a very eventful year!!!!

Hello everyone,
So sorry for not being a regular writer even when we have been in internet reception.
We have been very busy and caring for our friends properties during January to July.
It has been a difficult year weather wise [just like everywhere else in Australia] and we all DESPERATELY need good quenching rains.  Not just 20 or 50 ml, but about 100mm [4 inches] and then followup rains also.
It was a pleasure to care for our friends home whilst they travelled Tasmania in Feb to May, and then again in June when they travelled to Mexico for their sons wedding.  We also looked after our friends farm out near Crows Nest whilst they were away visiting the ancestral property out near Barcaldine.
In May, Darryl and I travelled to Barcaldine to be part of the AMLC [Australian Motorhomes Lions Club] GWR [Guinness World Record] attempt at 2 world records.  The first was the longest line of LED lights.  the World record was 660metres.  When the lights were measured at Barcaldine it was just over 5,900 metres. 
There were over 930 vehicles registered to participated in the longest line of rolling RV's.  On the Saturday afternoon and evening all the RV's had to drive out to the Barcaldine/Isisford Road and park up along the edge of the road, and be no more than 1 metre between you and the one in front.  This line of vehicles measured nearly 11kms.  We were vehicle 671 in the line.  On Sunday morning we were to be ready by 8am to begin the parading part of the record, but before we could start we had to wait for a helicopter to come flying over as it was recording the line of vehicles parked up.  At the same time the official distance recorder was marking a 3 1/2km stretch of road with lines at each kilometre.  There were video cameras and still cameras at each km and again at the 3 1/2 km mark, recording it all.
Darryl and I started rolling at 10am and reached Barcaldine (7km away) at 12.30pm.  We had a quick lunch and then had to head back to Toowoomba as I had to be there for Tuesday to teach weaving at the state [primary] school.
It took quite a few months for the data and videos and everything to be collated and went to Guinness World records office to be validated.  In October we were informed that the 'longest line of LED lights was NOT accepted as the line did not form and image.  I can recall that we were told it had to be the longest line, not that it had to form an image!  We found out in November that the Australian Records Office HAS recognised it as an Australian Record.
In Mid November we were informed that the GWR office had approved the longest line of parading RV's and will be recorded in the GWR data as having 868 vehicles [the previous record was 630 vehicles in Italy].
At the end of April Barb had a fall and damaged the thumb on her left hand.  Originally she was told that there was a small piece of bone chipped off it, BUT no one has been able to find it on x-ray since.  In late August she was informed that the joint is full of arthritis and she now has to wear a brace to keep the thumb bone in its correct position.
Throughout first semester Barb was teaching weaving to the students of the state school one day a week.  She thoroughly enjoyed this, and at the same time was attempting to teach the students some Wiradjuri language with the assistance of the Wiradjuri dictionary.  She had applied to do the language course through TAFE and was accepted to start in August 2019.
During May the doctors at the medical practice in Toowoomba changed Barb's medication to a newer form of her diabetic medications.
Towards the end of July, Barb was experiencing Meniere's symptoms and was treating it as per her usual regimen.  It didn't really improve and Barb was experiencing breathlessness on top of all her other symptoms [vertigo, tinnitus, nausea, vomiting] and then she started vomiting incessantly.
This progressed to where she was experiencing chest pain.  Darryl made the decision to take her the 45mins into the ED [Emergency department] at Toowoomba Hospital.  We arrived there at nearly 4 am and Barb was still vomiting and unable to walk more than about 4 metres at a time, before needing to rest and catch her breath.  She was taken through into ED proper and placed on a trolley.  Barb was quite dehydrated but the staff managed to get a sample of blood and then there was a room full of people and we were informed that Barb was in a DKA [Diabetic Keto Acidosis] episode and  we were very lucky to have taken her in when we did.
She was in ED for most of the 24 hours, before being taken to CCU/ICU [Critical Care Unit/Intensive Care Unit] where more procedures were attended and more IV lines inserted to try and get her glucose levels down and her other electrolytes within normal limits.  She was in CCU/ICU for 24 hours before being transferred to the medical unit.  It was here that she was informed that the new diabetic medications that were started in May, had been mimicking her Meniere's, and because she was treating the Meniere's symptoms, the diabetes was getting way out of control.  She is now very well aware that she must double check her diabetes BEFORE thinking it is Meniere's.
Barb was unable to walk as she was very unsteady on her feet and was instructed that she would need a physio review before being able to get out of bed.  After 4 days, she was reviewed and permitted to walk using a wheelie-walker with assistance.  Ummmmm - well, using a wheelie-walker anyway.
Because she was still having a lot of difficulty trying to drink and eat and still experiencing lots of burning in the oesophagus, she was taken to theatre for a gastroscopy, and informed that she had severe ulceration and oesophagitis.  She was commenced on anti-reflux medications via IV and oral.  She was reviewed the next day and instructed that she could go home with oral medications and a repeat gastroscopy in 6 weeks.
Barb stayed with Beckie and family for nearly a week, as she was unable to lie flat due to reflux, and she could sleep sitting up at the house.  After a week, Barb and Darryl moved to their friends home in Glenvale and awaited a review at the hospital.  After the review they travelled to Beachmere [near Bribie Island] for three weeks R+R.  Darryl did some fishing and Barb rested and began learning how to regulate her new medications.
We returned to Toowoomba for the repeat gastroscopy - and given a clear result. 
We then travelled to Wallerawang to spend time with Karen and Trevor.  During this time Barb travelled to Sydney to attend her Post-Grads luncheon at Parliament House and then a mini reunion with several of her fellow trainees.  It was a great time and she managed to spend two days with Gloria and 3 days with Sue.  She also caught up with Sheila (who had travelled out from England), Mary, Celia, Helen and Jenny.
Barb returned to Wallerawang, after catching up with Nicole in Penrith. 
We then spent a week with Karen and Trevor, before heading to Wagga Wagga and staying with Ian, Wendy and Holly.  Whilst here we caught up with Jenny and Family, Lyn and family, Barry and Raylene, Sharon and Stacey and then children, Di and Darryl and many others,  Sorry if I have missed anyone!
Barb also spent time with the Hands On Weavers [HOW] and also visited the Family History Centre to research different branches of the family.
We left Wagga Wagga and headed back towards Toowoomba.  We also stopped for the morning at 'The Dish' at Parkes.  What a fantastic morning we had, albeit with the flies.
We arrived back in Toowoomba and spent some time with Beckie and the grandchildren prior to travelling to Crows Nest to spend time with our branch of the Australian Caravan Club.  We had a great time catching up with old friends.  Hopefully over the next 12 months we will be able to catch up more often.
In November, Beckie purchased a small cottage in Toowoomba and she and the children have moved into their HOME.  No more rentals!
We are now in Logan Reserve spending time with dear friends [who happens to be our mechanic] and catching up with Sue and Gloria whilst we are here.
We are returning to Toowoomba for Christmas with family members before doing a farm sit for our friends Sandra and Tom.

We wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Safe New Year.

Heading to the Campertrailers National Meet at Ganmain NSW

Hi All
We have had a very few weeks with me attending several WEAVING workshops up on the Sunshine Coast.

  The basket that I completed just beforehand

  It is 22cm across, 11cm high on sides and 30cm high with handle

 Rosellas for light pink dye

 bark for a yellow/orange dye

 haemodorum coccineum (hot pink dye)

 the above seeds sorted for dyeing

 pulling out the bright pink dye

 Yellow/orange dye

 Women weaving

  what we were weaving

 Aunty Christine Nabobbob and Aunty Priscilla Badari from Gunbalanya (Oenpelli in NT)

 a Collage of the day at Ilkley Qld.

 Twined Mat weave from Sunday at Moroocy Bushland Botanic Gardens

 Coil and Loop container.  It took on the shape of the glass that I was using as a mold.

We have also just spent a great week with Beckie and the Grandchildren.  Whilst here we have had the car serviced and some minor works attended.
I had two great weeks with the Aunties at the Jajari Jimbaljin Women's group and look forward to meeting with them again in November.
We are heading off tomorrow towards Ganmain NSW for the Campertrailers National Meet before heading to Shepparton in Victoria for the Australian Caravan Club (ACC) National Muster.  It will be an interesting trip because there is quite a bit of flooding down that way at the moment.  I have downloaded several apps for the phone to try and keep up to date with road conditions for the trip.
We will then make our way back to Qld for Bradley's Graduation from Grade 12.  It has been a trying time for Brad as he bought himself a car (so he could be independent and not relying on his Mum) and then last week the car died as he went to work.  The mechanic says that there is something 'broken' in the engine but he has no idea what. [Very unhappy face for Brad].  He has 10 weeks left of High School and in the meantime he has to 'deadly-treadly' to and from his work.  [This is not pleasing him at all BUT his Mum can't help him out any other way].
He now has to save AGAIN to be able to get another car. 
Hoping to do a quick trip to Wagga on the way back to Qld and then back to Condobolin for Christmas.

23rd May 2016 The Great Adventure has begun

We are all set up at Condobolin, house-sitting for Wendy and Ian.  The cool weather has been welcomed after the weather in Queensland prior to us leaving.  BUT you need to know what has happened in the middle…………………….

We were due to hand over the keys to Victoria Point at 2.45pm on the 11^th April.  We left the house at 10am on the 11^th, the real estate agent was going to hand over the keys for us and we said sad farewells to our dear neighbours.  At 2.21pm we got a text from the real estate agent to say that the new buyers wanted to do a ‘pre-settlement’ inspection before they paid the rest of the sale monies…… :C  Really - 19minutes before it is all supposed to be settled!!!!

At 2.30pm we got an email from the Solicitors to say that settlement had occurred early.  So they were obviously pleased that we had left the house clean and tidy.

We drove out to Jimboomba and set up in Beckie’s front yard.  Over the next few days we had appointments to complete and then we headed to Taree to see Darryl’s brother Neville and his sister Shirley.  We spent the first night at Halfway Creek, south of Grafton.  This is a great spot near the Shell service station and we had about 18 other vehicles with us.  We then travelled to Taree the next day.  It was a shock to see the van park at Dawson River almost empty BUT still charging high School-holidays prices ($45 per night and then it dropped to $35 per night on the Sunday at the end of the holidays).  We are really beginning to feel that they are out-pricing themselves for us to stay and we may have to find somewhere else.  We had a great few days there and even went up to Port Macquarie to for a surprise visit to Uncle Max and Aunty Kath. 

 Uncle Max and Aunty Kath

 Free, Aurra and Julie

  Vesna and Nick

  It was also a great day as we managed to catch up with cousin Julie and Free and Aurra, and also Vesna and her lovely husband Nick.  A truly lovely day.

We returned back to Jimboomba to see the doctor and get scripts filled and then it was Beckie’s Birthday (Happy mid-30’s Birthday :D) and then the next day was Mother’s Day.  

 Miss Independant with 'Hulk', Max, 'Bobby', Bec with Lucky Last and Mr Man

Beck, Ben, Barb, Darryl

On Beckie’s birthday we went to a ‘Hippiness and Happiness’ Market that was held at Woodhill Hall.  What a great day we had.  Lots of different stalls from usual markets.  Ben came and joined us for Mother’s Day and we had a latish lunch once the children returned from their prospective fathers.  We had a great evening.  Beckie has been teaching Miss Independent and Monkey Boy how to play Canasta – and they have both grasped it really well.  We all had several good sessions with them.

