Here, in this sweet place, I sit alone next to a babbling creek, savouring the scenery. In the distance, a constantly changing cacophany of bird sounds, on my skin the softest wind you can imagine brings the smell of the forest. My man Eb is taking a little hike to Lucifer's thumb.
I am in the Chaelundi campground in Guy Fawkes River Park, soaking up the middle of nowhere.
Our departure from home was a leisurely 9am. We made it ALL the way to Lismore (45km) before we stopped for breakfast. Drive drive drive; boring, until we turned on to the Old Glen Innes Rd. What a spectacular drive! Our first destination was Dalmorton, an historic mining town. We soon discovered a lovely camping area, across the river, which we had completely to ourselves.
The campgroun
d itself was lovely, on the banks of Boyd River, complete with a glorious secluded swimming hole. We hiked, swam, went for a drive into the wilderness. Great way to start a holiday if you ask me.
d itself was lovely, on the banks of Boyd River, complete with a glorious secluded swimming hole. We hiked, swam, went for a drive into the wilderness. Great way to start a holiday if you ask me. From Dalmorton, we continued on the Old Glen Innes road, which was one beautiful scene after another. There was a tunnel built by convicts, the road winding its way along the river and pleasant surprises around every corner.
Eventually, we made our way to the Gwydir River near Bingera, t
o rest our heads for the night at one of the many free camping spots along the river a little way out of town. It was very pretty there.
The next morning we were Warrumbungal bound! We stopped along the way to check out Sawn rocks in Mt Kaputar National Park. An hour or so of rock-gawking and we headed off to the
mountains.
Eventually, we made our way to the Gwydir River near Bingera, t
o rest our heads for the night at one of the many free camping spots along the river a little way out of town. It was very pretty there. The next morning we were Warrumbungal bound! We stopped along the way to check out Sawn rocks in Mt Kaputar National Park. An hour or so of rock-gawking and we headed off to the
mountains. After a bit of quick research, we opted for the much more low-key campground, camp Wombelong. It was quiet-ish, and we got the best spot there. While we were setting up, the nice man came by from next door and introduced himself. He also mentioned that the rest of his family would be coming along tomorrow, for a big family camping reunion. Mother, father, sisters, their families. Won't that be just GRAND! Oh well, time for some of that famous Eb and Flo philosophy. Like my daughter said recently, "don't worry mum, people are nice."
The next day, Eb wanted to do a walk. I, stupidly, said ok. Hardest walk ever. Oh, I know...the reward was in the triumph of making it to the top, the views were spectacular, weren't you proud of yourself, blah blah blah. Yes, I guess. B
ut the memory of the endless uphill climb, stopping every few feet toward the top, feeling like I couldn't go one more step. And then trying to find a comfortable place to have lunch. They grow hard rocks in the Warrumbungles. Then the down part. Ow. Thighs burning, feet hating me. I vowed never to walk again until at least 2010.
The upside: the views were pretty awesome, and I got some very pleasing pictures. And everytime I mentioned to people that Eb chased me up the mountain to the famous Breadknife, there was respect. Except from his mum, who said: "The Breadknife? Are there still silly people walking all the way up there?"
The next morning, before dawn, Eb got up and climbed to the top of Split Rock, which was across the road from the campground. I slept in, and nursed my blisters. It was such a hairy climb, he left a message on my phone, saying that he loved me, and basically if he didn't make it down in one piece, to recover the camera, because he had snapped some really good shots.
Thankfully, he got me on the phone before I heard his message, and was more sensible in person. Thankfully also, he made it down in one piece.
After breakfast,
we packed up and headed of to our next adventure, Dubbo and the Western Plains Zoo.
All along the way for the whole trip, we found backroads which were more direct and all but deserted. Some of the countryside was lush and green and...scenic. And there were times when we didn't see another vehicle on the whole detour.
Another constant on our trip was the Aldi bucket. Afte
r much discussion, we decided to purchase yet another bucket. "This one is strong, but doesn't have a pouring spout, that one has a pouring spout, but "we" do not trust the handle." (LIfe with Eb is VERY exciting...)
But good old Aldi had the perfect bucket. N
ow that Aldi is so popular, we said, "wouldn't it be funny if every camper we see has one of these buckets?" Guess what? (I will let you finish that one.)
