The long road home … part 2

I have so much to share that I had to make this a two part blog of the return trip though much of it is what has been revisited, there is also much that is new even in the places visited on the way to SA. Needless to say I will endeavour not to repeat myself so if I only touch on some things briefly you will know there isn’t much more to say lol…

I slept really well that night, warmed by my encounter with that gorgeous young Galah and the happy outcome. I had asked at the Information Centre about the viability of the road into the Yanga National Park and as there were three destinations, which was the best for a day trip. I knew there was 5mls rain due overnight so the hoped for camp in the grounds was not a goer, however the ability to spend the day most certainly would be if all went according to plan. The lovely lady behind the counter looked up the conditions and informed me of the best way in, also reminding me not to camp there if I had to be somewhere lol. She told me of a lovely free camp come picnic area other than the one I was planning on doing but the road in was really rough. Knowing I had to play safe to ensure I got back without mishap, I chose the option of going in where the Heritage Homestead is though I would dearly have loved to check out the other. That I think will be on my to do list for next time.

I found my way in easily, the bitumen turning to red dirt as I neared the entrance. Yep, I could see it might be a bit of a challenge getting back out when it rained and mentally steeled myself for the pull I knew instinctively I would feel to stay once inside. I don’t think I can describe the beauty that awaited me. Its very flat there but the immense homestead was nestled right beside the Yanga Lake, 42kms in diameter! It is impossible to see the whole lake, though I did go up onto the look out and made use of the telescope provided for visitors to get a better view. There were so many birds on the lake, the majority of which appeared to be pelicans and no doubt the fish within its depths were more than plentiful enough to sustain them. I really want to go back though. In summer if you do camp there, you are rewarded with a lake that becomes blood red as the sun sets. The mind boggles, just another part of this beautiful country I had no idea was here!

I found a lovely spot near the lower Murrumbidgee in the National Park where I could safely park my bus and enjoy some morning tea while dreaming along with the spirits of the river and bush. Afterwards I explored the old Woolshed, the quarters for the men and the amazing homestead. In order to the entire homestead into the picture I had to resort to panoramic shots. I was awed by its stature and sense of history, not to mention inspired by the way the station owners lived and the amount of rooms they needed just so people could come and visit, no doubt having come by horse and cart or maybe it was by steamboat along that beautiful river!

I had no idea that it was once flood plains there and that by our damming such places we were killing off the creatures who depended on it along with the natural vegetation that called it home. Despite that though there was still a sense of being in a sacred land and I wondered what must it have felt like when our indigenous predecessors lived and guarded the spirit of this place.

I knew I had to go and I knew it would be a couple of hours drive to Hay, my next port of call on my way home. I didn’t feel like stopping there for more than a sleepover this time. I had made my choice when I had deviated to the Yanga National Park and though I had only touched on the beauty offered there, I had still managed to spend all day and the sun was beginning its descent ever so slowly as I reluctantly drove out. I was weary but buoyant as I travelled the relatively short leg of the journey to Hay. I filled up again and found a gentle place to park up after having taken advantage of the free shower offered at the petrol station, something that is unique to the country towns. Generosity and welcome… what a wonderful way to live 🙂

I woke early the next morning and enjoyed a coffee or two while I waited for the sun to rise. It rises very late indeed inland and I was impatient to go. Well serves me right for waking up at 4am lol. Anyway I obviously wasn’t thinking clearly because I had not waited for the sun to rise which not only gives you a better visibility of any roos in the area but often times means they have moved away from the road if indeed they were there at all.

Once I left the town there was precious little traffic on the roads, something I was enjoying immensely as too often people do silly things in their need to rush their journey. I must have gone about 10 or 15kms along the highway itself when I suddenly cottoned onto the fact that it was still dark and roos might just be out and about! I reduced my speed to 60kms as my bus doesn’t stop as fast as a car due to her heaviness. All was well, no roos until about 20 minutes later when as I rounded the curve I was suddenly faced with a female right in my path, most likely drinking water from the downpour I would guess as she had her head down and nose on the road. Roos like most animals are dazzled by our lights and of course she didn’t move an inch. I hit the brakes and managed to pull up about 3 feet from her, heart in mouth lol as not only did I not want to hurt her but I didn’t want her to hurt me!

Its really a very funny memory as she merely looked at me as I pulled madly to a halt and when I had accomplished that, turned back the way she had come and hopped off! Whew I would love to remind any traveller that if you do not have to be on the roads in the dark, dawn or sunset don’t. Not only that but there are so many other creatures that are taken out and do not speed! You would be amazed how long it takes to pull up any vehicle and should you hit one, your car will never be the same again or even you if you hit hard enough!

