MILBRULONG TO MOAMA

DECEMBER 29

Mike had a tour of the farm with Rod and they shifted sheep. I helped Jane pack away the Christmas decorations and dismantle the tree.

DECEMBER 30

Had an enjoyable day with Rod and Jane learning about the comings and goings of the farm and working with Rod about shifting sheep further down the track.

DECEMBER 31

Last day of 2012 and boy is it hot!!!!
Mike and Rod were out fixing pipes and shifting sheep. Rod busy getting ready for holiday and because it is the first time he has had farm sitters a little concerned but we seem to have hit it off from the start so that has reassured him.
Had a run through with watering systems but still none the wiser. Oh well I am sure when left to our own devises we will work it out.

NEW YEARS DAY 2013

JANUARY 1

The holiday makers finally left about 10.30 and we spent a lazy day as Mike had worked out in the sun yesterday. Another very hot day but at least the nights a little cooler.

JANUARY 2

Into Lockhart today and dumped the household rubbish at the recycling  station and then bought some groceries.

JANUARY 3 - 6

Stayed inside, too hot outside to go or do anything. Jane had shown me a large cupboard full of jigsaws so out they came one by one and I managed to do several. The garden is watered early in the morning. Sunday we were invited over the road for a meal. Met the neighbours Colin and Alison and Graham and Debbie. We had a great evening.
We have been inundated with Rutherglen bugs (canola bugs) and they love the lights. So lights off for 4 nights, they came through everything and fly spray was only 50% kill, not pleasant to have around and they ate us alive.

Tons of little Buggers

JANUARY 7

Off to Wagga, too hot but lovely in the shopping centre and a bonus found a lovely patchwork shop.

JANUARY 8

Ghastly day, extremely Strong winds and we received our first fire warnings over the phone. We went around the outside of the house and organised hoses in strategic places in case the need arose and decided where to put van and truck.
It was a very oppressive day and the wind was fierce, only good thing was it blew the wretched bugs away.
Got up about 1.30am and wound up the awning as Mike was concerned about the brackets pulling out. By this time a big drop in temp.

JANUARY 9

Cold this morning, had to wear a jacket to water the garden, still windy and we enjoyed 25.

JANUARY 10

Rod offered us the Commodore as too hot to travel around on the bike. Went off to Gundagai to find the Dog on the Tucker Box and discovered more. In 1866 a wooden bridge was built to cross the Murrumbidgee, quite a feat and it is still standing.

Rail bridge (nearest) and Road Bridge

Lois, Dad, Dave, Mum & Mabel
Mostly made of bronze!!

At the information centre there was an amazing sculpture of marble all done by hand. An Italian who went to NSW and became a stonemason did the marble sculpture.

Rusconi's Marble Masterpiece
Made from 20,948 individual pieces of NSW marble

We travelled out of Gundegai to find the infamous Dog on a Tuckerbox and eventually found him at a large roadhouse stopover. Expecting to see some large dog we found this small statue but very well constructed. 
From Gundagai we travelled the back way to Junee, the valleys were fantastic.

The proverbial "Dog On THe Tuckerbox"

Any guesses why this town is called "The Rock"

 JANUARY 14

I cleaned the house and the van today as Jane and Rod are due home tomorrow.Not sure when as there are major fires around Coonabarabram and they will have to detour. While Jane was away I made myself busy with the sewing machine and made Jane an apron.

Apron made for Jane

 JANUARY 15
Went to Wagga shopping and home mid arvo. Rod and Jane home about 10.30pm as had to do a 100k detour. Very tired but pleased to be home.
We had 2 Willie Wagtails hatch and now have to keep the cat away. At least Amey will be pleased they have hatched.

JANUARY 16

Rod's twin brother arrived with his 2 sons. I got stuck into the garden and Jane washed. Mike and Rod out on the farm checking on what we had been up to and deciding to sell fat lambs. Mike and Rod drafted the lambs and sent them off to market.