We set off on the Monday and travelled to Inglewood in Qld.  

  It would seem that Autumn has begun on the road to Toowoomba

We were still debating which way to travel on our way to Condobolin and weren’t sure if we were going to go through Goondiwindi to St George or down to Moree.  The camp spot at Inglewood was well used that night with 8 rigs in for the night.  We had some light rain showers during the night and it was a quite a warm night.

We travelled down to Moree the next day and took rest at Tooraweenah rest area just south of Coonabarabran.  

  Sunset

It was quite overcast and the wind was cool and fellow resters were also from Qld and they found the cool wind very uncomfortable and they were heading to South Australia – so will definitely need their winter woollies.  

 6 degrees and foggy next morning

Next morning it was 6degrees and the wind was blowing again and it was time for long pants and socks and shoes :D.  We travelled through to Condobolin through Narromine and Tullamore and arrived at Condobolin at about 2pm to find no one at home :C BUT Wendy was travelling back from Dubbo and Ian was to get home on Friday from Orange.  We set up in the driveway and then went in and gave Rosey a big cuddle.  

  set up in the driveway :D

  Miss Rosey is 11 years old

We then got the fire going to warm the house and let the chickens out of their pen to have a good scratch in the yard.  Darryl made some chicken and vegetable soup for dinner and Wendy stopped in Parkes and got some lovely crusty bread to go with it.

We all headed into town on Friday and whilst Wendy was at the hairdresser Darryl and I did the shopping.  When we got home we found Ian had arrived and we had a lovely evening catching up.  

On Saturday we chatted and ate and chatted whilst getting the campfire roaring and then Ian and Wendy prepared a lovely roast beef lunch which we thoroughly enjoyed and then sat around the campfire until after dark.  

 Ian checking the Roast in the camp-oven

 Relaxing after lunch - Wendy painting

 Darryl relaxing near the camp fire

We then listened in whilst Wendy and Ian had a skype session with Miss Holly from Poland and we participated right near the end.  It was really lovely chatting with her and all three of them are getting terribly excited about meeting up in Amsterdam in about 18 days…….

Sunday we let Ian and Wendy complete their preparations for travel and we left for Dubbo at 10.45am.  We arrived at just after 1pm and Ian directed us to a pub for lunch.  From here we went to Officeworks so that Wendy could get some pens for drawing for use whilst away and we took advantage of the stop to get some supplies as well :D

  last minute checking at the airport

Once we waved them onto the plane for Sydney, Darryl and I travelled to visit our friends Jenny and Doug and were lucky enough to meet up with Helen and Peter who were on their way home to Adelaide.  The time flew WAY TOO fast and it was very dark by the time we headed on our way down to Parkes and out to Condobolin.  We got home at 9.15pm and had a quite cuppa whilst giving Miss Rosey a good cuddle.

I have been invited to attend a Weaving Day at Forbes on Wednesday and also to join with the Weavers of Condobolin the following week.  So am getting very excited about that also.

Monday and Tuesday we attended to the chores that come with caring for a home and we heard late that night that Wendy and Ian had arrived safe and sound in France.  

Wednesday Darryl and I headed off at 9am for my weaving session.  We arrived in Forbes at 10.15am and Darryl went and kept himself occupied whilst I mingled with the ladies (I did ask him to come in for a cuppa and to meet the ladies but he declined :C).  What a great morning and afternoon – lots of great yarning and learning.  I learnt to make string and also started to weave a fish using twining – which you will see in the attached photos. 

  String from red hot poker plant.

 starting the fish tail

starting to move it out to make the body

 weaving more of the body - concentrating hard

 ready to shape front of the body

 front taking shape

ready for the mouth

almost finished.  Have done mouth and whiskers but now to do eyes and do the dorsal and lateral fins.  Will then make some more string to use as a hanger.

Yucca, cumbungi, watsonia, red hot poker is what has been used to make 'FISH' :D

  Unfortunately, it was the last of these community sessions held by the Orange Fiber Artists – UNLESS they can get more government funding or work out another method of funding.

Yesterday and today I have been getting our laundry done whilst also sitting and weaving the FISH.  It has been a very interesting and satisfying activity.  I look forward to learning more next week when I meet with the weavers of Condobolin.

3 April 2016

Well......... What an eventful couple of months we have had!!!!

We put our home on the market on the 11th February and the first inspection was at 10am on the 12th February.  Second inspection that afternoon at 4pm with an offer made and accepted by 6pm that day.  We were given an unconditional date of 26th February with settlement date of 21 March.  YAY we thought.

The buyers had put a 'due diligence' clause of  - wanting all final inspections by council.  Not a problem we thought!   HOW WRONG WERE WE?????  

When the buyers conveyancer did the searches it was discovered that the FINAL plumbing inspection from 1979 had not been filed with council.. This meant it was now up to us.

We were actually away in Quirindi, NSW when all this was beginning to unfold and instead of fulfilling all our planned commitments in NSW we had to high-tail it back home so that we could go to council and try and get it sorted.

We were also told (by the buyers solicitor) that council did not have plans and approvals for the concrete driveway from the front gates to the shed, and that the shed was too close to the boundary in one corner.   hmmmm so why was this not detected when we purchased the property in 2006?????  NO-ONE could tell us. Now this turned out to be easier to rectify that we were originally told.  At first the buyers solicitor was telling us that we would have to move the shed --- a 12metre by 7.5metre shed on a metre of concrete - Ahh NO!.  When we went to council they pulled up the Google Earth photo (a very recent photo as the people behind us with the trampoline had only moved in at beginning of January) and after discussion with the people in authority - we were told that NOTHING had to be done as it all looked fine.  This was told to the Solicitor who passed it on and then she rang us back that night to tell us the buyers did not believe what we were saying and they were going to go to council on the Monday morning.  Fine - you do that!!!!.  They were then told the same thing as us. :D

 It also turned out that the upper deck off the dining room seemed to not have had its final done either - so again that was up to us to rectify.  They also wanted us to put a driveway from the kerb to the boundary of the property.  We then had a quite long discussion with the solicitor about how there ALREADY was a sloped driveway and if the buyers wanted anything different THEY could do that when they took occupancy of the property.  Their argument apparently, was that we were using the ‘box kerb’ and there wasn’t a sloped drive – sorry – it looks like this one is the one that was put in before the house was even built.  We had done quite enough thank you very much.

