal. Again we sat out in the sunshine and ate our meal after that it was time to start dismantling our camp for our departure tomorrow morning. First it was put away the awning and all the pegs etc.
It took some time to pack the gear into Digger and put the Baby Q away in the side locker and then hook Digger onto the motorhome. We had a chat to a couple of happy campers who had just arrived and before we knew it happy hour had arrived.
We visited our next door neighbor and then had happy hour with many others and exchanged cards and addresses etc. I then went with Stan to have a look at the improvements to his motorhome, I certainly picked up a few hints which I will incorporate when we arrive home. The sunset this afternoon was brilliant with it casting shadows over the lake and the clouds.
The happy hour went until 8.30 pm and only finished when the cold night air came down even with a firepot we could feel it as well as a few sprinkles of rain. We were to bid all farewell and hopefully we will see them in the morning to say goodbye to. We only had two minute noodles for our evening meal before settling into watch a bit of tellie

Monday the 25th of August
We had another extended happy hour by the fire last night. Being our last night it was late before we retired for the day. All we can say it has been a wonderful week plus at Gum Bend Lake Condobolin for we have had a relaxing time and made many new friends and met up with old friends during this time. The people of the town have made us very welcome and our dollars of course. The RSL and Condobolin show have both been stand outs with Liz winning vouchers and a meat tray at the latter. Other than the rain where we caught 70 litre's of rain water off our awning, the stay at times was a little chilly at night though wonderful sunny days and getting warmer by the day. The birdlife on the lake and the scenery was great and each day bought forth something different especially the bird life. All good things must come to an end and this morning we were to be delayed slightly by the happy campers we befriended coming to bid us farewell with one character indicating that he came to make sure we left. Dilligaf!
So it a little sad when we left the camping area and as we drove out of Condobolin headed for Tullibigeal.
There wasn't much traffic on the road just a few farm machinery tractors and a couple of two trailer wheat carriers. The day was clear of clouds and the sun was warm with the temperature at 9am being only 12 degrees celsius
The countryside was green with the wheat paddocks we first came across well back from the highway with hills in the distance.

We were to see many sheep grazing in the paddocks alongside the highway and it was obvious that we were in cropping country. The road was good and soon we were entering hilly country with the highway winding its way alongside many hills before coming out onto flat land. We were now seeing not only wheat also canola and some other grain that I could not identify. It was all very picturesque especially the wattle trees which were coming out in a yellow bloom.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Tullibigeal and Pioneer Park where they offer free camping with toilets and hot showers plus power. To have power you need to reverse in so at the end of the day it will seem as if we are in a caravan park. Though with these facilities being provided free who cares.
We parked up and hooked into power and then tried to get television without success, all the antennas on houses are all very high and I do not feel like putting up the satellite dish just for one night. Of course if it was to watch AFL Football that would be different.
We then walked over to the newsagent and bought a paper and then onto the Tullibigeal Co-Op to have a look. Though the Co-Op has a modern facade that is where it stops for as soon as you go through the door you are stepping back into the past. It sells everything from farm requirements, automotive, hardware, craft ware, and all grocery lines plus meat plus plus plus.
We spent a good hour just looking around before making a few purchases. We bought Muffins for morning tea and a few other items which left not much change out $35.
We wandered back to camp via the wheat shed and wheat silo's for it would appear that this town with a population of 135 rely's on agriculture. We were to speak to a few locals and they were friendly and sought information from us as to where we have been and about our home state of Tasmania. Liz warmed the muffins up in the microwave and they were a treat washed down with a cappacino.
After lunch we sat in the park and read our books and took in the quietness of the village and the sun before going back inside to watch a couple of David Attenborough's DVD's.
As the night cooled down we put on the electric heater. The camp area at Pioneer Park has a time limit of 7 days and we both believe this is a wonderful gesture by the locals and their council. Thank you very much we hope people do not abuse this privilege
Kilometres travelled 74

