Thursday the 1st June
This morning we had a heavy frost which I noticed and felt when I went walkabout to buy the paper. I walked down to the end of the main street and admired the Spanner Kelpie. There is no doubt that there is a lot of work that goes into making these statues and the amount of spanners and nuts and bolts used is incredible. There was frost everywhere and on the way back to camp I stopped by to see the geese and they again come honking to the fence.
We had our breakfast and talked about the State of Origin rugby game last night which we watched at the local Bowls Club whilst downing a few schooners and glasses of wine. At one stage Liz went and had a go at the poker machines to no avail. We left 15minutes before the game finished for NSW was giving Queensland a toweling.
I hopped out of bed at 5.45 for I woke to notice the power had gone off. I forgot to top up the meter when we came back from the Bowls Club. Out in the cold to put $2 in and we had power again and I turned on the electric blanket and went back to bed.
We arose at 8 am and were to say goodbye to those we met over the past two days and after breakfast we were on our way out to the Newell Highway. When we came to the stop sign near the railway line I stopped completely for they are very hard on policing this matter.
On the Newell and we were to have plenty of interstate trucks go by.

We had driven out of the fog and with the heater going in the motorhome and the sun streaming through the windows it was quite warm. We are only going as far as Tullibegeal today. The going was easy with no wind and brilliant blue sky's along the way we were to see kilometre after kilometre of paddocks where the wheat is above the ground and growing. We were to note those dams we saw next to the road did not contain much water. We were to see plenty of cattle and sheep and we passed through many small towns where wheat silo's were in abundance. Even along the highway and next to the railway line there were silo after silo and some paddocks contains piles of wheat covered by blue tarps.
We came to the turn off and only had two kilometres to go to Pioneer Park and the rest area for a few days. When we arrived there was no one in the camping area at all and it did not take long to take the Terios of the motorhome and back in the motorhome as requested by the signs. We plugged into power and then put the Terios next to the motorhome and hooked the waeco into power.
We had another camper come in and they were Tasmanians and they were heading home. We were shocked to see they were both wearing shorts and as they explained they have been up in the warm weather. They will be in for a shock when they move south we bet the shorts will go quick. Later another caravan came in and set up and they were from Victoria and do not seem to be all that friendly. We both spent the rest of the afternoon sitting outside reading our books in the brilliant sunshine and still no clouds.
I have set up the satellite dish and it has been tuned in so we will watch television and the Thursday night football before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 150

Friday the 2nd of June
We slept in until 8 am this morning and with the heater going we were not sure how cold it was outside. I decided to go for a walk to the town outskirts which is probably only 2 kilometres and the day was crisp, though again not a cloud in the sky and the temperature would rise to 21 degrees celsius by 2 pm. On my return I helped Liz change the sheets which is an effort given the bed comes out of the ceiling. Then we had breakfast and after that out came the washing machine to do a large load of washing. Here at Pioneer Park they supply a rotary clothes line among the many other things.
The washing took a couple of hours and around 11.30 am we thought we would walk over to the Tulli Cafe for a cappuccino and the newspaper. To no avail for the cappuccino machine was broken so we only bought the newspaper and ordered and paid for fish and chips for 5.45 pm for our evening meal. Whilst there the woman indicated that there would be many things happening for it was the long weekend and they planned for something for everyday including Monday.
Really, we were none the wiser so we walked up the Tullibegeal Co-Op where they sell everything from farming equipment, mechanical items and of course groceries and meat etc.
We bought a few items and bread rolls for our lunch and we asked the same question as to what was happening this weekend and the woman did not really know other that there were things planned for this long weekend.
Back in camp and we bid farewell to the two Tassie's and the other happy campers that stayed here last night. The two tassie's were still wearing shorts this morning and we commented that would changed as they moved further south.
After lunch we sat out in the sun reading our books and mid afternoon another happy camper came in and set up. Around 2pm I took a gas bottle of to the Co-Op for a refill and was pleasantly surprised with the cost.
Again I asked about the weekend celebrations and it was actually a shopper that had came in that informed me it was a celebration of Tullibegeal becoming gazetted as a township one hundred years ago.
The way they were talking was that all the area where we are will be full and they have planned flow over area's to hold the masses they expect.
So will now be stopping until Tuesday Morning to participate in the celebrations what ever they may be. I was informed that the Dinner on Saturday night has been fully booked so that will be out for us.
We spent the final hours of the warm sun with those pesky fly's having happy hour before going to get our fish and chips from the Tulli Cafe for our evening meal and then we will watch the AFL football again tonight Adelaide V Geelong. Last nights game Port Adelaide V Hawthorn was not a good game for the latter had not scored a goal at all in the first half and Port defeated them by 50 points hopefully tonight's game will be a better spectacle.

Saturday the 3rd of June
Another warm sunny day and we are loving it. Even walking this morning was a pleasure though my fingers were cold will have to wear the woolen gloves in the morning. The morning sun was that good that after breakfast we sat out in our chairs and read our books for awhile. Several of the happy campers left which only left us and a caravan. The people in the caravan a very nice and easy to talk to so we became quite chatty over an hour or so and a cup of tea.
Around 11 am we decided to go for a drive to Lake Cargelligo, which is only 47 kilometres away. We headed off in the Terios and there was not a breath of wind and the going was easy. Along the way we were to pass many pastures that had been sown to wheat and it was starting to come up out of the ground and again it went for kilometre after kilometre back from the road. We checked one farm and the wheat sown stretched for 5 kilometres alongside the highway. We were to come across our first jump ups and they looked excellent in the morning sun with the different colours highlighted. We finally arrived at Lake Cargelligo and as we drove down the main street we noticed one service station listed the price of unleaded petrol at 99.9 cents a litre and diesel for $1.21.9 cents a litre.
We drove out to the camp ground at Dead Mans Point and found only two tents in the main ground and a caravan across the road. We had been advised early in the week that the camp area was a quagmire, which it wasn't. Though it was true to say that the grass that we saw last year has gone and been replaced by red dirt which may become boggy quick if it rains.
We were to speak to the people in the tent and they indicated they had been here for 3 weeks and intend staying longer. We went across the road and spoke to the happy campers in the caravan and spent some time talking to them. We indicated that we may be here on Monday. We have discovered that the celebrations in Tullibigeal are not until next weekend and by the time that arrives we will have been here more than seven days. We have discussed it and we have two options and that is get permission to stay here for the long weekend next week or move on Monday to Lake Cargelligo and then come back for the weekend or move onto Condobolin next weekend. We indicated to the people in the caravan that is what we seek to do and we will await the outcome tomorrow.
We were intrigued by the amount of Pelicans an Cormorants that were on the lake no doubt chasing fish. We then went into town and bought some take away and headed out to Frogs Hollow for lunch.
We were surprised at the number of caravans that were here given that we believe the best camp ground is up on the point. We sat and had our lunch near the caravans and had a chat and found that they were going to move on before one of the husbands was hospitalised. We enjoyed our lunch looking at the bird life in the trees and those on the water. After lunch we decided to head back to camp.
The afternoon drive back to camp was good with excellent scenery which always appears different when you come from the opposite direction. We were to see a Mitre 11 so we dropped and had a look and there was nothing of value so we just picked up a length of wire and headed back.
When we arrived we noted another happy camper had arrived and hooked into power. Though they had used a lot of room which will make it difficult should someone else come for power.
We had a cup of tea and sat out in the sunshine me reading my book and Liz doing her cross stitch.
This evening again we will watch the AFL football before going off to bed. Another pleasant sunny day.

Sunday the 4th of June
It was a pleasant walk again this morning with blue sky's and sun beating down. Where I walk their are paddocks where wheat has sprouted and in this weather you can nearly see it growing each day. I walked past the Tulligigeal Race Track and it looked good with the wheat silo's in the background. In the middle of the race track they have a football field for they play only AFL type football, which they did yesterday afternoon. As I walked past the hotel I counted the solar panels and they equalled 126. You would think that they would power the whole town. When I came back to camp we had our breakfast and then came outside and noticed the very large tractor and spray unit heading up the highway. Liz was to point out the Major Mitchell Cockatoo that was feeding on a cone from the fir tree near camp.
We were speaking to our next door happy campers and they indicated that they had driven out to see a church in the farm area that had been dedicated to farmers and their workers. So we grabbed the mud map from them and camera and hopped in the Terios to go look for it, some twenty kilometres up the road towards Condobolin.