JANUARY 17

Early rise this morning, Mike and Rod walked lambs down to the other farm about 6am and were home about 10am,another very hot day. Rod took Sandy and Gilbert out to shift sheep and gave Gilbert a ride on the tractor.

JANUARY 18

Family off to Melbourne for the weekend, another scorcher of a day and even the air cons are battling. Winds are a major problem and no wonder there are so many fires with this extreme heat (Sydney 45), everything is tinder dry.

JANUARY 21

Went to Lockhart shopping and got caught in an electrical storm (on the bike), by the time we arrived home the farm had had 14mls in about 10 mins. Lockhart hold an annual competion for Farm Art, the winning entry for each year is purchased by the town and put on display. See below.

 

 

Rod and Jane home from Melbourne and we sat up and watched the tennis, saw the men's epic game.

JANUARY 23

Mike and Rod drafted off more fat lambs and loaded for market. I went with Mike out to back farm to take some cull lambs and to check rest of stock.

JANUARY 24

Mike and Rod went off to the market to see the lambs sold and Rod came home with the biggest smile, a $105 av smile.

Proud producer with his stock

JANUARY 25 - 30

Starting to think about a Snowy Mountain bike trip but the fires are blazing through Dinner Plains, Bright and the highways are closed. Have decided to stay at the farm hoping the fires will go out but unless we have rain there isn't much chance of travelling the Great Alpine Road.

Parked at the farm in Milbrulong

JANUARY 31

Weather a trifle cooler (or so we thought) so decided to head off to Adelong, Tumut and Tumbarumba for a drive through the mountains. It was a magic experience and the country so rugged.

Ruins of old Goldmine
 

 Tumut had several huge wood chipping mills which in turn produce particle board.

Wood chips for pulp mill

Between Tumut and Batlow there are major apple orchards many covered with netting protecting the trees from hail and snow or to discourage the birds.

Covered orchards

There were signs on the road warning us of wombats, got excited hoping to see one and we actually saw 6 large wombats but unfortunately they were dead but very big solid animals.

Tumbarumba Town

 At Tumbarumba we took the wrong turn and headed south to Jingelic, saw a sign to Holbrook and took that road.

Some towns have strange claims to fame

Some 450k later we arrived back at the farm hot, exhausted and could hardly remove our bodies from the bike. Too far for us!!!! There was a wonderful reception when we arrived home, Jane, Rod and Amey all rushed out to welcome us home.

FEBRUARY 1

Amey is now on count down to return to school. Jane busy getting clothes ready for her last year at high school.

FEBRUARY 2

Family off to Melbourne and we said our goodbyes to Amey.

FEBRUARY 4

Amey's 18 birthday so all the family have dinner out in Melbourne.

FEBRUARY 5

Amey to boarding school and Jane and Rod to Ballarat to visit a friend.

FEBRUARY 6

Jane and Rod home, aren't they lucky to have us there to keep watch over the dogs and fire patrol.

FEBRUARY 8

Mike and Rod off to a ram sale and returned with 2 White Suffolk rams.

FEBRUARY 9

Rod and Jane off to a 21st some 11/2 hours away. They dressed up as country and western ( Jane is like me not keen on dress ups). Home about 4am, glad we didn't wait up for them!!!

FEBRUARY 11

2 of Rod's sisters came for lunch, Penny and Fiona. Fiona had had a knee op so staying for awhile with Penny ( p married to J's brother Hume)

FEBRUARY 12

A school friend of Jane's (Brigid arrived for lunch, she was taking her daughter Hannah back to Uni in Canberra. )

FEBRUARY 13

A major decision has been made and we have decided to leave this very hospitable place and head out again. Packing time!!!!
We are still unable to travel to Myrtleford and do the Alpine Highway  as roads still closed. Change of plans we will now head south to Moama-Echuca and Bendigo.
Mike went out and helped draft lambs and Rod took 4 off to the butcher to be slaughtered for home consumption.
Jane cooked us a lovely farewell dinner, they have really spoilt us so much and we are sad to leave but we will return!!!!

