Before you all PM me yelling at me for this long update, I apologise in advance but so much to pass on, sorry all.
As I said last week I was leaving Greens Lake Tuesday April 2 and me and myself didn't argue, they must have wanted to get under way as well. I think the three of us want to get to the warmer climate up North.
I was gone by 8.00am as I wanted and got a few things in Shepparton then started the journey North, I was a Mexican by 11.00am and got as far as 30 km North of West Wyalong so decided to pull into my very first free camp away from Greens Lake, there were 4 happy campers already there so that will do me too. By the time morning came there were 9 happy campers including me?
Wednesday I asked Nav lady to take me to her leader in Tamworth and left at 8.00am. After a few short stops including Parks Radio Telescope for a quick visit along the way and dear Nav lady yelling at me as the stops were not on the agenda we arrived in Tamworth at 5.30pm and I decided to make camp in a CV Park for a treat so I could have a shower, well it's been 10 days and no shower. Now I know what you're saying, pew, he must stink, well, you're wrong, I have a wash every day but a bloke has to do what a bloke has to do. Besides, it's just a treat for being a good boy with my eating plan, it's better than food at this stage. I did check out a few free camps along the way but no one else around and I wasn't over impressed with any of them, never mind a treat now and then doesn't hurt.
I was one day ahead of where I thought I might be by the end of the week and was able to slow down a bit so that's good. 477km Tuesday and 590km Wednesday is just too much these days.
Bugger, I still haven't lost me and myself yet so those committee meetings will still have to take place from time to time I spose.
Thursday the plan was to catch up with JustCrusin, Jim and Leonie and spend a couple of days with them. We met at the Apex Park in Manilla, now I here you say how could we get all the way to Manilla with my Avan and JC's CV in tow. Well this Manilla is in NSW about 30km north of Tamworth. Now JC picked this place out as he had stayed there before but, now I know I am in the playground but there is also a lovely set of kids play equipment here as well, so the thought was maybe I could play on it later. That's if JC doesn't hog it as he is parked right in front of it. Never did get to play on it, oh well maybe next time.
But before this meet up I spent the morning looking around Tamworth and found some great looking modern buildings and some really nice older looking buildings as well. I checked out the Golden Guitar and was a little disappointed as it had no strings, how could I show my guitar skills now, never fear, I can't play anyway. I finished being the tourist and headed for Manilla.
It was sure nice to just do a short drive after the last two days and a nice pleasant afternoon chatting with Jim and Leonie then we all settled in our own vans for the night.
Friday arrived and we all decided to stay put for the day and Friday night as well and just sit around and have a good old natter and what a great idea it turned out to be, JC and I chatted about my upcoming venture to Longreach and around that area, he gave me a few ideas of some free camps etc and during this chat he pointed out a road from Winton to Hughenden that has now cut off two nights for me as I didn't pick it up and was going Winton - Cloncurry - Richmond and Hughenden, great, two nights saved. That will teach me to look at a map better next time, see, experience pays, thanks JC.
With this in mind and chatting with JC I thought I might head over to Lightning Ridge first then to Longreach but before all that happens probably the most important meet up in the history of The Grey Nomads Forum Members ever, Dougwe and Bohemian Gypsy ( and her husband Ray).
Saturday arrived and I said goodbye to Mr and Mrs JC and headed for Inverell, now that was the shortest drive so far and it was good to be set up and all ready for this stay. I ventured into town and got a few things, thick PJ's, thick sox and a beanie, I didn't go with the red as Beth 54 suggested just black, I don't need to go fast in bed.
Bohemian Gypsy and Mr BG, Michelle and Ray braved it and came to see my big rig and we had afternoon tea and a good old chat. Now when I rang Michelle to let her know I was in Town she said it was cold and had the heater on, few I'm in shorts and T-shirt and reckon its warm, ok, not hot, but warm. I reckon she must be related to Wombat, they have cold blood don't they ? :)
Sunday and I was invited to Lunch with Michelle and Ray at their place and that was really nice, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch and chatted the hours away, all us GN's have so much to chat about when we meet up, it's like long lost friends. Now come on Ray you need to get that great looking CV out in the playground mate, it's going rusty.
I checked the number of nights I had to get to Townsville and had one night spare so I have decided to stay here in down town Inverell for another night so will now head off for the next leg of this journey Tuesday morning.
