Thursday the 1st of August
It was really a good happy hour last night with Charlie entertaining many of the happy campers for a couple of hours. How many times have we came across grey nomads that have a talent for music and singing and are only to willing to put on an impromptu session for happy campers. They are a breed of their own especially when they do not ask for any reward other than appreciation of their talent.
Lit the fire this morning for breakfast and whilst cooking the toast I had a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo standing on the verge of the road hoping for a handout no doubt. When traffic came along it would fly off and return inside a minute, It sat there until we finished breakfast and then just flew away being disappointed about not being fed at all.

We relaxed for awhile and then it was time to bring out the washing machine and catch up on the sheets and clothes. I strung a line up between trees and then whilst Liz was washing I went to work refitting the mud flap that I had knocked off Digger yesterday whilst getting the wood. It took awhile for it was such a fiddley space you had to work in. No problems it was finally fixed and then we sat and read our books in the brilliant sunshine, the temperature at noon was 24 degrees Celsius and no breeze. We watched around 11 happy campers depart and by mid afternoon there were another 19 to replace them and no doubt they will keep coming in after dark looking for a spot. We noted today they were coming in groups of two's and three's.
We had a fellow come along who had a back pack with a dome dish and antenna holding a machine in his hand. He would walk around five metres take a reading and then place a large blue spot on the ground. When enquiring what he was doing he replied that the blue spots would have a sensor placed there in a few days so they could take seismic readings for coal or gas. They will make an underground explosion in a location just out of Moura and these sensors will take the readings.
After lunch we went and visited Mitre 11 and picked up some stove surrounds that we will use at home. We were a day late for other goodies for the bulldozer had piled it all up into a heap,this excluded household rubbish which was gathered in dumpster's to be later buried away from the site.
Relaxed for the rest of the afternoon in sun wearing shorts and singlet finally and showing a little sun burn. Liz was making hamburgers for our evening meal whilst I took down the clothes line and packed it away. Oh well, happy hour is here again and Charlie is setting up his music gear and happy campers are bringing there chair's for the performance this evening. We were to hear a happy camper tell another that they had been in this rest area for six weeks and will be here for awhile longer. I make no comment for I keep the politics out of this web site.
Another week gone by so we will watch the Marngrook Football Show again tonight before going off to bed to read, the temperature is still high and still wearing shorts and singlet.

Friday the 2nd of August
Charlie had the happy campers clapping at his performance at happy hour last night and again we were cooking on the fire by torchlight after a long happy hour.
This morning we were having our breakfast and counting the happy campers leaving this morning and they totaled 15 and by midday they had been replaced by other caravans and motorhome's, no doubt the late comers will arrive after dark. It was a pleasant morning with plenty of sunshine and no wind again. It was 19 degrees celsius by 10 am and it would get warmer later in the day.
I went with Charlie to Mitre 11 for a piece of pipe to support his satellite dish, we had no trouble locating a length and the council bloke allowed him to use a cutting grinder to cut to the exact length; which was a bonus.
It was lunch time so we decided to go into Moura and have fish and chips for lunch. First we went out to the cemetery to fill our water drums and whilst there we had a walk around the many head stones and looked for some history on the town through its early settlers. There must be another cemetery somewhere for those buried here have not been departed for long at all.
We then went for a drive to look at the housing around the village which isn't large given the coal and gas operations of the area. We cruised down one street and noted the nice palm trees in front of a house. As I slowed down to take a photo of the palms the bloke came out and asked were we looking for a lost dog. No, I said just taking a photo of your nice palms. No you are not! I asked why. Because they are mine and why do you want a photo. Because we think they are nice. Well you are not going to take a photo so expletive off!
I couldn't believe what was taking place so I took a photo anyway. Well the expletives that flowed forth he certainly outdone me at may best. Then Liz told me to look at the fences. I hadn't noticed before there was a 4 metre high cyclone fence all round the property and and then four separate strands of barbed wire on top of the fence as well. The crazy bloke was still sounding off and I was sickened by his tirades so I told him to get back inside his jail and he was still filling the air with expletives as we drove away.
We drove around the streets and noted that there was little fencing around other property's, there was plenty of nice palms and big air conditioners on all of the housed for it gets very hot in summer here we are told.

We came back to the shopping centre and while I was talking to a couple of locals Liz went to the paper shop. Liz was laughing when she came back indicating that the woman in the newsagent had stated that we had indeed met Arthur commonly known as Crazy Arthur who believed the end of the world is imminent and he has fortified his property to keep out all people when this happens. Trust us to run into a crazy bloke.
We didn't have fish and chips for lunch for there is no dedicated fish and chip shop. We went into a cafe and they would do two pieces of fish and chips for $25 so we ended up at the bakery and bought pies. We went down to the local lions park and ate them in the sunny conditions though there were clouds appearing.
Back to camp and told a few happy campers about crazy Arthur and they said they had received the same response when pulling up to admire the palm trees and they also noted the high fences along with the barbed wire.
There were many happy campers that had arrived while we were away so we were introduced to those around us and then it was time for happy hour with charlie once again getting out his music system and treating all to more of his music and he doesn't sing the same songs the next day though some asked for a song from yesterday they liked.
Hamburgers tonight for we had bought the rolls at IGA and again we expect it will be dark when we cook and eat them outside before going into watching the Geelong V North Melbourne game. Last night the digital television had failed so I had to set up the satellite dish in the dark and missed a portion of the Marngrook football show.

Saturday the 3rd of August
Charlie was to entertain us again with his fine music and singing last night. We cooked our meal on the firepot last night and consumed it by the fire watching the beautiful star lit night and especially the Southern Cross that appeared to be overhead. We were also to see satellites crossing the sky very fast as well.
I was awoken this morning around 6 am with the fridge trying to light itself. Yes, it was out of gas so out of bed and changed gas bottles over and then it wasn't worth going back to bed.
We sat by the firepot this morning and consumed our breakfast of Bacon and Eggs plus Toast washed down with a cup of tea. This seems to be occurring nearly every saturday this type of breakfast. It was a beautiful sunny morning with no wind and the day was warming up to 25 degrees celsius with no clouds and blue sky.
After breakfast we noticed a couple of caravans come into the area and we recognised them from the Barcaldine Rest Area. We went over and it was them so we chatted for quite awhile before coming back.
Liz decided to do some washing so out came the washing machine and Liz stripped the bed and included sheets in the wash for it may be awhile before we get a chance to use the machine again.
We then sat around reading our books with me in shorts and singlet and I am starting to brown up on the legs. Charlie and John came over and we had a discussion about politics in a jocular manner.

Lunch time arrived and after lunch we decided to go down to the river for it was getting hot. So I took my rod and lures down to see if I could catch a fish and Liz her craft work. We chose a shady spot and it was nice watching the swallows building their nests under the bridge decking and the swallows coming in to the bank to pick up more mud for the nest construction. There was a lone wood duck and I was able to get very close to it before it started to move off it is strange to see only one. With no luck with the fishing after an hour or so I laid down on the grass and was nodding off when what sounded like an outboard motor revving bought me to life.
I turned out to be a model speed boat and boy couldn't it move spraying a rooster tail behind it. It kept us entertained for awhile some one on the bank must have been enjoying it for it came into the bank only once to refuel.
We then packed up and moved back to camp and it was very hot so we went around to the opposite side of the motorhome into the shade and read magazines that we had exchanged.
Charlie is going to entertain us again tonight with his music and singing something we will miss when we move on. Due to a large breakfast and lunch we are only having noodles for our evening meal and then will go outside by the fire and hopefully a starry night again before coming in to watch the Brisbane V St Kilda footy game and maybe go back outside.
Well off to happy hour not having a great deal today and certainly not going into Moura at all.

Sunday the 4th of August
Another warm night and the same weather conditions as the past couple of days, that is brilliant sunshine and beautiful blue sky's. I was out of bed again at 7.30 am and lit the firepot to cook breakfast. Liz was having cereal and I opted for toast with sardines and of course the mandatory cup of tea. I kept the fire ticking over for we are having a hot lunch today and just a lazy evening meal.
We need eggs and bacon plus bread so we decided to go into Moura to get these from IGA. We loaded our water drums and then the toilet cassette to take to the dump point leaving us a good start with minimum stops in the morning as we head south and home.
It didn't work out quite like that for we were able to get water from the filtration plant which had a strong chlorine smell about it and then onto the dump point. Now when we pulled into the shopping centre the only shop open was the newsagent, so we bought the sunday paper, the rest of the shops were closed so we will need to stop in the morning at the IGA.
We noted the bottle trees in one of the roundabout's and they looked good and so then we decided to go and have another look at Crazy Arthur's place and we noted this time that on top of the entrance gate there were camera's that took in the entire perimeter of the property. Very strange indeed.
We drove around other sections of the town and it was bigger than we first thought with nice gardens and plenty of palm trees giving shade. We noted the hospital and RSL plus the Bowls club and they were all large. Then back to camp.
We were to cook the silverside and steam vegetables on the fire pot and making sure that the silverside was just cooking on a gentle simmer. When the silverside was cooked we then stoked up the fire and allowed the vegetables to steam at a higher rate.
It was a wonderful dinner the silverside just melted in your mouth I was frightened that I may have cooked it to fast, though that wasn't the case. The dinner was nice though it was hot and a salad would have probably sufficed.
After lunch we started to pack for our departure tomorrow and first down came the fire pot followed by the satellite dish so over the next two hours things were packed away. We would stop now and again to have a chat to fellow happy campers.
I noted some of the tools people were using to pull tent pegs and also equipment for changing wheels etc which made the task easier, this attracted a few more happy campers so many comments were made. I would have liked to have all the tools that were on display so I took the information and maybe further down the road who knows.
It is happy hour again and we have declared it an alcohol free day so we may suffer a bit of a Chiacking when they see us drinking coffee.
No television tonight we may sit out under the stars or come inside and watch a movie from the memory stick. and then off to bed after another top camping day.

