8th September
On the way out of Dubbo, we visited a Japanese Garden and a separate Biodiversity Garden at Elizabeth Park. The latter is a project demonstrating all the native vegetation of the area and I took photos for Michele. I found it fascinating. Irene drove south on the Mitchell Highway to Wellington, where, instead of visiting the caves, we had morning tea at a well established, but now rather tatty Japanese Garden opposite the entrance to the caves. The water courses were slimy, the hedges unclipped, and the black ducks have really taken over - what a shame. At the turnoff to Wellington we had noticed an artistic landmark which we examined efore driving on. It was (to quote Kath and Kim ) unusual! Indeed I thought it looked like a metal domed frame being used by triffids to gain height. Not the most pleasing sculpture I have seen.
From Wellington, I drove south to Molong, a very pretty town we would like to have explored. There I turned off (missing Orange altogether) towards Canowindra (pronounced Canoundra) where we ate a sandwich in a park. The afternoon stint at the wheel was Irene's, and she took us on into Cowra to our deluxe cabin by the river. At the nearby Information Centre we watched a great multimedia presentation about the Cowra Breakout, then walking on up through the main drag, we rang the World Peace Bell - a terrific feeling, bought a bottle of merlot and wandered back to our cosy nest. This had been the coolest day so far, with light showers; we found it quite a contrast to the previous 35's to 37's!

Charters Towers to Lightning Ridge

We loved the architecture of Charters Towers and enjoyed following a CD guided tour of interesting places (it was weekend so a good way to get around) The Community Day was in Centenary Park, a lovely shady venue and many interesting stalls & exhibits. Boy did we use up that marvellous pool and spa. Inthe afternon, as we walked under the huge trees in the park, we disturbed hundreds of bats - they took off in fright, quite unusual during the day.
On the way to Clermont, caravan in front of us fishtailed on a down-hill straight and ended up off the road, jakknifed, with its van tipped onto its side resting on a bank.Luckily they were not injured and the B double that pulled up after us was apparently able to help so we were able to drive on after checking all was under control.
At Clermont our donga accom was basic, with electric cords and power board draped over and resting on the electric hot plates. Great. Luckily, sleep was our first concern. The Theresa Creek Dam nearby is a popular camping and fishing venue, very pleasant for an afternoon stroll. I enjoy listing our daily bird sightings.
I drove from Clermont to Emerald and Irene drove through Springsure and Rolleston to the Takaraka Bush Park at Carnarvon Gorge. The permanent tent accom had comfy beds and a fridge, wallabies were pottering about all around. We did a 14 km walk / climb with 10 stepping-stone creek crossings; fabulous, exhausting, aching. The bush kitchen encouraged relaxed chat with other campers. A spectacular place - Carnarvon Gorge and its side gorges, each one amazing and different.
The rough road out of the Nat'l Park was through some great pastoral country. We fluked upon a great little art exhibition at Injune where I bought a one-off print, then on to St Geoirge for a comfy stop over on the way to Lightning Ridge.
A bus tour of The Ridge took us throught diggings where we saw camps and castles, mulloch heaps and mines. We went underground, noodled (not canoodled) and soaked up the amazing atmosphere of that diverse community. There are certainly people who hide away here - many are only ever known by there nick names. We were even treated to a great lightning show on our first night and on the 2nd we bathed in 41.5 degrees thermal pool under a full moon and cloudless sky beofre driving back to the cabin to bed. Just a bit different!
Luckily, on our noodling, I picked up a bit of a flashy stone and had it polished into a tiny, pretty opal. A cute little souvenir.
On to Dubbo yesterday and some very good rain overnight. We spent 2/3 of the day at the Western Plains Zoo and now I am up to shot 900 on my camera - I have downloaded 250 onto a dvd as well. Ho hum.
We are looking forward to yet another experience - Cowra tomorrow.
Cheers all.