Anyway, on to Dubbo. You could say it was an adventure. We got there in the evening, and found out that all the caravan parks were
full, because school holidays had started for every state except NSW. OH. We didn't realize that. But the VERY nice man at Big 4 found us a place near the lodge, where he wasn't supposed to put people. "Sorry, its a little far from the amenities" (and the rest of the people) "and there isn't much light 
if you have to get up in the night." All the downsides were upsides for us.
Except for the TRAFFIC! All night long. Trucks. Loud trucks. We didn't get alot of sleep, but we got up in the morning, got some laundry done and headed off to the ZOO! Yay! When you purchase a ticket to Western Plains zoo, you get a two-day pass. The first day was wonderful, not too crowded, animals all behaving nicely for us. Except for the monkeys, who appeared to be on strike or something. Cranky monkeys.
The next day we had to get up VERY early for the early morning zoo walk (behind the scenes) before opening time. Since we were also spending part of the day there, we decided to completely pack up the trailer and check out early morning. We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner out, so there wouldn't be any dishes to deal with. And just because.
We ended up at the Cattlemans restaurant, and after one bite of my creamy garlic prawns, I almost ditched Eb and asked the chef to marry me. It was a very nice place, with great service and a fantastic menu. I highly recommend di
ning there if you are ever in Dubbo. I myself may move there.
Do try to avoid DUST STORM season though. That night the traffic wasn't so bad. However, we were buffeted by extremely strong gusting wind, coming from all different directions, which rocked our little canvas home and threatened to lift the awning up and take it to New Zealand. Poor Eb didn't sleep a wink, and got up several times to hammer the pegs back into the ground.
In the morning, we were relieved to find everything still in one piece, although there was a strange mist all around, all the more mysterious
because it was too windy to be foggy. Later, we discovered that it was a major dust storm, that had started in Broken Hill and some dust had made it all the way to New Zealand! That was a bit more adventure than we had planned for.
Sleep-deprived Eb and Flo still made it to the Zoo on time. Because of the dust storm, and the fact that it was still cold and windy, the morning walk consisted of only around 15 people. It was a great experience and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We had a wonderful guide, who has been volunteering for many
years, taking people behind the scenes and telling them little secrets about how the animals are handled.
If you have already, or will look at my photos or Eb's photos on flickr, you may notice the difference in the colour of... everything... on the second zoo day. That was the haze that hung in the air a
nd left a thick layer of dust over everything from Broken Hill to the east coast.
We spent the better part of the day wandering around the zoo, looking at the animals we hadn't seen the first day, and revisiting our favourites. Then we headed off to Cowra, to check out the Japanese Gardens and get a motel room! We felt we deserved it.
The Japanese Gard
ens in Cowra are very beautiful. We stayed for a couple of hours, admiring the displays and taking photos and left upon the arrival of three busloads of tourists and school groups.
The next day, Eb wanted to do a walk. I, stupidly, said ok. Hardest walk ever. Oh, I know...the reward was in the triumph of making it to the top, the views were spectacular, weren't you proud of yourself, blah blah blah. Yes, I guess. B
ut the memory of the endless uphill climb, stopping every few feet toward the top, feeling like I couldn't go one more step. And then trying to find a comfortable place to have lunch. They grow hard rocks in the Warrumbungles. Then the down part. Ow. Thighs burning, feet hating me. I vowed never to walk again until at least 2010. 
The upside: the views were pretty awesome, and I got some very pleasing pictures. And everytime I mentioned to people that Eb chased me up the mountain to the famous Breadknife, there was respect. Except from his mum, who said: "The Breadknife? Are there still silly people walking all the way up there?"
The next morning, before dawn, Eb got up and climbed to the top of Split Rock, which was across the road from the campground. I slept in, and nursed my blisters. It was such a hairy climb, he left a message on my phone, saying that he loved me, and basically if he didn't make it down in one piece, to recover the camera, because he had snapped some really good shots.
Thankfully, he got me on the phone before I heard his message, and was more sensible in person. Thankfully also, he made it down in one piece.
After breakfast,
we packed up and headed of to our next adventure, Dubbo and the Western Plains Zoo. All along the way for the whole trip, we found backroads which were more direct and all but deserted. Some of the countryside was lush and green and...scenic. And there were times when we didn't see another vehicle on the whole detour.
