On The Road: February 2013

Day 266 Edi Rest Area Thursday 28th February 2013

Hi All,

What a diabolical night, it was amazing we slept at all. The weather radar showed yellow with splotches of red, and while the rain front initially looked as if it might miss us it didn’t, it moved easterly across the mountains dumping heavy rain on us all night. By midnight we were planning for the worst, by 2am we were out shovelling a trench away from the swag, well Simon was shovelling I was being encouraging, not much else I could do with only one shovel. Funny how rain makes you need to do wee wees, twice we needed to brave the elements, crawling back into the swag damper than sponges.

The alarm went off at 6:40 as usual, by this time there was only a smattering of drops, we felt warm and toasty so we dozed on until about 8:00. Alighting from our sarcophagus we found things weren’t that bad after all the trenches had helped and the only major dampness was on the front corner.

Not bad except for the hitchhiker

By 10:00 I was planning some cooking, firstly to warm me up (chilly morning) and secondly to use up the food be bought previously. I thought scones would be a nice idea, unfortunately Simon was not keen on helping build a campfire, so fingers crossed they would work out when cooked in the camp oven on the gas stove. I had purchased a trivet when we were home last as cooking scones in the silicone dish or just in the oven itself has resulted in rather burnt scones, except for one time when the coals had been just the right temperature (it would have been a fluke). I had used a cream and lemonade recipe before and recalled it was good. Trouble was no lemonade only soda water and sour cream not regular cream. And the result.... Simon said “bloody excellent”!

Mmm with butter. lemon curd and honey

By 11:00 feeling warmer with a belly full of scones and tea the sun came out and really warmed things up. Solar panels put up, bedding stripped and airing, waterproofing of the swag corners again, cleaning and oiling the tent poles, tidying tool boxes and storage boxes used up the rest of the daylight hours.

We did more research for our great trek, goofed off on our computers, talked to the neighbours and I did a bit more of my cross stitch when the sun was at a favourable angle. Simon got a tad excited and did a little dance, remarking “16.7” and taking a photo to prove it, he likes it when the solar panels behave.

This will probably be our last camp dinner this trip, so I tried extra hard to please, bearing in mind we were using up every last morsel of perishable food. The omelet was perfect even if I do say so, and the salads tasty, I forgot to serve the broccoli though, which we snacked on while doing the dishes.

Tomorrow Mansfield for a holiday from our “holiday”.

A new world record 16.7 amps multiplied by the
charge voltage of 12.9 Volts gives 215 watts .
Total panel rating is 220W. Happy.

Our colourful tea

King River

Ciao

Susan

Day 265 Edi Rest Area Wednesday 27th February 2013

Hi All,

Lake Blowering in the morning

We awoke to a warm humid morning, although looking at the picture you could be forgiven for thinking it was cold. I had let out a little sigh during the packing up and Simon said “humid isn’t it”, seems he does at times have the ability to interpret my language after all!

Another travelling day, about 300 kilometres, via Aubry/Woodonga and Wangaratta, arriving at Edi about 4:30. The campground has 5 other groups already camped, we were talking to a family who have been here for 4 days, who have just set out for a life of travelling with 3 school aged girls.

We attempted a new set up with a tarp connected to the awning and the car to give us an under cover sitting area as well as using the awning for the sleeping area. Hopefully it will work and we can avoid the 10pm pack up of table and chairs in order to put the swag up.

Simon did the main set up while I cooked tea, by 8:30 the rain was starting and the bugs were buzzing, so I have decided to turned in. Weather radar is looking grim, hopefully most of the rain will fall on the western side of the mountains and give us a comfortable night.

The new set up

What a goofy expression Susan!

Sayonara

Susan

Day 264 Log Bridge Creek Tuesday 26th Febru...

Greetings

Today we have driven along the same 20km stretch of road 4 times, lost – no, feeble of the mind....must be the only explanation. The day started out on a positive note, warm, balmy tranquil. We breakfasted and packed up before the insects became troublesome. We crossed the highway into the thriving metropolis of Talbingo. The general store/post office is for sale, and the service station was closed because they had no fuel. The Cafe and sports store are closed in summer. We did see the policeman he gave us a wary look!