Now I am going to tell you something for free, this CV Park I am staying in only has 1 Star rating, why you ask, well I just dont know. This park is one of the best 1 star parks I have seen it should have 3.5 or maybe even a 4. The best bit is its ONLY $20.00 for two people per night and wait for it, a singles price, now I must admit there is not a lot of difference but if you are solo its only $18.00 per night. For the money you get great people owning and running it, grass site, power, water, swimming pool, extremely clean and very spacious showers and toilets and a laundry in the same condition and one of the best camp kitchens I have ever seen and it even has a piano, ok Biggles get that guitar out mate and I will play the piano then we can add free entertainment to the long list of good things this park has to offer. You didnt know I could play the piano did you, well your right I cant thats why it would be free but I tell you something you would have a treat for the night with Biggles heading the bill and I also tell you that for free.
Now did I say this is a great CV Park, well it is. Sapphire City CV Park, Moore St. Inverell NSW. 02 67221830. Permission was granted for this part of my post.
Oh well that will be enough for this update or it will be classed as a novel so until next week,
Excellent update Doug. Loved the pics, so so jealous. I think it was not very nice of JC to hog all that play equipment, sounds like a nice story book on sharing will be needed at happy hour. You keep having a great time and well, you just never know your little AVan, might just grow up to be as big as JC's CV one day. It will be like the little red engine, "I know I can , I know I can". Keep on keeping on and have a great time. Keep safe.
Grams said
04:25 PM Apr 8, 2013
Thank you Doug, that was a great description of your journey. Also I love it when you find someplace, that doesn't get the recognition it deserves, like the CV park. Thank you.
BohemianGypsy said
05:23 PM Apr 8, 2013
Great update Doug and I so did not find it boring. I got a better pic of the CV park than the one you took lol. Ray and I agree though that it is a wonderful park and we also cannot understand why it only has one star because it deserves four in my opinion. Everything was in a pristine condition and the grounds were so well looked after as well with a gorgeous outlook and so very peaceful.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the Great Sapphire City of Inverell Doug.
Michelle
Cloak said
06:29 PM Apr 8, 2013
Wow 500 - 600 Km per day for a coupla days. Great update too many thanks.
herbie said
11:24 PM Apr 8, 2013
Great post Dougwe, a lot of parks are a lot nicer and a hell of a lot cheaper than those that go under the banner of one of the big chain names i am finding out of late. Funny how we are apologising before we post a post on here now,after someone didn't like to read long posts for one reason or another, I say get a life and just don't read them .if that's the way you feel. Other people might just enjoy it.
mongrel said
12:00 AM Apr 9, 2013
The half hour I spent reading the post was most enjoyable. When a story is told like that it is full of good info ,Make them as long as you like,for people like me who are still not travelling this wonderful land. Gives ideas of places we should see once we start our journey...Well written mate , keep them coming....Alan the Mongrel.....
Brenda and Alan said
12:51 AM Apr 9, 2013
Thanks for the info Dougwe. I have added your recommendations to my list for future reference. Brenda
glassies said
01:36 AM Apr 9, 2013
what a great story that sounds fantastic ,so glad to see you met up with leonie and jim arent they just the perfect couple, and jim is full of information (shhh dont tell him i said so ) his head will be swelling and butterflies in his fat lil tummy (avatar) .Good on you i love how you put what you did ever day .
stay safe
Dougwe said
01:56 AM Apr 9, 2013
Geee, thanks for all the kind words all, it looks like I have finally worked out the best way to do these weekly updates. To think I wasn't going to do them this time but I got a few requests to make sure I do the weekly update, so glad I did now, I actually enjoyed doing this one.
Stay tuned for the next instalment of the Northern Migration, same bat time, same bat channel, 7 days from now.
Speaking of bats, I saw a great sight last night here in Inverell NSW, 10's of thousands of fruit bats flying over Inverell. Amazing sight, one I have never seen before. The sky was covered in them.
dazren said
02:16 AM Apr 9, 2013
A bloody good read mate, I do not think anyone on this forum thinks you are ''rambling on '' as you put it down in such a humerous, and informative way, it's like reading a book, one chapter at a time, so just keep doing, what your doing.
Glad your catch-up with Michelle and Ray, went well, but no surprise there !! I knew it would, I can judge people pretty well and i reckon BH + Hubby would be real good company. I look forward to the day when Renata and I get to meet them as well,
By the way ??????!! wombat emailed me to explain some of the things you said in your update !!!as he finds it a little hard to follow, because you put in words with more than 3 letters and more than 2 syllables, Wombat School is not well advanced ?? so if you could also do a ''simpler'' wombat copy You know like the old John and Betty Reader at school. he may be able to get an idea of what you mean ??