Given the instructions to the Chapel on the farm we were not sure if we would take the right roads. The roads were gravel and a bit on the rough side and we were going through large cropping farms. We met a few vehicles coming towards us that looked like farm vehicles so we kept on through the dust.
We were to see houses first and we had been instructed that we would go down the side of a house. We weren't told that we would have to travel on fifteen kilometres of gravel roads. We were to see the Chapel off in the bush setting some way out and really it looked out of place.
We finally arrived and drove down the side of a house and were somewhat taken back at this building on farmland backing into bush and hilly country. The front of the Chapel looked a treat and as we would find out later the bottom section was the accommodation of the resident Father. It was obvious as we looked that the Chapel was Catholic and it showed up somewhat when we entered. We were both taken back with what we saw from the circular room with many pews and of course the Alter. Even more so when we looked up at the domed roof to see the enormous painting and what it represented. We must have spent at least 15minutes just looking and were astounded of something here well out in farming land. The information indicated that The Farm Chapel "Christ the King" is part of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. There were no services being held whilst we were there though there were burning candles off to the side under one of the Mosaic's. We then walked around the outside and took in all the other Mosaic's and looked out over the farmland where there was wheat growing and the rest was sheep grazing.
We have never seen anything like this before in all our travels. We were about to leave and Liz pointed out a structure up in the hillside so we went to investigate and what an another surprise to see a circular building with marble statue backed by paintings of aboriginals in various scenes and a scroll outlining the history of Aboriginal's in Australia.
The building was called Christ the Kings Pilgrims "Stations of the Cross". Again there were candles to be lit if you so desired and a collection box for donations.
We noted a sign and on inspection it gave details of a trek up the mountain and back of approximately two hours and indicated that care must be taken for there were many snakes in the area. We did not worry about the walk for it would have been hard going up though easier coming down. To say that we were taken by what we have seen here in the bush farmland is an understatement and our photo's of the area will always remind of us of this special place for farmers and their workers. We drove back to camp and it was around 1.30 pm so we went over to the Tulli Cafe for lunch. I had a humongous hamburger with the lot and Liz had the Schnitzel burger both had chips and a soft drink. We started to eat at the table in the cafe though it was a bit cold so we came back to Pioneer Park and sat at the tables in the beautiful sun and devoured our meal. We both agree that much will not be required for an evening meal. Whilst we were having our lunch we were to see two youngsters walking their pups and had a lamb on a leash. We noted they were both on roller skates and when they arrived at the road both the lamb and puppy's pulled them along to much laughter.
We sat out in the sun reading our books and making conversation to the happy campers along from us.
We now have to make a decision the locals have said that we can stay until next weekend where we are and join in the celebrations. Later tonight we will decide whether we move on tomorrow. We will watch a DVD tonight before going off to bed.

Monday the 5th of June
A warmer morning greeted us and there were a few white clouds in the sky. We were to say farewell to happy campers that were leaving, one north and the other to South Australia. We had spoken to the caretakers of the facility and they have approved that we stay until the hundred year celebrations are over on the monday of the long weekend. Today we decided to move along a little for the place may be crowded on the weekend and we were making more room for others.
We had a caravan arrive and they set up where we were previously and they had only travelled around 50 kilometres from their last camp. We had a good old chat and then we told them about what we had seen yesterday and they indicated that they had heard about it and would go out for a look see. We gave directions and they drove off and we just settled back in chairs in the sun me to read and Liz to continue her cross stitching.
We had a cold south wester wind arrive and that drove us around the side of the motorhome to avoid it. We then went over to the Co-Op to look for a small saucepan, they only had steamers so we just had another look around the store and I am sure it would take around two hours to see all of their stock. We noticed there is a lot of dust on some items so we can only assume it had been on the shelf for awhile. Then onto the Tulli Cafe and ordered fish and chips for lunch and really there is a lot of chips and very nice fish for two for $10.
We came back to the motorhome and consumed it all and then washed it down with a cup of tea.
The caravan people arrived back and indicated that they, like us, were amazed at the structures built of farm land. When we go to the next information centre we will look for the brochure on this structure.
We went for a walk along the road and were to see a farm growing wheat of course with their own silo's no doubt to store until they can get the right price for their wheat. We recall seeing a larger farm with plenty of silo's for storage at Bolo.
Back at camp and we sat out in the warm sun for the wind had dropped and read our books before having happy hour with our happy campers next door. Another wonderful quiet day in the centre of NSW.

Tuesday the 6th of June
Cold out this morning with high fog coming out of the south west. I did a bit of maintenance on both the motorhome and the Terios and then came back inside for it was a cold wind and the sun would disappear behind the fog clouds. We sat inside for awhile and then jumped the Terios and went walkabout with the heater on.
First we drove out to the cemetery and spent nearly an hour or more looking at the headstones etc.
The cemetery was set out by religion and even had a non denomination section. It was obvious that the people in this area lived a long life with the oldest being 105 years of age at death and the three young ones were in the late teen early twenties and they died by industrial accidents on farms. There are no medical facilities in the town the nearest is 57 kilometres away. Though they must have visiting doctors for the their is a community building. We then drove out to the sports ground where they accept happy campers though the facilities are not as good as where we are.
We then drove out of town and all we could see where farms who were growing massive paddocks of wheat which appear to thriving. Then into the back streets of the town and noted the housing is mostly modern with an unmanned police station and the school is very modern and I have noted on my morning walk that there were three small school bus's with children from outlying farms and small towns.
The weather warmed up later in the day so we sat outside against the side of the motorhome to avoid the light breeze and read and after awhile had a chat to the happy campers that are also here with us.
It has been another lazy day though we are not sure what is ahead of us for the barometer is slowly falling. The satellite dish is proving a boon for it let watch the news back in Tasmania and we noted that nothing appears have changed in our absence people are still getting murdered or bashed. We wont bother watching it tonight.

Wednesday the 7th of June
The morning was a little warmer with no clouds present and it would stay that way for the rest of the day. I went for my usual walk and again my old mate was there to welcome me with his bark. When I went past he would stop and on my return he would once again welcome me with his strange bark.
This morning we had porridge for breakfast with fruit a first since last year. It was excellent then we went outside and said farewell to three happy campers who were heading north. I had a good discussion with a fellow who had an Iveco motorhome and alerted him to the possible problem with the diesel line and the power cables to the motorhome section. Sure enough there was the same problem that I had a last year. He was able to cable tie the wires away from the fuel line. In our travels yesterday we noted the houses over the back were all reasonably new and t especially the Community Hall which is a solid brick building and certainly larger than the old community hall in the main street. We were also to see the block splitter at work for now doubt this is the local wood man.
The workers arrived to look at the gas hot water system that had been producing only cold water intermittently over the past few days. They spent nearly four hours looking at the problem. They went away and came back with a larger gas regulator.
As we were to have our showers we tested the new system and we received beautiful hot water. So it would appear the problem may be fixed.
We were to buy the paper from Lake Cargelligo and it gave us more information about the 100 year celebrations commencing on the long weekend. We were to speak with locals and they indicated that the town is expected to grow for the weekend by at least 800 persons. This was bit frightening however we are not to concerned.
Liz went over to the Tulli Cafe and bought a heap of hot chips which we had between slices of bread for lunch very nice indeed though not good for the figure.
We had another three happy campers come in and they indicated they were here for the weekend and they quickly set up. By the amount of laughter it is apparent they are travelling together even though the arrived at different times.
We sat outside for the rest of the afternoon reading our books in the nice sunshine though the temperature is about 18 degrees celsius. Unfortunately the warm sun bought out the fly's though they did not worry us to much, we will need to get used to this as we travel further north.
Oh, well off to happy hour with the other campers and find out little of their plans no doubt. We are loving the power and the electric blankets to hop into bed with very nice indeed. We will watch a bit of television and then read our books. It has been a nice easy day.