Tuesday the 26th of August
We had a another camper join us last night parking very close though we did not object after all it is free camping. Within half and hour the power went off and they were running around trying to find out why. They actually called people in the town and had the cleaners come down and found that a electrical switch was thrown, something they turned on caused the problem. They are on their first trip with a brand new off road caravan and they are not aware that nothing is sacred in relation to discussion inside at one stage we had to turn the volume up on our tellie for we could hear every word they were saying. It is obviously no privacy in those types of caravans.
We were in no hurry this morning given we did not have far to travel. It was nearly 10am when we pulled out leaving the other happy campers there. The morning was bright and sunny though in the afternoon it would cloud over and looking like rain. As soon as we left Tullibigeal we had to climb a large hill and then out the other side it was if you stepped into another world for as far as you could see were wheat and canola crops plus one other that we could not identify. The going was easy and we came across a small village which only had a few houses and wheat silo's. We had twin trailer road trains coming at us and we discovered later they were carting wheat from the silo's at Barellan, it was touch and go as we passed for the road was very narrow in places. Guess what more road works so we were down to 40 kph for awhile they are still repairing flood damage from last years floods.

We came across a small village called Weethallee and it was there we noted the fuel prices were lower than we had been paying recently so with a bit of luck down further they will be same or lower again. They had large wheat and grain silo's and there were plenty of repair shops looking after farming equipment. I did not matter what part of the road we were on there was always fields of grains plus sheep for as far as you could see and the crops looked resplendent with the sun and the blue sky as a background. We took another turn and were finally heading toward Barellan where we would visit Ian and Denice for the rest of the day and night.
Some of the bitumen was rough indeed with many holes and patches making at times the ride a little rough before we knew it we had arrived at Barellan and as soon as we pulled up there was Ian and Denice to welcome us
We parked up and then went inside to have a cup of tea and catch up with the latest of who is travelling from Tassie for most pull into here to check in with Ian or keep in touch with phones. So we had a fair idea with what was happening with the many Tassie's that were on the mainland travelling. After the cuppa Liz and I wandered up the street to the town centre and had a look, once again we were to look at the tribute to the famous indigenous tennis Evonne Goolagong in the way of a tennis court and a very large tennis racket and ball. Apparently she was born in this area and each year comes back to hold tennis workshops for indigenous and other children in Barellan. The town centre is looking a bit dilapidated with more shops closed and a few that open only for a few hours each day or only three days a week.
We stopped at the local cafe and had a slice of pizza each and I had a spring roll as well washed down with a mug of cappacino. While we were eating we were listening to what was happening around the area as different people came into the cafe.
Back to the motorhome and then inside to spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the hospitality of Ian and Denice. They have cooked pork for this evenings meal and have invited us to share with them. We accepted and after the meal which was very nice indeed we sat and watched the tellie until it was time to go to bed and we read our books for awhile.
Kilometres travelled 114

Wednesday the 27th of August
We had our showers this morning and breakfast and then said our good bye's to Ian and Denice plus thanked them for a wonderful meal and company last night and then we were on our way towards Narrandera in NSW.
The day again was good with plenty of sunshine and no clouds in the sky. As drove along it was great to see the mosaic of colours of the wheat and canola and the mountains in the background. Coming this way beats being on the highway competing with many interstate trucks and other traffic. It wasn't long before we arrived at Narrandera and we parked up and due to angle parking we had to park out on the highway. We walked several blocks to arrive at the town centre and we went looking for a Newsagent to see if we could purchase the missing DVD's that we did not have of David Attenborough's Essential Collection.
We were very lucky for the newsagent had boxed up the unsold DVD's to send back to the newspaper today. He was only able to give me those missing from the Victorian paper sets though it was only the numbers that differed from those of the NSW paper set. We now have the full collection which is great and we look forward to arriving home to watch them.
Then we went into Coles to make a few grocery purchases and amongst those was a cauliflower priced at $3 which was certainly cheaper than back up the highway.
When we left the supermarket I checked the grocery docket and discovered they had charged me $3.99 for the cauliflower. Back in and at first they only wanted to give me a dollar and when I remonstrated with them they refunded me $4 so this cauli is going to taste sweet. REMEMBER ALWAYS CHECK YOUR DOCKET.
We went back to the motorhome and packed the food away and then headed out towards the Newell highway heading towards Tocumwal.
We first drove through Jerilderie which is a small agricultural town servicing the farming community. As we were leaving the town we noted the water channels were starting to appear.