Well Keep Happy, and Keep Safe Mate, and keep those reports coming, Daz.
kandagal said
02:38 AM Apr 9, 2013
I;m happily waiting for the next episode. Very enjoyable, informative, interesting (how many adjectives should I use). Keep it up Regards Alice
herbie said
04:14 AM Apr 9, 2013
Just don't let those bats bite you,they are protected up here in QLD..why i do not know !!!! as they are dangerous to humans.
Beth54 said
05:19 AM Apr 9, 2013
I never have a problem reading your updates Doug. The length is not a problem when it's well written and well spaced, which yours is.
I'm enjoying your updates very much.
And no cheek about my red hat! It's the warmest hat I've ever owned!
Happy travels.
Sheba said
05:35 AM Apr 9, 2013
Keep it up Dougwe. You know how much we all look forward to the up-dates. Just like those from John [yeoeleven]. Won't be long, and we'll have more from him again too. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Happywanderer said
05:49 AM Apr 9, 2013
Thoroughly enjoyed your thread update Dougwe. Having been away for a while I am enjoying the catchup. Something you may not know, Did you know bats always turn left when they leave their cave. Good advice for us Grey Nomads and I'll tell you that for free too. Read it today in a magazine.
vk6tnc said
05:51 AM Apr 9, 2013
Note To Self : Always enter a cave from the left hand side.....
vk6tnc said
05:55 AM Apr 9, 2013
dazren wrote:
You know like the old John and Betty Reader at school.
I had Dick and Dora in Queensland.....
gst said
07:56 AM Apr 9, 2013
Good to hear your having a great trip Doug am keeping the weather nice here in Townsville and we,have coffee and a good chat When your free.
-- Edited by gst on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 07:57:52 AM
_wombat_ said
03:19 PM Apr 9, 2013
Dougwe, great read, and take no notice of dazren I got thought proper inglish when I was at skoll, my yeachers were great and the other wombats helped me with my swearing so that I could swaer prpoer.
(btw, I did not email dazren)
Gerty Dancer said
04:20 PM Apr 9, 2013
Doug, I remember my first sighting of fruit bats in Lismore some years ago... I stood there watching, amazed at such huge bats having only seen little ones before.
But now they've lost their appeal big-time. Try not to go near trees where they sleep in the day-time... the trees are denuded and the bat-poo smells nasty
Keep on enjoying!
spida said
06:38 PM Apr 9, 2013
a shame you didnt turn in to Nundle south of Tamworth and go up to Chaffey Dam - I think it is better than Greens - toilets and showers there and a lovely lake.
capricorn and pisces said
07:10 PM Apr 9, 2013
thank you Doug for taking the time to give the rest of us updates on your travels, you definitely do not need to apologise, we all love it. Can I say that I particularly appreciate the stories. Doug and Gerty Dancer and several others know that I can't travel at the moment because of hospitals and medical stuff so dougs updates mean a lot to me, cheeers capricorn
It was Dick and Dora, Nip and Fluff in SA also. I am glad that others had Dick and Dora. Golly can still recite them off by rote.
Dougwe said
12:23 AM Apr 10, 2013
After that post Sharon you really do need to be out in the playground :)
Beth54 said
12:40 AM Apr 10, 2013
And try not to let those bats poo on your rig. It's worse the bird poo to get off.
There's a large colony not far from where I live. As you drive by the smell is atrocious!
fireheart said
04:58 AM Apr 10, 2013
I would love to be in the playground, but these days I don't think I would be able to swing on the monkey bars or climb the climbing frame. I would just have to sit near the lunch shed and read about dick and Dora. One day soon the playground will be mine also.
Before you all PM me yelling at me for this long update, I apologise in advance but so much to pass on, sorry all.
As I said last week I was leaving Greens Lake Tuesday April 2 and me and myself didn't argue, they must have wanted to get under way as well. I think the three of us want to get to the warmer climate up North.
I was gone by 8.00am as I wanted and got a few things in Shepparton then started the journey North, I was a Mexican by 11.00am and got as far as 30 km North of West Wyalong so decided to pull into my very first free camp away from Greens Lake, there were 4 happy campers already there so that will do me too. By the time morning came there were 9 happy campers including me?
