So here's my down and dirty recount.
Phaffed around this morn. The usual shower, chilly start - brrrrr. Breaky, make the travel mugs, fill the thermos, pack car, do the dishes. Dad gave the car a "dew wash" (wiping down the car with the chamois using dew as moisture.)
I walked the short km or so to the Darling river and Dad drove. Here the local paddlesteamer Jandra is moored (having wheel problems- waiting on circuitry and techs it seems. Bad time to be broken down)
They have had rain around here - 3 inches in the last little while. There was a willy wag tail sitting on his stick over a low patch of water, then flitting around - after insects I guess.
Then we shot out to have a look at a bush camp recommended by some fellas at lumchstop in Cobar. It's called Mays Bend about 4 kms down the North Bourke Rd then 4kms of wet dirt today . Dad was having a but of a sook that the muddy patch ahead would get the sparkling car dirty. I was keen to check out the camp. On we ploughed and yes the car did get dirty. A great looking place to camp, lots of options along the river.
Back towards Bourke again, we pulled off down beside the North Bourke bridge for a squiz and some pics. An old bridge with the lift section to let the boats under 'back in the day'.
Then a little closer to Bourke to visit the recommended Bourke Exhibition Centre. This gave a good history and overview of the development of the red west area of Bourke and surrounds. Well worth a visit and could have spent longer if we had more time.
A quick trip into Bourke for fuel and supplies at the local Khan Super IGA.
Finallly on the road towards LR about midday. We are catching up with Aunty Cherry and Uncle Lance. They have been in LR for 10 days already. They tried to book us a powered site but booked out. Managed to snag us a cabin thanks to a cancellation.
Lunch under a bridge on a river??? Dad wet a couple of lines while I prepared the obligatory wraps and pot of tea. No bites but a good little spot.
Then onwards to Brewarinna
and Walgett. Had a drive through both towns. Both on rivers, broad streets, backwards parking in most spots.
and Walgett. Had a drive through both towns. Both on rivers, broad streets, backwards parking in most spots.
Approaching LR we spotted a tall structure. It was a tall bird - Stanley - made predominantly from old VW's. A good story - the pictures tell the tale.
Across the road was a popular rest stop with several vans/campers already settled for the night. A quick loo stop resulted in us learning that this is The ridge after which Lightning Ridge is named. Seems a shepherd, a dog and 600 sheep were struck by lightning and killed right here.
Eventually rolled into our Caravan Park "The Opal CP" about 5pm. Dad went to sort the cabin, only to find it only has a QS bed. Looked like I was on my mattress on the floor. However Dad has opted to camp in the TVan just outside the cabin, so a nice comfy QS bed for me. Tonight's cabin is luxury- with toilet and shower and a kitchen. Last nights was very comfy but cold water sink was outside and we had to use shared park amenities.
Johno's dropped by for drinks and nibblies with Levi (the hound). Then Dad and Uncle Lance went it buy some tea. Not much to choose from on a Monday night, ended up at club who were out of most things on the menu. Poor Dad ordered a parma for me only to be told they had sold out so pepper steak and veg instead then when they arrived back to van there was only veggies - no steak. Veg were yum and Aunty Cherry had some cold roast beef. Dad had garlic prawns, uncle lance had fish and chips and Aunty cherry a chick schnitz that was supposed to be a Parma. Anyway nice to catch up and plan the day tomorrow. More on that when the time comes.
Will post this now. But more pics to come tomorrow. (now updated)
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