The owners before us had put in extra plumbing downstairs with a shower and hand-basin as well as a kitchen sink.  This plumbing had NOT been approved by council either.  So again it was up to us to get it all checked out and approved.

We were told in 2007 that we DID NOT need council approval to convert the double garage to a rumpus area.  In 2016 this is incorrect - so we had to get a draftsman to come and draw up plans showing the conversion from Non-habitable to habitable.  Whilst he was at it we had to get him to  draw the plans for the upstairs covered deck so that that could be approved.

With all these works having to be done - we could NOT go unconditional until all the 'due diligence FINALS' had been obtained.

On the 22nd March the building certifier came and checked the conversions, checked the construction on the deck and the roofing and YES - passed everything that had been done.  He then sent everything to council on the 23rd and emailed us a copy of the Form 21 which is the FINAL CERTIFICATION form needed by council.

The plumber had been to check all the plumbing for the FINAL inspection and found that some things were not up to the 2016 standard and had to be rectified.  Of course!!!  So $1800 later he was contacting council to come and do an inspection BUT that could not happen until council had processed the paperwork, sent us a form with a number on it and then we could re-contact the plumber so he could re-contact council and book in the inspection.  So our first council inspection was on  the 29th March and - wouldn't you know it - more work had to be done to make it acceptable!

On the 30th March our plumber was back again putting in some AAV (Air Admittance Vents), 

 the AAV from kitchen sink downstairs

AAV from the ensuite hand-basin and fixing the pipe to the wall because it would be too unsafe if not done.  It has coped fine for all the time we have been in the house :C

reversing the hand basin taps (because apparently you CANNOT have the hot tap on the right) and affixing the drain pipe to the wall in the laundry and then putting so much black insulation on the hot water service - it isn't funny.

 there are covers on the relief valves, the pipe from the relief valve had to be extended and run along the wall and then down into the drain.  It is NOT permitted to be released on the ground anymore.  Then the pipes had to be insulated so no one got burnt.

On the morning of the 1st of April the council inspection was booked for anytime between 8am and 12md - and the inspector arrived at 11.30am and checked the work that was done and YES - it was all passed.  We were emailed the certificate at 3pm that afternoon and we then forwarded on to our solicitor. Ahh - now that WAS definitely a weight off our shoulders and we headed off to Beckies for the weekend.  

We were looking after the children as Beck was heading off to the wedding of the young lady who had been her Bridesmaids 8 years ago.  We had a great evening as my brother Peter was able to join us for dinner (he is working at Yarrabilba near Logan Village).  It was lovely spending nearly 5 hours in his company.  Thanks for coming Pete, the grandchildren enjoyed meeting Nanna's brother.

We are now back home and camped in the van in the driveway.  We only have to pack the kitchen things and we will be ready for our removal that has been booked in for 8am on Wednesday.  We have decided to put our belongings into a storage facility (one of the cheaper ones but it also has CCTV and an onsite caretaker with NO access after 7pm at night - if anyone goes in after 7pm then the alarms will go off).  We are then going to go and spend some time in areas where we are thinking will be great to retire and settle - check out the area and facilities and access to medical needs etc and then compare them and make a decision.  At this point we are not going to rush our decision.

We have got commitments for most of this year with looking after Wendy and Ian's animals from May until end of June and then I am meeting up with a fellow weaver to learn about weaving with native grasses before heading back to Brisbane and passing on my new skills to the Jajari Jimbaljin ladies group.

We then have commitments in September and October down in Victoria before heading back up to the children and grandchildren before heading back to NSW and Christmas in Condobolin.

So lots planned and we will keep you in the loop as to where we are and what we are doing.

Ohh and we know have this out the front

Ahh Victoria Point - we are home!!!

Hi all,
Hoping you all had a very happy Christmas and a safe New Year.
May 2015 be a healthy, happy and prosperous year for all.
Our brother Ian, wife Wendy and daughter Holly arrived in Wallerawang on Christmas Eve.  Darryl and I managed to meet up with his cousin Warren, wife Sue [who managed to get off work a little early :)], son Robert and Aunt Margaret along with his son Aaron and grandson Noah.  We also got to meet Aaron's wife Cassie.  Was a great afternoon and as we left there was a storm rolling in.
We got back to 'Wang in time for a BBQ dinner and a great night with the extended family.
Christmas day we had a fantastic breakfast feast whilst we waited for other family members to arrive.  At 10.30am we all sat in the lounge room whilst 'Santa' [aka Trevor] handed out the Christmas presents from under the tree.  We finished in time for lunch and then another fantastic feast awaited us with 23 for lunch.
Boxing day was a REST day with watching new DVD's.
28th December Beckie and the 4 grandchildren arrived safely at 2.15pm and then Lyn, Meghan, Jaden and Charlotte arrived at about 5pm. We then had a great time giving these family members their Christmas gifts also and seeing the joy on their faces.
30th December - Today is my Cousin Pam's birthday.  Bradley and Holly drove to Orange to bring her boyfriend - David - back for New Years.  They arrived at about 3pm. 
31st December - would have been Mum's 82nd birthday so a little sad today.  Said farewell to Lyn, Meghan and children as they left for home and arrived there safely at 4.30pm.  We went to the Blue Mountains and the Three Sisters as a special treat for Brad, Gemma, Max and Luke who had never been as they live in Qld.  We all enjoyed a picnic lunch at Silver Mist Reserve before going to the Chocolate Shop for a treat before driving home to 'Wang.  We arrived at 3.30pm just as Darryl's cousin Warren and wife Sue and son Robert arrived.  Didn't take long before most were in the pool cooling off and having a load of fun.
We ordered in Pizza for dinner and then we all sat around and chatted waiting for the elusive MN to arrive.  We were joined by Lee, Greg and then their family to be with us as we watched the Sydney fireworks on the television and counted down to Midnight.  Most of us made it and then we all went our ways to our own beds. 

