Author: Gary

Arrived late afternoon after a non eventful 5 hour drive. Beautiful location, so peaceful and a good base to access Byfield National Park and beaches within 4WD close proximity.

And the weather for day #1 was absolutely perfect for a 4WD challenge to Stockyard Point Headland and a drive down onto the beach for lunch and a well earned swim. It was such a great day.

As inviting as it looked the water temperature was too cold so there was no swimming ☹️. Instead we did a circular walk and chatted to a fellow travelling couple who were staying in the adjacent campground.

Upper Stony Creek

It doesn’t get much better than this. Just 6 sites spread over a large area, all with fire pits. Canoes, swimming, walks, lots of birds all for $30/night for 2 people.

A very special evening spent with Jenny and Brian at their 2 day glamping location. It was such a great privilege to share a bbq meal together. Jen and Brian have been through so much, yet their faith in our Lord Jesus has never been stronger.

Our 3rd time staying at this Hipcamp site. It provides no facilities but is in close proximity to Jennifer’s Mum, Brian and Jenny and where we choose to have caravan warranty work and services done. What it does provide is a large open space for a few campers where you can relax, have a fire and enjoy the peaceful bush setting 😊🙏.

Taking videos and photos while flying the drone provides a unique perspective. No better example than capturing whales as they migrate north. The screenshot below (drone was returning from filming at this point) is the flight path & telemetry including remaining battery time/capacity; current speed; height (above my home position -“H”); distance from H (max. distance from H this flight was 1,926m); no. of satellites:27 (needs to be at least 12 for accurate GPS navigation & drone control); elapsed and total flight time; remote control signal strength etc. When flying, the flight telemetry is overlaid on the live HQ video being streamed back to me (that’s how I control/ see what the drone “sees” + 4k video capture to onboard drone SD card for subsequent editing).

… and then the editing!

For any couple who needs to park their van knows that it can be a stressful time. This caravan park’s solution… they offer, with their tractor, to park your van. Great service.

Another day to capture these majestic creatures of the ocean.

Fun catching up with Brian & Wendy

Coffee at Kingscliff Surf Club in beautiful sunshine, watching more whales go by, followed by lunch at one of their favourite cafes.

What an amazing experience!

Finally, finally I was able capture some very special footage. It was such a wonderful experience and one that I shall remember for many years to come.

While waiting for a whale to pass, positioned on the headland with the camera ready for the rear moment shot (for me at least), I took a few photos of the coast.

Sunset… so peaceful!

Such a peaceful site, in a beautiful valley 10 minutes west of Coffs. Harbour.

After so much wet weather we were keen to go for a decent morning walk… Coffs Creek Walk

The afternoon light was perfect for a visit to Sealy lookout

Can’t get away from the rain! This beautiful farm stopover has had so much rain the property owner met us his farm gate to direct us to the least boggy area. He still wasn’t sure whether he might be called upon in the morning to help drag us out. I assured him that we would be fine… we’ll see in the morning.

It stopped raining so I put on the gum boots and took this photo

We were hoping to visit Adam, Olivia, Levi & Lily but there were all unwell 🤧. We just had to drop in otherwise as it would have been too tough not seeing them for another 3 months. After a short chat on the veranda we spent the evening in the van on a very wet night.

A delay of over 2 weeks due to a medical issue changed some of our plans. Perhaps the most important plan change was not to be with Mum to celebrate her 93rd birthday. Anyway we repacked the car & van and made our way “north”.

Heading north is a particular preference of mine. The warmer weather has many advantages. This trip we look forward to even more fun and adventures. Australia has so much to offer and enjoy!