Reflections at Joumana Creek

After writing and posting my weekly letter to Abella (granddaughter aged 3) filled with stickers which she sticks on everything and drives my daughter mad, we viewed the hydro display, walked through the general store and departed. Along the highway we called into each free camp to determine the one for the night, before trundling into Tumut, which was larger than expected and has on a quick count 6 hotels, a RSL and a sports club, big drinking town!

We snacked and coffeed and headed back to the chosen camp 3 back Hume Crossing, then it poured and poured the weather radar looking dark blue with yellow and red splotches – not good for camping in swags! Two hours later it was still raining and cooking the casserole I had planned was looking unlikely, so back to Tumut and early pizza dinner at Eagle Boys. Then the weather cleared, wouldn’t you know it, so back down the road, not as far only to Log Bridge Creek campsite. We managed to set the swag up under the car awning and wrap a tarp around for added protection, make and drink a cup of tea and have a short walk before the rain started again. Now I type this blog (one handed) sitting on the tailgate of the trailer holding the monster umbrella, not at all ergonomic.

Ohh the excitement of the day was an email from Bonny, a woman I found via the Friends of the Heysen Trail Forum, who has sent a PDF file of her long distance meal prep book, it is excellent, she also sent me the diary of her walk of the Quorn leg of the trail last year, I passed the afternoon reading the very entertaining account. Hmmm perhaps my notions of the walk have been a little too romantic, sounds like some hard going in that section. We continue to do our research before making the final commitment.

Sunset at Lake Blowering

Caution blogger at work

Sleep Comfortably Folks

Susan

Day 263 Jounama Creek Monday 25th February 2013

Hi All,

The skies were clear and the sun shone with a mild ferocity, enough to have the sweat running from our brows during pack up. We took our time so that the canvas was well dry, as the camper will be packed up now for a good while methinks. Swag nights on the way home, 1 night at a time.

I decided to drive today, I get out of practice being passenger all of the time, I think Simon would agree that after all the kilometres travelled I am not yet cured of my nervous passengerisms, but I am much improved. We travelled just over 200kms today, deciding on the Snowy Mountains Highway rather than the Alpine Way, as Simon's recollections of the road in 1969 was scary, mind you he was 11 years old and in the back seat, in a car without all today’s modern comforts.

We lunched in Cooma and had a look in the camping shop, buying nothing, but I did discover the Exped double sleeping bag is available in Australia. We stopped off at Black Perry Lookout at Kosciuszko National Park to breathe in the delicious crisp mountain air.

Our camp for the night near Talbingo is next to a babbling brook, unfortunately there are hordes of flies small pesky ones and grotesque large march flies. Tea after sundown just before the mossies became too annoying.

Black Perry Lookout

Cheers

Susan

Day 262 Canberra Sunday 24th February 2013

Hi there,

Iconic spiral at the National Museum

Simon spent the morning in fruitless pursuits, he dried of the canvas. Since the last coating with the waterproofing the water now beads and doesn’t run off so readily. We were no longer out the gate for our days exploring and it bucketed down.

We headed to the National Museum of Australia, thinking we would do half a day there an head on to another attraction, how wrong we were, we even need to go back again to see what we missed. Another impressive building in an arty sort of way, the spiral at the front catches the eye, but not the rain, it pours through, pity they didn’t have some way to make it a rainproof “walkway”.

We wandered about absorbed in the displays and by 2:00 realised we were hungry, and that we had only seen ¼ of the exhibits. We braved the rain to get our lunch from the car then treated ourselves to a latte at the cafe on site. I am getting used to coffee again (sans sugar).

Well fed travellers and great hostess

We were still absorbed in the information and had to be gently asked to leave at 5:00. A quick return to camp and another cuppa, then we headed to dinner with niece Sandy.

Ahhh it is so nice to catch up with family, nothing quite as good as a hug from a family member! We were treated to an excellent meal of Thai fish with rice and vegetables, after nibbles and wine. Finished off with berries and ice-cream delish! Time passed in a flash and we realised than some people have to live by timetables, so we took our leave.

A very enjoyable evening in good company - conversation, laughter and food :-)

Tomorrow pack up and southward travel.

Building detail

From the foyer looking out on a grey day

Garden

Harold Wrights mobile home and saw sharpening business - he caalled himself a "wanderer" I might coin the phrase to describe us!

