Left Narrabri this morning in fine weather. Uneventful trip through the bush to Coonabarabran where we stopped for a cuppa. Halfway there, a pair of young Emus popped out and jaywalked along the highway. Climbed steadily to the tablelands overlooking the Warrumbungles - light traffic, mainly trucks and caravans. Through Gilgandra and onto Dubbo where we will stay the night at the Poplars caravan park at the back of the main street and across from the Centro- only $20 for the night. Dubbo is a lot larger and more modern than we first thought. Tomorrow they are forcasting windy conditions with a high possibility of another dust storm, so we will see what happens in the morning. There is no hurry.
Dubbo Sat 26 Sept
Wind came up overnight and the temp dropped, so we are sitting tight for another day until it eases off. No dust though (sofar) which is a bonus. Had to redrill and rescrew the door latch as the frame has twisted and dropped down. Maintenance day today, charging batteries, tyres etc. Watched NRL semi-final last night - great game. Tonight the Broncs play The Storm down in Melbourne. Lockyer's bruised and battered boys will have to be at the top of their game tonight to beat the Storm on their home ground. Pics: Poplars CP and downtown Dubbo.
Dubbo Sunday 27 Sept
Left Dubbo and drove into a solid headwind. Speed down to 80kmph and sometimes slower. Deviated off the Newell highway to the Parkes Radio Telescope where we had a cuppa and a look around. Very interesting place. On the short drive into the telescope a large dog fox crossed the road in front of us and disappeared into the grain fields.
Spent the night in a truck parking area 10km south of Narrandera. The only TV station we could pick up on our old B & W 12v portable TV/Radio was ABC1 so at least we go to see the news.
Newell Highway Monday 28 sept
Every large town we passed through on the way south had an old military aircraft sitting near the highway. Forbes had a Mosquito, West Wyalong an old DC3 in RAAF colours. Stopped at Jerilderie for a cuppa and then the short drive to Tocumwal on the Murray. We are staying 3 nights at a lovely caravan park at the back of Tocumwal, The wind has dropped away and it actually got warm early this afternoon !