Another constant on our trip was the Aldi bucket. Afte
r much discussion, we decided to purchase yet another bucket. "This one is strong, but doesn't have a pouring spout, that one has a pouring spout, but "we" do not trust the handle." (LIfe with Eb is VERY exciting...) But good old Aldi had the perfect bucket. N
ow that Aldi is so popular, we said, "wouldn't it be funny if every camper we see has one of these buckets?" Guess what? (I will let you finish that one.) Anyway, on to Dubbo. You could say it was an adventure. We got there in the evening, and found out that all the caravan parks were
full, because school holidays had started for every state except NSW. OH. We didn't realize that. But the VERY nice man at Big 4 found us a place near the lodge, where he wasn't supposed to put people. "Sorry, its a little far from the amenities" (and the rest of the people) "and there isn't much light 
if you have to get up in the night." All the downsides were upsides for us. Except for the TRAFFIC! All night long. Trucks. Loud trucks. We didn't get alot of sleep, but we got up in the morning, got some laundry done and headed off to the ZOO! Yay! When you purchase a ticket to Western Plains zoo, you get a two-day pass. The first day was wonderful, not too crowded, animals all behaving nicely for us. Except for the monkeys, who appeared to be on strike or something. Cranky monkeys.
The next day we had to get up VERY early for the early morning zoo walk (behind the scenes) before opening time. Since we were also spending part of the day there, we decided to completely pack up the trailer and check out early morning. We decided to treat ourselves to a nice dinner out, so there wouldn't be any dishes to deal with. And just because.
We ended up at the Cattlemans restaurant, and after one bite of my creamy garlic prawns, I almost ditched Eb and asked the chef to marry me. It was a very nice place, with great service and a fantastic menu. I highly recommend di
ning there if you are ever in Dubbo. I myself may move there. Do try to avoid DUST STORM season though. That night the traffic wasn't so bad. However, we were buffeted by extremely strong gusting wind, coming from all different directions, which rocked our little canvas home and threatened to lift the awning up and take it to New Zealand. Poor Eb didn't sleep a wink, and got up several times to hammer the pegs back into the ground.
In the morning, we were relieved to find everything still in one piece, although there was a strange mist all around, all the more mysterious
because it was too windy to be foggy. Later, we discovered that it was a major dust storm, that had started in Broken Hill and some dust had made it all the way to New Zealand! That was a bit more adventure than we had planned for. Sleep-deprived Eb and Flo still made it to the Zoo on time. Because of the dust storm, and the fact that it was still cold and windy, the morning walk consisted of only around 15 people. It was a great experience and I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We had a wonderful guide, who has been volunteering for many
years, taking people behind the scenes and telling them little secrets about how the animals are handled. If you have already, or will look at my photos or Eb's photos on flickr, you may notice the difference in the colour of... everything... on the second zoo day. That was the haze that hung in the air a
nd left a thick layer of dust over everything from Broken Hill to the east coast. We spent the better part of the day wandering around the zoo, looking at the animals we hadn't seen the first day, and revisiting our favourites. Then we headed off to Cowra, to check out the Japanese Gardens and get a motel room! We felt we deserved it.
The Japanese Gard
ens in Cowra are very beautiful. We stayed for a couple of hours, admiring the displays and taking photos and left upon the arrival of three busloads of tourists and school groups. As a bonus, we discovered that the famous Archibald Prize paintings (all of them) were on display at the Cowra Regional Art Gallery, so we added that to our list of experiences.
After a very nice lunch at La Vita, we collected our home and headed off to Tumbarumba! for the Rial Family Reunion. We were only a couple of hours behind schedule.
Luckily, I called ahead to the caravan park, as the owners were going to be at a town meeting when we arrived (along with the entire population of the town). They very
nicely left us an amenities key and we set up in the dark. Little did we know that we would be hunkered down at the Tumba-bloody-rumba Caravan Park for five nights! That being said, it was a wonderful place to be stranded, with fantastic amenities and a lovely little creek that runs right around the
property. I even saw my first Platypus!
The next day was fine. Tumbarumba is a beautiful town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, and everyone there was very friendly. We went to check out the venue for the next day's Rial Family reunion which, by the way, was the motivation for our trip. The manager
wasn't home, so we headed into town. At the Visitor's Centre was one of the best historical museums I have ever seen. If you are ever lucky enough to make it to Tumba, make sure to check out the Visitor Information Centre.
