FROM MOREE TO CARNARVON GORGE

Moree was great - the weather just right. We didn't want to leave but other places beckon. We drove as far as Goondawindi and stopped for fuel. It is always cheaper over the border. We then went as far as the historic Nindigully Pub. They allow you to freecamp in the large area around the pub with the expectations that you (the visitors) buy a drink or a meal. We bought a drink and sat in the garden. It was lovely and cool.

The following day we drove on to Roma and stayed at the Big Rig Caravan Park. We only stayed 2 nights as we wanted to drive on to Carnarvon Gorge. In Roma we went to see the large bottle tree.

And of course the Big Rig Information Centre and Museum which was within walking distance from the caravan park.

The next day, Friday, we left Roma and drove to Carnarvon Gorge. The first part of the road in was bitumen
but when we got to the dirt, boy was it bumpy - and dusty. We stopped at a spot with a smashed up war plane which crashed in 1943 with Australians and Americans on board. No one survived. The RSL recovered pieces of the plane and erected this in memory of those who perished.

The damaged tail

I took a picture of Sig and Bianka's van in front of us. You can see the condition of the road and the dust!!!

We were glad when we got to .... Takarakka Bush Resort!

One of the friendly locals

After we booked in and set up, we decided to walk a little way into the gorge and do the big walk the following day. It was beautiful!

Well, we did the big walk which took all day. Would you believe I walked 24klms - up, down, around and across - with 21 creek crossing (one way) using stepping stones. It was so worth it but I developed a blister on the last part of the walk which spoilt an otherwise very fulfilling day. I really was determined but didn't really think I could do it. Just goes to show how determination always wins.

Beautiful Moss Garden

Cathederal Cave with Aboriginal Art

Crossing one of the many creeks

Stepping Stones

Nearly at the end of the gorge (now we have to walk back ... ouch)

The picture of the tree is upsidedown. I was playing around and flipped it. It looks sooo funny, like a long legged person with a big butt.

Well, after a good rest and a day of recovery it was off to the next place of interest, but that's for the next blog. Bye for now.

Leaving Carnarvon Gorge

MOREE

We arrived in Moree on Thursday. We will leave here on Tuesday. This should give us a relaxing few days where we can set up and just do nothing much at all. There are 4 thermal pools here at temperatures of 35, 36, 37 and 39 degrees. We spend about an hour, 2 or 3 times a day going from one pool to another. It is lurvely!

Sunday was very windy and all this tumbleweed blew into the caravan park. It was so annoying because it was so hard to get rid of. As soon as we cleaned it out from under the awning, it was back again.

Arnold has spent a lot of today, Monday, cleaning the car and caravan, ready for the next step of our journey. We will go from here to Goondawindi, then across to St. George and up to Roma. We will find a free camp and then travel to Carnarvon Gorge where we will spend a few days. After Carnarvon it's up to Emerald. So until then, bye bye.

BAROOGA TO COONABARABRAN

On leaving Barooga we drove as far as a free camp at Marsden. There were two other vans there which was good.


After settling in we opened our favourite bottle of bubbly and used the unbreakable champagne glasses that Cath gave me for my birthday.We left Marsden the following morning and along the road we were held up by a herd of cattle. There were so many the "long paddock" wasn't wide enough for them. Thankfully it wasn't a long wait to get passed. After a few hours we started looking for a free camp but couldn't find one we were comfortable with so we are staying in a caravan park.

Tomorrow we should be in Moree. Until next time, bye bye.

PORTARLINGTON TO BAROOGA

We left home at 10.15am on Good Friday. We were only going as far as Kim and Pat's in Barooga. It was a good drive after we got off the Hume. It seemed like everyone in Victoria was on the Hume that day. We got to Barooga about 4.30pm. Saturday we went to the Tocumal Races. We all piled into a bus and when we arrived at the racetrack there was a marquee set up with tables and chairs and some lovely food was served throughout the day. I only bet on two races and came out about $15 ahead for the day. We all had an excellent time. Sunday was spent watching the kids get their Easter eggs and relaxing.

Monday we went to Yarrawonga for the day. Arnold got a big surprise when Pat, who is learning to fly, took him up with him when he had his flying lesson. What a buzz. Arnold was stoked. Well tomorrow, Tuesday, we will leave and who knows how far we will get. Until next time, bye.

Well, today is Wednesday and we leave on Friday, a day earlier than we had planned to. The packing is almost done. Who am I kidding ..... I am stresssing big time. Too much clothes or not enough. Is all the food going to fit in the cupboards. Have I forgotten anything etc etc. Well that's it for now. My next entry should be much more interesting. Bye for now.