Though the majority of crops were wheat and canola there were rice paddy fields appearing with all the rice flooded with water from the Murray River. Next we decided to stop for lunch even though we were only 55 kilometres from Tocumwal. We saw a large amount of interstate trucks heading north and only a few caravans etc. The bulk of the caravans and motorhome's were heading south like us.
We had our lunch and then decided we would not stop until we arrived at Finley Beach on the Murray River at Tocumwal. We next drove through Finley and noted the trees in the main street were starting to blossom so spring cannot be to far away.
More cropping country and irrigation channels along the way though we were not to see any more rice paddy fields. Before we knew it we had arrived at our next camp on the Murray River though we are a day earlier than we planned.
There were only three other happy campers here so there was plenty of room to park. We set up and and then went and cut wood for our campfire and before we knew it happy hour had arrived. We had one happy camper visit us and indicated that he had seen us at Condobolin and he stated that it was the little red car that we were towing that reminded him of this fact. Poor old Digger everyone recognise's us by his presence.
I attempted to get television with no success so tomorrow we will set up the satellite dish for the football over the weekend. Tonight we will read our books or play a DVD.
Kilometres travelled 231

Thursday the 28th of August
When we came outside this morning there was a thick fog on the Murray River though it was not cold at all. I decided to walk into Tocumumwal to get the paper this morning to read with my breakfast. As we are camped on the Victorian side of the border it necessitated crossing over the bridge into NSW, as strange as it seems.
The fog was slowly lifting allowing me to take a photo of the famous Murray Cod in Tocumwal. Bought the paper and on the way back the fog had lifted to allow me to take a photo of the extremely old Railway bridge crossing from Victoria into NSW. From a distance it would appear that the bridge has been constructed with hot rivets method and as such has stood the test of time.
Liz had lit the firepot and the kettle was boiling away and then Liz cooked the toast for the fog had lifted and there were nice blue sky's and a very sunny and warm day.
After cleaning up we took the empty water containers to be filled and drop of our rubbish in Tocumwal. We parked Digger up and went walkabout and had a look at house prices in the surrounding areas which were on a par with back home. Then into to both supermarkets and just bought a few items which included broccoli at $1.99 a kilo a bit different to the $12.99 being asked in the outback. No tim tams just a couple of packets of sweet biscuits. We then walked up to the op shops where there are three side by side. The first one was closed and the second open and as they were having a half price sale on all goods we went in for a look. We spent a considerable time in there looking with Liz making a purchase of kids games for the grand kids.
We then walked next door to our favourite op shop and wouldn't you know it was just closing, oh well we will visit again another day.
Back to camp for lunch and we noted that two groups of happy campers had left. Stoked the fire up to boil the kettle and then we had lunch in the brilliant sunshine. Liz just happened to say did we get the water? and the reply was No. So back into tocumwal to replenish the water supply.
On our return we went tree spotting to see if we could see any Koala's and unfortunately we did not see any though we spotted a few Galahs high in the trees.
The rest of the afternoon was spent just relaxing watching the water in the Murray going by and reading our books. Later in the day I put a line in the water to see if we can catch a Murray Cod.
Our meal for the night is cooking on the firepot and the satellite dish is now set up. I spent over an hour trying get a signal without any success then I bought out the old satellite finder and it did no better so back to the digital finder and changed the cable and then the signal was obtained in under a minute. There must be a fault in the small cable.
Tonight we will watch the Marngrook Football Show before snuggling up in our nice warm bed.

