Week 526 - Bingara, NSW

Our blog has hundreds of readers including family, hash friends, travelling colleagues, Highway Wanderers and the facebook fraternity.  It is a method of keeping you all up to date as to where we are and why. 

Today our blog comes from the Gwyder River at Bingara, one of our favourite spots.  The awning hangs over the river, the bird life is in abundance and the scenery is magnificent.  What more can you ask for.  So we are going to literally tread water here for about four days.

John Samins' Memorial - This memorial is going 
to be updated to include Vicki, then these two 
may rest in peace, God bless their soles.

On On Home at Rest - 8 miles east of Bingara
 is our favourite camping spot and would 
be in our top 5 of camp spots around Australia.

The Dish - The marvels of technology let me 
tweak this picture up to a perfect shot. 
Contrast change, colour change and focus change.

This time last week we were at the dish just outside of Parkes.  A tourist trap that we have visited before, but still fascinating none the less.

When we were in Tasmania (2016) we were ripped off by one of the devils at one of the battery suppliers.  My initial phone call was requesting four batteries, he said he only had two, then a phone call four hours later informed me he now had four batteries.  The bastard had topped two up, polished them up to look like new and charged me top dollar.  Just three years later they died on me.  My previous two sets of Trojan batteries lasted seven years each.

Fortunately we found a battery outlet in Dubbo who supplied four brand new, out of the box batteries and we negotiated a decent price.  All fitted and we were on our way.

Gwyder River - Not tweaked, just a beautiful spot.

We have been chewing up the miles with a rest at Narrabri Showgrounds and today we are at lovely and peaceful Bingara (apart from the dog barking and echoing down the river and blending in with the cootes, the ducks and the other wildlife).

Comments

One stick
2019-04-12

I'm lying in bed in Nashville after a night on the town and boy what a town this is! Great music in streets full of bars. Wendy is in the next bed writing her diary. We are having a wonderful trip.

Week 525 - Eugowra,NSW

This week has been a kaleidoscope of beauty and culture.  We departed 'Gay Hay' with their 8'6" poofters and headed to West Wyalong to sit out two days of very cold weather.

Rusti sits out the cold snap - Rusti the dog 
has been a great addition to the motorhome 
and made us a family.

A frosty start saw us heading to the lake at Forbes, previously visited, we knew we would not be disappointed.   We snagged a spot right on the water's edge and the bird life entertained us day and night.

The lake is situated on the edge of the CBD, just a short picturesque walk into town.  The community of Forbes has welcomed the travellers with open arms and is a popular camp spot.

Picturesque Forbes - Our camp spot, right 
on the water's edge amongst the birdlife.

Another Cormorant - A cormorant trying to 
camouflage himself amongst the gum trees.

From Forbes we added 38 km to our odometer to rendezvous with a couple of travellers we met in Euston last year.  

The Unusual - Not a dramatic photograph but 
an interesting one at that. 
Can you spot the obvious?

Miyagan Bala Yambuwan - Translated to plain english, 
'family is everything'. The Sculptor would have 
had a good time forming these two.

So now we are sat on their sprawling property, spinning a few yarns and drinking a few ales.  Max suffered a heart attack last year and has been through the wars since we saw him last but is well on his way to recovery and matched me beer for beer and port for port.

A garden of Eden - Max and Cherie's 
garden has been lovingly landscaped.

Travelling this great country can be so varied, long unbroken stretches of road should be boring but add to the sense of adventure.  The wildlife, the birdlife and the people can be so entertaining and there never is a dull moment.

Comments

Bev and noel
2019-04-08

Hi guys, Great photos and pictures and certainly urges us to “get on the road again) much love to you both and Rusti

Week 524 - Hay, New South Wales

Rusti the dog thinks she's a duck

Our milage this week has been astronomical - 509 km crossing 2 borders and traversing 3 states including the wilderness of the Hay Plains - long straight and flat, but interesting to say the least.  

Regent Parrot - The painted silos 
at Waikerie, South Australia.

We are now camped at Hay, New South Wales on the banks of the Murrumbidgee.  Our campsite is in amongst the trees but in sight of the water. 

Little Pied Cormorant - The aviary at
Euston, New South Wales.

Australian Pelican - Lock 15 (Euston)

Me, being a homophobic male, born in the mid 50's, I was quite shocked when we rolled into Hay right in the middle of preparations for a Rainbow Mardi Gras this weekend.  The event is renaming the town to "Gay Hay".  So I have been practicing my limp wrist and squeaky voice.  

Pied Cormorant - Cormorant baking in the sun.

This week we have enjoyed the birdlife, up and down the Murray and Murrumbidgee.  Me and my dog Rusti,  hiked 5 km every morning to Lock 15 (Euston) on the Murray and back and the wildlife is amazing and in abundance.

Blue Winged Kookaburra, Hay, NSW

So as the weather begins to change from hot to mild, the scenery will change with it. Showers are predicted with the change of season.