FEBRUARY 14

ST VALENTINES DAY
Our farewell day and Jane and Rod came to over to say goodbye they left 2 hours later (All very reluctant to leave).

Two special people, Jane & Rod

View from Van

We left about 12 and headed to Urana and on to Jerilderie. Had lunch by the lake, a lovely spot- Ned Kelly thought so too.
From Jerilderie we headed to Conargo where we spent the night at the sports ground, quite a good spot and free.

FEBRUARY 15

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHELLE
Look out Moama-Echuca here we come. Between Conargo and Deniliquin quite a large irrigation area so lots of rice planted. We spotted a small plane seeding rice paddocks.

Look carefully, left middle, small plane seeding rice.

From Denni to Moama everything so dry apart from the rice paddocks.
We found a lovely caravan park on the edge of the Murray,really a holiday resort with permanents and holiday cabins. Only room for 8 vans and we were it.
This weekend is Riverboat Music festival so by 6pm cars and trailers with huge speed boats were pouring in to the park.
There are lots of permanent mobile homes and caravans here but people are not allowed to stay more than 180 days consecutively.
Lovely spot with the Murray flowing past also a lovely swimming pool. Yes I have been in, even have new bathers. It is the only way to keep cool!!!!

ARMIDALE

DECEMBER 1

We now feel as if we are way up in sky. It is a great place Armidale and today we went off to check out the town. Had a very strong electrical storm with violent lightening, thunder and very heavy rain. I have never experienced thunder and lightening like it.

Parked at Armidale Showgrounds

DECEMBER 2

More storm activity today but not as bad as yesterday only the rain was heavy.

DECEMBER 3

John the caretaker warned us that a dog show was on next weekend and we may wish to move away from them.

DECEMBER 4

The first of the dog show people are starting to arrive so packed up and have now moved to a quieter place, hopefully!!!

DECEMBER 5

Not sure our decision to move was altogether wise as the wind blew extremely hard today and we seemed to rock-n-roll a lot.

DECEMBER 6

Dogs and owners are pouring into the camp ground to camp, some trying not to pay but we kept an eye on them and John chased them up.

DECEMBER 7

competitions started and we were amazed at the number of different breeds, some we hadn't seen or heard of before. There were over 500 all up. It was very entertaining watching the owners doing their preparation work, out came hair dryers, ribbons, spray bottles, scissors etc.

Our Favourite at the Show (Siberian Husky)

We had bought an extendable arm to attach to our TV so we could support it outside the alcove designed for a slightly smaller one. Mike assembled the arm and then we crossed our fingers and yes it works well and supports the TV even when we are travelling so I don't have to pack the TV away now.

DECEMBER 8

Local market at the showgrounds today, very small and not much to see.

DECEMBER 9

There was a Christmas village market at Kentucky so off we went on the bike (about 30 k) viewing the countryside as we went. We passed through Urella and Mike commented on having been there before. Two years ago we did a bike ride with a Ulysses group from Tamworth and lo and behold we had stopped in Kentucky for a snack and then onto Urella for lunch.

Town of Urella

It was a great market, all variety of home made goodies, animals- goats, chooks and alpacas (all for sale)and there were two women demonstrating lace making, had me fascinated for ages.

Market Day at Kentucky

Return to Armidale

On our return to Armidale went and watched the finals of the dog show. Amazed at the different breeds and they looked great all lined up from smallest to biggest, wow what a contrast.

Class Lineup

Champion of Show (Borzoi, Russian breed)

DECEMBER 10

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY
Hurrah, no more yapping dogs. It is amazing how quiet it is here now after having the company of 500 + dogs and about 200 people.

DECEMBER 11

Freezing cold here today and if this continues will have to fish out warm clothes.

DECEMBER 12

Still cold. Went off to Bunnings to pick up our new sink and to try and find the correct fittings, where is Steven when we need him???
Started Christmas emails while Mike did a few laps round the oval on the tractor cutting the grass, the hardest part was the caretaker trying to get him off again.

