This mornings view of last nights camp site 50km before Cobar
Camp at Engonnia South rest area 50km north of Bourke note camp oven on coals
Carving the pork leg
Nice fire
Hi Folks,
Fear not eager readers the non appearance of today’s blog in a timely manner is only indicative of our venturing from under the spell of the evil empire (Telstra) and not evidence that we have met a relative of Ivan Milat in a parking bay. Last night 50 km west of Cobar was cold with a good dew. The parking bay complete with non drinkable tank water and a composting toilet that it was possible for Susan to sit inside with out retching housed about 10 caravanners last night. Of course per usual we were the last to leave although it was about 10 which is pretty good going for us. We arrived at Cobar before midday and ventured to the IGA to replenish our perishable supplies. We bought a discount leg of pork for $10 which committed us to a camp oven either today or tomorrow. We had breakfast/lunch after buying milk, in the local park along with a coffee from the bakery. Cobar looks like a reasonable place with the benefit of money from the local mining operations. After refuelling we ventured up the highway 169km to Bourke. We paused at Bourke long enough to refill the water bottle and have a quick look round. Being Sunday the shops in the main street were closed and secured behind roller shutters. We passed over the Darling again and had a peek at the North Bourke caravan park that had been a recommendation when we were at Peterborough. We were hoping that tonight was one of their camp fire nights so we could cook the pork in the camp oven. It wasn’t and the tariff was $25 unpowered so we decided to push on to a parking bay about 65km north on the road to Cunnamulla. We arrived with a reasonable amount of daylight. The bay was empty apart from one other van so we parked down the other end. I am thinking it was unpopulated due to no toilet. There was ample wood and I managed to cut more than enough in about 10 blows of the chainsaw for a decent fire. This is a great tool! As I sit here typing the blog the pork is sizzling away in the camp oven. The weather appears warmer and the sky is clear with no breeze. This parking bay was chosen by Susan from the Camps 5 book. She was reading the features as denoted by the little pictures and said that goats were present. This was actually a picture of a dog so I think it may be time she gave up the $1 pharmacy reading glasses for something more professional.
In other news I received a positive reply from the owner of the company that makes the bike rack. He is overseas at the moment and from the tone of his emails I think he will come to the party with some bike repairs and of course new bits for the carrier. I can’t see this happening before we get to Mount Isa as the bits required won’t be in the corner shop. Looks like the cause was the clamping of the low frame on Susan’s bike and excessive bending moment on the hook. Anyway it is looking hopeful. Tomorrow on to Cunnamulla and hopefully more warmth!
Cheers Simon
......POSTSCRIPT
I find I am enjoying the camping in the bush sites more than the caravan parks, maybe it has something to do with greater self sufficiency…. The Meadow Glen (site number 1051 NSW Camps 5 book) indicates it is close to the road and Simon had his ear plugs at the ready but didn’t need them in the end, the truckies have a habit of blowing their horns as they pass the parking areas…. I don’t know the reason for this, but it didn’t wake Simon. I slept extraordinarily well and didn’t even hear Simon slip out of bed for his early morning nature call.
Morning was heralded by a cacophony of birds, a flock of blackish grey birds were very noisy and obviously accustomed to travellers, foraging through the remains of our meagre camp fire for some tit bits…..
Meadow Glenn
When we arrived at Enngonia South (campground north of Bourke) and had completed the camp set up and the fire was making coals for the dinner a flock of the same birds (I reckon they followed us) were the in force making noise and asking for food….. after telling to depart in our best bush speak the all then decided to sit on the same branch of a tree and watch our tea preparation!
Earlier I took a stroll to the tables at the entrance to camp area and sat in a semi mediative state with the sun on my back watching dozens of birds chirruping and catching bugs before sundown….THIS IS THE LIFE :-)
Susan
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