Jo has had the motorhome set up like a sweatshop, sewing machines, cutting boards and materials scattered all over the place.  Bits of cotton everywhere.  But that is what she enjoys and at least I get a new suit every year!!

So as we speed to Casino, we hope you are all enjoying ......    life!!

Comments

Eric
2019-03-30

Beautiful picture, love the silo art.

Dot
2019-03-29

Really great pics there, getting cooler is right, slow safe travels xx

Balls
2019-03-29

Great Photo of Jo nothing that a shitload of Botox would fix

Lesley & Bill
2019-03-29

Will be nice to get home again - even if only for a short while. Keep well! XXX

Maxine
2019-03-30

As usual I love reading your blog...makes me miss the road & our fun times. I can picture the poor industrious Jo having to slave over a hot singer to make saleable things just to provide the extra money for all of the Beer & Port you consume

Lynne Hateley-James
2019-03-30

We camped in Hay last week at Sandy Point, such a lovely campsite.

Week 523 - Waikerie, South Australia

Moorook Hall - Dated architecture at Moorook

We are following the Murray against the tide and have come across many a pretty town.  The river does not seem to be as busy as it used to be and the townships are quite small.

The weather has been hot, sunny and muggy, but finally at the end of this week we had just a couple of showers.  Not enough to green up the barren landscape.

Rain - A welcome sun shower, halfway through the day.

The details in the photograph - You can 
just make out the outline of a river gum.

We write this blog from Waikerie camped outside Boner and Love Muscle's place.  The beer fridge is stocked up and so is the Ingel.  Boner is on his swing and only gets one week at home in every three weeks.  Part of the government's plan to build healthy, loving, family relationships.

A quiet pint - Jo and Oleen relax having
a beer at Morgan.

Waikerie - The council has spent millions
landscaping the parks of Waikerie.

Boner/Simon spends most of his time underground and flies in and out from Adelaide to Carrapateena, approx 200 kms north of Port Augusta.

So as we follow the Murray east, we are on a deadline to get to Casino in just six weeks time - 1700 kms or 19 hours of driving, whichever is the quickest.

Sunset on the Murray

Sunset on the Murray an unusual shot of the photographer at work perched high on a hill overlooking the mighty Murray.

Comments

Helen & Eugene
2019-03-24

Fantastic photos many thanks - love the moon and sunset shots, safe and happy travels for your long trip home. Just caught up with JH and JB, Mardi and Marilyn Friday night! You were both thought of and mentioned in a good way of course! So sorry we missed your birthday, Horror best wishes from both of us on on

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Thrush
2019-03-24

I think after your fotos that I need to go and get a life! Brilliant!

Week 522 - Loxton, South Australia

Greenoch Recreation Ground - Greenoch near 
Nurioopta a nice relaxing camp spot in the middle 
of the Barossa Valley.

From Greenoch we traversed into Dotty and George's place at Strathalbyn.  We knew we would be made welcome even though Dotty has gone through a rough patch on the medical side.  She must be a tough lady as she has almost beaten the terrible C.  However, she still has a little way to go and there is no reason why she shouldn't succeed.

George the forever obedient husband did a few jobs for me around the bus which I am very grateful for as most of my jobs have been done in the middle of a bloody cow paddock.

Milang Railway Station - The colours of the 
train wait patiently for the signal to go green!!

Jo - Jo sightseeing in Milang. 
She fits in well with the historic station.

Unfortunately, whilst we were there, I was as sick as a dog and not totally sociable, spending many hours on my death bed, drinking non-alcoholic water and vitamin drinks.  During our stay, I lost approximately 2 kg whilst abstaining from the amber ale.

So we headed off to the Riverlands to catch up with Pet-els, Hans and Linda who were camped at John and Fay's property at Loxton.

Riverlands Campground - We spent a few days 
at John and Fay's property called Riverlands.
 A campground  for their friends. John and Fay are 
very friendly and hospitable hosts.
(Told you it was beautiful.  Safe travels you 3 see you 
somewhere sometime.  - Dot)

John and Fay have worked hard in the farming industry and are now gearing down to retire.  Eventually retaining just one house as a retirement home, which at this moment is being constructed from a 1950's farmhouse.  Of course, we wish them good luck.

We have enjoyed our stay and are moving onto Waikerie to Boner and Love Muscle's place for a big party.

Comments

Phil & Connie
2019-03-16

Looks like you finally have found some good weather!

Treadie
2019-03-16

Well please say Hi to Boner & Love Muscle! What a blast from the past!!

Week 521 - Strathalbyn, South Australia

Ten years ago to this week, we departed Brisbane and started our journey around Australia.

10 years ago - We departed Chandler 
10 years ago this week.

To date we have clocked up 104 000 km, that is 200 km per week.  This equates to in today's prices approximately $30 000 in fuel alone.  The calculations on alcohol is unmeasurable.  We have met hundreds of people and visited thousands of towns.  Jo can remember dates, names and faces, but my memory continues to elude me which is becoming a worry.

Our blog this week comes from Strathalbyn, South Australia and we are currently camped at George and Dot's property, just a dogs walk from the beautiful town centre.