DECEMBER 13

Still cold but the sun is shining. Mike has started on the new sink, oh horrors, hate to think how long I'll be without water. Mike spent the time gluing the pipes together and getting all the fittings right as we have to compromise between Australian fittings and American Fittings.

DECEMBER 14

Lovely day so put a picnic lunch together and off we went on the bike to find some waterfalls. The road between Armidale and Coffs Harbour is called Waterfall Way with a few lovely spots to stop.
We went as far as Ebor (80K) a spectacular waterfall,

Waterfall Way

Upper Ebor Falls

Ebor Falls Lookout

Total Ebor Falls

had lunch and then headed home stopping at Wollombie Falls and Chandler Falls.We had to walk a little way but some great views.

Wollombie Falls

Chandler Falls

Falls Lookout
 

Dingo Gate on Walk trail

DECEMBER 16

Managed to get Christmas mail ready for posting.

DECEMBER 17

The place is a mess today, it is sink day. Mike has put in my new sink and managed to get it finished even tho he had to do three trips to Bunnings to make the pipes fit. (Where are you Steven when we need you ). Now Mike is exhausted.

The nervous cut. Have I measured right?

It all fits and works well.

DECEMBER 20

Mike washed the van today and now it looks much better.

DECEMBER 21

This afternoon took off to buy a strap for the new TV so we don't need to pack it up each time we move.
We decided to investigate the Dangar Gorge and Falls, no water but very steep country and no doubt the falls are magic when the water is flowing. We went out to the Dumeresq Dam where there is free camping, a lovely spot. There is a lot of dissension between the City council and the Trust that runs the Showgrounds.

Dangar Falls

Dumeresq Dam

DECEMBER 24

A hive of activity today as a local family prepared for their Christmas Day party at the Showgrounds. They have very kindly invited us (all of us at the park) to join them for the day.
We packed up between showers as leaving here Boxing Day.

DECEMBER 25

CHRISTMAS DAY.
We opened our one and only present- thanks to Annette.

We had one almighty storm and very heavy rain. Two of the families who were camping had their bedding and gear drenched and had to move to a building
We have had A WONDERFUL DAY thanks to a large local family who have Christmas at the showgrounds. Oh boy what a spread and we felt quite honoured to be included.

Went home about 9pm and then Skyped the WA family. It was great to see and chat to them.

DECEMBER 26

Finished our packing in the rain, and then off to breakfast with  the Christmas family. Said our goodbyes to John and Leanne and to Garry, then headed off to Coonabarabran. We found a great spot 30k north of Coonabarabran so stayed the night (Oxley's Crossing).

DECEMBER 27

We left Oxley's Crossing and headed for Forbes. Thought we would leave the high hills behind but they seem to persist. Wonderful scenery, passed "The Dish" at Parkes and headed for Forbes. Found a great spot to park in Forbes and then discovered the council had put up a no parking sign so down the road we went until we found a suitable stop over.

Overnight stopover

DECEMBER 28

Arrived at the farm ready to start our farm sit. The farm is at Millbrulong, south of Wagga Wagga. Jane and Rod welcomed us and made us feel right at home.

TOOWOOMBA TO ARMIDALE

13 NOVEMBER

Time for shopping and we found a great shopping centre close by.

Our private lake

14 NOVEMBER

Weather ideal for bike ride so set off to Maidenwell to visit friends, Connie and John. Had tried to catch them while we were in Kingaroy but they were away travelling. Travelled out through Crows Nest and stopped at Cooyar for a break and a drink and on to Maidenwell. A lovely trip through the hills and the Bunya Mountains were in the distance.
Had a great lunch with Connie and John and talked all afternoon, so much to catch up on. We had met C & J in St George 2 years ago.

John & Connie at Maidenwell

We headed home a different way through Quinalow and Acland ( a large coal mine) and onto Oakey and back to Toowoomba.

Towards Oakey

 A great day and magnificent countryside. Poor Mike was quite tired that night. But someone has to do it.