Happy New Year 2015
Most of us were up and about by 8am which was great.
Lots of messages sent to as many contacts as I could remember, to wish all a Happy New Year - so am sorry if I missed anyone.
We had another day in the pool with the family and then watched some more DVD's during the hottest part of the day.  We were joined by Karen's Aunty Sandy and her family from Seaforth.  We then had 28 people for dinner and as usual - Karen had excelled.  Thank you Karen. :D
2nd January.  Today we said farewell and safe travelling to Ian and Wendy and Holly and David as they headed back to Orange before Ian, Wendy and Holly continued with the rest of their holiday.
The rest of us packed up and headed to Penrith to do some shopping whilst the older boys went to the movies.  We then waited for them to come out and headed to our Motel before heading out to dinner at a Teppanyaki restaurant.  This was a different to the one to the restaurant that we went to in March - and was a BIG disappointment to everyone.  The restaurant had moved locations from a fully air-conditioned premises to the rear of another building with no AC, no serviceable fans and we were given lots of water to drink but then we were to full of water to enjoy the meal.  The serving of the meal was very haphazard for the first part of the menu but then seemed to come together.  We were all done by 9.30 and we returned to our hotel and had a cool drink on the terrace in the cool breeze.
Next morning we had breakfast before driving in Convoy into the city and parking not far from Circular Quay.  We then walked down to the quay and got our tickets for the Manly Ferry and awaited our transport.  The journey took just over 30 minutes and the children had a blast watching all the water craft on the harbour, the Opera House, Pinchgut and then arriving in Manly.  We walked down the Corso and met up with Sandy and family again.  The children went for a swim on the very busy beach and then we went down to near the ferry terminal where the water was not as rough as the ocean side.  We then caught the Ferry back to Circular Quay and back to the cars before we all made our way back to Wallerawang.
4th January - our son-in-law Matthew has his birthday today. Message sent to wish him a Happy Day.
On the 5th January I was not having a good day with my Meniere's, but Karen, Beckie and the Children, Julie and her two children all went to 'Dinosaur Park' in Bathurst for the day.  The Children had a ball and Luke is really getting used to all at 'Wang.
6th January.  Beckie and the children were all in the car by 7.10am and on their way back towards Jimboomba.  Hoping to make Glen Innes tonight.  Darryl and I packed up the van and headed on our way by 8.30am.  We were going to stop out of Mullaley but as it was only 1.30pm we decided to continue on to Bingara.  We arrived there at 4.30pm and were disappointed to find that where we had camped in September has been fenced off.  There are now three large areas fenced and sown with some sort of crop in wide furrows.
We were camped on the rocks down by the river that was flowing very well and we were told that the river had risen by 6inches (15cm) that day.  We were enjoying a quiet time in the shade when were joined by our friend Neil Morton who was camped further down the river.  What a surprise - we had not seen Neil since 2012 - so it was a big surprise.
7th January we were packed and ready to travel by 9.30am so headed on our way up to Warialda before headed up to Yetman and across to Texas.  Arriving in Texas at 12md [NSW time] but going back to 11am [QLD time], so we continued on our way and arrived home at 4.30pm.
We parked the van out the front and went into the house and opened it up and checked out our home.
We will need to give it a good spring clean and wash curtains etc and find some of the furniture but otherwise ok.  We will really need to chop back some of the trees along the eastern side of the house as they have gotten really BIG and are over the roof and possibly filling the gutters with leaf litter.  To do that we will have to hire a green skip - but is something that we will try and get done before I have my surgery in February.
We were visited by three neighbours - welcoming us home, and giving us news on their families etc.
So good to see them and so nice to be home as well.
Looking forward to catching up with old friends over the next couple of weeks and then getting organised for 2015.
Keep safe all

White cliffs to Broken Hill

Well it would appear that I have been very slack but in all truth we have had little exposure to the internet out in the corner country.  Have been in Broken Hill since Monday but have had to have things done to the van but will explain all that as I type this update J

We last wrote to you on the 8^th of April – wow so long ago….

What has happened since then ????!!!!

9^th April Today we left White Cliffs at about 8.30am and headed on the dirt road to Tibooburra.  We took it nice and easy and after about 80km and two hours we stopped for morning tea on the upper side of the road.  We were having a great time and discussing the different countryside. 

 a range near our MT Stop

 Panoramic shot of MT stop

our van and Ian's Camper

 We then took off again and had to go down a slight embankment to get back onto the road.  We stopped at the intersection of the road from White Cliffs and the Silver City Highway to check out the “Tool Tree’. 

 It is a sculpture made out of different tools and farming implements. 

 Tool Tree

 a closer shot

Wires for Andersen plug and trailer plug

 It was here that we noticed the wires hanging from under the front of the van.  Ohhh Shite!!!!!  Yep – the trailer plug (controlling brake lights, blinkers etc) and the Andersen plug (getting power to the fridge whilst travelling) were completely shredded and of no use what so ever. We secured what we could and continued on our way to Tibooburra.  There was lots of water around and some really big lakes on both sides of the road.  The Silver City Highway is one of the roughest stretches of road that we have travelled on so far.  