Thursday the 8th of June
The weather is good to once again this morning though on my walk I missed the "Woof Woof" of my old mate. Again clear blue sky's and very little breeze which made for an excellent stroll to the town boundary. On the way back I noted that council workers had concreted in signs in front of Pioneer park. The signs contained the general history of the town and was collated by the Centenary Committee. All made for good reading showed the history of a town which once was much larger.
Those with expandable screen hopefully will find the information informative.
After breakfast we were outside talking with the other happy campers and then another of their mates arrived and set up so now we have four immediate neighbours all from parts of NSW here especially for the Centenary Celebrations. We were to garner a lot of information from them.
Then the usual squawks from our resident Major Mitchell Cockatoo's who again were dining on the cones in the fire trees in the park. They are very colourful with their pink and white colours especially their crests which seem to be much brighter pink and white.
Before lunch we went over to the Co-Op and bought bread and few other things and then came back and had sandwich's for lunch washed down with a cuppa. We went out and joined the happy campers for awhile and then sat in the beautiful sun and read while Liz was doing her cross stitching.
We explained to the new comers about the chapel at the farm though they did not seem very interested as soon as I said they had to drive their car on gravel, I will show them on the computer later.
It should make for an interesting happy hour when we all come together. Some where chiacking about Tasmania and one asked where it was and I stated next to Ballarat in Victoria. Any other ridicule or discussion then ended.
AFL Football tonight and then off to bed. I can get used to this doing nothing all day though we are looking forward to joining in the celebrations this long weekend.

Friday the 9th of June
Outside temperature only 7 degrees this morning with a low fog. Out further up the road the sun was breaking through the low fog shining on the paddocks of wheat which we swear we can see growing by the day. My old mate didn't greet this morning though I could see the steam coming from his kennel.
Back in the motorhome and Liz had cooked porridge for breakfast covered in honey and milk, very nice indeed.
The water boring trucks were by our camp and they are heading out today given they have completed there work in the district. I had a chat to the blokes and they are not staying for the festival and as one of them said "we don't get paid sitting still" not long after they headed out headed towards West Wylong. For some reason the fog had thickened and covered the sun completely and it would after 10 am before it broke through and started to warm up the area.

We had our lunch and sat around chatting to the other campers one of which was born in the old hospital across the road. He indicated that he was born in 1936 and has come back to Tullibegeal for the one hundred year celebrations. He was a wealth of information on the area even though he left in 1950.
The school bus came in and asked would we like to go for run while he delivered the school kids home. Six of us jumped at the chance he dropped off the kids at his son's farm which is 5000 hectares and we had a look at the old machinery as well as the new. Typical farmer when the equipment is of no further use due to upgrades they just park them up. We were to see old trucks and other farming equipment. This farm is for cropping only and grows oats, wheat and other grains.
He then took us to have a look at his farm witch is only 2000 hectares with the same old equipment laying around. The first thing we were to see is the many empty Round Up drums stacked up. He then drove us down the paddocks that were growing wheat and there were many, what he called, sausages containing either wheat or oats. He indicated that if you sold your wheat at harvest time you only received $160 per tonne if you kept it on your property you received $240 per tonne dependant on the market and it only required one truck to take the wheat away and not many as required at harvest.
He indicated the long sausage contained 240 tonne of wheat. The sausage could only be used once and they were prone to hail, mice and birds. He showed us a sausage where there was an auger that fed the wheat straight into the truck and at the same time rolled the sausage up once empty. If you look closely at the photo with the auger you will note the roll. He then drove down further and showed us two large earth mounds and he indicated that there were oats under those mounds. The oats would be use later with silage to make stock feed etc which bought a good price. He also raises and fattens cattle on his farm. He finally drove us back to camp via the cemetery and we thanked him for a for a very informative tour.fn the events over the weekend. It all starts tomorrow and finishes on monday and it will be great if the weather holds. We all gathered around for happy hour with the usual frivolity before going off to have our meal. Tonight we are having fish and chips. Tonight we will watch the Adelaide V St Kilda game which hopefully will be a good game. Go the Saints!!!

Saturday the 10th of June
We were to hear steady rain on the roof last night and we were worried that it may cause problems with the street parade scheduled for 11am. This was not the case for the morning dawned a little overcast though the sun was trying to break through and by parade time the clouds had left us leaving us with relatively clear sky's and plenty of sunshine. We had our breakfast and went outside and noticed that there many people appearing and we were to note conversations taking place with the current residents of the town who total 150. We noted that a few of those that came into the camping area last night were speaking to people that they had not seen for some for 40 years. We kept out of the way just listening in. The crowd by the scheduled time of the street parade had swelled I estimate to at least 2 thousand possibly more. We were not able to get anywhere the Co-Op where the opening of the celebrations was to take place. We found a spot around the corner and the parade started on time led by the Tullibegeal School Float. Given that it is a farming community we were to see plenty of tractors mainly John Deere of all ages and sizes not as big as the tractors we saw on the farms a couple of days ago some are very old though they looked well maintained. Then other tractors who wheezed there way along with some popping and carrying on. There was even one tractor that looked to be an hundred years old where the operator is not catered for with a seat, he has to stand up. Following the tractors was a very old Albion truck that had been restored and it was chain driven on both back twin wheels and the tyres were hard rubber on steel rims, no worries about a puncture with this old boy. Then there were various floats representative of the CWA and Church groups followed by plenty of old cars and ute's being led by two old Fords with their wooden spoke wheels one was restored one wasn't both went easy and where quiet given their age. Two very old fire trucks were in the mix with one bloke dressed in the uniform of a time long gone. Then there was the horse and buggies that were use in the area a hundred years ago then the old wheat and chaff cutters once again very old though still in working condition so they say. Then an International truck that had been modified to a two door cabin and towing a large van which makes it a 5th wheeler. The crowd was cheering and clapping as each float or machine went past. The children on the school float were on the back of the truck and those walking alongside represented the various levels of the school it appeared to be both primary and high school standard.
In all it was a good country parade and the old people and the young are very proud of their town Tulli as they call it. The parade ended up at the sports ground for closer inspection.

One John Deere and many very old Farm Tractors some have been restored and others left as they are the last photo the operator has to stand. No seat

The clouds would appear around 1pm though it does not look like rain at the moment. We had lunch in the motorhome and then around 1.30 we walked over to the sports ground to watch the AFL football game between the old premiership team and the premiership team of last year. They only play AFL football in this area the Tulli Grass Hoppers as they are known have been very successful against other teams in the surrounding area. Net ball is also going to be played and I suspect when we arrive there will be beer on tap and take away food. Once we have stayed for awhile we are going to go the CWA and have scones jam and a cup of tea.
Tonight there is a dinner around in the community hall which is fully booked out and they tell us they are catering for 330 persons. Now that I would like to see. Then there is the concert though we have conflicting information as to this being booked out as well. While we watching the football over the PA speakers came the call for those who want to buy some of the cancelled tickets for the dinner and concert tonight. We did not bother for the cost for both was $60 per head or $25 a head for the concert. The wind and the umpire were having a major say in the football. The goal umpire at one end would only be around 8 years old and he could hardly lift the flags to indicate a point or goal. The younger players were to fast for the old blokes so the umpire was awarding free kicks to the older blokes on the basis the young ones were running to far. Neither Liz nor I thought that the case. We came back at half time for the wind was getting colder as the sun dropped. We will go out by the fire tonight for awhile and no doubt talk about the events of the day.

Sunday the 11th of June
A warmer night and there were a few late night celebrations going on in the town. This morning there were few clouds in the sky though the sun was shining brightly almost too warm for a jacket.
We had breakfast then showers and it was time to go over to the markets at the sports ground. This morning on my walk I spotted more of those sausages containing wheat and there was the latest crop of wheat growing. Coming past the sports ground I could see the stall holders starting to set up.
We arrived at the markets a little after 10am and the stall holders were still setting up. So we just walked along the many who had their stalls ready and then we settled on the one who was making cappuccino's and sat at the table and consumed it and watched the children's air castle being blown up. Most to the children were waiting for this to happen and the parents had trouble stopping them hopping on before it was tied down.
There was plenty of chatting going on as many renewed their acquaintance once again today. We were to discover that the older men won the football by two points and when I raised the question of the umpires penalising the younger blokes for running to far the bloke informed me the older blokes were allowed to run 15 metres the the younger team only 5 metres. Now I understand why the younger blokes were penalised.
There were plenty of stall holders and wouldn't you know it that I had left my camera back in the motorhome so the last four photo's were taken with the camera. The quality of the photo's are not as good as those taken with the camera.

By 10.30 am all he stalls were set up so we walked along them again and noted the fine wooden bowls made from what timber I do not know they appear to be from Tree Burles. The rabbit traps holding the wine bottle were well made and no the trap has been fixed so it does not go off. While there we bought a cake $6 and and large eggs for $3 plus Liz was to buy some perfumed candles.
We went home for lunch.
On our return the crowd had increased with plenty of children on the oval playing frisbee, sack running and other games as well as the Jumping Castle that was getting plenty of work from the kid's. There was a drone flying overhead taking video of what was happening which was one of the reasons the people were asked to come onto the oval.
We sat and watched the proceeding, then had another look at the many stalls selling their wares and wandered back to camp.
As we crossed over the railway lines we note that there many paddy melons. We have not seen these for years we noted some had been eaten by animals though they are poisonous to humans.
Is was very sunny with just a few white clouds and the temperature would rise to 20 degrees. We sat out in the sunshine and had taken my shirt off though around 4pm the sun was dropping and it was put back on. The fire was stoked up again and all the happy campers gathered around with us coming inside when it was time for our evening meal, that is when we returned from the pub.

