Home again

Left Denman and back onto the Golden highway for our trip home via Matt and Mels place. It was so funny when Naomi saw us at the door. She burst our laughing and came running. I propped up in my bag the little lamb puppet I had bought her. She was most interested and kept her eyes glued to it. She was a bit unsure when I used it as a puppet but she seemed to like it.
We took them out for brunch at Spiers Point before continuing on home. Fletcher was soooo happy to see us. We found out later that Gary and Joy had not remembered we were going away and he had been fending for himself for 10 days. Poor pussy! He miaowed and miaowed and followed us everywhere for the rest of the day
Unpacked and washed. Poor old Landy was encrusted with mud. Good time had by all (with the exception of Fletcher!)

 

Sandstone Caves and Sculpture walk

 

Made sure we were up in time to climb back up the tower to take photos of the sunrise. Only just made it.

 

 

 

 

The rising sun turned all the rocks into the most incredible oranges and yellows.

 

 

 

 

The Salt Caves were less than impressive as the roof had collapsed when they built the original tower. Apparently it used to go a long way in and there were stalactites of salt hanging down. Early settlers used to come here and get enough salt for months.

Had a walk down to the Salt Caves dam. It had very little water in it.

Then we packed up and drove to the Sculptures in the Bush. Lovely camping and day area there. I drove under Geoff's tuition.

 

Did the Sculptures in the Bush walk which is a series of sculptures located along a track overlooking a gorge. It was a nice walk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Holidays is such hard work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A short drive took us to the Sandstone Caves

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was an amazing series of huge sandstone caves. The textures and colours were amazing.

Some of them looked like the interiors of cathedrals and there was a lot of evidence of Aboriginal living in them.
Nicest hamburger I have ever had at Coonamble for lunch and then a long drive to Denman where we stayed overnight in a van park. Great to have a shower after 2 nights of none. But the mattress was very uncomfortable and didn't sleep well.

 

Off on our own

Day 7 Saturday

Another day of great weather.

We had a breakfast at the pub

The pub in clarinda hd got the idea we would all be in for lunch the previous day so were disappointed. We made up by turning up for breakfast they were very disorganised had very little bacon and eggs and we ended up cooking and supplying some of the eggs, paying $10 for the privilege. Still it is nice to support these small towns.

 

 

All the landies lined up for the photos and farewells were made. Some talk of the next trip 2years hence.

 

We travelled down through the Macquarie Marshes then turned for home at the Willy Retreat. Had bit of a fright when we lost control on a boggy section, put it in 4WD for while after that.

It's nice to be back by ourselves although we have enjoyed being part of the group.

Travelled back to the Piliga via Coonamble as we wanted to see things we hadn't had time to see. Kerry drove some more, getting more confident and getting some instruction in the art of off road driving.

Got to the Salt Caves just on dusk and hurried up the huge observation tower to watch the sunset. It has amazing 360 degree views including the Warrumbungles and Coolah mountains. Surprised at the lack of bird life apparent.

We camped in the new camping site which we found out the next morning was not yet opened. Was a bit spooked by the discovery of part of what looked like a human bone and the remains of a olf old fashioned lady's boot. All sorts of scenarios were playing through my mind and I was relieved a Trayon pulled up and camped there the night as well.

Made do with what we had left over for tea.