After a very nice lunch at La Vita, we collected our home and headed off to Tumbarumba! for the Rial Family Reunion. We were only a couple of hours behind schedule.
Luckily, I called ahead to the caravan park, as the owners were going to be at a town meeting when we arrived (along with the entire population of the town). They very
nicely left us an amenities key and we set up in the dark. Little did we know that we would be hunkered down at the Tumba-bloody-rumba Caravan Park for five nights! That being said, it was a wonderful place to be stranded, with fantastic amenities and a lovely little creek that runs right around the 
property. I even saw my first Platypus!
The next day was fine. Tumbarumba is a beautiful town in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains, and everyone there was very friendly. We went to check out the venue for the next day's Rial Family reunion which, by the way, was the motivation for our trip. The manager
wasn't home, so we headed into town. At the Visitor's Centre was one of the best historical museums I have ever seen. If you are ever lucky enough to make it to Tumba, make sure to check out the Visitor Information Centre. Before we could make it back to Sunnyside, we received a call from Eb's sister and mother, to say that they were just about to arrive in Tumba, and would we like to go out for lunch. We would. We did. It was great to catch up with them both.
Later, we began preparations for the BIG day, as more family
started to arrive. And the weather started to turn. The unofficial start to the reunion was at dinner that night at the Tumbarumba Motel. It was a lovely time, despite the LONG wait for our meals, due to some kind of crisis in the kitchen. I think the cook spat the dummy or something.
It continued to rain, snow, blow and generally FREEZE right through the reunion. It didn't matter. Everyone rugged up, there were heaters in the marquee, and it was an absolute success, thanks to the hosts, Ken and Edie at Sunnyside, all those family members who contributed historical records and artifacts, those who he
lped set everything up, the slideshows, the hours of organization in the previous six months and the EIGHTY odd people who came from near and far to be there. Hats off to Blossom who nursed a dream to "dream-come-true." For anyone interested, Eb has pictures of the reunion on his flickr site
One would think that this has been enough adventure for one holiday, but no. We still had the snowy mountains to explore, if the bloody weather would cooperate.
Actually, even though it was cold and wet (one night it rained mud, seriously), we had a wonderful time in Tumbarumba. Thanks to Peter
and family for taking pity on us, freezing in our camper trailer, asking us to dine and thaw out at their home. It was very nice getting to know you better, and great to meet and re-meet everyone there.
Finally the weather started to improve and we went on a recon mission to check out the mountains. We got as far as Geehi Rest area before we knew where we wanted to camp. The trip there was easy and not too far, so the next day we packed up and headed off to the Snowies!
We made the drive between Tumba and Kancoban three time, miles of pure
bliss, unbelievably picturesque scenery. Lush green rolling hills and big puffy clouds for kilometres. Each time we made that trip, I was so relaxed and blissed out, I nearly fell asleep on the drive up into the mountains. Luckily it did not have the same effect on my driver.
The next two days were magical. That camping spot was just about the best one either of us had experienced. There are several spots along the Swampy Plains river, all spaced well apart with privacy and kanga-bloody-roos as far as the eye can see, with views to the snow-capped main mountain range. It was warm in the sun, there was a river rushing by, we had our own little waterfall, and we could look up and see the changing mountains, topped with snow. Wow. 
Oh, and no charge for camping there. There were only two or three other campers, all too far away to see or hear. No wonder I cried when we had to leave.
We hiked and drove and went up to the snow and took lots of photos. It was a real highlight of the whole trip.
Later, we began preparations for the BIG day, as more family
started to arrive. And the weather started to turn. The unofficial start to the reunion was at dinner that night at the Tumbarumba Motel. It was a lovely time, despite the LONG wait for our meals, due to some kind of crisis in the kitchen. I think the cook spat the dummy or something. 
It continued to rain, snow, blow and generally FREEZE right through the reunion. It didn't matter. Everyone rugged up, there were heaters in the marquee, and it was an absolute success, thanks to the hosts, Ken and Edie at Sunnyside, all those family members who contributed historical records and artifacts, those who he
lped set everything up, the slideshows, the hours of organization in the previous six months and the EIGHTY odd people who came from near and far to be there. Hats off to Blossom who nursed a dream to "dream-come-true." For anyone interested, Eb has pictures of the reunion on his flickr site
One would think that this has been enough adventure for one holiday, but no. We still had the snowy mountains to explore, if the bloody weather would cooperate.