Monday the 12th of June
We had a wonderful sunset last night as we stood by the fire and then we decided to go over to the hotel for awhile. The hotel was packed though we found a spot around the corner in the lounge area. Liz was to have a few glasses of cab sav and I dropped a few pints of Great Northern beer.
This morning whilst on my walk I was to see a mob of budgerigar's who looked very nice in flight and when they landed on the nearby tree they blended in lovely.
We had noted the noise around 6am this morning and it was the locals setting up for breakfast in the Pioneer Park which we back onto. It was the final celebration for the long weekend.
After showering we went over to join in and what a pleasant surprise the eggs and bacon etc were free. Liz had an egg and bacon roll and I had my eggs and bacon in bread washed down with cup of tea. Very nice indeed and we will leave a further donation when we leave Tullibigeal.
The happy campers whose company we have enjoyed for the last week came together for a group photo, especially Kevin who is 88 years old and drove from Young in NSW with his caravan. We all took him to heart from the time of his arrival to assisting him hook up and wind in his power cords etc. He was very happy with the companionship that he has enjoyed since his arrival.
In our time here we have met many people and enjoyed their take on their town of Tullibegeal especially those who have returned for the celebration. We have seen the town swell from a population of 150 to many thousands over the long weekend of their Centenary Celebrations. No doubt we will probably drop in again on our way down from up north in late August.
We stood around most of the morning saying farewell to other happy campers who are going onto Lake Cargelligo. We will heading that way in the morning ourselves for all good things must come to an end.
We went walkabout for awhile around to the new community hall and back to camp to read for awhile.
We will watch the Collingwood V Melbourne game this afternoon before starting to dismantle our camp in readiness for our departure in the morning. Just think no more electric blankets we will have to put another blanket on the bed.
Tonight we have decided to have fish and chips again for our evening meal watching a bit of television before going off to bed.

Tuesday the 13th of June
It was quite warm this morning with just a hint of fog over the farmlands. We had our showers and then breakfast and it was then time to say farewell to those we have met in the camp area at Tullibegeal. We packed up and then hooked the Terios to the motorhome and then up onto the weighbridge. What a surprise both vehicles weighed a total of 6.24 Tonnes.
We then headed out with the temperature at 9.30am being 9 degrees and sunny. When we turned onto the road to Lake Cargelligo we were to note fog in the distance. We were to pass a Jump Up that was very colourful showing many shades of green and ochre rocks. Along the way we were pass many farms that had sheep grazing. Further up the road we came across the fog which was heavy and the temperature was only 6 degrees given the sun had not broken through.
We would have this all the way to our destination at Dead Man's Point. First we pulled into the Metro service station at Lake Cargelligo and filled with diesel at $1.21.9 cents a litre and then we drove out to our campsite. The lake was shrouded with fog though you could see the sun trying to break through which it did around 11am.
We chose our spot overlooking the Lake and then out with the awning and set up our camp as we like, including the firepot. We unloaded the wood off the Terios and then settled down and had a cup of tea.
As it was around 11.30am we decided to go back into town and buy the newspaper and fill the Terios with unleaded fuel at 99.9 cents a litre the cheapest we have purchased for some years.
Then onto Vinnies and bought a wok and a few other things and down to the newsagents. The bakers shop next for bread rolls for our lunch and then we decided to drive down to Frogs Hollow to see people we have met previously who arrived there yesterday from Tulli.
We had a good old chin wag and then decided to come back to camp.
Lit the firepot and boiled the kettle for our cup of tea and then Liz made rolls for our lunch at 1.30pm. We sat and watched in amazement the amount of Pelicans and Cormorants that where on the lake pursuing fish. They must have been at least spread out over a good kilometre and all the time cormorants were flying past us seeking out better fishing grounds we supposed.
It is now very sunny with the fog dissipating and the temperature being 20 degrees. Off with the flannel shirt and on with the T/Shirt.
We spent the rest of the afternoon reading and watching other happy campers arriving though we are the only motorhome.
No need for the satellite dish here for there is a strong television signal though how are we going to cope without the electric heater and electric blankets time will tell. For we have been spoilt over the past week or so.
Kilometres travelled 49

Wednesday the 14th of June
The views last night over the lake were very beautiful with the pink glow of dusk out over the waters. Very nice indeed and whilst we were enjoying this two navy planes came into view and appeared to be practicing their landing and take off from the local airfield. It would happen again tonight during our happy hour with a few happy campers. We decided to have a back the front evening meal last night and cooked eggs and bacon plus hash browns all very nice indeed, we had to cook one meal at a time due to the size of the fry pan.
This morning we were surprised to see there was no fog just excellent views of the lake and there was no breeze. Again this morning there were hundreds of cormorants going by and this continued for at least and hour and half then the pelicans many hundreds were heading for Frogs Hollow. As the morning progressed they all came along the lake towards us.
We cooked our breakfast on the firepot and watched the amazing amount of bird life trying to catch fish including diver birds and on the shore there were plenty of birds including the noisy Major Mitchell Galahs.
We had morning tea with the people we had met at Tullibegeal and they were staying at the local caravan park. They indicated they would be moving out here in a couple of days and they were impressed with the amount of bird life being bird watchers.

After they left we then packed our chairs into the car and Liz packed a cut lunch for we were heading for the Lake Cargelligo Weir. On the way we dropped into Frogs Hollow and said hello to the rest of the people we met at Tullibegeal. Then we were on way to the weir for lunch. We turned off the highway and then onto a gravel road. We came across hundreds of cattle grazing along the long paddock with stockmen riding their horses to keep them together.
We turned into the weir road and noted the large machinery ploughing the paddocks for cotton growing. There were a lot of water channels and banks built around the paddocks to keep the cotton flooded.
We finally arrived at the weir and pulled out the awning on the Terios and out with the chairs and had our lunch, washed down with cappuccino's that we had bought with us. After lunch we went over to the weir and noted the river below was around 10 metres lower. We went walkabout along the bank and we noted there were coolibah trees lining the banks.
We then read our books in the brilliant sunshine listening to the water coming over the weir. We packed away the awning and then packed our gear away and then headed for home. On the way back we called into the Solar Thermal power station, though we could not get close due to security. The station signage indicated the station produces 3mwh.
Back at camp we sat in the sunshine and then we noted Richard from Frogs Hollow had arrived in his kayak and as the bank was to steep to climb we had a chat before he headed back to his camp some two kilometres away.
We started to pack up our camp due us moving onto Condobolin tomorrow. We had a chat to the happy campers who were nearby. Whilst this was happening Liz had prepared a stew for our evening meal which was simmering away on the firepot. The planes arrived again tonight and they made two passes before we suppose headed back to their base. Today has been excellent weather wise and exploring the area and meeting other happy campers. We will watch a bit of television before I go out later to dismantle the satellite gear to avoid facing a possible heavy dew in the morning.

Thursday the 15th of June
We caught another mouse in the trap early this morning and I jumped out of bed and placed him and the trap in the rubbish bin and back to bed. We arose around 7.45am and I went for a walk along the road at the Lake for the last time before moving on this morning. After breakfast we did our final packing and had our last look at the lake said our farewells to other happy campers who were also moving on this morning. On the road and stopped to refuel due to the fuel gauge showing only three quarters of a tank. It only took a few dollars worth of diesel after rocking the motorhome the diesel was running out of the filler. Under way again and the fuel gauge only showed three quarters of a tank so obviously I have a problem with the gauge. I am not to worried for I know how much fuel and the distance we can cover.
On the way out of Lake Cargelligo we had to drive past Frogs Hollow so we sounded the horn a few times to the happy campers we knew there and then we were on the way to Condobolin and Gum Bend Lake the going was easy with no wind again though clouds were getting thicker. Along the way we were to see many paddocks of wheat being grown and in one area the wheat was down to the waters edge of a lagoon.