Monday the 5th of August
We were out of bed at 6.30 am this morning and straight over to the shower, at 1 dollar you had to be quick for the hot water did not last long. Though over the past few days we became accustomed on how long you had before the hot water run out. When the hot water run out you had cold water only and at this time of the morning the last thing you needed was cold water.
We had our breakfast and came down off the blocks and then hooked Digger up ready to depart this delightful rest area and the happy campers we have met and befriended over the past few days.
We said our farewells especially to Charlie and Helen and John and Millie plus a few others we had met yesterday whose names elude us. So it was use the old standby of "Mate"
It was such a good morning again with sunshine and blue sky's as the photo's attest.
First we filled with diesel at $1.59.9 cents a litre and then around to the shopping centre for eggs, bacon and bread and a few items such as banana's at $1.86 cents a kilo and cheese at $6.95 for a kilo block. Then off to the chemist to fill a few prescriptions and we were on our way further south,
We had heard so much about the rest area at Theodore that we decided we would drop in and have a look as it was only 58 kilometres down the highway.
When we were to turn onto the road to Theodore we noted the Cotton Gin and in the background the mullock heaps of the coal mines. I just cant believe they do not have to put the mullock back into the ground just regenerate. So you have these man made mountains on flat ground and huge holes on the other.

The going was good though the bitumen was a bit on the narrow side and luckily we did not strike much traffic. We were to pass many wetlands and I couldn't be bothered to stop to take photo's I tried to catch them whilst driving and unfortunately they came out blurred. We were now in cattle and cropping country though the land was dry and they had in some areas those plantations of small trees they plant to feed the cattle when the dry is on.
We were to pass more coal mines which we could see in the distance and finally we came across one that straddled both sides of the road and you could see the very large Dragline and in foreground was drilling machines preparing to explode the coal seam where they had removed the overburden from. We were lucky to see the working's for at other mines all we see in the huge hills of mullock. The dragline is monstrous and the there were many dump trucks trundling back and forth with either overburden or coal. Then we had to go under a 5.5 meter overpass which the mine was using as there coal road. It was an erie feeling driving through and out the other side, for night time use there were lights overhead in the tunnel.

We finally arrived at Theodore after joining up with the Leichhardt Highway. We ignored the turn off towards Taroom and drove down the main street looking for the rest area we have heard so much about. First the GPS gave us directions across the river and we had to ignore that and come back into the town centre and we finally found the rest area that so many rave on about. Well we weren't impressed they park nose to tail along the riverside and a few up near the road. Being shaded by trees would mean that generators would be going for most of the night. We were to note the wheat silo's and storage sheds on the outskirts of the town and then we came across plenty of hectares of wheat nearly full grown and other crops just starting to grow. We noted that there were plenty of irrigation channels and they must get there water from the Dawson River.
We headed out of Theodore and headed towards our selected stay for the night at Chain of Lagoons just short of Taroom. We could see mountains in the distance and the closer we came we noted that we were back in cattle country with a few of the cattle stations advertising they had Brahman Stud bulls etc. We finally came to the climb up into the mountains and once again I was impressed the way the motorhome performs for I only had to come back to 5th gear on two occasions. I would think it would be using more diesel though sitting there in shorts and singlet it was easy driving not like the old motorhome that gave me arm muscles. Liz was to remark that I looked like a truck driver in my shorts and singlet the only thing missing she said was that I was not wearing thongs.
Coming down off the mountain was a bit hairy for there were signs indicating that there had been 8 caravans wrecked through inattention and still counting. The sign was right some of the bends and descent was hairy if you were not careful.
We finally arrived at the rest area for the night and there were only two caravans when we pulled up. The area is beside a small lagoon and there are plenty of trees that block the sun from the solar panels. We chose to park near the road and by 3.30 pm we had lost the sun off the solar panels due to the amount of trees. We will not have to run a generator though I am betting those down by the lagoon bank probably will tonight. Their prerogative of course, I did not worry about the satellite dish for it will be probably full of electioneering material and so forth. We took a stroll around the area and the lagoon is picturesque and then down to the wetlands where the birdlife took off as soon as arrived, back to camp and watch four Unimogs come in and we had a chat to them and they are off to Cape York. We may watch another movie tonight after our cold silverside with salad before going off to bed.
Kilometres travelled 153 co-ordinates S 25-31-08 ......................E 149-46-37

Tuesday the 6th of August
We arose a little later this morning with both Liz and I then going for a walk to check out the lagoon and wet lands before we had breakfast. We were on the road towards Taroom at around 9.30 am. It was a little chilly this morning and as we travelled along the sun was to warm the motorhome and with blue sky's again it was great looking at the various types of farming from cattle to crops. There was a lot of traffic coming toward us and mainly interstate trucks. We arrived at Taroom and noticed it was just a small rural village. We drove around the village and took in the sights and whilst there we used there dump point.
Back on the road and we were climbing ever so steady and when getting to the top we noticed the sign stated that we were crossing the Great Dividing Range once again. From the top the scenery was excellent with the different colours making it a magical landscape. We came to the small village of Juandah and we could hear various width sizes of vehicles coming towards us and was surprised to hear a width of 7.5 metres for this would take up all the both lanes of the highway.
We were to come across the two of them at Juandah Creek and we were able to get right off the road. They had four escorts all up two of those were police cars. They went past us at about 100 kph and I couldn't believe the speed and sure enough they needed the whole highway. After that there were three more transporters carrying dump trucks of 5.5 metres which we only had to get over to the edge of the highway without stopping. There were many caravans heading north and plenty of interstate trucks as well.

We were to see plenty of Prickly Pear (Cactus) along the way and the Cyprus Pines were starting to appear so I suppose we are not all that far from the border with NSW. We were to see a few other small villages that had grain silo's and there was plenty of wheat in the paddocks along with the first crop of Canola we have seen this year. We finally arrived at Miles and we drove through to go to our rest area 6 kilometres out from town. We pulled in near the Weir and noted that there was a Cyprus Pine forest nearby and that would block out the sun mid afternoon off the solar panels.
After setting up we went in Digger back into Miles to have a look around. They have a lovely old village from the early days of horse and dray which they have put together behind the Information Centre. We noted the caravan parks in the main street and noticed the lack of parking for caravans for they had built so many cabins. We were to note around the town there was a lot of building of houses and accommodation plus there were many accommodation Donga's set out in rows as single men's quarters we can only assume that either coal or gas is big in the area or there may be new mining about to begin.
We bought a cooked chicken for our evening meal tonight and used a small amount to fill our rolls for we did not have lunch until after 2pm. The temperature has risen to 25 degrees Celsius so all windows and vents are open in the motorhome catching the small breeze off the weir.
We went for a walk along the weir late in the afternoon before coming inside for our meal. Many happy campers were to arrive though they do not seem all that friendly. In all it has been another good day.
Kilometres travelled 160 co-ordinates S26-42-33..........................E150-10-46

Wednesday the 7th of August
Before breakfast Liz went for a walk for about 30 minutes while I took a photo of our overnight camp and then photo's of the Weir and the lone Pelican. During breakfast we discussed the camping spot and both of us thought that it was not one of the best we had been at.
We departed around 9.30 am and just before we entered the Leichhardt Highway we hooked up Digger and then we were on our way, that is until the truck computer told us to check the towing electrical hitch. Out and gave the plugs a bit of a wobble which the computer accepted then we were on our way towards Goondawindi.
Liz indicated there was rest area on the Caliguel Lagoon just out of Condamine that we should look so the GPS was set to that destination. We were finding the going easy this morning though there more wide loads coming towards us. We had plenty of warning through the UHF. before we knew it we were turning into Condamine and the Lagoon was only 4 kilometres off the highway so we decided to stay there a couple of days if the area was OK.
When we pulled into the rest area we noted the modern toilet facilities and the lagoon that was wider than the Gill Weir. We went walkabout and discovered that Gary and Genevene were camped here with a couple of their friends from Nanango. We had a bit of a chat and then we set up close by.
We had our lunch and waited for the day to cool before going to get wood for our fire over the next couple of days, poor old Digger had to act as a work horse once again. I have to say this Queensland dry wood really blunts the chain and it is nothing to see sparks flying off the wood. I had sharpened the chain and it was to last no time at all for the wood was hollow and it contained dirt.
We thought that the area was quite nice and certainly good for solar panels and there are only around 10 happy campers settled in and there is still plenty of room available. We were to note that around 150 noisy Corella's flying back and forwards most of the afternoon making the usual noisy screeching , there were also three pelicans working the waters. I made a few enquiries and found that no fish had been caught.
Happy hour arrived so we joined Gary and Genevene and their Queensland friends and for a change I settled for a cup of tea and Liz had a couple of glasses of wine. We all had a good chat before coming inside for our evening meal. We haven't bothered to light a fire we will start those in the morning.
As there is no local television available we may watch another movie this evening and set up the satellite dish in the morning.
Kilometres travelled 38 co-ordinates S 26-59-01.........................E 150-06-40