Friday the 29th of August
I went walkabout this morning determined to find the elusive Koala. At last success though I had to walk a considerable distance in the area before discovering a lone Koala sleeping high in a Murray River Gum near the highway of all places.
No amount of shouting would arouse him/her from its slumber so I left it alone. Further along I was to find another dead Koala on the track though it would appear it probably died earlier in the year or last year.
Back to camp and Liz had the fire lit so we boiled the billy and cooked our toast and ate outside in the beautiful sunshine for there was no fog this morning only puffs of it on the river. We cleaned up and decided to go into Shepparton for the day.
We left around 10 am and there was not much traffic about until we turned onto the Goulburn Valley Highway we went through many small towns before turning off at Strathmerton and heading along a minor high way into Shepparton. We were travelling through diary farm country and you could see many Friesian milking cows and there were plenty of water irrigation channels and that is probably why the pastures are so lush.
We arrived in Nurmuhaka and noted that this town was much larger with all facilities and many parks and gardens. They even had a POW Remembrance forest that had been planted just recently. We had to go through four round a bouts to get back on the road towards the highway then into Shepparton.

We turned onto the highway and immediately were overwhelmed with interstate trucks both B-doubles and Semi trailers. We arrived and went around to the Iveco agents and bought oil and an oil filter to do the service on the motorhome when we arrive home.
Then onto to the Shepparton Shopping Plaza and into Just Snips for Liz to have a long overdue haircut. We missed the seniors price by a day so had to pay an extra $8 for the cut or well you can't complain it needed doing.
Whilst Liz was having her hair cut I went into Big W and had a look around without buying anything and whilst looking around the complex I discovered a food hall. I went back to pick up Liz and then we decided as it was 12.30 pm we would go into the food hall for lunch. After walking around looking at the food available we opted for chinese which I thought we would.
It was $10.50 a large plate and boy there was plenty to pick from with the usual fried rice and singapore noodles and then there were 14 other items to chose from.
Boy did I pile it on my plate when I sat down I attracted a few looks as to the amount I fitted on the plate, I certainly had my money's worth.
Then we went into the city centre and had a walk around to walk off the food and that took a few hours. Then onto Aldi for eggs and crumpets plus brussel sprouts which were quite cheap. We had a look around at the goods for sale and then left the store.
We then drove down to the SPC-Ardmona wholesale food centre and spent another hour looking at was available. We were to purchase a few items bearing in mind that we still had tin food from this time last year. It was amazing how the cost could be so much for what we bought when we did not over indulge this year.
Then into the el cheapo "Cheap as Chips" and spent around an hour just looking and buying minimal goods for we are stuck for storage given that we have so much aboard due to our purchases along the way home.
We were both feeling a bit tired so we jumped into Digger for the 80 kilometre drive back to our camp on the Murray at Tocumwal. By doing this today it had a double function one to get us away from camp and it also meant that we would not have to detour into Shepparton on our way back into Melbourne next wednesday.
The drive home was uneventful though there was plenty of traffic on the road I kept Digger to a steady 90 kph except through towns. There were plenty of police on the road checking trucks out and pulling up those speeding. There were a few clouds appearing in the sky for earlier in the day it was clear blue sky something you only experience whilst in Queensland.
We finally arrived home and unloaded, we now have to find a place for the goods we bought today though we will do that tomorrow that should keep us entertained for an hour or two. Well, happy hour has arrived and we will drop a few tonight whilst watching the football with Hawthorn Vs Collingwood. If Collingwood lose tonight then that is their season over and Liz will not be happy. After our lunch today we will not be having much to eat tonight. Liz is out there talking to the magpies asking them if they are going to win tonight, gee. All told we travelled in Digger today over 170 kilometres and of course it did not miss a beat.