As were travelling along we could not believe what was coming at us. An old T model Ford towing a camper trailer it was unusual and it was getting along at a fair pace. These days we are not sure what we are going to see as we travel along.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Condobolin and then drove down to Gum Bend Lake where we will spend the next few days. Tomorrow out will come the washing machine and up with the clothes line. The area did not have a lot of happy campers and we were able to set up in the same place as other years. Though on this occasion the clouds had come over and blocked the sun which is not good for solar panels.
Out with the awning and tables, chairs etc and then we stopped for a drink before finishing our setting up. Then we noticed Bob and Julie both Tassie's were set up near us so we had a good chat catching up with the news since we saw them last year.
We had our lunch and the noisy Corella's were screeching away and filling all the trees in the camp area. We were trying to read to no avail it was so noisy and that is probably why the camping area is not as busy as we have seen it in the past.
Happy hour has arrived and we are sitting up on the bank watching the ducks, cormorants and water birds etc. other than the noisy ones it is peaceful looking out across the man made lake. The clouds have became thicker hopefully it does not rain. The satellite dish had been set up for us to watch the AFL footy tonight and as we look down over the camp area there are many fires going. It is going to be a cold night so we will go inside reasonably early and turn the heater on. We had a call from Ken and Vi who informed us they are at Charters Towers and the overnight temperature has been 12 degrees and the day time 26 degrees celsius.
Kilometres travelled 103

Friday the 16th of June
We had a wonderful happy hour last night with happy campers just met and others that arrived from Lake Cargelligo. There was plenty of banter and then we were all excited to see the sunset especially the reflections on the Lake. Absolutely the best we have seen to date, there is no doubt the reflection on the lake was the highlight.
This morning we awoke to the cacophony of sound from those dreaded Corella's and a very grey morning. I went for a walk around part of the lake and took a few photo's of the palm trees at the picnic area and on the way back I was to see our lone resident Goose who was honking away. Then the dreaded Cormorants though few in number compared to our last campsite at Lake Cargelligo. There were a few water hens feeding in the water. Back to camp and we both had a shower before breakfast.
Lit the firepot and then cooked toast and boiled the kettle for our cups of tea. Jenny and Bob came over and indicated they were going off to have Bob tested for his INR. They left a few things behind to show there campsite. We were watching when a fellow came across eying off the little table and he was looking around as if to see if anyone was watching. We were though he did not see us, his wife called him away for she could see us. We were wondering if they had not seen us what they would have done.

We cleaned up around the camp and then we drove into the town for Liz has to have her INR tested. The medical centre's machine had broken so they sent us around to the Aboriginal Centre to have the test done. The doctor wasn't present so Liz has made an appointment to see him on Monday. While this was happening I went to the newsagent and bought the paper and then next door to the Bakery where I saw bread and rolls from yesterday for $1 each so I bought one wholemeal and one multigrain plus a bag of rolls, as I had only $2.05 in loose change the lady excepted that. If I had not been told it was yesterdays bread I would have thought it was today's.
Then off to the chemist to put it in the scripts mainly for Liz and then we walked up to the IGA and bought some fruit and while there I picked up a sheet which said for today only and when I turned it over there was Great Northern 30 can blocks at $42 so I bought one.
We then drove out to the fuel distributor and found the diesel was $1.25.9 cents a litre and as soon as he recognised us from previous years he said when I come in I can have it cheaper that that. The other service stations in town are $1.39.9 and $1.34.9 cent a litre for diesel.
Back into town and due to the Great Northern being so cheap we stopped whilst I bought another. Off back to the bakery and we had lunch which consisted of a pie washed down with a cappuccino.
Back in camp we had to change things around to fit the two cartons of beer for travel. Out with the milk and it all fitted nicely.
The rest of the afternoon we spent up on the bank charging battery's etc on the power at the barbecue. We noted when we returned from town earlier someone was there with their sandwich maker plugged in making lunch.
No happy hour tonight for we are going into the RSL for a meal and no doubt a few refreshments plus buy raffle tickets in the meat tray's. Then home around 8.30pm to watch the St Kilda V North Melbourne and hopefully my team will perform better than they did last week.

Corella's destroying Gums

Wash day with cloudy day

Our Country and Western singers at happy hour

Saturday the 17th of June
We had a wonderful night at the RSL last night with ten other happy campers who went in the courtesy bus. We had the most humongous XL Chicken Schnitzel we have ever seen of course along with a bowl full of salad. We had bought two lots of meat raffle numbers and we were lucky enough to win a $10 sheet of numbers as well. It was to no avail for our numbers never came up. One person at our table had a little luck. We had a few refreshments and then listened to the country and western singer and then back on the courtesy bus. On arriving at the motorhome we watched the football and though St Kilda won another ten minutes the story would have been different.
This morning it was overcast and during my walk I noted the noisy Corella's had stripped the two gum trees of their leaves and they will now eventually die. Lit the firepot and toasted the rolls and then cooked eggs and bacon and had it in the rolls washed down with a cup of tea very nice indeed.
We chewed the fat for awhile with nearby campers and then had our showers and then liz decided to wash. Out came the washing machine and up went the clothes line. The sun was breaking through the cloud and there was a slight breeze.
We did a clean up of the motorhome and then read our books until lunch time. We do not intend to travel anywhere today. There were more caravans arriving and space was near taken due to the way that some parked.
We then sat on the stools by the lake and enjoyed the scenery before returning and Liz was to get the ingredients together to make pea and ham soup. We still had the ham hock from the leg of ham we bought so it will taste ok I am sure. The clouds had now disappeared and the sun was shining brightly and I was down to a singlet with my trackies.
Before we knew it happy hour had arrived and we went over to where the music was coming from and there was bloke with a guitar and another with an ukulele. It did not take long for the happy campers to arrive and we all had a good old sing a long. It was great and we were to meet other campers though remembering their name's will take some doing.
We will sit out by the fire tonight after our meal and then come in later to watch the football. It has been a warm day and a very relaxing day just lazing around.

Sunday the 18th of May
We had a wonderful happy hour initially last night with around 12 happy campers for we had a ukulele player who was joined later by a guitarist. The sunset was very nice indeed and Mr Whippy decided to visit us though we refrained for we were drinking beer etc. We were really wound up singing away when my telephone rang and I wish I had not answered it then. I was informed that my dear old Dad had passed away less than an hour ago. I did not want to dampen the spirit of the happy hour so Liz and I wandered off to ring my sisters to inform them and to inform our children that their grand father had passed away at the fine old age of 91. His wishes were for a cremation and no funeral service perhaps a celebration of his life dinner later. We will respect his wishes and may I say that it leaves an emptiness in me and will miss him terribly.
The rest of the night was not good for Liz and I.
When I arose this morning I went for my walk though it was short lived for I just could not do it thinking of Dad. Lit the firepot and boiled the billy etc and we sat about doing nothing at all. Just before lunch we decided we needed to walk around the lake to lighten things a little. We had many happy campers come over and give their condolences which for which we were thankful.
Off for the walk or should I say stroll for it seemed to take forever. We were to see Pelicans, Swans and the dreaded Cormorants on the back end of the island from the bank. We enjoyed the walk for it a very warm sunny day with no wind at all. Back in camp we had our lunch and then we went and washed the Terios and then cleaned the motorhome solar panels and we did nothing more. The drive we intended for today did not eventuate. So there is not much to report today other than sadness.
I may not be able to continue the diary for a few days for the charging unit for the computer battery has failed therefore I am currently using the last of the battery. Tomorrow we will go into town and see if we can get a charging unit or have one delivered from where ever. To those who have sent their condolences we thank you very much it is appreciated by us both.