Thursday the 8th of August
Awoke to the squawking Corella's there must be hundreds of them chewing the leaves off the gum trees and a few of the trees look like they are dying. Lit the fire for breakfast and placed the tripod over it and then filled the kettle and hung it off the chain and in no time at all the kettle was boiling. There were nice hot coals so it was no problem cooking the toast. Liz again this morning went for a walk and was away about 40 minutes, who knows I might start walking soon.
I put the awning out and the table and no sooner had I done that when the breeze became very strong though luckily we were side on so it just rocked the motorhome a little.
Gary and Genevene left this morning with their friends from Queensland bound for Meandarra, we will stop here now until Monday then onto Goondawindi.
Liz was to do a bit of hand washing and in this breeze it wont take long to dry. This is certainly a good camping area and there were more happy campers come in during the afternoon. Since we couldn't receive television I set up the satellite dish so as we could watch the Marngrook Football Show tonight, doesn't a week go quickly for it is time for football again. It was to get very windy so much so that the Corella's had trouble holding on in the trees and haven't they certainly destroyed the box gums near the river. We had a couple of happy campers come over at happy hour and we had a good old chat and were surprised when one couple indicated that they were in Melbourne two day's ago and yesterday they had driven for over 9 hours towing their caravan.
I decided to put two yabbie pots in the water to see what happens though given the wind the lagoon waters are probably cold and besides I would imagine that the banks near the rest area would be well fished out.
Another camper put his pots in as well so it will interesting to see what the morning brings.
Out came the camp oven and Liz was to use the last of our cryovaced mince from Charleville and made a beautiful curry stew with all the veggies etc and we had it on a nice bed of rice and as usual I pigged out.
We just relaxed inside waiting for the footy show and read our books until the start. It is strange we are going off television a little and even to tonight it is to windy to sit out by the fire it is much warmer inside the motorhome.

Friday the 9th of August
This would have to be the coldest night that we have endured on this trip, after the high winds yesterday it started to cool around 6pm when we came in for our evening meal.
This morning no wind and 12 degrees at 7.30 am I couldn't believe it after last night though the sun had risen so it was warming the areas maybe. Lit the fire and put the kettle on the tripod to boil and then I went down to the lagoon to check the yabbie pots.
No luck though I was very surprised to see all the bait was gone and in past years I had not experienced this there was always bait left whether you caught or not. I spoke to the other bloke that had set last night and he had the same result no catch and no bait. I decided to put them in again and we will pull tonight and then place back in the lagoon overnight.
We cooked our toasting fork and then made the tea and settled in for breakfast. I may not be catching fish though this didn't stop me having sardines on my toast this morning. The morning was really pleasant and those noisy Corella's had not appeared on the scene they must be wreaking havoc on the local grain crops for we are in wheat country.
Many happy campers left this morning and the top end of the camping area is totally free for we can not fit any more near us or can we?

We threw our shower gear in Digger in the off chance of finding a hot shower to save using our own water. We also took the empty gas bottle plus water containers to fill. The drive was pleasant and as soon as we hit the Leichhardt Highway there were the trucks and plenty of them including those hauling wide loads the other day. They are now returning without loads though the trailers still took up the full lane plus and still had escorts, though no police.
Now who says we cant sniff a shower out! We spotted the sports ground that caters for the shooting range, horse carnivals and rodeos and the golf course and football ground, rugby of course. The water was disconnected and we met the council bloke who kindly turned the water on for us and we filled our water containers and then hopped under a nice hot shower spending more time under than when using ours due to lack of substantial water storage. I wish we had found this days ago and the council bloke who we befriended is going to leave the water on until we leave. Now aren't we spoilt.
We then went for a drive around Condamine and first parked near the bridge over the Condamine River. They have on display two old steel boats built with rivets that were used to cross the river in times of flood in the early to mid 1800's to secure food and mail and to cross to get the Cobb and Co Coach to other areas of Queensland.
We were to see the old pub and boy is it old though did not taste the grog within. Off to the supermarket come service station and cafe the only one in the town and we only purchased a paper.
Went looking for a gas refill and lo and behold where was the gas refill station at the Seed and Tyre service centre now why didn't we guess that; it was silly of us to not know.
We went to another park to view the famous Condamine Bell or should we say replica. The local blacksmith in the mid 1800's devised these small bells to place around the head of cattle in flood times to make them easier to find all the drover did on his horse was to listen for the ringing bell around the cattle's neck. The locals are very proud of their bell and the history behind it. The blacksmith who devised and invented the bell left the area in 1865 though his work was carried on by others.
Back to camp and spent the afternoon reading and talking to other happy campers that we have come to know.
Happy hour arrived and a couple of happy campers came over and shared our fire as the day was getting cooler we swapped camp areas in various parts of NSW and Queensland and other camping tips which made for an enjoyable happy hour. We stoked the fire up and out came the camp oven and we warmed up garlic bread for our evening meal along with potatoes in alfoil cooked on the fire and used the last of our mince curry and other fillings. We came inside to eat and watch the 7pm news from Tassie and then watched the Hawthorn V St Kilda game which no doubt Hawthorn will win easily. I really am not impressed where my beloved Saints are at the moment.
Off to bed to read our books after the footy and hopefully the night will not be as cold as it was last night.

Saturday the 10th of August
A mild evening and a pleasant morning welcomed us and for some reason the dreaded Corella's did not seem to present they appear around 10 am and it is obvious that mating season in upon them for they appear now to pairing up. Liz went for a walk again this morning and when she indicated that I should also walk I declined thank you very much.
Lit the fire and cooked our usual saturday morning breakfast of eggs and bacon plus toast and washed down with several cups of tea. Liz was to do a smalls wash and I tidied up the area and noted we may not have enough wood to last our departure.
Out with the chainsaw and cut a few dead limbs from trees nearby and then resharpened the chain and filled with oil and fuel. Liz happened to mention the air filter and when I thought about it had not been cleaned since I bought it two years ago. Pulled of the filter and its a wonder the chainsaw worked at all it was that dirty, however washed it in petrol and put it back together for our next camp where we need wood.
We sat around reading books and noticed the happy camper was pacing about and looking at the entrance to campgrounds, he indicated that he was waiting for his mate from canberra to arrive. They are also from canberra. Now there was a sight that I had not seen for some years.
Behind the Pajero was an aquavan a nice blue and white. At the moment they are using it as a caravan for it has all the usual caravan features which includes shower and toilet. How do I know all this? Well as soon they parked up I went over and sought permission to take photo's. The happy camper told me that he doesn't use it enough on water as a houseboat. I immediately thought of the Murray River and how good it would be to spend months on that river in this aquavan and maybe on Georges Bay back home. I noted it was driven by a four stroke 20 horsepower Honda outboard. They indicated that I could go over the this afternoon and look inside and I wont knock back that opportunity.
Time for lunch and then had a read of our books in the pleasant sunshine in shorts and singlet for me. At the moment the temperature is 24 degrees with a slight breeze and perfectly blue sky's.
After lunch we read our books and then had a poppy nap and it was happy hour before we knew it. Stoked up the fire and then everyone in the camping area came over and we enjoyed each others company for an hour or two. In all there were only only three caravans and one aquavan and our motorhome. It was getting dark at around 6.45 pm and so we put the tripod on the fire and cooked nice large lamb chops and of course our potatoes in the hot coals, Liz was to steam the rest of the vegetables and then we came inside for our meal.
On with the television and lo and behold there was the lead up to the Collingwood V Sydney football game so Liz is happy and after washing up we settled in to watch the game. This is great for the papers indicated that the game was supposed to be on the fox channel. After the game Liz will be either happy or a little deflated and so off to bed to read for awhile.

Sunday the 11th of August
A warm night and this morning we awoke to Kookaburra's, Crows and the dreaded Corella's all singing their tune at once. it was very noisy. The fire was still warm from last night so just threw a few sticks on and it was away again to do our breakfast and boil the kettle. It was 22 degrees at 10 am and would peak at 26 degrees around 2pm with little or no breeze we were heading for shade.
We packed out shower things and then into Digger and first into Condamine to buy the sunday courier mail and then back to our hot showers at the sports ground. Again they were very nice and then back to camp and Liz did a bit of washing so up went the clothes line.
The camp grounds were near empty and those around us are like us moving on in the morning and we are all going in different directions. We are the only ones heading into the colder weather.
We had our lunch and slowly started to pack and get Digger ready to pull out in the morning, then we just read in the shade though there are a few fly's around at the moment. Later in the afternoon we went down by the lagoon and took in the sights and thankfully the noisy Corella's have moved on to do their nesting no doubt.
Rick and Mick went up the road and dragged back a back log for the fire tonight which we will place on the fire just prior to happy hour.

Liz and I had only a cup of coffee for happy hour and others that gathered around the fire had the usual happy hour refreshment. We had a good old chat about fishing and the possibility of launching the Aquavan though Rick indicated that the water may not be deep enough to launch and retrieve. We came inside had our meal and then watched the leaders debate.
After this we went out by the fire for awhile and then inside and off to bed.

Monday the 12th of August
We both didn't sleep all that well last night though we were out of bed at 7 am this morning and had our breakfast inside the motorhome. When we were ready to go we hooked up Digger behind us and then went and said our farewells to the 8 happy campers that we had befriended over the past few days. We noted the warmth of the morning as we pulled out and at 25 degrees and it would climb to 31 degrees at Goondiwindi later in the day.
We had a stiff breeze behind us and the computer was telling us that we were achieving around 10 litre's per hundred Kilometres travelled, the best we have had yet. We were to pass lots of cattle in the paddocks especially Brahman and Liz's favourite colour grey. We reckon there were rice paddocks for the there were levees around the paddocks and water in the channels there also. Then we were into wheat country and as far as you could see there was wheat at various stages of growth. We were to pass through many small towns and the largest of them was Moonie where they advertise the oil production. Along the way we were to see large infestations of Prickly Pear (cactus) and in some areas they were growing their fruit which looks like a pear. In other areas they were having an eradication programme to try to destroy these pests.
Before we knew it we were arriving on the outskirts of Goondiwindi. We drove through he city centre and into the shell station and pulled on over 85 litre's of diesel at $1.54.9 cents a litre and whilst there Gary and Genevene came past and let it be known that they had also arrived.
After refueling we drove around to BI-LO and parked up and wandered back to the main street and our first port of call was the Reject Shop and strangely enough I didn't buy anything at all.

