However, we had a week of glorious non-stop sunshine in Sunny Sawtell and enjoyed every minute of our time on the Coffs Coast. We spent a fair bit of time with our friends Mark and Emma - and as you may have read on Twitter I was persuaded to try a triathlon for the first time in over 15 years by Emma. It was a very short course, but the 300m swim (which looked sooooo short) just about killed me. Definately need some swim training before I try that again. However, I finished and despite the near drowning swim and a mountain bike I was 21st out of 26.....I figure anything above dead last has to be a good thing, particularly as I am (gulp) almost 50!While in Sawtell we also journeyed up past Bellingen, to "The Promised Land" to visit Anna and Neil - friends of friends who had themselves done a big outback trip 5 years ago in the same Camper as us. They were full of useful tips - many of which we have already implemented. Most importantly Dennis has now started buying casks of wine - bladders are so much easier to fit in the fridge than bottles! And we bought a bird book and have started keeping a record of what birds we see. Who'd have thought I would ever become a bird-watcher?? Next thing you know I'll announce we're moving to England to become trainspotters!
We were sad to leave the beaches and sunshine of Sawtell....but it had to be done. We travelled inland, through the rainforest and along the "Waterfall Way" until we reached Wollomombi Falls and camped there in glorious seclusion for 2 nights. It was sunny and warm and we had a you-beaut camp spot, and it was agreed that bush camping beats caravan parks hands down!
We had a night in Gunnedah - where Dennis played in the men's comp at the Gunnedah Golf Course. Will let him provide you with the golf report - but I think things are looking good for an outback Bagwana in the near future!
We have been camping the last 2 nights in the Warrumbungles National Park, about 30k out of Coonabarrabran. The really outstanding thing about this camp ground has been the herd of kangaroos which seems to pretty much live in our camp area. They are amazingly unfazed by people. In fact, they spend alot of time just standing and staring and one can imagine them saying "look dear, isn't it exciting to see humans in the wild".The Warrumbungles are one of those weird rock formation places that's been formed through volcanic activity - sort of like a mini Bungle Bungles. I had a fantastic long walk through the area yesterday. Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Dennis was chopping wood and generally being "a real man" - so I was able to return to a good fire (and washed dishes). Unfortunately the rain set in last night and is sticking around. We had planned a round of golf on Coonabarrabran's 9-hole course, but have opted for coffee, gluten free cake and warmth instead.
The most important news is that we seem to have stopped fighting. Well, not altogether, but we are back to more normal levels. We're getting the hang of this new life on the road and figuring out the really important things like where things go and who's in charge of what. Being Steph and Dennis, we are also having weekly meetings for planning and airing of complaints. Perhaps we should write a book targeted at grey nomads on how to manage your marriage on the road?!
Tomorrow we're heading outback for real. We have one night in Lighting Ridge and then on to Bourke, where legend says the Australian outback really begins. One has to believe it won't be raining in the outback?! But if it is, I'm pleased to report that we have adjusted to being one with the weather.
LATE BREAKING NEWS!!!
Last night spent in the eye of the giant dust storm, that we now understand many of you have also faced. Up at 3am with the half the roof blown off. Woke in the morning to find roof completely off and everything covered in red dust. We are now both also covered in red dust and on our way to Lighting Ridge without even brushing our teeth! Have stopped for "big breakfast" in Coonamble where we will finally post these entries.
OK....Dennis feels I've exaggerated somewhat with the roof off comments. Just to be clear - what came off was the extra top part of the roof. We did not, in fact, wake to find ourselves completely out in the open.
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