Monday the 19th of June
We awoke this morning to a slight fog and a cool morning. When we went outside the sun was breaking through the fog and again there was no breeze. We were inundated once more with the Corella's flying from who knows where and settling in the trees. There must have been at least 500 to 1000 they just kept coming in droves and the noise was absolutely incredible.
We had our breakfast and around 10am we went into the shopping centre of Condobolin and the first place we went was to the Jaycar section in the back of the Newsagent. We were looking for replacement charger for this computer. We were to see only a cheap charger which I wasn't to happy with. The bloke then referred me to the Furniture Store which I thought strange.
They were to show me an universal charger whose output was up to 19 volts which it carries out automatically. Anything from 12 volt to 19 volt. I did not have the computer with me so back to camp and picked it up and then plugged it in and it worked a treat. They allowed me to leave the computer in the store to charge and the price of the unit? you don't want to know.
By this time it was nearly time for Liz's doctors appointment so Liz went off and I stayed with the car and read the paper. Her appointment was for 11.45 pm and at 12.50 pm I walked around to see where Liz was and lo and behold still in the waiting room. I went back at 1.30 pm and Liz had just gone into see the doctor. I then checked on the computer and then walked around a bit. Liz finally turned up at 1.50 pm. So most of the day was gone so much for going for a drive. We stopped at the bakery for a late lunch and I had a pie and Liz sandwiches washed down by a mug of Cappuccino.
We then went onto the IGA and stocked up with vegetables, fruit, meat and groceries for the next six weeks for when we head for the outback on wednesday.
Back and picked up the computer for it was nearly 3pm so back to camp. Most of the happy campers that we have met here and other areas are leaving in the morning so we will have a last happy hour with them before they head in many directions. It would be true to say we have enjoyed their company and friendship since we have arrived in Condobolin. Well, off to happy and enjoy their company and soak up the last rays of the beautiful sunshine and recharge the computer. It is good to be able to use it again for we thought it may have been weeks before we could get a replacement unit. Good old Condo!

Tuesday the 20th of June
It was a good happy hour last night with the setting sun and saying farewell to the happy campers that were leaving today. This morning I did not go for a walk just lit the firepot for breakfast. There was a heavy fog and you could just see the water fowls going about their business of finding food amongst the weed. The sun was trying to break through the fog and in the dead tree was Corella's that were quiet for a change. That would change later when the sun finally dissipated the fog and light frost. Lit the firepot for the last time here and boiled the kettle and cooked the toast.
Then it was time to get the clothes line up and out with the generator and washing machine for Liz is doing a final wash of the sheets etc before we move off in the morning towards Mt Hope. There were just a few things we required from the IGA so went into town plus generator fuel and then back to camp for lunch. The rest of the day was spent cleaning our gear and packing away the gear we had been using over the previous days. So there is no touring as we had planned before break down of gear etc. Cut some wood this morning with the chainsaw and before finishing the job it cut out and would not start so checked all the obvious things that could go wrong. It may require a trip to the chainsaw doctor somewhere up the road.
We had our final happy hour up on the bank near the lake. It was amazing we had virtually the campground to ourselves unless they come in after dark. Hopefully we will have another sunset like last night and we were alone given that friends and others we met left this morning. We are looking forward to moving on and seeing more of the country.

Wednesday the 21st of June
A very cold morning on going outside. I did not walk far at all not wanting to work up a sweat and then face the very cold weather. We went around and ensured we were ready to pull out this morning from Gum Bend Lake camp ground. We said farewell to those happy campers that were up and about. We can not give enough accolades to the Lachlan Shire Council for what they supply for the travelling public with the facilities cleaned daily etc. We went off to top up the diesel tank at $1.25.9 and on paying for our purchase he knocked off $8 which was a real bonus. Being the distributor he is able to do that. Whilst there he gave us the information on how to get to Mt Hope which is different to what the GPS was wanting us to do.
We drove back into the town and hooked up the Terios and we were on our way taking the turn to West Euabalong. The going was easy with no wind and the sun was shining brightly though the outside temperature was only 10 degrees.
We were enjoying the drive for the countryside was colourful and we were to see plenty of cotton on the side of the road. In fact we passed two trucks coming at us that were loaded with the cotton bales.
We were to see plenty of channels for water for this water hungry crop and then we were to see paddocks of cotton baled awaiting shipment to market. We were to note on one section of the highway that there was saltbush and plenty of it though it only lasted for a kilometre or so. Then we couldn't believe it we came across traffic lights in the middle of nowhere where roadwork's were occurring. The gravel section was very wet so we just crawled through.

We finally arrived at Euabalong West which had only a few houses that seemed to be run down and the towns claim to fame is that it is a grain receiving centre and there is not much more to it.
We turned onto the Tipping Way and we went through farm country both cotton and wheat and no doubt other grains. The trees alongside the road were Cyprus Pines and their green looked good when combined with the gum trees. We climbed many small hills wherein there was no need to come out of six gear. Again the scenery was great and we both remarked how well the country side looked. We drove past many large farms and there were plenty of cattle and sheep feeding on the greenery. We came across a bit of road kill mainly large Kangaroo's though we were to see one black pig that had been hit and as usual the crows were feeding on the kangaroo's leaving the pig alone.
We were to come of a plateau and before us were mountains and plenty of trees and the large paddock of what we assumed to be wheat. It looked very nice indeed.
We came to the end of the Tipping Way and turned onto the Kidman Way on our way to Cobar. When we turned we were to come across the Mt Hope Hotel and as we recalled we stopped down in the recreation area around 10 years ago. Mt Hope was the scene of gold mining until it petered out and now there is only the hotel and three houses with a population of 10 and a dog population of around 30. Though it is early afternoon we have decided to stop here and we plugged into power for which they ask for a donation. There are hot showers that are run by solar power so we will have our showers this afternoon. Tonight we are going up to the hotel for our evening meal plus a few frothy's and then will watch the State of Origin rugby game before coming home to our electric blankets.
Kilometres travelled 151

Thursday the 22nd of June
It was a pleasant night as we wandered up to the Royal Hotel in Mt Hope last night. The main purpose was to watch the State of Origin rugby match. When we went inside the bar which is unusual in that the bench top and the sides are all painted concrete. The town had swollen from 10 people to more than forty which included miners, drillers and farm hands plus road train drivers who had stopped for a shower and a meal. We had our meal which consisted of seafood basket for each of us. Though there was no basket. The meal was excellent and exceeded what we thought may apply. There is no doubt about the outback they now how to feed their people. We downed a few schooners and glasses of wine until the match ended with Queensland winning by two points.

This morning was mild and we did not feel cold at all and the sun was shining brightly with no frost or fog. We had breakfast and then we were underway along the Kidman Way on the way to Cobar. The going was easy once again with no wind and the outside temperature at 10.15 showing 13 degrees and would warm to around 22 degrees later in the day.
There were a few road trains though they were all heading south and did not cause a problem. Along the way we were to see many herds of goats and out in the green paddocks there were plenty of kangaroo's feeding on the green grass alongside the cattle.
It was a little cloudy ahead though it would not cause a problem and it was obvious there would be no rain today. We finally arrived at the Cobar Rest Area and we parked up and took the Terios off the motorhome. First we drove down to where we normally camp at the old dam town water supply and there was only one happy camper and none in the area we would normally park.
We then drove up to the mine lookout where you can see all over Cobar and down into the open cut mine that has a large tunnel going into the side of the mountain. We were to only see one four wheel drive heading underground.
We then drove into the town centre and had a look in Vinnies where we purchased more books and then over to the supermarket and purchased sour cream for spuds done on the fire further up the road.
To the chemist to get one script filled for Liz. It was nearly 2pm when we decided to have a Subway washed down with a cappuccino and Liz had a 6 inch and me little piggy had a 12 inch all very nice indeed. On the way back to the car we noted that one hotel advertised that its verandah is the longest in Australia and it is long though not all hotel there are many small shops also under the verandah.
We had been told about another camp spot up by the hospital so we drove up for a look see and lo and behold they were lined up just like Theodore in Queensland. Not our cup of tea I am afraid. We checked the service station for fuel prices and then headed back to camp.
We hooked the car to the motorhome for tomorrow we are heading off to Bourke. We then walked across to the park which is dedicated to mining industry in the past we relaxed in the late afternoon sun and then went back to the motorhome. Tonight we will watch the AFL football before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 162

Friday the 23rd of June
It was a sunny morning though we could see clouds in the distance, though they did not appear to be rain clouds. We had our breakfast and Liz went off to the bank to replenish our funds. Then into the service station where we took on fuel at $1.31.9 cents a litre, the dearest we have paid since leaving home. Then back onto the Kidman Way making our way to Bourke. The going was easy with not much traffic and the road trains were heading south so they were not a worry. There no wind again and it appeared that we would eventually drive out of the cloud cover which we did and into brilliant sunshine. So much so that it was time to strip to the trackies and singlet. Along the way we were to see many wild goats feeding on the greenery alongside the road and we saw our first Emu for this year.
It happening again in the middle of nowhere we were to find traffic lights which of course was red. We sat there for at least 15 minutes waiting for it to turn green and when it did we were only allowed to do 40 kph. It was some 6 kilometres up the highway that we were to see the machinery in action rebuilding the verges of the road on both sides.