Then Gary and Genevene caught up with us and we then wandered the main street looking in the various shops and then noted the excellent old Victoria Hotel completely built of wood which must be very old and it really looked a classy hotel even given its age. Then we just couldn't help ourselves into Red Rooster and pigged out on chicken etc etc. When we came out we parted company to meet up later to travel down the Newell Highway together.
We then went into BI-LO and purchased mainly fruit and vegetables and bread to last us over the next few days and then we started to head out of town. We went across the old bridge which is not used for heavy traffic these days and of course once you cross the river you are in New South Wales. I missed the sign so we did a u turn and came back on the grass to take a photo and wait for the Thorpe's. I noted a motorhome that appeared to be doing the same as I and then I noted the number plates from Tassie and lo and behold it was Bluey from the tyre service back in Launceston. We had a good old natter and then it was time to hit the road and then we discovered as we turned onto the Newell Highway that we had the wind on the nose so the fuel consumption increased accordingly. Now every time we come into the NSW you can always bet you will come across the Highway Patrol police.
And that was the case when we came into Bogadilla, there were police going over a truck they had pulled up and then up further there was another police car who must have been pointing out who was coming into town and also I noted the speed camera that he was using.
Being a good boy I drove to the speed limit of 50 kph and then up to cruising speed after that. There were dozens of interstate trucks coming and going and a couple passed us and we were sitting on 90 kph and they just sailed past at a rate of knots. I noted the draft they created seemed to pull the motorhome in towards them. We pulled into the North Star Road rest area at around 3pm and decided that would do us for the night. It is a warm 31 degrees with really warm northerly breeze blowing so it was back into shorts and singlet in the shade whilst we caught up with the latest news from both Gary and Genevene and then happy hour today was just a cup of coffee and tonight we are only going to have a cold meat salad and the then read our books during the evening not even worrying about television.
Kilometres travelled 241 co-ordinates S28 50 26......................E150 13 34

Tuesday the 13th of August
We could hear the trucks coming in last night though they did not seem to affect our sleep to any degree. I was surprised how many were there this morning and also the amount of caravans and motorhome's that came in during the night. We had our breakfast and then we were on the road around 8.30 am bound for Moree. The wind had dropped off this morning and it wasn't long before it came onto our nose which meant the going was not all that easy. We were to pass many many fields of Canola and Wheat and then the fields set for cotton with there many channels to feed them water, being such a water hungry crop.
There were many interstate trucks heading north and they appeared to be in groups of four or more, the amount is enormous and they just keep coming. Needless to say with this much traffic on the road the road surface in some areas was quite rough with the bitumen somewhat damaged by the amount of heavy trucks. We were to see many crops of wheat and Canola and they stretched for a long long way out into the mountain ranges you could see in the distance.
We finally arrived in Moree and parked up and waited for Gary and Genevene to arrive. On there arrival we were to walk down the main street and took in the lovely old buildings and the hedges laid out in the streets to make it all the more attractive. We were to spend a fair amount of time just looking at the many different stores in the main street and finally after visiting Crazy Clarke's and then the Reject shop we stopped at a coffee shop and had a cappacino and blue berry muffins.
They were both excellent and so was the price though the experience was enough to warrant the morning enjoyment.
We were to go into several other shops though the purchases were minimal. Then onto Coles BI- LO to buy a few items to stock up for the next few weeks.

We enjoyed our stay in Moree and then we headed out looking for a rest area for the night. We were to pass many wheat silo's and storage sheds and many small towns that catered for farming ventures. The traffic was getting heavier and we were to see many wheat and cotton fields with a few Canola's crops along the way. The temperature today was a mild 20 degrees though very sunny with few clouds. We were to come across a fair bit of road works and given the condition of the highway there needs to be more, traffic lights held us up for awhile and now we were pushing a head wind on our way to our next rest area.
Unfortunately the road works had taken over the rest area that we envisaged we stay at so we pressed on and finally arrived at Edgeroi and pulled in and checked with the shop as to the rest area. We were informed that it was alright to camp for the night.
I was feeling terribly dry and the shop was also a alcohol outlet. So I purchased a long neck of XXXX and settled back in the afternoon sun to enjoy it. Four long necks later I was really enjoying the afternoon. There were a few happy campers come in when they saw us parked up and so we had a really nice happy hour or two. The sunset was really great and we decided to have fish and chips for our evening meal and they were great and I am sure the shop liked it for they not only sold long necks also a few bottles of wine and there were 4 happy campers that had fish and chips and the were really great. It was dark before we came inside after our meal and then we decided to read and watch television before going of to bed. Now if this part of the diary sounds a bit disjointed well blame four long necks and a can for that.
Kilometres travelled 165

Wednesday the 14th of August
We both slept like a log last night it may have something to do with the amount of alcohol consumed. We were to say farewell to the happy campers we had happy hour with last night and then we were on the road towards Gilgandra.
There were plenty of interstate trucks on the road and they seemed to come in waves of four to six with not a lot of space between them. We both agreed that most of the trucks were well presented with immaculate paint work and we especially like the colour of the Toll trucks and trailers,
We were to see plenty of grain, wheat and Canola growing on both parts of the highway and then before we knew it we were going through Narrabri. We did not stop for it was to early in the morning and there wasn't much difference to the town to when we came through here some years ago. It is a town that services the farming community with plenty of service centre's for farm tractors of various shapes and sizes.
The overnight trucks were starting to catch up with us and including one wide load of 3.9 metres wide which turned out to be a very large fibre glass cruiser, in the million dollar class of course. We were leaving the farming land and now going through State Forests where we were to see plenty of Cyprus Pine and plenty of gum trees and other bushes etc.
We were now climbing mountain ranges and as we say what goes up must come down. There were a couple of hilly climbs where we had to come back to fifth gear though the rest we were able to climb in sixth gear. We had plenty of climbing lanes which helped the interstate trucks and road trains pass, I was sitting on 90 kph and they were just going past much faster and pulling away.

It wasn't long before we saw the signs indicating that Coonabarabran was some few kilometres in the distance and in keeping with what the area is renowned for, there were RTA officers pulling up cars and trucks and checking for road worthiness. Like good little tourists we were waved through. We decided to pull up in the town to have a coffee break though when we drove up the main street it was all angle parking and the trees were bare of leaves. The temperature at 10.30 am was only 14 degrees and would climb to only 21 degrees in the late afternoon. We saw some vacant parking space though the sign said angle parking only for vehicles under 6 metres. There would have been straight parking some streets back from the main street though when we saw the Police pulling up people for breathalyser testing and another highway patrol car some hundreds of metres from the police blocks from the main street. I decided that we had enough of seeing these people operate in Coonabarabran that we decided to push on.
The road was getting much steeper and it was not slowing the trucks much at all, though we came across a couple of interstate trucks that had passed us earlier. The steepness of the climb was such that even though I had the opportunity to pass I elected to change down and follow them up the hill and not use the passing lane. Sure enough when they reached the top and started down they must have been doing well over 100 kph for they really pulled away from us. We caught up with them again at road works where a stop sign was in progress, when we received the go slow sign and 40 kph speed limit we moved off behind them and the roadwork's went for about 4 kilometres and waiting at the other end was plenty of traffic awaiting there turn to move on up north.
We had decided to stop at a rest area just before Gilgandra for a late lunch and stay for the night. When we arrived there it was so small that we elected to go into Gilgandra. We finished our meal and said our farewells once again to Garry and Genevene who are going over to the coast and then on down home. We went straight to the Caltex Roadhouse on the southern side of town and then refilled with diesel at $1.58.9 a litre. Whilst there we took the opportunity to use their showers at no cost for we are judged as truck drivers and they receive this service for free. That is one of the reasons there are so many of them stopping for a meal and shower. The shower was great and then we drove around to see the Myers. We spent some time with Mick and Todd catching up with family matters and future travels. Mick and wife are coming over to Tassie next year to tour about and no doubt will come and stay with us for a couple of days. We said our farewells and thought we would park close to the town and so we went to the showgrounds and spoke to a couple of blokes that were actually rebuilding the wheels for the gun carriage located at the RSL. What a mammoth task getting the spokes of the wheel just right. I spent an hour there mesmerised by the enormity of the job, which is a labour of love for them both. When we discovered they wanted $15 to park up with no toilet no shower or power we decided to move on and find a spot for the night further on. We travelled out towards Collie and found a rest area which will do us for the night. We have a television signal though poor reception for the phone.
Kilometres travelled today 274 co-ordinates S 31 39 28 ...............E 148 26 51

Thursday the 15th of August
Before we came inside last night at our rest area we checked it out to both ends and discovered a very large ants nest. We walked away for we did not want disturb them at all not knowing what type they were. We went off to bed at around 9.30 pm and were reading our books when a tremendous gust of wind really shook the motorhome and rattled the television ariel. I hopped out of bed and put the antenna down and went outside and the wind must have been gusting to at least 100kph, luckily we were facing into the wind.
When we awoke this morning there was no wind and the sky was blue and sunny. We had our breakfast and headed for one of our favourite spots on the weir just 55 kilometres away. The going was easy and as usual we were to see plenty of sheep in very green pastures and then we came across a mob of cattle in the long paddock and two drovers casually sitting astride their horses with not a worry in the world.