  Bullea Lake on the left of road

and Salt Lake on the right of road

They are asphalting 6km stretches at a time and they say it should be finished (as far as Tibooburra from Broken Hill) by 2020. 

We arrived in Tibooburra and booked into the local park for 2 nights. This was to give us the opportunity to get some washing done and then go for a look see around Tibooburra. We were lucky to get a spot as there were over 27 vehicles from the Rotary Club of East Toowoomba booked in and they were doing a tag-a-long around the area.  We also got a new Trailer plug and some more wire and then Ian and Darryl got in and repaired the damage to that plug.  The Andersen plug will have to wait until we get to Broken Hill.    

Also in Tibooburra are a couple that we met at White Cliffs, who are travelling in a 1925 Oakland car and towing a camper-trailer.  Their maximum speed is 25 miles an hour or 40kms per hour.

10^th April We went for a walk up to the local park – which is in honour of Sturt and his team and there is a replica of the whaling boat that they lugged into the centre of Australia in the hope of finding the inland sea.  

We then had lunch at the Family Hotel and there is some very interesting artwork in this pub by artists Clifton Pugh, Edward Car, Roxanne Minchin to name a few.

  Clifton Pugh

 unsure who painted this one

  Roxanne Minchin

Clifton Pugh

We then went back to the park and went for a drive out to the replica of a gold mining settlement and then out to Olive Downs – a station that has a camping area managed by the Parks and Wildlife Services.  We then travelled back to Tibooburra via the Loop Track and through the ‘jump-ups’.

11^th April Today we left Tibooburra and headed out toward Cameron Corner. 

  Buster having a break :)

 A big Kangaroo

 On the way we stopped at ‘Fort Grey’ Station and Pinnaroo Lake.  It is full of water and we saw the ruins of the original homestead that was destroyed by waves in the 1974 floods.  I would not have liked to be here then because there would not have been much dry land about.  From the ruins to the current level of the Lake it is about a three metre depth.

 Emu's

 a Clay Pan

 Panorama of Clay pan

Fort Grey sign

 Pinnaroo Lake

 again

Cameron Corner is where three states meet – SA, NSW and QLD.  We have seen lots of Emus and Kangaroos this trip.  We went through some lovely sand dune country and reached the ‘dog fence’ at Cameron Corner without and problems.  We had our photos taken at the marker of the corner and then went and had a refreshing ale at the ‘Corner Store’ which is just over the Qld border.

  Dingo Fence at Cameron Corner

 State borders

 Holly, Rosey, Ian, Barb and Darryl at Cameron Corner

 Corner Store, Cameron Corner

 Sand dunes and the road

 dingo

 a closer look

   Here we were talking to some fisherman and they were telling us that the Cooper Creek was flowing very fast over the weir at Innamincka at about 3 metres high.  We continued on our way and stopped for the night at ‘Merty Merty’ Station (SA) on the corner of the Old Strzelecki Track and the road from the corner. 

 Sunset at Merty Merty

 Night coming in at Merty Merty

 We had a lovely night with the flies and the mosquitoes J but enjoyed sitting out and looking at the very bright stars and our lovely campfire.  Our fridge is warming up fast but there is nothing we can do about it.  Gas will still not light it and the Andersen plug is not there L

12^th April Today we headed out at about 8.30am and continued on our way up the Old Strzelecki Track.  There are no signs to say that it is closed.  It is a dirt track but very good in most places.  We had five lots of water over the road to go around but there were some well-defined tracks made by the vehicles from the mining companies.  Lots of oil and gas derricks out this track.  We did not see emus and kangaroos here but did see dingoes.  Our dog Buster seems to be really enjoying the trip.  He loves getting out and investigating the country-side (even if he is attached to his lead).  Holly’s dog – Rosey – is keeping him company.

 A oil  Derrick on the old Strzelecki

 cars on the old Strzelecki

 Old Strzelecki Track

 again

 the RED sand dunes

 Panorama

Reached the development Road and turned to head into Innamincka.  There was a dingo leisurely walking up the road in front of the cars. 

Coming into Innamincka

 Public Showers in Innamincka

 at Innamincka

 The Development road has been the most corrugated road that we have driven on.  The workers were in the process of grading it to try and get the corrugations out of it.  I always thought that the corrugations were caused by the effect of the breeze across the sand but I have been told that they are actually caused by the shock absorbers in the vehicles and the up and down motion to try and keep the vehicles steady.  So there you go – you learn something new every day :D

We stopped in at Innamincka for a refreshing ale (J) and then went down and saw the water rushing over the weir.   We also met up with Margaret and John in their 1925 Oakland again.  They are staying on the common and heading out to ‘Dig Tree’ tomorrow. 

 Heading out to the 'Dig Tree'

 Cooper creek South

 Cooper creek north

 We then continued on our way back into Qld and onto ‘Nappa Merrie’ Station to the site of the ‘Dig Tree’.  To get into the area we had to cross a small section of the Cooper creek – our first water crossing this trip.  Ian and Wendy got out to photograph us coming through. We will stay here for 2 nights. 

 our first water crossing at Cooper creek into the 'Dig Tree'

 Us coming through the water of Cooper Creek into the 'Dig Tree'

 Darryl fishing at the dig tree

 The area around the dig tree is cordoned off but you can walk up to the tree.  They have built a walkway around the tree to try and prevent the compression of the soil and the possible death of the tree.
Unfortunately two of the carvings in the tree are no longer visible but the old Ranger (Bomber Johnson) at the gate has inscribed a piece of timber with what he believes is in the tree.  He is trying to get the Heritage Society to come out and either x-ray or ultrasound the tree to see what is under the new bark on the tree.  They do have photos of the engravings from 1898 but they are not very clear.
13^th April Today we rose later and went on an investigation of the camp area on the station and along the Cooper Creek.  The water here is flowing really quickly. And it is slowly rising.  We put the dogs into the creek for a swim which they seemed to enjoy.  We then went for another walk up to the Dig Tree to have a look at it in the good light.  The carving of Burke is still in good nick but the bark on the tree is slowly engulfing it.  This engraving was made in 1898 so for it to last 114 years is good.  The engraving identifying the site as ‘base camp 65’ is still reasonably clear after 142 years.

