Our overnight stay was at Narrandera Showgrounds and we went to the Exservicemen’s Club for dinner. Unexpectedly, Wayne and Glenda were also there on their way to Deniliquin. We had not seen them for about 30 years! We joined them and had a delightful time catching up.
The Captains Walk and the birthplace of Donald Bradman – lunch stop.
Stunning autumn colours as we walked in the town.
On our walk we chatted to a stall holder. He was 71 year old Philip, a farmer from Orange, who came every Sunday with his truck of fruit & vegetables to, in his words, “feed the town – they depend on me.” He sleeps in his truck while there because the local pub lost rooms due to floods. Philip cares for the elderly, the pensioners and in particular a struggling young mum with 3 children. He puts extra produce in their orders. The closest fresh fruit & veg is in Yass, 50+ kms from Gunning. He passionately discussed politics but finished with, “it’s the people who are important, the people.” We said our goodbyes, shook his hand and went on our way, carrying fruit he insisted giving us, feeling we has been privileged to meet such a wonderful gentleman.
Bang, Crash, Rookie error. The tow bar tongue was not inserted fully so the safety pin was not secured through the bar receiver hole. The caravan abruptly separated from the car. The hitch fell to the road and was dragged by the safety chains. A shocking sound of scraping metal seemed like we had finished our trip before we had started. Assessing the situation, we placed 4 chocks behind the van wheels, raised the hitch from the road with timber blocks & Big Red Foot. This was a two step move with support needed under the hitch and the electric jack. Amazingly there was no damage. After 35 minutes we were on our way again, a bit shaken, but thankful.
One month to go. Excited and feeling so blessed 🙏 for what promises to be our most challenging adventure.
Plans and preparation are complete 😊. Replacing the Jeep with a Ford Everest Sport and undertaking modifications (GVM/GCM upgrade; snorkel; bull bar; winch; airbags; better all terrain tyres) make it a car better adapted to on & off road travel. Other additions include a water bladder and a firewood box on rear of van.
Quick & uneventful return home to prepare for Christmas 🎄
Special time celebrating Christmas with Mum and being joined by Mum’s nephew Vance and his partner.
Wonderful time with dear friends Brian & Wendy including a visit to this National Park gem which was within 30 minutes drive of Kingscliff NSW.
Black Rocks Camping Area is in the Bundjalong National Park. Over the three days here we really enjoyed the bush and bird life. We swam at Black Rocks beach, so named because of the black minerals giving the rock and sand a sooty colour.
Gary walked some of the trail beside Jerusalem Creek.
Jennifer painted in an idyllic setting.
This pretty campsite was isolated and situated a few kilometers from Lawrence. For four days we explored the surrounding area, visiting Maclean and Yamba and cooled down in the picturesque lake.