Saturday the 30th of August
I went Koala hunting before lighting the firepot this morning. I was to find three all told. All were sleeping and were easy to find given the amount of their droppings on the nearby tracks. Two were very high in the trees and could not be urged into moving at all. The third Koala was close to camp and it was only when one of the happy campers pointed it out that I was able to take a photo, for it was not high off the ground. It seemed to be looking at me whilst being photographed.
Lit the firepot and cooked our breakfast and then just relaxed in the early morning sun for once again there were no clouds to be seen and I had trakkies and singlet on. I have not been catching any of the elusive Murray Cod which is a pain, though I re baited and cast into the river once again this morning.
After breakfast we said farewell to one of the happy campers that we have met over the past few days. They gave us their excess wood supply and water, though we did need either so when we leave the wood and water will be left behind for others.
When we drove into Tocumwal this morning we headed for the flood levee and noted other happy campers across the river near the beach and whilst there we noted the Warning about Corella's and the need for the council to take action against them. We recall a couple of years ago these birds had nearly denuded the Murray Gums of their leaves which in turn was killing the trees.

We noted that a new pontoon has been built near the town centre and the pilings are very high indicating that the whole of the pontoon would float to the level of the river irrespective of the level of the river in flood times etc. We were to gain a look at the concrete bridge, with the railway bridge behind it, that separates the state of New South Wales from Victoria. So in essence we have been crossing over the border several times a day.
Whilst in town we went to the three op-shops that are side by side and had a look though we only bought a couple of small items, no clothing. As all these are in NSW along with other shops they close at midday and won't open again until Monday.
We drove over to Town Beach were they are paying $10 per night whilst we on the opposite side of the river in Victoria are free camping. There were 18 caravans and one Motorhome set up there. On our side at Finley Beach there are only two caravans and our motorhome.
Then we drove back to camp for lunch and read the newspaper and then sat out in the sun listening to the Essendon Vs Carlton game. Today is just like a summers day it is very warm with the temperature at 3pm being 23 degrees celsius.
We are going to really stoke the fire up tonight before coming inside to watch the football game tonight which is Geelong Vs Brisbane.

Sunday the 31st of August
Today is officially the last day of winter and the commencement of spring tomorrow. It was a warm night and even warmer day with temperature being 25 degrees celsius at 4pm.
I crossed over the border into NSW to purchase the sunday paper and to read all the previous days results of the football. On the way I was looking for Koala's again and there were none to be seen anywhere. Though there were a few Sulphur crested cockatoo's catching the early morning sun in the tops of the Murray Gums.
It was a top morning and on my return lit the firepot and had poached eggs on crumpets for breakfast with Liz still eating that so called healthy food with yogurt. The mother and children next to us had packed their tents etc and were going home though they only lived at Tocumwal. The mother indicated it was a weekend experience for the boys with mom of course doing all the work.
Out came the generator and the washing machine and Liz was to do the washing which should be the last until we arrive in Melbourne. Out came the baby q and on went the roast of pork for our midday meal. We read our books whilst the pork was cooking then on with the camp oven for the baked potatoes plus onion and Liz then steamed the carrots, cauliflower and broccoli. We had our meal in the brilliant sunshine and it was cooked to a treat with the pork being very moist.
After lunch we had a visit from a bloke that remembered us from last year and he is still camping here for he has no home to speak of. The difference this year is that he has rid himself of the tents and now has a caravan which he indicates is much better in the cold weather. How did he remember us? by Digger of course he said he recognised the little red car. We had a chat for awhile and I have promised him that I will help him sort out his power cords tomorrow.
Back to our books and then we heard voices and it was the Tassie couple that we met at Condobolin recently. We had a good discussion on where we had all been since then and found that they are across the road in the camping area and do not hop on the Spirit of Tasmania until the 14th of September, which is nearly a week after us.
When they left we packed our gear away and then picked up the rubbish and empty water containers and headed out to Tocumwal. Before we went up onto the highway we went via Mulberry Beach, on arrival we noted that all the happy campers we saw here yesterday have now moved on and unfortuneately they left a lot of rubbish behind. We were to pick up the household rubbish as we could not take the broken chairs etc for Mitre 11 is closed today.
We then drove into Tocumwal and disposed of the rubbish and then filled the water containers and headed back to camp. We stoked up the fire and had a cappacino and settled in to read our books and listen to the football on the radio.
Another day of sitting around in trakkies and singlet though we expect the night to be cold. An easy meal this evening for we had a large meal at lunchtime. We will come inside when it cools down for the motorhome is quite warm and watch tellie.

September