Along the way we were to see plenty of cotton that had come off the loads the trucks were carrying and in some places it was very thick. We finally arrived in Bourke who advertise that they are the gateway to the outback. We drove down the main street of the shopping centre and stopped at the IGA for we thought we had everything yesterday though we had not factored in the need for toppings for the Pizza's we will cook on the webber baby Q when we arrive at Yowah. That and few other things and then up the main street and into the cheapo shop and Liz was to buy a few things and then onto the post office to buy stamps.
We visited the hardware stores and the Retravision store looking for a saucepan to no avail. We then walked down to the Darling River and took in the sights which included the main wharf area that used to be used for river paddle steamers. Wouldn't you know it the trees were full of squawking Corella's. We were just in time to look at the old 1923 Crossley fuel fired stationary engine that was first used until 1928 at the Sydney power house for electrical power generation and then sold on to Allowrie Butter Factory at Coffs Harbour and then to a Narromine Property for the pumping of water. In 2001 the Bourke shire council bought and a local restored it to working condition once again. They start it up for tourists for 30 minutes a day from Monday to Friday. It is easy to see that it is old though in excellent working order.
We then back to the motorhome and then started out journey to North Bourke where we will stop for tonight before moving on in the morning. We went for a walk over the old Bourke lift bridge and looked down upon the dirty Darling River then returned to the motorhome. We have just the heard the whistle of the old steam paddle steamer that takes tourists up the Darling River. I just cant be bothered sprinting to get a photo.
We sat out in the sun for the rest of the afternoon reading our books before coming in to cook our evening meal and to watch the footy tonight.
Kilometres travelled 170

Saturday the 24th of June
A few clouds in the sky after a warm night. This morning at 10.15am the temperature was 19 degrees and would rise to 24 degrees at its peak at 3.30pm.
We had our breakfast and then we were ready for today's travel, again we did not intend to travel far. Over the bridge and then into North Bourke we turned right onto the Mitchell Highway that would take us through to Cunnamulla. The going was easy with no wind again and the sun was streaming through the side window warming the cab up. There were a few interstate road trains and a lot of caravans that were heading north.
We were to see many more emu's today on the side of the highway and we were very careful for we did not want to run into one that may run across the road. We were to see our first Wedge Tailed Eagle in flight and it was a sight to behold, actually it was nearly run over by a road train for it waited to long to lift off from the kangaroo it was feeding on.
We were to see plenty of road kill kangaroo's and there were plenty of crows feeding on them also. We also saw many individual kangaroos along the way though mob's
The countryside was drying out and did not look as good as that ground further down south. We were to note small hills that consisted of red sand and not much else. We were to see a few cattle and they were near the water troughs. We arrived at Enngonia one of the last towns before the Queensland border. It consisted of just a few houses alongside the highway and not much more. We were then to drive through the last town in NSW Berrigun who boasted the last pub in NSW. Before we knew it we had arrived at the border between the two states and it would have been remiss of us if we did not take a photo of the welcome to Queensland sign. A few of the caravans that had passed us earlier on the highway were pulled up so we did and Liz boiled the kettle and we had cup of tea. Moving on we decided that we would call it a day at lunch time and so we only drove as far as the Tuen Waterhole, which is on the stock route. In previous years when we stopped here there was small dam fed by the artesian bore and we were able to catch yabby's. Now that is dry for they pump up into a large water tank that then feeds the two large water trough's. We set up and then gathered wood and lit a fire and came our barbeque set up and we boiled the kettle for our lunch. We kept the fire going as we intend to cook a silverside on the fire along our vegetables for our evening meal. After lunch we sat outside in the sun and watched the bird life fly into the water troughs for a drink. They were very skittish for when I moved at all with the camera they flew off and did not return. Maybe on dusk this evening we may be able to photograph what ever comes in for a drink. We came inside for there many pesky little fly's that were pestering the hell out of us. Set up the satellite dish to watch the football tonight. We intend to stay outside by the fire until the football starts and enjoy the quietness of the land.
Kilometres travelled 177

Sunday the 25th of June
We had a wonderful fire last night and the sunset was absolutely gorgeous we sat out late watching the stars that are so pronounced in outback Queensland. This morning it was a nice sunny morning with no wind and the temperature at 9am was 12 degrees and would rise to 25 degrees with just a slight breeze at 2 pm.
When we came outside we were to notice the Major Mitchell Galahs in both the trees and sitting on the water troughs drinking water. Some would fly out and then be replaced with a new set of drinkers. We were also to notice the bush pigeon and colourful cockatoo's who were also waiting their turn for water. It was beautiful to watch in the sunny conditions with the blue sky's in the background.
We had our breakfast and packed away the satellite dish and we were on our way to Cunnamulla some 70 kilometres further north.
The going was easy and we noticed the amount of caravans going south into the colder weather. Bully for them.
The countryside was very dry and we were to cross many creeks small and large and all were devoid of water and very sandy. We were to see large mobs of kangaroo's in paddocks well off the road making it more difficult to get a photo.

We were to see plenty of Emu's along the way and the crows were out in force feeding on the nights road kill of kangaroo. We have to say some of these bitumen highways are as rough if not rougher than a bad corrugated road. This was the case this morning even the road trains coming towards us had their rear trailers wandering around the road they must have taken some holding onto by the driver of the prime mover.
It wasn't long before we arrived at Cunnamulla and as we had checked the fuel prices on fuel watch we found the service station in the town was cheaper by 6 cents a litre than the rest so we pulled in and filled up at $1.26 cents a litre for diesel and then topped the Terios up at $1.29 per litre unleaded.
We then drove around to the tourist information centre and parked up. Then over to the newsagent and then into the coffee shop where Liz had a slice of cake and I had an egg and bacon roll. Then we washed them down with a cappuccino each. We then went walkabout and as you soon discover shops in outback Queensland do not generally open after noon Saturday and this was the same in Cunnamulla. We walked around to the rear of the Hotel and checked out the free stay and there was no happy campers there at all. The Hotel appeared to be closed so we walked back to the motorhome and took photo's of the Cunnamulla Fella. We decided to move on towards Eulo and find a bush camp.
We found another spot complete with water trough which must be once again on the stock route. We set up and gathered wood and lit the fire and boiled the kettle for our lunch. This was a first finding shade to sit in for it was very hot compared to what we have been used to over the past month or so.
We were to watch many caravans drive past and we were able to watch the kangaroo's come in for a drink in the trough. They were very skittish and usually one would would be on lookout duties and the other drinking. Luckily I was able to catch them both at the trough drinking. They seem to take on a lot of water before they hopped off, one looked to carrying a joey in her pouch.
We sat outside for the rest of the afternoon reading and watching the bird life come in for a drink and then we decided not to set up the satellite dish just cook our evening meal outside and sit out by the fire and watch the stars again tonight.
Kilometres travelled 92

Monday the 26th of June
We cooked our spuds and pumpkin on the coals of the fire last night and we ate outside for the pesky fly's had disappeared. Another good night by the fire watching the stars etc.This morning the sun was shining brightly and while were having breakfast we decided we would drive to Yowah today and set up. It means that we are three days earlier than planned though it is good now to be in warm outback country. We were to see the sheep and lambs come into the trough to drink and then they moved off. We noted that they were eating the branch's of the Mulga Tree for there was no grass to be seen.
We moved off and along the way to Eulo we saw mobs of kangaroo and the same amount of Emu's they would be result of the heavy rains last year. There was plenty of traffic on the road especially caravans coming the opposite way to us. We were to see a cow with her identical calves eating the lower branches of the Mulga tree's.