15 NOVEMBER

Happy Anniversary Michelle and Chris.
Rather sluggish this morning but off milking with Nola and Millar this arvo. Went off to Millar and Nola's and from there Millar took us out to the farm (about 1/2 hour). While I supervised the milking Mike was off chasing cows and feeding a sick one. He was having his farm fix.

Nice herd of Guernseys

 

Mike & Miller feed the calves

16 NOVEMBER

Shopping and haircut.

17 NOVEMBER

Mike went off to a Limosin cattle sale at the showgrounds, home for lunch and then off in the other direction to the Model Railroad club also at the showgrounds. He tried out his new engines he bought before we left home and had never run them so happy to see they work. About 5 he rushed home as we were hit by a huge electrical storm, rain,wind,lightening and thunder. There was a warning for hail so Mike found an empty shed and parked the truck for protection, fortunately the hail didn't happen but very wet.

18 NOVEMBER

HAPPY BIRTHDAY STEVEN.
We are having lunch with Nola and Millar today at Rudds Pub from Dad and Dave fame. Another one of these places with lots of history. Had a lovely meal with great company.

Front Bar at RUDDS PUB

Mike, Nola & Miller

 Home again and Mike off to neighbours to watch the car racing. We haven't been able to get TV here thanks to where we are parked.

20 NOVEMBER

Patch working at Nolas tonight. She has a group that goes once a week. I had to have show and tell and everyone enjoyed seeing different projects. I came away with a few ideas and patterns.

21 NOVEMBER

Machine out and I made some Christmas placemats.

22 NOVEMBER

Finished off mats and now hand sewing.
A new 5th wheeler arrived and parked beside us so invited them (Jill and Murray) and Peter and Glenys for drinks and we had a great time.

Snackies time Toowoomba Showgrounds

 

Everyone gets involved in snack time

23 NOVEMBER

Now we are getting ready to move we start our routine of filling up the truck, shopping for food and loading the bike.

24 NOVEMBER

Off to Miilar and Nola's with a bag of books to swap. Millar took us to his Church where he is in charge of a shed full of  books which they sell periodically raising funds for the missions. We spent ages finding books to read and left our read books in exchange.

25 NOVEMBER

Cleanup of house. Peter and Glenyis home in time for drinkies so we all got together for our last night.

26 NOVEMBER

On the road again and who knows where. Arrived in Millmeran ( a big Camp Cook out is held here every year-about 3000 people go) and walked the streets to stretch our legs. Next town Inglewood,walked the town and had some lunch. We decided we would stop at Texas for the night so found the off road parking by the Dumeresq River and stayed. We were entertained by about 10 Splendid Fairy Wrens, just lovely to watch.

Duneresq River campsite

27 NOVEMBER

Decided to stay another day parked by he river and watching the bird life.
Took a drive into Texas- small town but interesting to poke around.

28 NOVEMBER

Across the border today and our clocks go forward an hour.

Looking back to Queensland

 Headed to Warialda and we were going to stay but when we arrived felt we could keep going so off to Delungra Showgrounds. We had a great trip from Texas, the road was good for a change, only one bad bumpy spot where the van was trying to do double bounces.

Someone left out the "A"

Welcome to Warialda

Once we stopped at Delungra I had a real mess in the pantry, all the shelves had jumped off the slides and the rice had lost it's lid, needless to say an awful mess to cleanup and about now I gave Anna a special thought after what the girls had done on her wedding night to her kitchen, bathroom and cupboards.

It is very hot here.

29 NOVEMBER

Stayed another night as too hot to move far.

30 NOVEMBER

Had a great trip through to Armidale, the countryside is beautiful with plenty of feed, lush green pasture, fat stock and how we are enjoying this lovely hilly country.

Cattle grazing road between Inverell and Guyra

We travel through the rim of the Great Divide Ranges and when we stop in Armidale we are 1000m above sea level. Hard to believe we are a kilometer above the sea.