Sam Olds bike - he rode across Australia aged 70 for 6 years, makes the Heysen trail look tame

Seems I have a transport theme today

A small part of the Aborigional display

Lower level

Mr DJ

Night Folks

Susan

Day 261 Canberra Saturday 23rd February 2013

Greetings Readers

After chats to neighbours and a few repair jobs we headed out to explore the capital. First stop Parliament House. We were just in time to join a 50 minute tour, which was well worth doing. As we entered I could feel a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes, I guess I had an attack of patriotism and pride. Most of you would know I am a softy! Even Simon, who can be quite blasé admitted the building was “quite appropriate and inspires the best for our country” he did then make a disparaging remark about some of our elected members!

It is a beautiful building:

The building was always planned for this site - Capital Hill. Old Parliament House was temporary building, only took 100 years to build this building.

The Great Hall with beautiful tapestry of Arthur Boyd painting, specially commissioned. Weavers added Hayley's Comet which wasn't in original - apparently a weaver tradition to mark astronomical and momentous events

External view, the gardens are only open to the public during Floriade

The reflecting pool - made from South Australian black imperial granite

The Foyer

View toward War Memorial and Black Hill

We had lunch in the gardens of Old Parliament House and watched a wedding being conducted there. So much cheaper when you make wraps rather than buy something. We are watching our pennies more than ever now.

Simon had the next sight-seeing choice The War Memorial. I generally do not like such memorials; they remind me of such waste of human life. What would the world be like if all those thousands and hundreds of thousands were not killed?

Today we had news from Bellingen and Nabiac, floods and floods. Our thoughts are with more people in places we know and their struggles. Be safe peeps.

Side view of War Memorial

The Eternal Flame and closing ceremony - haunting bagpipes, beautiful

Susan

Day 260 Canberra Friday 22nd February 2013

Hi All,

We had a very sound sleep last night. I always feel better sleeping under the stars. By morning we realised how close we were to the highway awoken by the constant roar of traffic. What started out warm and bright ended soggy and a little frazzled. Breakfast was started and so did the rain, I finished cooking Simon's porridge under the new big umbrella we bought in Taree. We had closed the trailer lid and pushed the drawer back in so porridge was eaten with a fork.... it worked..... sort of!

We managed to roll up the damp swag and put the damp pillows and sleeping bags in the car. I did manage to make my breakfast and by 9:30 all was packed and the damp frazzled beings slid in to the car and started westward.

It had been suggested by Sandy we stay at the exhibition grounds (showgrounds) so I checked details on my phone (these smart phones do have some advantages) wouldn’t you know it closed for the show! Who has the show in February? September is show month!

Driving in to town

The first park was full, the second had spaces and keen to unpack and dry off we booked in for 3 nights. $36 a night for “anywhere on the grass” with power. Grass was an understatement, grass here is apparently not soft or green and the ground is harder than concrete. 14 bent pegs dispatched to the bin, and 14 new ones purchased at Anaconda after we put the camper up.

A chat with Jock our neighbour revealed that this is a cheap caravan park for Canberra sheesh! After dinner of beef stroganoff, rice and salad we went on a little explore of the capital. More exploring tomorrow.

New Parliament House

Old Parliament House

Night Folks

Susan

Day 259 Warri Rest Area Thursday 21st February 2013

Hi All,

Our pack up this morning was fairly efficient in a leisurely sort of way. I tried to get a farewell group photo but Orlando was not playing ball, 10 year olds! We chopped and changed our minds several times about shopping for provisions, finally deciding to stop en route rather than shop in Katoomba and return and hitch up then hit the road.

It was a fortuitous thing meeting Emily at Shunyam's in December, otherwise we probably would not have come to the Blue Mountains, now we know it is somewhere we want to return to for some serious bushwalking. Fortuitous also to meet another lovely family and forge new friendships.

I had wanted to travel a particular piece of road along the NSW coast having seen it on some TV show, I researched it some weeks ago and wouldn’t you know we missed it, as we joined the Pacific Highway too late, but it would have involved some backtracking and as it was we didn’t arrive at our campsite until 21:00. We shopped and lunched in Woolongong, I notice Simon picked up brochures to start researching alternate computer/internet for our big trek.

Success at last talking on the phone to my niece Sandy in Canberra, we have been voice and text messaging for weeks. Plans were hastily made to spend a few days in the capital (all Australians should be able to say they have visited the seat of government!) The offer to stay at her place was gratefully received but there is no street parking and our rig won’t fit in the underground space, so we will find a free camp if possible and dine with Sandy on Sunday night.