We came to the bridge over the river and then it wasn't long before we turned off the road noting the huge new water canal's that had been built to hold water for the growing of cotton and other crops. The road into the weir was a little rough especially the cattle grid which I went over slowly.
When we arrived at where we camped last year we were really shocked the whole area was mess of rubbish and beer cans and stubbies lying all over the place. Given that Liz normally would clean an area like this it was just beyond belief how much mess there was. Needless to say that I became quite angry to see such pristine area trashed in the manner that it was. The river was down a good 3 metres even though water was coming over the weir.
We started to set up for a few days to catch a murray cod or two and we just looked at each other and it didn't take long to agree that our disappointment was such that we decided not stay and travel the extra kilometres today to Condobolin. I was still angry when I spotted a couple of blokes and pulled up to discuss the mess they seemed to think it was the councils fault for not picking up the rubbish. They did not hold to the notion that if you bought it in then take the rubbish out when you leave. When I approached the cattle grid which was raised I was going to fast and the motorhome lifted and then came down on the pipe that carries my fishing rods. Not a problem for the day was to get worse later in the day.
So we set a course for Gum Bend Lake and travelled down past the Trangie Cotton Gin that had acres of baled cotton awaiting processing and then be shipped overseas. We noted many canal's used for growing purposes. We then did not take the short cut which have meant over 40 kilometres of gravel roads. We pressed on to Tullamore and noted the cleanliness of the town and then down to Albert and we pulled up at the Rabbit Trap Hotel to stretch the legs and have a look about. Back on the road and it wasn't long before we run into bitumen and then gravel then a new stretch that was being prepared for sealing with blue metal. Poor old Digger was to have dust and wet gravel thrown over it.
We then finally arrived at Condobolin and then out to Gum Bend Lake. Well there were plenty of happy campers though we found a spot near enough to where we camped last time which will give us plenty of sun for the solar panels.
We are now parked close to David and Sally and Sally come over when she spotted us and give us the run down on the area, they have been here since april this year with Sally working at the hospital. There are others that have been here for months also and there has been a few arguments along the way.
David came with me in Digger to get wood and out with the chain saw and away it went and then died and no amount of pulling would get it going. Back to camp and did a few things to it and it would start and then stop. Maybe out of petrol no I filled with oil and petrol after the last use. I checked anyway and thought that the petrol looked a bit yellow and then I checked the oil reservoir and found that it was petrol. I had done a good job filling the wrong tank with petrol and oil. Drained the tanks and filled correctly and it still wouldn't start so off came the carburetor and it was full of oil. Blew this out and with air from my compressor with the help of another happy camper and after a few pulls away it went, ready for tomorrow.
The top temptress today was 13 degrees and though sunny you could feel the difference from the 31 degrees we had at Goondiwindi a few days ago. Out with the satellite dish and then it was time for our evening meal and it was cold outside so needless to say we stayed in to eat and will watch the Marngrook Football show tonight, with the heater going no doubt.
Kilometres travelled 271

Friday the 16th of August
Oh my! it was minus 1 degree this morning outside and inside the motorhome it was 9 degrees. This would have to be the coldest morning since we left home on our travels. Went I went outside poor old Digger was covered in frost and ice, though this cleared away in the sunshine rather quickly. I lit the fire and really piled the wood on to keep warm while I boiled the billy and cooked the crumpets for our breakfast. Needless to say we ate inside with the heater going and looking out at the sunny morning.
There are more noisy Corella's here than we have previously seen along with a few Galah's. The water fowl were to leave the lake and venture up upon the shores of the lake eating and taking in the sunshine. There are literally hundreds of water fowl on the lake itself.
We went in Digger to get more wood for our stay here and we came across a nice old river red gum though hard to cut and split burns beautifully. We were to see the water intake for the Gumbend lake which is man made and apparently a metre below the original lake bottom is four metres of sand and the lake keeps draining away. The council have to every now and again pump water from the river. Back in camp I did not split much for I can do that over a few days. This morning Liz has gone off with Sally to Bingo and to op shops and whatever else they are going to do. Lunch time arrived so I had lunch on my own by the fire though a bit of wind has arisen. The happy campers tell me that high winds came through two days ago and wrecked two awnings completely and one camp had chairs outside and they recovered them except one. After lunch I just relaxed in the sun and read my book as well as watching other come in and set up camp.

Saturday the 17th of August
Liz was disappointed to see her beloved Magpies beaten last night. We were no sooner into bed than it started to rain very steady. Luckily I had covered wood with a tarp and this morning was able to light the fire easily to cook our breakfast of bacon and eggs.
There were a few happy campers depart this morning with others coming in later in the day. Out came the washing machine and as we are able to access water close by it was breeze and talking of breeze's that is how it is this morning with the clouds dissipating and a fine sunny day emerging. The ground must be dry for the radio this morning indicated that we had received 12 mills of rain during the night. The ground was dry and there is plenty of grass much more than we have seen in previous years.
Washing done and it was lunch time so stoked the fire up for a cuppa and then read our books for the rest of the afternoon. It has been a very lazy day more so for me, just stoked the fire up and then we cooked hamburgers and bacon for our meal this evening given the amount of food eaten last night.
Then after washing up we settled in to watch the West Coast Eagles V Geelong and then off to bed putting on an extra blanket for it is going to be a cold night.

Sunday the 18th of August
Out of bed at 2 am and put another doona on the bed it was that cold, however a slight breeze arose later in the morning which made the morning warmer with no dew or frost. The sun was shining and the birds were screeching again and the water fowl were feeding on the grass of the bank of the lake.
Liz was going into the dog show this morning to man a stall with Sally. Sally had gone off to work at 7am so Liz took David in Digger to man his stall. Liz indicated on her return that the Dog Show was elaborate and there were nearly one hundred gazebos where the dogs were groomed before doing there paces before the judges. Liz indicated there were many generators for the owners to blow dry their dogs before parading before the judges. One lady had Jack Russell's selling at $800 though Liz declined. The owners of these dogs pamper them and dress them to impress the crowds and judges. Liz indicated that there were plenty of people visiting for there was no entry fee and the stalls were doing a brisk business. Both David and Sally indicated that they had been very happy with the sale of goods.
While this was all happening I was back at camp taking in the morning sun using the Motorhome for shelter from the breeze while reading my kindle. I then noted that a few happy campers had moved on so I went and picked up the wood they had left behind and came back and used the chainsaw to cut it to length for the firepot. Then I sharpened the chain and filled with petrol and oil making sure they went in the correct tanks this time.
Lunch time arrived so boiled the kettle and then decided to have dry biscuits and cheese and ham for my lunch, I was just finishing when Liz arrived back from the dog show. Liz had her lunch and then tidied up and then we drove back into Condo and first checked the prices of fuel noting that the BP price for diesel had risen by two cents a litre since our arrival. Then onto the IGA to buy a few items and whilst there I bought a carton of XXXX. We were surprised at the prices of food for they were high compared to some other outback supermarkets. We then went around to Foodworks and noted the prices were cheaper for instance Tim Tams at IGA were $2.87 on special and Foodworks on special for $1.57 of course I couldn't help myself I bought two packets of the cheaper of the two. A carton of XXXX gold I purchased at IGA for $44.99 was $42.99 at foodworks and the price of food and meat was cheaper at Foodworks. I bought a long neck of XXXX gold which I am drinking whilst doing this part of the diary and it tastes a treat.
We had a bit of a drive around the streets for the shops were closed and then Liz suggested I drive over to the Dog Show to have a look at the pampered pets. I was surprised at the amount of gazebos that were erected and the people showing the dogs were in suits and tie's and woman the woman were well dressed as well.
My beloved St Kilda is playing the Sydney Swans and at the moment we are taking a beating.
We will cook our meal on the fire tonight and then come and watch a bit of television and then go off to bed and read our books most likely.
Another Tassie has come into the camping area and we have met them earlier in our travels though they through me for awhile for he has bought a new boat which he is towing back to Tassie. Good luck to them and I am now off to happy hour.

Monday the 19th of August
We awoke to rain this morning, though it is nice hearing it falling on the top of the motorhome it is quite soothing. We just rolled over and went back to sleep and then hopped out of bed around 8.30 am, the rain had stopped though it very overcast. We could see that there was blue sky coming and when it arrived we lit the fire and cooked our breakfast and consumed it outdoors. The motorhome was to shield the slight breeze that was blowing.
After breakfast I decided to take off the front wheel from the motorhome for it was wearing very much so on the outside of the tyre. I was assured that the vehicle had been wheel aligned before we bought it and that appears not to be the case. Well I have to say the equipment they give you, with the exception of the jack, is very poor quality. I was that concerned that I used a log of wood and small pieces of wood to support the wheel brace whilst undoing the wheel nuts.
Boy weren't the wheel nuts tight just as well I had decided to put a piece of pipe in the vehicle. I wouldn't have been able to loosen the wheel nuts without the extra leverage as it was I had to jump on the pipe to loosen them.
I threw the wheel in the back of Digger and then went to the tyre service and had them reverse the tyre on the rim, this makes me more relaxed knowing that the most of the tread is on the outside of the tyre and will get me home so as to get a wheel alignment and possibly a new tyre. Bought fuel for Digger and the paper and then returned back to camp.
On with the wheel and re tightened and then off the jack. I no sooner completed the task than the wind gusted and became showery. What a bit of good luck.
We had our lunch and then I carried our maintenance on the house batteries and then checked oils and water etc.
It was such a gusty windy day that we decided to go for a drive. First of all we visited Mitre 11 and picked up a few items that would come in handy especially the thermostat should we purchase a baby Q, an ariel to replace the broken one on Liz's radio and a few other bits and pieces.
It was still sunny though the sou-wester was cold and gusting. We took a drive out past the wheat silo's and storage. There were massive tarps covering huge mountains of wheat there must be hundreds and hundreds of tonnes awaiting shipment. Whilst we were watching a loader was filling twin trailers with wheat for the truck to cart away.
We drove further along the road near the train lines and we had to give away to a train that was long and carrying many containers, we went down a drive and it ended at a farm house and we noted the lovely daffodils and Liz commented how we are never home to see ours in bloom.
We drove past the sawmill and they sure have very small logs so they must have heaps of waste looking at the finished bundled product and the size of the waste heap.
We drove back through Condobolin and then back to the motorhome and went straight inside for the wind is far to cold to sit out in and there are no happy campers outside at all.
We had a cuppa and tonight we will cook our meal inside for obvious reasons and then relax with our books and catch the local Tassie news for we are told there has been massive flooding especially in the Kings Meadows area.
Then off to bed to read our books.