 The carving of Burke

 B LXV (Basecamp 65)

A photo of the tree from 1898

The tree now - you can see where the bark had been removed for the engravings to be made

We went back to the camp and had lunch and then in the afternoon we went for another walk whilst Darryl was doing some fishing.  Over the past couple of days people have caught 8lb yellow belly fish.  Maybe we will have fish for dinner.  Ian, Wendy and Holly all braved the cold water and went for a swim.  They said that once you were in the water it was fine.  Unfortunately Darryl did not have much luck with the fish.  He got one but it was very small and had to go back.

 Holly with the BIG fish that Darryl caught

The Menz family in the Cooper Creek

14^th April Up and on the road by 9am and heading out toward Thargomindah.  This is mainly an asphalted road but there was one section across the Coopers Creek plains where fellow travellers had to drive through 40cm water for 14 kilometres five days prior.  When we arrived the creek had dropped and the water was lapping the edges of the road – there were a couple of little patches of water that we had to drive through though.

 Sign showing that the next 14 kms is likely to flood

 bridge over the Cooper Creek and some of the damage by the water

 some water over the road

 a road off to our right

 water rushing through the culvert

 turning to Noccundra

We turned right at ‘Nockatunga’ Station and headed down to Noccundra.  We stopped here to get fuel and lunch BUT unfortunately the cook left the day before with only 5 minutes’ notice L and we were unable to get anything to eat.  So we continued on our way and stopped for lunch further down the track.  

 Noccundra Hotel

 watch your head!

doorways are short

We arrived at the ‘Warri Gate’ at the Dingo fence at 3 in the afternoon and decided to keep going to Tibooburra (55km away).

 on the road at Warri Gate near the dingo fence

Warri Gate

   When we arrived at Tibooburra it was to find that one of the shelves in the door of the fridge had cracked and was no good L. It was a shelf that had all the lighter stuff on it to L.  We booked in for the night and put our fridge onto electricity to cool it down and we then all headed to the amenities for a well-earned hot shower J.

15^th April We headed out today for Milparinka.  One of the first gold mining towns on the downs.  A very interesting – almost ghost - town.  The pub is no longer operating and there is only one person who lives in town permanently.  There are visiting volunteers who come out to man the information centre for a month at a time.  Looking through the old Court House and Police Station and around the ruins of the Post Office was amazing.  We then went up and had a look at the school ruins and the National Emblem that the school children made out of white stones back in the late 1890’s.  Most of it is still visible.  We then drove the 14 km to Depot Glen and Poole’s Grave.  We had lunch here and were surprised at how cool it was in under the trees.  The water in the creek was brackish but we saw lots of fish swimming around.

 The man on his bike at the corner to Milparinka

a panoramic of Milparinka

 James Poole's tree

 the tree

 water hole where Sturt and his men camped at Depot Glen

 We then drove further on to Sturt’s Cairn on Mount Poole.  We had to leave the van near a creek because the crossing was too narrow for us to manoeuvre the caravan through it.  We piled into Ian’s car and travelled the next 7km together.  We all climbed the mount to see the Cairn and take photos from the summit.  A tiring walk to the top with an interesting one coming back down the rocky slope

 Climbing Mt Poole  The photo really doesn't show HOW STEEP the climb was :(

Panorama from the tip

 looking back to where our caravan is parked.  (It is the white thing in the middle of the photo :)

 Ian coming through the sharp twist with his camper

 Buster checking it out

We then went back and got the van and continued on our way toward Broken Hill.  We decided on the way that we would stop at Packsaddle for the night.  As we neared the station we were being passed (in the opposite direction) by participants in the ‘Shitbox Rally’ raising money for cancer – www.shitboxrally.com.au .  They were taking a week to travel from Melbourne to Cairns via the outback in vehicles that had over 200,000 kms on the clock and had to cost less than $1000 to buy.   The drivers then went out to do up the cars and get sponsorship for the trip.

We met up with about 100 of the vehicles at Packsaddle where we had another refreshing ale and then headed back 500 metres for the rest stop where we set up camp for the night. The last cars of the rally passed us at about 7.30 that night.  Apparently they started out with about 180 vehicles.  When we got into the van to set up for the night we found that another of the shelves in the door of the fridge had broken and was not usable L L  Will have to see if we can get some in Broken Hill.

 entrants in the ShitboxRally

more entrants

and another

 Sunset at Packsaddle

Our camp at Packsaddle

16^th April Today we left at about 8am and drove the 130km to Broken Hill.  As we pulled into the van park we got a flat tyre on the caravan, so Ian and Darryl set too and changed the tyre.  We booked into the van park and got set up.  We then went for a drive into the information centre and a look around town, and then called into one of the cafés for lunch.

Back to the van and camper and had a pleasant afternoon and evening.  We didn’t need much dinner as we had had such a late – and very filling - lunch.  We all enjoyed another refreshing ale or two J :D and then an early evening.
17^th April Today we went out to Silverton and went exploring.  We went past Penrose Park and up onto the hill where there are the ruins of a mud-brick house/building. 