Next stop was going to be West Wyalong though I knew I wouldn’t stay there. I wanted to explore it this time, makes the journey a little more varied than last time I figured. About 60kms out is a tiny town called Weethalle, blink and you would miss it. Well in the past you would but maybe not now. They have put themselves on the map with the amazing silo art there. It hadn’t been done when I went through but it had been finished on July 1st, in plenty of time for me to marvel at the creativity that goes into these works of art. I had a hot chocolate at the café across the road called, of all things, Road Killz Grillz… needless to say I didn’t buy food to go with it lol.

The weather was still chilly but I had a lot to do that took my mind off it. I explored a little more and then got back on the road to West Wyalong. Love this place by the way. Its funky, friendly and has quite a bit of mural art round and about.

From there it was back to the beautiful Forbes Lake for another two night stay. I was making great time so I decided to treat myself to the joys of free camping beside the lake, taking advantage of the Anytime Fitness Gym outlet while I was at it. Time to move on….

Now this is where I ended up taking an unscheduled tour that I didn’t fight lol. Not that far along the highway is Parkes. I had not gone into the town on my journey but oh I was railroaded into it on my return one! I couldn’t remember exactly the roads I took and it was only when I was in Parkes itself that I twigged to the deception lol. Oh well, I thought. I cannot be bothered turning around, I will just have to trust it.

I am so glad I did because as I drove along that road I could see the famous CSIRO Dish and even its backdrop of The Great Dividing Range seemed to be dwarfed by its massive dimensions. Well it said it was only 6.5kms off the main road so on impulse I took the detour. I really don’t go in for things like that; nature is usually what pulls me off my designated route but somehow this seemed important.
I pulled into the car park, turned off my mobile as directed and wandered into the Information Centre. Great timing; as I entered the receptionist was making a final call for those who wanted to watch the 3D documentary on space to come pay their money, pick up the appropriate glasses and be seated. On impulse again I decided to do it.

I don’t really know how to describe that half hour. I cried as I watched the galaxies open up, the 3D making us part of it and my soul yearning to go home. I might have thought this came about by accident when I saw the dish but by the time I left, I knew I was led here. If you get a chance, make this one of your stops. I would be very surprised if you regretted it truly.

On the road again and had my Navman set for Cassilis and this time it tried to take me on another way around but I wasn’t having any of it. I knew that I would need to go alone Cope Road so again I ignored the constant nagging to go the other way and prepared to enjoy the beauty of this particular road though the mine near Ulong and again in Goulbourn River were ugly and depressing. Sadly the miners haring up and down that road, the trucks and most likely other travellers, have left a trail of destruction behind them. I counted upwards of 50 dead roos, 5 wombats and 1 koala… oh my how I wished I hadn’t taken this road to be honest, the hurt was truly indescribable and I wont dwell on it here. Suffice it to say I was none too proud to be human as I tried in vain to stem my tears.

I made it as far as Gulgong where I spent the night in the beautiful Showgrounds before getting on the road again. OMG -4c I nearly froze to death lol. I had thermal socks, thermal underwear, gloves and a -2 sleeping bag and still my fingers and toes were numb. Right that’s it! I thought. It was predicted the next morning was going to hit -8c and I was not going to hang around for that! Tea Gardens on the lovely mid north coast here I come ready or not!

I hightailed it out of there as soon as the ice on my motorhome and the surrounding land thawed enough for me to do so without trouble.

I headed for Jerrys Plains, stopping in Merriwa along the way to take a needed break and then on to Jerrys Plains to fuel up and have some lunch. I was on a mission so no dilly dallying in either of them. The drive and the view was spectacular as I traversed the gentler hills of the Great Divide. The navman was still playing tricks but this time I was pleased as it took me onto the Hunter Expressway which cut out that horrid roundabout I almost got taken out on last time and straight onto the Pacific Highway at Kurri Kurri… oh yes! Not long after I arrived at the Tea Gardens, popped into the Country Club, got a key for the electricity and hibernated! Oh it was so warm! Whats more instead of doing it tough with -8c I was looking at a balmy 9c morning! A positive heat wave lol…

I stayed overnight, went for a walk and had some lunch down on the Marina before taking the short journey to Taree to spend some time with my friend. From there it was Kempsey to see my sister and nephew and then onto my beloved South West Rocks to play with my beautiful friends. Now I am looking after a beautiful 13 year old deaf dog who is both gentle and stubborn lol… well that’s it for this journey. I wont promise to blog regularly because I am more an outdoorsy girl playing in nature… blessed be. May the Goddess guide your way till we chat again