Tuesday the 20th of August
Hopped out of bed this morning and started the heater to warm the motorhome up for it was only 2 degrees. When I went outside to light the fire there was a cold sou-westerly wind and so I really stacked the fire with wood and in no time at all there was blazing fire.
The side of the motorhome protected us from the wind so we cooked breakfast and consumed it in the nice sunshine. Then for most of the morning we were to farewell four happy campers and then welcome another five and there is still oodles of room left in the camping section of the park. Liz and Lyn were to go into Condo to buy bread and the paper. We had met Andrew and Lyn at Yowah and they have opted to stay a few days until they are scheduled to catch the Spirit of Tasmania on Saturday. We were still piling the wood on to the fire get rid of the bad red gum and this afternoon we may look for a better type of timber to burn.

When they both returned we had our lunch and then just relaxed inside the motorhome and charged up a few items for the solar panels were really working well. We were to read the paper and then our books before deciding to go for a drive to the dump point.
We were to note that the show people were already setting up their rides etc for the Condobolin Show for it is on this Saturday and Sunday. They appear to be the same type of rides that were here last year and no doubt the locals will enjoy these and the various events that will take place during the weekend. We used the dump point and then drove around a little and then saw the sign on both sides of the bridge over the Lachlan River indicating that " Traffic is not to enter onto the bridge whilst horses are on the bridge" In other words the horses have right of way over the bridge. I had spotted a nice long limb on the way into town so on the way back we stopped to cut it up and place on Diggers roof racks. That is until I remembered that I had placed the chainsaw in the motorhome.
So Liz and I dragged it onto the roof racks and then tied it down with both ends of the limb sticking well past poor old Digger front and back. The back part of the limb was dragging on the ground as we went back to the camp.
We unloaded it off Digger and cut it with the chain saw into suitable lengths and packed one of the drums with some to take away for our next fire down the road. Now weren't we lucky I had just finished cutting the limb and there was a police car arrive, we could have been booked for travelling on a bike way and having a very over length load on Digger. No doubt the wood fairies must have been looking after us.
We stacked the wood away in the heap and then covered it with a tarp on the off chance of rain or heavy frost like we had this morning.
Our evening meal tonight is chicken soup with garlic bread. Liz made a large pot of chicken soup on the firepot and it was simmering away for most of the day before went into Condo and we will place back on the firepot to reheat.
Again tonight we will come in early for it is far to cold in the windy conditions for you would need four separate fires going with you in the middle to gain any warmth from the fire.
We will watch the Tassie news on the satellite dish this evening and see how the floods are going in the northern part of the state and settle in to either read or watch tellie for awhile before going off to bed. It had been a lazy old day after showering and the above events, again the water fowl had come onto the bank this morning to feed off something in the grass and they really do not move back to the water until you are very close, of course those noisy Corella's are still with us though we have gained one white domestic duck on the lake.

Wednesday the 21st of August
Was it cold this morning? it certainly was and to make matters worse the clouds were that thick the sun could not break through and the chilly sou/wester persisted. I had pullovers and jacket on plus beanie and it was still cold standing by the fire that had heaps of wood stacked on. We still had breakfast outside and the the Tassie's who were camped close to us came and said their farewells for they are on their way to Melbourne this morning. The new boat he is towing back home is costing $500 on top of the fare he has paid already.
Liz was to go on her walk around the lake again this morning and some say that it is 3 kilometres right around.
I drove poor old Digger up to the taps for the car was really dirty after being dragged through the road works from Tullamore. I took some cleaning then Liz arrived and chamoised down the paint work and now Digger looks a treat.
Then it was time to do the motorhome with just a bucket of water one squeegee and chamois. That was the hard part and when one side was completed I stopped for a cup of tea after all a man has to have smoko!
Then completed the other side and I was surprised how dirty the motorhome was; there is no doubt that white to some extent hides normal road grime.
Then it was lunch time and then after I took the stone guard up to the taps for it was full of mud from the roadwork's though it did no take much cleaning.
Then time for a poppy nap and then had a cuppa for happy hour for we are going up to the RSL for our evening meal this evening and Liz is also going to play bingo whilst I have a beer or two. Not a lot to talk about today for it is a another day of rest.

Thursday the 22nd of August
We had a really good evening at the RSL last night. We were to go with 8 other happy campers for the their Wednesday night chicken schnitzel or t-bone steak with salad or vegetables for $8. Liz and I elected to have the chicken schnitzel and a few other's had the steak. All were large servings and there was not one complaint about the food or quality. We bought tickets in the meat raffles though we were out of luck two other couples on our table between them won three meat trays and they were really good.
I was to have a few schooners of XXXX which I really enjoyed. Liz went off with Sally to play bingo with Liz winning a breakfast package a happy hour package and a small meat tray. While this was happening I went and had a game on the cursed poker machines though I won $20 so I went back to the bar and sank a few more schooners which included the four complimentary schooners. By the time the bingo was finished I was ready for home and bed. I took no rocking and did not worry about reading etc.
This morning was cold with that blessed wind and very overcast, Liz went for a walk around the lake and took a few photo's of the wet lands and birdlife. On her return the fire was lit and we boiled the billy and cooked the toast at least the motorhome was blocking the cold wind from us. The two Tasmanian's that came in yesterday left early this morning one towards Melbourne the other to Lake Callegio. We carried out the usual chores and then hopped into Digger and went for a drive into Condo. We drove past the show grounds and the carnies were had at it getting ready for the weekend show.
Then onto Vinnies for they were having a one dollar per item day and unfortunately they had only smaller sizes so we did not buy a great deal and then onto the IGA and made a couple of purchases this should ensure that there is not a further requirement to visit a supermarket before we arrive in Melbourne.
Back home and stoked up the fire had our lunch and then we went for a walk around the bottom of the lake out of the wind even though the sun was now out and the clouds had receded somewhat it was still a bit on the chilly side.
We had a poppy nap and then it was happy hour and a whole heap of happy campers gathered around the open fire well rugged up and we spoke of all and sundry.
We cooked our evening meal outside on the firepot though ate inside out of the wind. Tonight we will watch the Marngrook Football Show again and a bit more tellie before going off to bed to read our books before turning off the lights.

Friday the 23rd of August
Lit the fire for the sun was shining brightly and cooked our breakfast and listened to the radio for awhile and then went off and had our showers. I finished cutting wood to last us for the next few days before we depart. Liz and Sally went off to Bingo and I read my book for awhile finally having come indoors for the cold wind had risen and the clouds had blocked out the sun. I noted that another five happy campers left this morning some of them long termers who we probably sick of the cold wind and lack of sunshine.
Then I hopped into Digger and went into Condobolin first to fill the empty gas bottle the dearest yet at $18.50 for 4kg and then drove down around the show grounds and noted that the show had started and all the jumping castles and rides where in full swing. I drove down near the bridge and took a photo of the Lachlan River and bridge and noted the nice barbecue area with four gas barbecues available at no cost.
Then down into the main street and into the Newsagent for the paper and next door to the bakery where I bought day old rolls 12 of them for $1.50 and then drove around the various streets. It started to rain so I drove back to camp and near the camp the road was dry so the rain was 3 kilometres away.
Liz was still at bingo so I had pea and ham soup for lunch and two of the rolls that I bought. I was not going outside for I would need to wear more pullovers and coats so I stayed indoors and watched the bird life scratching around and as usual the magpies were warbling outside our door wanting us to through them bread scraps.
Liz arrived home at around 2 pm and had won two ten dollar vouchers which we will use for a sunday roast up at the RSL.
The rest of the afternoon was staying indoors and packing away our chairs etc for it will surely rain. We read our books until happy hour and invited a couple in to join for happy hour and it was nice and warm and we enjoyed it. Cooking inside tonight and it is easy meal night so we will have steak rolls and with all the fillings and then settle in to watch the Collingwood V West Coast game before going off to bed. Will probably use the diesel heater again tonight if it gets to cold.

Saturday the 24th of August
Out of bed at 7am and lit the fire for we are having our usual saturday breakfast fare of eggs, bacon and toast and a cuppa. We were to eat outside though it is cold still. You could say that we are getting acclimatised before arriving back home. After breakfast even though it was very overcast Liz decided to get the washing machine out and then up went the clothes line. As there was no sun for solar panels I switched on the battery charger whilst the washing machine was in operation. Before we knew it it was lunch time then we watched a few more happy campers come in and set up and then we settled in to read our books. The weather was still not good though no rain so the clothes were to dry and then down came the clothes line. We had lunch and then down came the clothes line and we read our books for awhile.