We arrived at Eulo and decided to pull up for a cappuccino the dearest yet at $5.70 a small cup. Whilst there I struck up a conversation with a local bloke and he informs me that the taste of the Mulga bush does not taint either the sheep meat or cattle. This time of the year they have nothing else to eat and when they eat the lower limbs the farmer comes along and cuts the tree down to allow the sheep and cattle to feed.
We were to note the large statue of the frilled lizard and each year they hold a lizard race complete with bookmakers. There was a bronze statue of something most unusual and then we were on our way again. We crossed the bridge and there were plenty of happy campers parked up in the rest area. The day was getting warmer and we shed out pullovers. We were to enjoy the double lane bitumen for the first fifty kilometres and then when we turned to take the road to Yowah we were on single bitumen road. The traffic was sparse so we only had to go off the road twice and on both occasions everyone slowed so as not shower each other with stones and rocks. We have not experienced this in previous years for it was in the gravel and they couldn't care less. So it was good to see the change.
We finally took the last turn and were heading to Yowah 25 kilometres away. Still plenty of kangaroos and emu's though very little road kill thus no crows.
We arrived at noon and were met by Mick and Len then we noted that Dawn and Les were here also. We did not go to the usual spot for if it rains we would get flooded out again.
We set up our camp with the sweat poring of us for the temperature was 25 degrees. We had our lunch outside in the shade and the rest of the afternoon was spent giving the final touches to our camp. I could only get a few television channels so we will put up the satellite dish later in the afternoon. Later we will have happy hour around the fire with Mick and Len before we cook our meal outside and then back to the fire and the starry sky.
Kilometres travelled 147

Tuesday the 27th of June
It was good sitting outside renewing our friendship with people we have met over the years at Yowah by the fire. The fire was great and as usual with the same old stretching of the truth. After a good nights sleep the fire was stoked and we boiled the kettle and cooked our toast on the community fire.
After breakfast we sat and discussed what we would do for the day which is absolutely nothing. The weather is cold with a few spots of rain and very overcast and cold.
We went for a drive around the community and nothing has changed other than 26 houses are for sale. We went to the caravan park and booked in for the three course dinner for Thursday night. Then out to Mitre 11 and had a look about though we did not come across any bargains.
We drove back to the Cafe where we had a cappuccino and watched two German Backpackers play chess on a rough board marked out like a chess board. They were using Lolly's as the pawns for the game. It looked most unusual. This was on the verandah and there was also Monopoly being played. There were a few of the locals just smoking away chatting about all and sundry.
When we finished our drink we went inside and checked out the arts and craft they had on display. The bulldozer looked great being built out of bits and pieces from around the mining sites. The the wood turning which was excellent especially given everything was created by locals using all local timber including the gidgee trees. It turns and polishes up fine and the grains are amazing.
We had a look at the landscaping that a young bloke was doing in front of the cafe and it will develop into something special for he is using local stone to build a Flintstone village amongst the various cacti. It is a credit to him and highlights the arts and craft ability that exists amongst the local community. It is now lunch time and we are finished for the day and we will sit by the fire after lunch and read our books and no doubt have a chinwag with the happy campers who are near us.

Wednesday the 28th of June
Last night we had an enjoyable time for we went to carpet bowls in the community centre. There were lot of locals and then people like us visiting the area. Sometimes we had trouble getting the bias right on the ball and the ball would roll off the rink to much laughter. We stopped after nine ends and had a cup of tea and a biscuit and spoke to all for they are a happy mob the locals and always pleased to see us. The teams members where changed around and we completed another nine ends and then packed up the gear until next week. We then walked home by torch light and off to bed after a good fun night.
This morning was a little overcast on the horizon though the sun was breaking through leaving nice colours. I hopped in the car and drove out to where I set the yabby traps at the 12 mile as they call it. Along the way I had a few kangaroos jump in front of the Terios though I was able to brake and avoid a collision. There were also a mob of sheep by the road though they were to cause no problems at all. The area where the yabby traps were set is very serene and quite colourful with the small gums and the mulga bush giving off a good colour not to mention the red soil.
I pulled the pots and one had nothing at all though the others made up for that. All told the catch was 15 nice sized blue claw yabby. I decided to leave the area alone for awhile so I packed up the yabby traps and placed them on the roof rack of the Terios for another day.
Started the firepot and boiled the kettle and then cooked the crumpets and settled in for breakfast. Then started cooking the yabby's. Liz was to do a bit of hand washing so up went a clothes line.
The rest of the morning was spent relaxing until the cattle started walking through the camp, some were drinking from the bore drain and then as quickly as they appeared they were gone.
We had our lunch and then set up the generator for the sun was a bit iffy and it hasn't been good solar charging for two days. Hooked up the charger for the waeco battery and then used the 240 power lead to the waeco to allow the battery to get full charge.
Liz was to plug in her tablet etc. We only allowed the generator to run for a couple of hours and then turned it off.
We went for a drive and drove to the Opal Bus that states " Lust in the dust" We did not go in for we would have been under pressure to buy opal which we have intention of doing. We admired the garden they have around the bus which is cactus of course for nothing else grows in this ground.
We noted the amount of happy campers arriving and it is still two weeks to the Opal Festival. We arrived back in camp and just bought the washing in and wound up the clothes line and and had lunch and relaxed until happy hour by the fire.

Thursday the 29th of June
We had our meal last night and then came out by the fire for the rain had stopped. The fire was nicely stoked and then it began to rain again. It was coming down in bucketfuls so we abandoned the fire and went inside the motorhome. It is not cold at all and indeed we have taken the blanket of the bed. There we were watching television and you could hear the rain getting heavier and then we lost the satellite signal thus no television. It only lasted for five minutes and the signal was back. It was then we decided to call it a day and went to bed to read out books.
During the night we awoke to the rain pounding on the roof of the motorhome though I did not get out of bed to see how our gear under the awning was going. We finally hopped out of bed around 8.15am.
We had run out of gas for the fridge during the night so the first item to be dealt with was the replacement and getting the fridge back on track. The gear outside had fared well and it was just a matter of clearing the drains that we had installed last night. The pink container was full of rain water and after breakfast I transferred two buckets full to our water storage tank in the motorhome.
Len had cut an old dead tree out of the nearby shrubbery and we placed that on the fire to burn and sat around for awhile before the rain returned. I had decided to start the generator to charge the battery in the motorhome and the battery in the Terios driving the waeco fridge. Liz was to charge up her tablet etc.
One of the happy campers we had met two days ago were having trouble with the batteries so we hooked a power lead to them from our generator to charge their batteries.
It had become very overcast and we noted the bush pigeons on the electrical wires and they were awaiting the rain again to wash them down. The sky was very dark and then the sun came out for around an hour before the heavy clouds were back. When we could we sat around the fire sometimes under our umbrella for the rain did not put our fire out for it was to hot.
Tonight we are going up to the restaurant at the caravan park for a three course meal for $20 per head. If they are as good as last year we will have not complaints. Oh well back outside to the fire again

Friday the 30th of June
We all strolled up to the restaurant last night and on the way we were to see a very beautiful sunset. When we arrived we sat on table one and downed a few frothy's whilst waiting for our meal. In the mean time they sold tickets for the well known Duck Race in the bore water drain. They tip all the ducks into the headwater of the bore drain and open a shutter and out they charge. All the ducks are numbered and the first three across the line are declared winners with prizes mostly of Opal. The last duck over also wins a prize.
The money raised goes to the flying doctor service as a donation from the town of Yowah.
We sat down and then it was meal time with the selection of soup either minestrone or chicken and corn chowder. Needless to say I had a bowl of each which was very nice though I thought the minestrone was the tastiest. The main was Roast chicken with five vegetables, cauliflower, carrots, beans, broccoli plus two baked potatoes. It was an excellent meal and returns were offered. The two german backpackers who are mining for opal put away enough food for four people.
For dessert we had chocolate cake and cream. Then we staggered off for home after an excellent meal and good company with plenty of laughter and gathering around the fire.
This morning the sun was shining and not a cloud in the sky. The main fire was restarted and we gathered around and had breakfast as a group with a few other happy campers joining in. A quick cleanup and then Liz was off to Bingo up at the hall and she came home with two small chocolates as a prize. Whilst Bingo was playing I went with Len to find a suitable place to cut wood for the big fire which we will cut this afternoon. Hopefully we do not work up to much of a sweat.

We had our lunch outside for it was a nice warm day and read our books for awhile. Then it was time to go and get wood for the community fire, that is those that camp near the same areas as previous years.
Len hooked on a trailer and then away we went and the idea is to cut down the dry gidgee wood. We chose a spot and Owen that has a larger chainsaw cut the tree down and then Len and I used our chain saws to cut it up. I didn't take long for the chain to go blunt on this tough old gidgee wood. I have never seen a tree that is so dense in the fibres so after the first load we then sharpened out chainsaws again. The next load was just as tough and again it did not take long to blunt the chain. Delivered that load back to camp then a local bloke offered to cut up a tree for us.
His chain was much larger and the chainsaw more powerful though after cutting up three quarters of the tree he had to stop and sharpen and tighten his chain. He had cut us another trailer of wood which was great and most appreciative. Back to camp and unloaded and then it was time for a shower to wash the dust and other much off us.
We gathered by the fire for happy hour and then it was time to have our evening meal. Tonight we are having chicken kebabs and salad washed down with a few frothy's. We will go inside to watch the football Sydney V Melbourne and then may come out by the fire dependant on the hour and how cold the night air is for Liz has the beginnings of a cold.