We started a new talking book “A Burn-out Case” by Graham Green which will probably be concluded by the time we reach Canberra, not the most gripping story we have listened to.

As we drove through Braidwood (nice name) our eye caught a sign delicious food. Rain was threatening and as we were swagging it we did a u-bolt (U turn) or a “u-nit” as our GPS calls them (must write to Navman about that) and had dinner in the pub. It was delicious, large portions and modestly priced. I have some chicken for lunch tomorrow. Simon ate all of his pork ribs. Simon reckons it was the location for the filming of “TheYear My Voice Broke” his favourite film. He was right as usual!

Our dinner talk was about how many swag nights were accompanied by a pub meal we started we three the count is up to seven, with a note to selves review the blog. The thought struck me that most people would not be able to recall how many nights they ate out stretching back 3 years!

Ulludulla... we've been everywhere man!

Mmmmm pork ribs

Sleep tight

Susan

Katoomba Video Extra

Hi Folks,

Couple of videos from our walk at Katoomba

Wentworth Falls (20mb)

Valley of the Waters (10mb)

Day 258 Katoomba Wednesday 20th February 2013

Hi All,

Today started somewhat more quietly than the previous days on account that the children and Emily had departed to Sydney last night for a school excursion to the tall ships.

Painting finished!

The day was looking grey and finalisation of the painting was not looking good, I had however stated to Francis that the weather would hold out, and it actually did, allowing a final coat to the front wall and a few touch ups on windows.

Helen the neighbour called in at breakfast time to see whether Simon wanted to earn a few dollars, yes actual real money! She needed some chain sawing done, Simon gave an hourly quote and inspected the task. The large pine in the front garden was his main focus, as the hakea in the side garden were tall but not safe enough to attack with the ladder at hand. After 2.5 hours the pine was looking more shapely and the house was visible from the road. I assisted to pile the branches up for transportation to the dump.

During the afternoon we journeyed to town to pick up the dual battery isolator, try on some back packs and continue research at a few camping stores. The pack I am interested to try is the Osprey Exos 58, the Osprey Ariel that I tried today has a cut away shoulder strap style, I am hoping the Exos which is 1kg lighter has the same straps. I really did like the Summit Cloudmaker for strength, simplicity and because it Aussie made. It is heavier than I want at 2.8kgs, but would have to be my favourite so far.

As we returned “home” the rain started, but wasn’t heavy enough to deter Simon from trying out and installing the new gizmo, it worked a treat. We will pack in the morning, but have not got a destination for tomorrow night. Freya would like us to stay longer! I helped Emily join Helpx so we can write a review, they seem interested to continue to have helpers in the future.

Opalised stone in a jewellery shop window in town

Ditto

Cheers

Susan

Day 257 Katoomba Tuesday 19th February 2013

Morning, Good Morning,

We awoke to glorious blue skies that lasted all day. Perfect weather for hiking, not to hot. We set out about 10:30 and drove to Wentworth Falls. Simon had picked up a map a few days ago and after some minutes of study we set out. We set off via Jameison, Princess Rock and Wentworth Falls Lookouts, and the Undercliff Track to Wentworth Falls then made our way down the Grand Stairway to the National Pass track toward Valley of the Waters Track, then up again to the Overcliff Track, Short Cut Track and back to the car.

There are two main routes the National Pass and the Wentworth Pass. The National Pass track was first laid in the 1800’s and officially opened in 1908 and was re-laid in 2008 a feat that took 5 years. One of the striking features of the track was the large sandstone stepping stones with their “sparrow peck” marks so named from the original pick marks back in the 1800’s. Many of these stones were reclaimed from culverts and replaced on the track

The route today covered 8.5 kilometers and took almost 4 hours; 2h20m hours moving and 1h35m staying still. We could have stayed still longer taking photos as the scenery was absolutely breathtaking. We both agreed this has probably been our most favourite hike to date. We have pencilled in a return visit to do some more walks, perhaps with our backpack gear after our proposed Heysen Trail adventure.

We did encounter rather an unusual occurrence as we were leaving Flat Rock Falls, a girl came up and asked us if we would retrace our steps and wait a few minutes as her brother was going to propose to his girlfriend in front of the upper falls, apparently she said yes and they were organising pictures as I surreptitiously took a snap of the group as we departed, after the appropriate congratulatory phrases of course!