We decided to go for a drive in Digger to mainly warm up and have a look at the countryside. We were to see plenty of grain crops growing and there was a lot of cotton on the side of the road though we do not know where they are growing cotton in this area.
We drove out 35 kilometres on the road to Parkes and then turned down Mulgutherie Road and drove down the 3 kilometres to look at the "Utes in the Paddock". When we arrived there we were to see a very old car complete with a trailer camper just leaving. That was a bonus and then we had a look at the twenty odd ute's that were in various positions with all sorts of professional artwork on each. We spent at least a good hour just looking at the artwork and the various plaques setting out the artwork plus artist responsible and what inspired the creation of the Utes in the Paddock.
We left and drove down another gravel road which eventually bought us out to the road back to Condobolin near Derriwong. We spotted the Mitre 11 so we went in and found a couple of useful items that were duly loaded into Digger. We drove down the main street of Condo and boy it was deserted with no shops other than the hotels open. Back at camp and noticed four more happy campers had arrived. One had parked no less four metres from us and I just scratched my head when I looked at all the space that was available, and a Tassie as well.
Happy hour arrived so we sank a couple or so and then cooked our meal on the fire and then came in to watch the football game Essendon V Carlton and then we will go out by the fire now the cold wind has abated.

Sunday the 25th of August
It was a warm night and when hopping out of bed and looking outside there was clear blue sky with just a touch of mist over the lake. Liz was to walk around the lake for the last time and took a couple of photo's and then we cooked our breakfast inside.
It was time to dismantle the camp, so away with the table and ground cover and then top up with water and load the firepot into the back of Digger with the rest of the gear. On with the a-frame and then hooked Digger up to the motorhome ready for our departure in the morning.
Sharpened the chainsaw once again and refueled and then just read our books for awhile. We have decided to go to the RSL club for our lunch today. The courtesy bus came and picked up 6 happy campers and when we arrived we settled in with a wine and a schooner of XXXX. We ordered chinese with Liz settling for chicken and fried rice and I had a seafood combination. When arriving both dishes looked clean and appetising and both were really tasteful. We had instructed them not use monosodium glutamate for we think this is what made Liz a little sick on Friday night. We agreed that both meals we had were very tasty indeed.
Liz went off and played the pokies without success and I sat and had a few more schooners, we bought tickets in the meat raffle with no success. Back to camp in the courtesy bus and then just relaxed before happy hour in the brilliant sun with no wind at all, it was really great.
Happy hour arrived and we came together with 8 other happy campers and had a pleasant two hours before going inside to have a bite to eat, we did not have a lot given our lunch at the RSL. The only thing left to pack away is the satellite dish which I will do in the morning and tonight we will watch a bit of television before going off to bed.

Monday the 26th of August
We arose at 7am and went for our showers, the morning was chilly and frosty with a slight fog upon the lake. The day was warming quickly and the sun and blue sky augured well for a good day to travel especially with no wind.
We said our farewells to the happy campers that we had met especially Bob and Julie and David and Sally, we have met many happy campers and had many excellent happy hours over the period we have been here. We have made many friends both happy campers and those in the township of Condobolin especially those at the RSL Club. It has been a warming experience to have a few of the towns folk come done to visit and make sure the facilities were ok. We would have the council employees come down everyday including weekends to clear the rubbish bins and the caretaker would wash the amenities building each and every day. The showers and the toilets were always spick and span and this also applied to the various barbecue facilities around the lake. The caretaker/cleaner was a very nice bloke of 85 and still spritely and like to catch you with you to have a joke or two. The whole area was a real credit to him and the council. This year they introduced a donation box and it was well supported we were informed, from time to time in our stay we did not hesitate to leave a donation for the area and its facilities are definitely the best we have encountered on our travels to date. The only downside was those screeching Corella's who are going through the mating stage and the cacophony of sound is incredible. We finally were underway and then we went out to Uncle's to refuel. Now here is another story Uncle as he likes to be called runs the local fuel distribution to farms etc and is a great supporter of those who freedom camp at Gum Bend Lake. His memory is great for he recognised our motorhome and immediately called me "Jim" and as I filled he said I could have the usual Gum Bend Lake discount. Which is 13 cents a litre, that's right 13 cents a litre in town they charge either $1.63.9 or $1.65.9 Uncle is $1.50 per litre to all campers. He believes we bring a lot of cash into the town therefore he is very supportive of the freedom campers. When you first meet him you notice that all his teeth are gold I do not know if this depicts wealth or not though I have to say that I would not think of doing this.
Well we were now on the road after stopping to buy the newspaper and as we turned down the road towards West Wyalong we noticed the sheep and young lambs in a paddock with three Alpaca's. They say they protect the sheep and lambs from any fox's that come along hoping to take new born lamb. Apparently they are very vigilant day or night on this matter.

The road towards West Wyalong was pretty smooth bitumen for a change and with no wind the motorhome was showing good fuel consumption. Along the way we were to see paddock after paddock of either wheat or canola and on two occasions we saw lucerne crops. It was a real pleasant drive and we also were to see plenty of Major Mitchell Galahs alongside the road eating whatever.
It wasn't long before we arrived on the outskirts of West Wyalong and when near the town centre we parked up and then walked the main street looking in the various shops and then had cappuccino before continuing on into Crazy Clark's where we bought a few batteries and some butter scotch to eat on our travels. Then around to the supermarket to buy rolls for lunch and fruit for our stock had run out.
Back on the road and it wasn't long before we turned onto the Newell Highway once again and the going was still easy with not many interstate trucks yet. We were to see kilometre after kilometre of crops and the scenery was excellent in one large paddock there was wheat then canola and then wheat etc etc. This really looked a treat especially coming down off the hill and seeing this in the distance. When we came to one paddock of canola we checked the kilometres it run along the roadside and it was exactly 7 kilometres long and you could see to the horizon this golden yellow flower of the canola plant. Interspersed were either lone gum trees or strips of gums.
We finally arrived at our campsite for the night at Beckom Rest Area and after setting up we had our lunch. The day was now a little cloudy and would warm to around 17 degrees. For the rest of the day we would have poppy nap and read our books. I believe that television is not available so we watch a movie tonight or just read our books.
Kilometres travelled 175 co-ordinates S34-20-09..................E 147-00-53

Tuesday the 27th of August
We slept well last night and didn't even hear the trucks come in to rest up during the night. We had an excellent sunset last night and it looked great shining as it did over the canola fields. This morning I was taking the rubbish to the bin and I heard this almighty bang and then flap flap flap and it was a tyre burst on 30 tonne crane. The driver limped into the rest area and started to change the tyre I was going to help him when he stated that help was on the way.
Back on the road and there was no wind again this morning just sun and blue sky's, again we were driving on the Newall Highway with literally thousands of acres of canola and wheat and this did not change until we arrived at Narrandra. The highway is alongside the huge silo's and storage sheds and trucks were lined up to load and deliver wheat to who knows where. We had already passed though small towns such as Grong Grong and it is obvious they rely on the crops in the area for there income.
Once we passed Narrandra we encountered a lot of road trains going in both directions and they were doing their 100 kph plus, luckily we did not slow them at all they were able to pass us easily. Then we came into Jerilderie a another town that rely's on grains etc for their economy we were also to see the start of the water channels to feed the large paddocks for rice and cotton etc. Next we were to arrive in Finley and the main street is lined with trees and they looked excellent loaded with blossoms both white and pink.
Before we knew it we had arrived at Tocumwal and went into the shopping centre to buy the newspaper and then over the border into Victoria to camp at Finley beach.

On arrival at Finley beach we once again saw that the Murray was flooded and our normal campsite was well and truly under water. We parked up and then unhooked Digger and then looked across the road for a possible campsite. They were full of campers so we then elected to drive over the bridge into NSW and head along the road to check possible camp areas along the Murray. We travelled about ten kilometres and they were all flooded which placed us in dilemma for we wished to camp up until next monday.
Whilst we were driving around the tracks which were boggy to an extent we came across a 2.5 metre black snake crossing the road. We gave way to the snake for we did not want it winding itself up under poor old Digger, when it crossed I drove fast past the snake and Liz informed me that it really took off.
We checked a few more spots on the Victorian side of the Murray and decided we would have to camp in one that does not give a lot of sun for the solar panels. We had another late lunch which is becoming a habit and then set up the firepot and then went and gathered wood and cut it with the chainsaw. We will have a fair bit of road noise for we are close to the highway. We are able to get normal television so the satellite dish can stay inside. After cutting and stacking the wood out came the table and chairs and we were going to relax until I saw one of our old mates the Koala up in one of the gum trees near our camp and it was watching me as I took a photo. These Koala's look really great in the wild. As we were sitting out looking at the flood waters go by we spotted a dead cow floating by all bloated. On checking we found that the river is not in flood due to rain it is due to the authorities releasing water from the Hume Dam for they expect the large dumps of snow to thaw shortly and it would have flooded a lot of areas down river. So the moral of the story is that we lost our beaut camp area due to snow! Lit the fire to cook our evening meal and have a happy hour on our own for a change and then inside later to watch a bit of tellie and read our books.
Kilometres travelled 254

Wednesday the 28th of August
I heard the first sprinkle of rain on the roof of the motorhome at 5 am and it was not heavy then I remembered that we had longish grass nearby so out of bed and out with the awning to keep the area near us dry. I was to witness a sunrise that was really great and did it start raining? no way. I went back to bed and arose around 8.15 am and then lit the fire for our breakfast. When cooked we sat outside and watched the flood waters go by with plenty of small logs passing. I was not happy at all about the burning qualities of the wood I cut yesterday and thought that I would cut red river gum if I could find one dry enough this afternoon.
We finished cleaning around the camp and said farewell to two happy campers that came in late last night. Then into Digger and back over the border to Tocumwal and bought the paper and climbed the flood levee to view the Murray River from this side. Most of the roads on the river side of the Levee were under water and there were plenty of signs also inundated with water, The new boat ramp is inaccessible and the pontoon near the ramp is rising with the flood as intended. This is a new pontoon as the old wharf was washed away last year in the floods. We could see the bridge that divides NSW and Victoria plus the old railway bridge which has survived the worst that the Murray could throw at it.