Wednesday I asked Nav lady to take me to her leader in Tamworth and left at 8.00am. After a few short stops including Parks Radio Telescope for a quick visit along the way and dear Nav lady yelling at me as the stops were not on the agenda we arrived in Tamworth at 5.30pm and I decided to make camp in a CV Park for a treat so I could have a shower, well it's been 10 days and no shower. Now I know what you're saying, pew, he must stink, well, you're wrong, I have a wash every day but a bloke has to do what a bloke has to do. Besides, it's just a treat for being a good boy with my eating plan, it's better than food at this stage. I did check out a few free camps along the way but no one else around and I wasn't over impressed with any of them, never mind a treat now and then doesn't hurt.
I was one day ahead of where I thought I might be by the end of the week and was able to slow down a bit so that's good. 477km Tuesday and 590km Wednesday is just too much these days.
Bugger, I still haven't lost me and myself yet so those committee meetings will still have to take place from time to time I spose.
Thursday the plan was to catch up with JustCrusin, Jim and Leonie and spend a couple of days with them. We met at the Apex Park in Manilla, now I here you say how could we get all the way to Manilla with my Avan and JC's CV in tow. Well this Manilla is in NSW about 30km north of Tamworth. Now JC picked this place out as he had stayed there before but, now I know I am in the playground but there is also a lovely set of kids play equipment here as well, so the thought was maybe I could play on it later. That's if JC doesn't hog it as he is parked right in front of it. Never did get to play on it, oh well maybe next time.
But before this meet up I spent the morning looking around Tamworth and found some great looking modern buildings and some really nice older looking buildings as well. I checked out the Golden Guitar and was a little disappointed as it had no strings, how could I show my guitar skills now, never fear, I can't play anyway. I finished being the tourist and headed for Manilla.
It was sure nice to just do a short drive after the last two days and a nice pleasant afternoon chatting with Jim and Leonie then we all settled in our own vans for the night.
Friday arrived and we all decided to stay put for the day and Friday night as well and just sit around and have a good old natter and what a great idea it turned out to be, JC and I chatted about my upcoming venture to Longreach and around that area, he gave me a few ideas of some free camps etc and during this chat he pointed out a road from Winton to Hughenden that has now cut off two nights for me as I didn't pick it up and was going Winton - Cloncurry - Richmond and Hughenden, great, two nights saved. That will teach me to look at a map better next time, see, experience pays, thanks JC.
With this in mind and chatting with JC I thought I might head over to Lightning Ridge first then to Longreach but before all that happens probably the most important meet up in the history of The Grey Nomads Forum Members ever, Dougwe and Bohemian Gypsy ( and her husband Ray).
Saturday arrived and I said goodbye to Mr and Mrs JC and headed for Inverell, now that was the shortest drive so far and it was good to be set up and all ready for this stay. I ventured into town and got a few things, thick PJ's, thick sox and a beanie, I didn't go with the red as Beth 54 suggested just black, I don't need to go fast in bed.
Bohemian Gypsy and Mr BG, Michelle and Ray braved it and came to see my big rig and we had afternoon tea and a good old chat. Now when I rang Michelle to let her know I was in Town she said it was cold and had the heater on, few I'm in shorts and T-shirt and reckon its warm, ok, not hot, but warm. I reckon she must be related to Wombat, they have cold blood don't they ? :)
Sunday and I was invited to Lunch with Michelle and Ray at their place and that was really nice, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch and chatted the hours away, all us GN's have so much to chat about when we meet up, it's like long lost friends. Now come on Ray you need to get that great looking CV out in the playground mate, it's going rusty.
I checked the number of nights I had to get to Townsville and had one night spare so I have decided to stay here in down town Inverell for another night so will now head off for the next leg of this journey Tuesday morning.
Now I am going to tell you something for free, this CV Park I am staying in only has 1 Star rating, why you ask, well I just dont know. This park is one of the best 1 star parks I have seen it should have 3.5 or maybe even a 4. The best bit is its ONLY $20.00 for two people per night and wait for it, a singles price, now I must admit there is not a lot of difference but if you are solo its only $18.00 per night. For the money you get great people owning and running it, grass site, power, water, swimming pool, extremely clean and very spacious showers and toilets and a laundry in the same condition and one of the best camp kitchens I have ever seen and it even has a piano, ok Biggles get that guitar out mate and I will play the piano then we can add free entertainment to the long list of good things this park has to offer. You didnt know I could play the piano did you, well your right I cant thats why it would be free but I tell you something you would have a treat for the night with Biggles heading the bill and I also tell you that for free.
Now did I say this is a great CV Park, well it is. Sapphire City CV Park, Moore St. Inverell NSW. 02 67221830. Permission was granted for this part of my post.
Oh well that will be enough for this update or it will be classed as a novel so until next week,
Keep on keeping on and have a great time. Keep safe.