Actually, even though it was cold and wet (one night it rained mud, seriously), we had a wonderful time in Tumbarumba. Thanks to Peter
and family for taking pity on us, freezing in our camper trailer, asking us to dine and thaw out at their home. It was very nice getting to know you better, and great to meet and re-meet everyone there. 
Finally the weather started to improve and we went on a recon mission to check out the mountains. We got as far as Geehi Rest area before we knew where we wanted to camp. The trip there was easy and not too far, so the next day we packed up and headed off to the Snowies!
We made the drive between Tumba and Kancoban three time, miles of pure
bliss, unbelievably picturesque scenery. Lush green rolling hills and big puffy clouds for kilometres. Each time we made that trip, I was so relaxed and blissed out, I nearly fell asleep on the drive up into the mountains. Luckily it did not have the same effect on my driver. 
The next two days were magical. That camping spot was just about the best one either of us had experienced. There are several spots along the Swampy Plains river, all spaced well apart with privacy and kanga-bloody-roos as far as the eye can see, with views to the snow-capped main mountain range. It was warm in the sun, there was a river rushing by, we had our own little waterfall, and we could look up and see the changing mountains, topped with snow. Wow. 
Oh, and no charge for camping there. There were only two or three other campers, all too far away to see or hear. No wonder I cried when we had to leave. We hiked and drove and went up to the snow and took lots of photos. It was a real highlight of the whole trip.
THEN were we head
ed home? NO. Still more holiday to come.
Canberra was our next destination, to visit with Eb's brother and sister-in-law before they headed off on their own, 13-month adventure, volunteering overseas. And also to collect Mother and deliver her safely back home.
But first, the wining and the dining at Che Deakin. Which was extraordinary. Yummy Food, Wine, Company. So wonderful to catch up with those guys and then
to see Floriade on top of it. Hey, I finally made it back to Canberra! and it was worth the wait. We will be thinking of you on your journey and you can count on a visitation.
After a couple of days swanning around our nation's capitol, we headed off early back to Mother's home base and a couple of nights with Other Sister, and Brother-in-law. It was a long drive, not the best part of the trip and nothing I want to remember, but we three made good travel mates, and we made our special delivery according to plan.
Arriving at che Bel
more River, we were welcomed with open arms, luxury accommodation and the perfect dinner.
We had a lovely visit, brunch on the river in Gladstone and lots of shops with a jillion things in them. That night we had another gourmet meal, prepared by our hosts. It was so nice, we even let them join us for dinner.
It was the perfect way to finish off our wonderful time away. Thank you, all of our wonderful hosts, nice people we met everywhere we went, those of you who helped support my family while I was away, and my children, who kept the place in very good order. It was actually a pleasure to arrive home.
ed home? NO. Still more holiday to come. Canberra was our next destination, to visit with Eb's brother and sister-in-law before they headed off on their own, 13-month adventure, volunteering overseas. And also to collect Mother and deliver her safely back home.
But first, the wining and the dining at Che Deakin. Which was extraordinary. Yummy Food, Wine, Company. So wonderful to catch up with those guys and then
to see Floriade on top of it. Hey, I finally made it back to Canberra! and it was worth the wait. We will be thinking of you on your journey and you can count on a visitation. After a couple of days swanning around our nation's capitol, we headed off early back to Mother's home base and a couple of nights with Other Sister, and Brother-in-law. It was a long drive, not the best part of the trip and nothing I want to remember, but we three made good travel mates, and we made our special delivery according to plan.
Arriving at che Bel
more River, we were welcomed with open arms, luxury accommodation and the perfect dinner. 
We had a lovely visit, brunch on the river in Gladstone and lots of shops with a jillion things in them. That night we had another gourmet meal, prepared by our hosts. It was so nice, we even let them join us for dinner.
It was the perfect way to finish off our wonderful time away. Thank you, all of our wonderful hosts, nice people we met everywhere we went, those of you who helped support my family while I was away, and my children, who kept the place in very good order. It was actually a pleasure to arrive home.
Thank you Driver!
The end.
I'm so sorry, I couldn't resist.
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