We went into the butchers and purchased a nice roast of beef cryovaced which we will have cooked in the camp oven for sunday lunch along with baked veggies etc. Then onto Foodworks and bought a few items and rolls and strasbourg for lunch today, then onto IGA and I have to admit they are dearer in their veggies and meat than Foodworks.
Then we went up to our favourite op shop and spent a pleasant hour with the ladies who remember us both from over the years. I was to purchase three brand new polo tops for two dollars each and Liz bought a couple of items.
Back to camp for lunch and a late one again. After lunch I thought I would get the rod out and see if I could catch a Murray Cod. Then went bush to cut and carry dry river red gum and when I put some of this on the fire there was heat and coals so that was great. I did not cut all the wood so I showed another happy camper the rest of the dry tree that I had fallen for him and others to use.
Then it was happy hour and Macca and Michelle joined us and on the second can the bell on my rod went crazy so I went to pull the line in and noted that the clutch on the reel had been slackened off and the line was running out. I knew then I had something large on the line, tightened the clutch and found the fish had worked its way around a tree and I had to work hard to get it come around the right side and then as it approached shore I could see it was a fairly big Murray Cod. I was fearful that it may have been a Carp. When I finally landed it I measured it and it went 660 mills in length just 10 mills over the legal limit. A few happy campers came over for a look and I then went back to happy hour. I meal was already on the firepot so it wont be fish for our evening meal that can wait until tomorrow night so the fillets, which were quite big, were taken off the fish and stored in the fridge. So it has been another good day and it is good to get away from those cold winds the river breeze at the moment is warm.
We watched television again and headed off to bed early for we are taking Digger into Shepparton to vote at the electoral office and then around to Aldies and then onto buy the oil and filters for the motorhome, the oil and filter change will be done at home.

Thursday the 29th of August
We had rain for about five minutes around 6.30 am this morning though it did not rain further throughout the day. There was a high wind coming off the Murray River so much so that the fire was not lit this morning and we had our breakfast inside. Then we were on the road to Shepparton to do several things in old Digger the day was overcast and the wind was at our rear. We took our shower gear for we remembered there were showers in Strathmerton for $2 each. You had to be quick for the hot water did not last at all, luckily I had rinsed my hair before it ran out. In hindsight we should have used our shower. There were plenty of trucks and cars on the road and old Digger was able to keep pace with the traffic. Before we knew it we had arrived at Shepparton whish is 75 kilometres away from our campsite.
The main purpose of our trip was to vote in the federal elections the alternative was to go to Albury and that did not suit us at all. When we went into the electoral section we were surprised at the number of different party's on the senate paper. The electoral officer was to show us the senate ticket for NSW and it was over a metre long with 175 different party's on it so we were let off lightly.
We saw Aldies so we went in and bought some rice, cheese, bananas which were $1 cheaper a kilo than at Tocumumwal and apples for we expect to stock our cupboards when we arrive at Melbourne in a few weeks bound for home.
We then went to SPC/Ardmona wholesale though before that we were able to see how large SPC/Ardmona manufacturing plant is, it is really huge. We were to buy fruit of a few descriptions putting back those items made in china and spain and italy. We recall you could only buy the local products manufactured in Shepparton previously how time change.
Then into Cheap as Chips which is next door and made a few purchases of junk products. As it was now lunch time we went around to Dan Murphy's and then into Hungry Jacks and had a junk tucker meal. Then down to the Iveco dealer and purchased oil and filter for the maintenance on the motorhome when we arrive home. We then drove to the rest area in Shepparton where all the cows are painted in various designs and spent a few minutes looking around at them.
We decided to go for a drive into Mooroopna and spent some time looking about and we noticed they also have a few colourful cows on the entrance to the town.
Then we decided to head off back to the campsite for the day was not getting any better very overcast though warm with high winds. On the way out of Shepparton we noted two cows painted and one was on a skate board and the other was dressed as a footballer.
We noted that there were a lot of fruit trees that have been bulldozed into heaps more so than last year and those that survived are now starting to blossom in either pink of white flowers. We were now pushing a head wind and so we decided to take a side trip down through Katunga which is a diary district with plenty of Friesian cows etc and a few sheep, we came out at Strathmerton and it was a pleasant drive off the highway.
Back in camp and nothing has changed, windy and overcast though it would appear that the solar panels found enough to replenish the house batteries. We had a cuppa and then started to pack away the goods and oil that we had bought. Luckily there was space with a bit of juggling for the extra supplies we carried at the start of the trip have diminished some what.
I checked the awning and it was ok so it can stay out tonight in case it rains for we do not want wet grass near our entrance door. Only a cuppa for our happy hour tonight and for our evening meal it will be Murray Cod fillets in bread crumbs with chips that we bought from Aldies. Being thursday we will watch the Marngrook Football Game again and then off to bed to read for awhile. It has, given the weather, been another excellent day and well worth the 150 kilometres return.

Friday the 30th of August
Around 6pm last night it started to rain and it was to get heavier as the night wore on. Just before going in to cook the fish for our evening meal the bell on the rod went ballistic so down I go and once again the fish has wound its way around a nearby tree. It fought harder than the murray cod of yesterday so I though it may have been bigger. That was not the case this fish came in at 590 mills which was slightly smaller. Now the funny thing is that Michelle from a nearby camp holds it and then gets her husband to take a photo so they can send it to her brother as if she had caught it. I filleted the fish and took the skin off at the same time so we have now two more good fillets of the fish. The fillets we had for our evening meal last night were very tasty indeed.
The rain had stopped this morning and we had fine sunny weather with no wind and it would stop that way until mid afternoon when a few clouds appeared. The morning temperature was 10 degrees going out to 20 degrees so the day was pleasant.
Luckily I had covered our wood supply with a tarp so the wood and sticks were dry and it took no time at all to light the fire for breakfast. Liz was to have toast and I had crumpets and banana's all washed down with a nice hot cuppa.
The wind of yesterday had blown a few things around so we collected them this morning and then Liz put on her back pack and headed into Tocumwal over the bridge to go to the chemist and then the op shop and buy the paper.
After about an hour I drove over in Digger and went straight to IGA to purchase a 30 can carton of XXXX gold on special for $39.95. The last carton I purchased cost $48 so even though I did not really need the carton at that price I had to buy it. I walked straight past the Tim Tam display at $1.57 a packet.
Back in Digger and I went around to the op shop and there was Liz looking around the gear on display and finally only bought a card game for camping later on. Back to the chemist and then filled with water for Liz wants to use the washing machine tomorrow.
Arriving back at camp it was mid day so we had a bight to eat and then read the paper especially the football section catching up on the latest fiasco of Essendon.
I put the rod back out and on the first cast it went up the tree though I recovered all and then on the second cast it went up the tree again though on this occasion I somehow lost the bell from the end of the rod.
Re baited and placed another bell on the rod an then cast again successfully out into where I believe there is a hole, Liz was to alert me to the fact even though the bell wasn't ringing the rod was moving with small bights. I thought it may have been a carp so I let whatever suck the bait off and about an hour later I re bated and again cast into the hole.
Liz was to have a happy nap and I read my book which is getting to the interesting stage. Happy hour arrived and we had it with Macca and Michelle who told us that her brother was convinced that she had caught the two fish. We only had sav's in rolls for our evening meal and the we will go inside later to watch the football game tonight. Who knows at dusk I may even catch another murray cod. I hope so for the season for catching murray cod ends tomorrow and does not open again until december.

Saturday the 31st of August
A wonderful sunny morning with boats and canoes on the river so early. Lit the fire and cooked our breakfast of eggs and bacon etc. Out with the washing machine and then up with the clothes lines and when this was finished we had a cuppa before going back into Tocumwal for a paper and a few other items. It was such a wonderful day sunny and warm and would stay that way. Whilst in town we noticed the pepper tree and though we have seen this tree on previous trips we had no idea until reading the plaque and finding it is alleged to be the oldest surviving pepper tree on the whole of the Murray River system.
We took another photo of the glider though on this occasion we have not witnessed one in the sky, it wouldn't be a trip to Tocumwal unless there was a photo shoot of the famous Murray cod. Now I cannot say that I caught this one, I have the rod in to try to catch another murray cod for I did not catch one last night and it is the last day of the season and then the gear will go away.
We came home and had a late lunch and read our books for awhile and then decided to go for a walk around the river towards Tocumwal. It was a most pleasant afternoon with blue sky's and no wind and brilliant sunshine with the temperature being around 22 degrees. The river is now starting to drop and it has dropped by nearly a metre so much so that the town point camping ground is nearly all out of water.
We found campers on our walk and by the size of their wood pile they must have been and probably will be here for a long time. We found another tent camp with no vehicle so this must be their home.
Back to camp and in came the clothes and then we had a early happy hour while listening to the Fremantle V St Kilda match. St Kilda was to win by 71 points and at the end of the game our supports were to farewell three of our champion players in Milne, Blake and Kozi. We were to have a later than normal happy hour with Macca and Michelle. For our meal tonight we had battered murray cod with rice and sweet and sour sauce and it was really great. I was to pull in the rod due to the season closing tonight. We then settled in to watch the Richmond V Essendon football game before going off to bed to read our books.

September