Well I went to Yamba yesterday. A beautiful drive from Grafton through sugar plantations, that are in the middle of being harvested, so that was interesting to see the big machines doing their job. Never seen that before. Over the ferry from Mclean, exciting again. Miss Daisy loved it. Well I did so I am assuming that she did also. Yamba is a little seaside town, very much geared for the tourist. This was evident from being quite a way out of the town. I made my way to the home that friends of mine, Paul and Wendy are staying at. It is a beautiful home on the canal. It was lovely to catch up with them again, and we spent a nice time catching up with a cuppa before heading into town proper. There are a number of caravan parks close to town. The sea views are wonderful the beaches wide and very clean. The sea was a little rough, due to the August Westerly winds starting to come to the coastline. We walked the street, had a look in one shop, and then up the hill to the old pub, with the best views for a drink. I have discovered just how much I have changed after 8 months on the road. Well actually it is now 10months, I could not wait to get out of the town. It is busy and the shops that would have once held my attention for some time, seemed boring to me, the 5 star accommodation that I would have once loved and enjoyed seemed claustrophobic and uninteresting. I love the country towns, that have a history and are quieter than this little bustling seaside village. I was going to book into a CP for the night but they were either full or if they had a spot the other GN's were jammed in like sardines. All for the princely price of between 35-37 dollars for a night. Not for this little black duck. Paul and Wendy kindly invited me to stay on the driveway of their home, I declined as the area is very ritzy, and also I prefer to pay my own way. I appreciated their invitation and after lunch and more talking and laughing, I decided that I would head back to Grafton, to my 5 star CP, where there is plenty of room and all for $22pn. So that is where I am at present. Not sure how long I will stay this time, or where I will head to from here. For now the sun is shining, there is no wind, I have plenty of room, on a grassed site, with a resort style setting.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
We've recently spent some time at Iluka, it's on the Clarence River but is on the opposite side from Yamba and there's a ferry service between the two towns. We also prefer the smaller towns and Iluka fits the bill perfectly. There are three caravan parks plus camping at the Bundjalung National Park, the entrance of which is on the way into Iluka from the Highway. It's pretty laid back and there are some nice walks, with the added attraction of the Fisherman's Co-op (wonderful prawns) up near the old hotel which is a pleasant spot also. On Sundays there's a ferry trip up the Clarence with live music on board, beaut way to spend an afternoon too. Safe travels....
Hello there Sharon - Maclean is not far from Grafton - a great little town to visit. Still love reading about what you are doing and where you are - keep well and happy travels.
Thanks guys, I have to tell you about my day today. After being invited out to lunch by the two couples parked next to me, I came home to the television man coming to examine Miss Daisy. This gentleman is an Indian. He actually had a look at the antenna and checked the wiring. No trying to sell my a satellite dish, but trying to find the problem and then the solution. So while he was working away I asked him the history behind him wearing his black hat or cap, which I found was neither. He is of the Sikh faith, and he proceeded to give me a history lesson on the way India came to be as it is today. The different wars, the beliefs, the way the country was united, divided, united, invaded, divided again. It was the most interesting hour I spent, he explained it so well and did not make anybody wrong or right, just the facts. Fascinating.
He invited me to have tea with his wife and family, and if this does come to pass, I will certainly accept the invitation.
If I had not been on the road I would not have had this conversation, along with the many others I have had over the time.
Take the time to ask a question and then listen to the answer you may receive, I have learnt so much.
Not only that I have TV on a temporary fix tonight, he was determined to give me reception even though I said it was fine and tomorrow would be fine.
Love this life.
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I am fun and adventure. So much to see, so much to do, so many people to meet. Will see, do, and meet all that I can.
Hi Sharon, it's amazing how little can be a lot. I also love small town with the shops you can role around in. Never know what you may find. Have fun, patty.
I have to add Sharon hello firstly and it's lovely to meet a Solo GN. I totally admire you're courage and decisions in traveling alone. Hoping to do that one day myself too. I have finally caught up with your journey and posts and loved the readings, photos and the experiences you are having. Your posts are detailed and i've enjoyed every one of them as if i am with you! You certainly have done some mileage and well done! Ahh Grafton... my neck of the woods. I used to go there often as a friend lives in Coutts Crossing. Certainly is a gorgeous part of OZ I look forward to your next adventure and to see where you are! Thank you for sharing and many happy travels! I hope to meet you and Miss Daisy one day!
Oh I forgot to add if you get the chance to by all means do travel to Armidale towards Tamworth.. it is a gorgeous drive through the bushland. It was absolutely Breathtaking.
-- Edited by roadtourer on Sunday 17th of August 2014 11:43:45 PM
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Hugs from the Road Tourers Frank, Liz, Maxx & Steve
Our Fur kids (Pippa, Sash & of course Lara)
"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends.... The mind can never break off from the journey". - Pat Conroy
Hi, What you said is very interesting. I recently spent 3 mths. on a farm outside Lismore without Strop and had a great time. only using solar and gas. no tv- did not even miss it. missed the computer though - next time will work on that one. anyway stay happy. cheers. rocket