Great update Doug and I so did not find it boring. I got a better pic of the CV park than the one you took lol. Ray and I agree though that it is a wonderful park and we also cannot understand why it only has one star because it deserves four in my opinion. Everything was in a pristine condition and the grounds were so well looked after as well with a gorgeous outlook and so very peaceful.
I'm so glad you are enjoying the Great Sapphire City of Inverell Doug.
Michelle
Great post Dougwe, a lot of parks are a lot nicer and a hell of a lot cheaper than those that go under the banner of one of the big chain names i am finding out of late. Funny how we are apologising before we post a post on here now,after someone didn't like to read long posts for one reason or another, I say get a life and just don't read them .if that's the way you feel. Other people might just enjoy it.
couple, and jim is full of information (shhh dont tell him i said so ) his head will be swelling and butterflies in his
fat lil tummy (avatar) .Good on you i love how you put what you did ever day .
stay safe
Stay tuned for the next instalment of the Northern Migration, same bat time, same bat channel, 7 days from now.
Speaking of bats, I saw a great sight last night here in Inverell NSW, 10's of thousands of fruit bats flying over Inverell. Amazing sight, one I have never seen before. The sky was covered in them.
A bloody good read mate, I do not think anyone on this forum thinks you are ''rambling on '' as you put it down in such a humerous, and informative way, it's like reading a book, one chapter at a time, so just keep doing, what your doing.
Glad your catch-up with Michelle and Ray, went well, but no surprise there !! I knew it would, I can judge people pretty well and i reckon BH + Hubby would be real good company. I look forward to the day when Renata and I get to meet them as well,
By the way ??????!! wombat emailed me to explain some of the things you said in your update !!!as he finds it a little hard to follow,
because you put in words with more than 3 letters and more than 2 syllables, Wombat School is not well advanced ?? so if you could also do a ''simpler'' wombat copy You know like the old John and Betty Reader at school. he may be able to get an idea of what you mean ??
Well Keep Happy, and Keep Safe Mate, and keep those reports coming, Daz.
Just don't let those bats bite you,they are protected up here in QLD..why i do not know !!!! as they are dangerous to humans.
I never have a problem reading your updates Doug. The length is not a problem when it's well written and well spaced, which yours is.
I'm enjoying your updates very much.
And no cheek about my red hat! It's the warmest hat I've ever owned!
Happy travels.
Keep it up Dougwe. You know how much we all look forward to the up-dates. Just like those from John [yeoeleven]. Won't be long, and we'll have more from him again too. The more the merrier as far as I'm concerned, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks so.
Cheers,
Sheba.
Something you may not know, Did you know bats always turn left when they leave their cave. Good advice for us Grey Nomads and I'll tell you that for free too. Read it today in a magazine.
I had Dick and Dora in Queensland.....
Good to hear your having a great trip Doug am keeping the weather nice here in Townsville and we,have coffee and a good chat When your free.
-- Edited by gst on Tuesday 9th of April 2013 07:57:52 AM
Dougwe, great read, and take no notice of dazren I got thought proper inglish when I was at skoll, my yeachers were great and the other wombats helped me with my swearing so that I could swaer prpoer.
(btw, I did not email dazren)
Doug, I remember my first sighting of fruit bats in Lismore some years ago... I stood there watching, amazed at such huge bats having only seen little ones before.
But now they've lost their appeal big-time. Try not to go near trees where they sleep in the day-time... the trees are denuded and the bat-poo smells nasty
Keep on enjoying!
a shame you didnt turn in to Nundle south of Tamworth and go up to Chaffey Dam - I think it is better than Greens - toilets and showers there and a lovely lake.
thank you Doug for taking the time to give the rest of us updates on your travels, you definitely do not need to apologise, we all love it. Can I say that I particularly appreciate the stories. Doug and Gerty Dancer and several others know that I can't travel at the moment because of hospitals and medical stuff so dougs updates mean a lot to me, cheeers capricorn
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
You know like the old John and Betty Reader at school.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I had Dick and Dora in Queensland.....
It was Dick and Dora, Nip and Fluff in SA also. I am glad that others had Dick and Dora. Golly can still recite them off by rote.
And try not to let those bats poo on your rig. It's worse the bird poo to get off.
There's a large colony not far from where I live. As you drive by the smell is atrocious!
Oh Dear, its' all come flooding back .....
http://www.belfastforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38710.0
OMG! I remember them too! And slates!
SLATES Beth!!! You must have been a bit behind in Queensland in the 50s.