Picturesque Strathalbyn 

Once a beautiful tree, but now dead

Settled in the late 1800's, the architecture and the landscaping is unique.

On my daily dog walk along the Angus River, you witness the history of the place unfolding.  The officials in their day replanted trees (1991) to rejuvinate the landscape.

Planted in 1991 - River walk at
Strathalbyn

St Andrew's Church, Strathalbyn - At the end 
of the river walk, you pass St Andrew's built in 1884.
 (Dot - Got married in that church)

As far as I can make out, the church is the oldest building in town - 1884, but another plaque says that the town was settled in 1897, you historians can work it out yourself.

Today is a public holiday in South Australia and yesterday we ventured into Adelaide city to see a tribute band to David Bowie.  A seven piece band that was slow to start but eventually punched out 70 of Bowie's greatest hits.  A rather formal affair in the Hilton Hotel restaurant with only 100 spectators.

So with a few jobs done and dusted around the bus, we are ready to push on back towards sunny Casino.

Comments

lesley 7 bill
2019-03-11

Which way are you going back towards home? We can offer FREE camping on the front lawn and FREE power.Few more dollars for the amber ale!

Helen
2019-03-11

Congratulations on your 10 years on the road! WOW and more adventures to come

Jacko
2019-03-11

Congratulations Jo & Derek on the 10 years. And of course Rusti during recent years. All the best for continuing future travels and adventures. Cheers Jacko, Trish and Max

Pam & John Humphries
2019-03-11

10 years congratulations.. if you are heading to Casino via Adelong you are welcome to camp at our place..otherwise we will catch you on the way around. After deciding not to do any more caravanning we have bought a small 18ft van ...just miss the out there too much... good luck for the next leg

Steve and Lou
2019-03-12

Congratulations on a fabulous achievement 10 years xx

Dot & George
2019-03-13

Always a challenge to have you here (Derek) lovely to have Jo and Rusti though xx Safe travels.

Week 519 to 520 - St Kilda, South Australia

First of all we apologise for the absence of our blog last week.  Believe it or not we have been busy, busy, busy.

Snowtown Bank - This bank was the scene of 
the "bodies in the barrel" murders of this area. 
8 people were killed and put in barrels of acid 
at the back of this bank. Today the building 
is a quite peaceful residence.

Snowtown Wind Farm - A clever photograph, 
even if I say so myself.

We are still in South Australia being bombarded by heat waves up in the late 30's and early 40's.  It has been like that for a couple of weeks.  Our motorhome's air conditioners have been working overtime and working exceedingly well considering their age and the length of time we have had to run them.

Moonta Town Hall - The architecture in this part of the 
world is magnificent and fortunately, most of the 
buildings have been restored.

Wombats in the Park 

We spent a week in Moonta on the Yorke Pennisula enjoying the company of Pete and Trish Jackson culminating with Trish's 70th birthday.  Being an expert on parties, I expected a 70th to be low key, however, it was a lot of fun enjoyed by like minded people.  There wasn't even a walking frame in sight.

Matilda and Rusti - Enjoying Trish's 
70th Birthday party.

Our population is certainly looking younger as they are getting older, if that makes sense.

Walleroo - This swimming enclosure built at a 
cost of $1.5 million, had to be replaced by a storm. 
Of course, the council had to pick up the bill again.

More then the eye can see - In the early days, 
Norfolk pines were planted as the seafarers used 
them for masts. The chimney stacks are 
square due to Welsh heritage.

We pushed on from Moonta to St Kilda, searching for breezes from the coast and power from the tram museum.  

Fort at St Kilda - This structure is part of 
the adventure playground at St Kilda.

Sunset in the Forties - We have endured a 
week of temperatures in the 40's.

Since the party, Horror has been in his sick bed for five days, battling flu, cold, sore throat, aches and pains, you name it.  He has slept for most of the time and his trusty friend, Rusti, has loyally slept beside him.  It's funny how dogs know what is going on.

Horror is not quite over it, but is showing signs of returning to his normal self (God help all of us!!!)  By the way, he has only had one can of beer this week - so he must have been sick.

Next week we head to Strathalbyn to visit some old travelling mates, Dotty and George.

Comments

Michael
2019-03-02

Hi Horror That makes Two “sleeping dogs! Hey!

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Helen
2019-03-02

Love your photos particularly of the old bank and Matilda with Rusty. Sorry you’ve been sick, Horror - and the heat is horrendous and not helping. It is very pleasant here with temperatures mid 20s which is a reprieve. The 70th party sounds good - safe travels on on from Eugene & Helen

Maree & Mick
2019-03-03

Love hearing about your travels. Get well soon, Horror. Great photos and stories. Look forward to seeing you in this neck of the wood sometime soon :-)

Lesley & Bill
2019-03-08

Hi, Horror, and Rusti, Sorry to hear you have been crook, but Rusti will lick you better!. Are you coming further east - like Ballarat after visiting Dotty. Hope So. Love....