We presumed it was the original station homestead.  A new one is about a kilometre away.  Quite an impressive structure.   We then showed Ian, Wendy and Holly around Penrose Park.  Darryl used to go here as a youngster and he was impressed in the changes made since last year.  It really looks cared for now.

We parked the cars near the pub and went walking around the old town and checking out galleries and cafés and old buildings.

 an old cottage

Ian on his mode of transport

 a garden!

a ruin

bottle display in the window of the cafe

 teapot display

 self-explanatory

a penny-farthing

old church

 We had a great time checking out the display in the old school.  The school was in operation until 1974, then closed and was reopened a couple of years ago as a museum to education from all the states.  We had lunch at the pub and then made our way back into Broken Hill so that IWH could see the ‘Big Picture’ in the one of the galleries.  It is 12 feet high and 100 feet long and took 9 tons of paint to complete.  They thoroughly enjoyed it.  From here we went out to the Pro Hart Gallery and took it in turns to go in and look at the exhibit.  Ian and I sat outside in the shade with the two dogs whilst the others went in.  There are 3 Rolls Royce’s and an old Bentley in the garages at the front of the gallery.  None of them have been registered or driven since Pro Hart died in 2006.  We then went up to the ‘Line of Lode’ and sat on the ‘Big Bench’ and checked out the town in the sunset.

 Darryl and I on THE seat

Wendy, Holly, Rosey and Ian on the bench

Back to the van park and showered before heading into the ‘Musicians Club’ for a bistro dinner as it was to be our last night with Ian Wendy and Holly.  Unfortunately the food was not as nice as we hoped but we had a good evening together anyway.

18^th April Wendy, Ian, Holly and Rosey headed off this morning on their return journey to Condobolin L  It was sad to see them go as we had been having such a companionable time together.  (We are staying in Broken Hill and waiting for friends of ours from the ‘Aussie Baby Boomers’ forum to join us at the end of the week).  I went and completed 5 loads of washing – getting all the linen as well as clothes washed and then set to getting the van clean – on the inside at least J.  Darryl relented and helped me do the windows also.  We contacted an Auto-electrician to come out and work on the van to fix the Andersen plug (he hopes to be late today or on Friday) and then also booked the van in for tomorrow to get repairs done to the gas and parts for the fridge, and repairs to the sullage hose that had fallen off at some point.

We heard from Wendy, Ian and Holly about lunch time to say that they were 60km out of Ivanhoe (after travelling nearly 150km of dirt road) and they had broken the 5 leaves of the springs on one side of their camper – ohhh no!!!!  Apparently 7 vehicles had passed them without stopping – even though they were obviously in difficulties.  Ian managed to get it repaired – he just happened to have a spare spring set in the back of his car J - and they limped on to 40km out of Hillston.

19^th April Up early and packed up the van and took it in to the ONLY caravan repair centre in Broken Hill to have work done to it – we were told that it would be ready by lunch time all being well.  The guys there said that they would to the Andersen Plug as well – so rang and cancelled the other Auto-electrician.  We went into town and did some shopping and made our way back to the van park waiting for a call to say that the van was ready.  By 2.30 we had not heard anything and my phone died and so we went to the centre to enquire into progress.  A way off yet as they cannot get 8mm wiring in Broken Hill to repair the Andersen Plug – Bugger!!!!  They had even tried the fellow that was going to come out and fix it with no luck.

Got a call from Wendy, Ian and Holly to say that they had had rain ALL night and that they would have liked to have a dry night so that they had a dry camper – but that was not to be.  They had reached home safely but now had no power at the house due to a rain storm last night and the wires to the house blowing in the storm L  Essential Energy were at the house repairing the line.

We finally got the van back at 4.30pm – gas hot water now working BUT the electric side of it has shat itself and the switch will no longer work.  The gas fridge is now working – YAY – so now when on a bush camp we will be able to keep things cold.

Back to the van park and re-set up and get dinner ready.

Heard from our friends, who we were to meet us at the end of the week, they are now at Maude in NSW and will be going to Buronga and then on to Renmark due to all the rain and water lying around.  We will now leave here on Monday and go down to meet up with them there.  There is prediction that we will have rain here in Broken Hill tomorrow and Sunday.

20^th April Got up early and copied some of the photos of Darryl and Shirley at School in Broken Hill, photos of the boys club and Dad Walker in his uniform onto a flash drive to take to the Historical Society.  Unfortunately the photos that I thought I had scanned of Neville’s classes could not be found.  Will have to get him to scan them and send to us – what do you say Nev?

We went into town early and dropped off the tyre at Bridgestone to get it repaired or replaced.  Were told to come back this afternoon.  We went into the Family History Centre which is located in the old Trades Hall and had a great discussion with the ladies in there.  One lady in particular is doing the schools and the Police History of the area so she was very glad that we had thought to bring in the photos.

We then went to the Broken Hill Regional Art Gallery and Darryl made enquiries about the works of Charles ‘Hoppy’ Hopgood.  Unfortunately no gallery in town is exhibiting any of his works L and Darryl was very disappointed in that information.  We went and had lunch and then Darryl had his INR done and we went to visit our friends Nora and Dave.  They had just returned to Broken Hill from a trip to Adelaide and a cruise to New Zealand.  We are going to join them again tomorrow for a BBQ tea.

Darryl went back to get the tyre and we got a new one as the other could not be repaired.  We then had dinner and got ready to have a video call via messenger with Beckie, Matt and the Children.

It was so good to SEE them and chat with them.  We were on line for just on an hour and it was soo good to do it.

21^st April A lazy day today – up late J. It is our 33^rd wedding Anniversary today and Darryl got me the most gorgeous earrings with a Sturt’s rose in them and a silver Bracelet from the Broken Hill Silver Mint.  I am truly spoiled. J J

 I have been catching up with this blog and Darryl went and did a little shopping.