'Stonehenge' Glen Innes
similar to Stonehenge in the mother country. It is easy to see why so many Celts settled here, not only for the familiar countryside, but also the cool climate.
Living in Sydney, we were constantly reminded of water restrictions and drought. Having now travelled inland, whilst we know water is a constant struggle, there is certainly no visual evidence of drought- and the plentiful rain has also given paid to such! Rain certainly brings life. Vibrant green shoots bursting from both the ground and trees above....... and bugs.
Rainforests thrive on rain and ‘come alive’ after heavy falls.
Can you see the top of Dave's head (above rocks), Washpool National Park
Flies are my new found friends- you simply shoo them away, or swat them with one easy blow and voila- gone, not like the creepy crawlies I have encountered. Washpool National Park, a rather ‘unknown’ rainforest was to be our walking destination, as the rains eased. Rangers were out in force ‘mopping’ up after the storms- widening tracks, clearing fallen trees and reinforcing landslides. The track mostly reduced to a thick pile of fresh leaf litter, spongy on the feet, but as hard to walk on as soft sand. After swatting various unknown bugs and spiders out of the way, we sat on a huge granite boulder to enjoy lunch. It was then we noticed the ticks walking up our legs- lucky we were wearing long pants. After ‘refuelling’ we continued our Indiana Jones style journey through the rainforest. We were soon stopped again- this time by a Carpet Python, relaxing on the edge of the track.
Snake on our walk, Washpool National Park
He did not slither away as most do upon hearing humans. Perhaps he was deaf. Figuring his eyesight still worked, we threw sticks, stones and then rocks near him. Still he would not move. I also would not move until he did. Lucky I had plenty of water- this could be a long standoff. Eventually he slinked away, still not venturing far from the track. As a former District Long Jumper (no need to mention it was back in Primary School), I prepared for my run up and then sailed high and long in the air to escape my captor. Safe at last however, the track deteriorated even further after ‘the encounter’ and I was glad to finish that walk! I then proceeded to drive us home- some 80 odd kms- only managing to find the wrong gear twice (I am getting better at driving the beast). No comments please Dave.... just enjoy playing passenger, and watch the passing fields covered in daises, with the odd jersey cow to break up the sea of white.
The New England Highway holds many surprises for the inland traveller. Apsley
Tia Falls
Falls, crashing into a massive gorge below, Tia Falls cascading into uncharted territory. As we began our descent down the mountain, leaving Walcha behind, we arrived in Ellensborough- our latest free camping destination. We were now over the range and once again closer to the coast. Our free camping was successful, but fortunate we were not a day later. The annual bikie convention was on for the next two days- evidenced as we moved on- bikes, leather, beards and bellies converging on the roads.
Civilisation awaited us. That is my Uncle Terry and Aunty Sue’s farm at Hillville- near Taree. Take a long dirt road to the very end and the farm awaits you, hidden in a pretty valley, with a creek running by.
Cows surrounding our camper, Uncle Terry & Aunty Sue's farm
The farm is nestled in an old volcanic crater- hence surrounded by hills.... isolated from the outside world....... and any phone or TV reception, but catching up on stories meant we did not miss either. They are stocked with both cattle and horses. Cows are funny beasts, or maybe just ‘dumb’. I was in peals of laughter as Pied Piper Dave had the cows follow him on his walk over to move our camper. Once behind the wheel, they then trapped his path. No amount of shouting or tooting would move them- he eventually had to get out and physically push them aside. Lucky he hadn’t seen the bull then...
Other friends also live on the other side of the outskirts of Taree, and was our next squatting site. Their home is also on a very pretty block, complete with a lily filled dam. It was truly great to see them and catch up on the ‘gossip’, however I was not a fan of their dogs. Or rather the dogs were not fond of me. Jessie, took a big dislike to me and growled whenever I went near. She was soon muzzled, but that still did not stop her attempting to take a nip. By the end of our stay I would not move unless escorted by Emily and Paul - much to everyones amusement. However, after being treated to their culinary delights, we were also taken sightseeing and beach driving – I thoroughly recommended a stay at their joint.
For those that like to track our path- we are now in Hallidays Point- topping up the tans that have been fading. Tomorrow beckons a day at the beach, but for now it is off to prepare dinner.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment