Sydney 2014 – Day 23 – 8th February – Myall Lakes

That entrance again but this time from Winda Woppa Beach, near Hawks Nest.

That entrance again but this time from Winda Woppa Beach, near Hawks Nest.

The plan was to travel around the bay, through Tea Gardens to Hawks Nest, famous at the holiday choice of former Prime Minister John Howard, before the media packs hunted him out. These are attractive towns, the former on the lower reaches of the Myall River and the latter between the river and the ocean.

The twin headlands of Port Stephens are clearly visible to the south east of Hawks Nest beach, and the scene

Hawks Nest Beach

Hawks Nest Beach

is further improved by mountainous offshore islands that spread northward along the coast. From these river mouth towns we drove along the narrow strip of land between the ocean beach and the Myall River and soon were within the Myall Lakes National Park. There are several camping places along this road and we had thought that we might spend the

The north headland of Port Stephens and off lying islands. The large island is Broughton Island

The north headland of Port Stephens (right) and off lying islands. The large island is Broughton Island

night at one but they were all crowded on this weekend when it seems that everyone was out and about.

After about 20 km the road swings west to a narrow part of the lake system where a small punt carries traffic across to Bombah Point.

There has been a tourist operation here for many years. Almost 70 years ago my parents brought the family here to a guest house

Bombah Point Punt

Bombah Point Punt

operated by the Legge family. In the early 50’s our family had several holidays here, camped under the shady Banksia and She oak trees that grow along the shore of the lake. About 45 years ago, returning on a trip from Melbourne to Cairns with my parents we camped here as Brother Ivan was here on holidays. Today a modern caravan park stands on the sight. We couldn’t

Right at the waters edge.

Right at the waters edge.

just drive past.

We have spent the afternoon in the shade of our awning, sitting about 20 meters from the water. It has been quite warm but there is a cooling breeze. Ruth is reading. I am alternatively reading and remembering. We expect a quiet night. There is a 40th birthday party at the other end of the park but we don’t expect that it will interrupt our rest.

The view as we read.

The view as we read.

I had forgotten the private mini beaches.

I had forgotten the private mini beaches.

A house boat off Mungo.

A house boat off Mungo.

There were lots of friendly ducks.

There were lots of friendly ducks.

Sydney 2014 – Day 21 to 22 – 6th & 7th February – Port Stephens

Although I lived not far away from the area during the first 15 years of my life and have passed the roads that lead to it countless times, I don’t remember ever visiting the southern shores of Port Stephens. Certainly, I had visited the northern shore at Tea Gardens and spent time within what is now the Myall Lakes National Park, but had not been to the area often known generically as Nelsons Bay.

Entrance to Port Stephens from the lookout at the old lighthouse

Entrance to Port Stephens from the lookout at the old lighthouse

 

The entrance from Shoal Bay beach.

The entrance from Shoal Bay beach.

Several years ago Ruth and I bought a yacht in Sydney. I sailed it up the coast with a couple of mates. The plan was to call in at Port Stephens, but we arrived off the entrance at around midnight. There was no moon and it was pitch dark, or at least as dark as it gets at sea on a fine moonless night. We decided to sail on rather than risk a night entrance to a strange port. I was now able to see what would have been revealed by daylight had we made the nocturnal entrance.

The entrance from the second lookout

The entrance from the second lookout

This is a most beautiful part of the NSW coast and is very popular with the residents of Sydney and Newcastle. We stayed it Shoal Bay, from the crescent beach of which the entrance to this harbour can be clearly seen. We stayed at one of many well patronised caravan parks in the area. Brother Ivan and Sister-in-law Marjorie were right next door, an arrangement that proved to be ideal for chats when in camp.

Our early afternoon arrival allowed us to set up for the three night stay and then have an extended chat. Marjorie had prepared an evening meal for us so the talk went on until bed time.

A favourite and often visited fishing wall.

A favourite and often visited fishing wall.

After clearing some commercial duties the next morning we all climbed into Ivan’s car for a tour. He, as the local, knew his way around. That allowed Ruth and I an uninterrupted view of the passing scenery.

The eastern end on the bay is a succession of beaches and headlands. Nature has been kind in providing hill tops suitable for lookouts just where they are needed. The old lighthouse on the western end of Shoal bay provided a superb view of the heads while another hilltop a little further inland provided a panorama of most of the extensive waterway.

The reflective waters of the further reaches of the bay.

The reflective waters of the further reaches of the bay.

The waterway has a maximum length of 24 km and a width of 6.5 km in the widest part. It has a surface are of 134 square km. It shallows further inland and distributes into several bays, inlets and creeks. The Myall and Karuah Rivers empty into Port Stephens.

Ivan has been a keen fisherman most of his life, so we saw many of his favourite fishing spots, including a convenient flat rock on the marina breakwater from which he has caught luderick , or black fish as they were known in less PC times.

Harbour side development

Harbour side development

The development around the waterfront, particularly in elevated positions, is impressive. Much is tourist oriented with resorts, units, motels and hotels in copious number. This is a boating and fishing area so has its share of boat ramps, marinas and extensive areas of moored pleasure craft.

We enjoyed lunch in the café at the main marina and watched the commercial marine activity. This is a whale watching port, but when whales are out of season dolphins seemed to be a viable replacement. Tourist boats kept up a constant shuttle with tourist buses arriving regularly with loads of overseas tourists, predominantly Koreans. While we watched, a crocodile of school children passed, some with fishing rod and others with hand lines, heading for the harbour wall. It would seem that living off the land is still taught in NSW schools.

Recreational craft at anchor in Lemon Tree Passage marina

Recreational craft at anchor in Lemon Tree Passage marina

On Friday we travelled further afield to see more upstream parts of the bay, including fishing spots of course, and then drove to Anna Bay to see the eastern end of the massive sand deposit known as Stockton Beach. If the tide had been suitable I would have taken the party for a drive over that magnificent stretch of sand in the Challenger, but high tide occurred around noon so the timing was not good.

The extensive Stockton Beach from the lookout above Nelson Bay

The extensive Stockton Beach from the lookout above Nelson Bay

A closer view of the vast sand deposits of Stockton Beach

A closer view of the vast sand deposits of Stockton Beach

Our lunch venue at Birubi Point at the eastern end of Stockton Beach.

Our lunch venue at Birubi Point at the eastern end of Stockton Beach.

So we consoled ourselves by lunching at the front of the Birubi Point Surf Lifesaving Club café with a view down the length of the beach, with the hills behind Newcastle in the far distance. What a magnificent view! And with good food to eat while we enjoyed the view.

The caravan park was well appointed but busy. Grey nomads are known to hitch up their caravans as soon as children return to school. The population of the park was older but some families were still holidaying.

The crazing didn't seem to stop!

The crazing didn’t seem to stop!

Among the constant movement of people and vehicles, three small rabbits kept a close eye on the activity as they calmly grazed among the van sites. They showed little fear – just looked at you and grazed on.

Sydney – Day 13 to 20 – 29th January to 5th February – Sydney with family

Having heard forecasts of hot weather in Sydney, we packed to leave Katoomba with some reluctance. We had a very straightforward run down the mountain, stopping for coffee just past Penrith and reaching the Lane Cove River Tourist Park at about lunch time.

It was hot, so it was not long until the air conditioner was operating and with the assistance of a fan to circulate the air and comfort was restored.

We had an early start on Thursday to meet Karen’s flight, which arrived at about 6.30 am. Karen is staying with Briony while we are in Sydney, so a North Ryde to Erskineville commute is a daily routine. Briony is working and Karen has some commitments but we are able to spend some valuable time together.

Pleasure boats at Bobbin Head.

Pleasure boats at Bobbin Head.

On Friday we had a few spare hours in the middle of the day so we took Karen for a picnic at Bobbin Head in the Ku-Ring-gai Chase National Park. On Saturday we (all four of us) commenced our day with brunch at the Sydney Fish Market and then drove out to the home of Ruth’s youngest sister at Mt. Annan for a family gathering. We all eat far too much food but a great time was enjoyed. Much catching up with folk who we do not see very often.

Barrenjoey Head at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.

Barrenjoey Head at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River.

The mouth of the Hawkesbury River.

The mouth of the Hawkesbury River.

Ruth and I had the day to ourselves on Sunday. We used it to continue our visit to Ku-Ring-Gai, driving out to West Head where magnificent views of Palm Beach, Barrenjoey Head, Lion Island and the extensive waters of Pittwater and the mouth of the Hawkesbury River are laid out like a diorama. Over thirty years ago, during a short term posting to Sydney, we owned a small yacht

Palm Beach and Pittwater.

Palm Beach and Pittwater.

that we kept on Pittwater, so these waters were our regular weekend playground. The views brought back very pleasant memories.

We later drove along the Northern Beaches as far as Avalon where we found a pleasant small restaurant for lunch. We returned to the caravan via Dee Why. It was in this beach side suburb that Ruth spent her teenage years, so there was a certain nostalgia during this part of the drive.

Avalon Beach

Avalon Beach

Monday was Briony’s birthday. It was a work day for her, so we met her after work at the Red Lantern on Crown, a trendy Vietnamese Restaurant in now fashionable suburb Redfern. The restaurant is operated by TV chef Luke Nguyen, who I had never heard of before, but who everyone else seems to know. Briony is a confirmed “foodie” and had sought out the venue with great care. She had chosen the tasting menu. The food was superb.

Tuesday was our last day in Sydney. It was a cool day and raining. Karen was moving on to stay with friends in Sydney so we spent some time with her in the shelter of a shopping mall before returning to the van to start to pack for our departure the next day. That evening we made our last trip to Erskineville where we had a meal with Briony before saying our farewells and returning to North Ryde. We had spent a very pleasant and happy week with our two daughters who we see together so infrequently.

On Wednesday, still in the family theme, we have come north to Shoal Bay on Port Stephens to spend three days with my elder brother Ivan and his wife Marjorie. They are Novocastrians, so have had only a short journey to reach the Shoal Bay Tourist Park. Their van is parked right next door so coffee and chats are easy and convenient. We will be seeing the sights while here so normal blogging will resume.

Sydney 2014 – Day 12 – 28th January – Megalong Valley Plus

I have wondered for years what is in the Megalong Valley. The answer is – not much!

We started the day with a visit to the business district of Katoomba to collect mail and do some shopping. That done, we packed lunch and headed back to Blackheath, from where the road descends into the Megalong Valley.

The historic Explorers Tree

The historic Explorers Tree

On the way we made a call at a historic site known as the Explorers Tree. As the  photograph shows, the tree is now a stump, but it’s significance is that it was marked by explorers Lawson, Blaxland and Wentworth in their first crossing of the Blue Mountains. Obviously it needs some TLC.

Eight kilometres of sealed, narrow and winding two way road leads to the tiny town of Megalong and for a surprising distance beyond, given that it leads to a dead end.

Shady café in Megalong.

Shady café in Megalong.

The Megalong Valley is another area of former shale mining, but that was long ago and there are no obvious signs of it today. The area is mostly rural with a little tourist activity. There are a couple of horse trail riding operations and a surprisingly successful cafe/restaurant, judging by the number of laughing and chattering people seated at tables beneath shady trees. Through the town are

Shale mining memorabilia.

Shale mining memorabilia.

at least three free camp areas with toilets provided, which seem to be favoured by motor homes.

Back at the top of the mountain we turned left to visit Hargreaves Lookout and in so doing drove through the Shipley Plateau area that the tourist brochure claimed to be worth visiting for the orchards there. Obviously the material was written a long time ago and no one has bothered to update it. There is really nothing to see. Prominent signs lead to one apple orchard that clearly has been closed for years.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath from the Megalong Valley.

The Hydro Majestic Hotel at Medlow Bath from the Megalong Valley.

Viewing area at Echo Point.

Viewing area at Echo Point.

So, feeling that we had given the Blue Mountains a pretty good going over we came back to Echo Point to once again view the Three Sisters. We had one of the clearest views possible on what was a near perfect summer afternoon. And, unlike most other sisters that I know, they do not look a day older. On the way back to the van we took the short stroll

Classic view of the Three Sisters.

Classic view of the Three Sisters.

to Cliff Lookout where we had excellent views of the Skyway, Scenic Railway and the newer cable way that also runs to the valley floor. We also saw where Katoomba Creek plunges into the valley from a different view point and Ruth caught a glimpse of Katoomba Falls.

The Skyway car passed over on our walk.

The Skyway car passed over on our walk.

The complex at Scenic World

The complex at Scenic World

 

Where Katoomba Creek takes its final plunge.

Where Katoomba Creek takes its final plunge.

This visit to the Blue Mountains has been mainly about looking at iconic tourist sites. I would like to return for long enough to do some of the many walks, particularly those that run along cliff tops or descend into the valleys.

And where are the best mountain views? Govett’s Leap, without a doubt!

Sydney 2014 – Day 10 – 26th January – Katoomba

Our strategy for avoiding hot weather by staying in the mountains is working all too well. The minimum was 9C at Katoomba last night. We could hear moisture dripping during the night but could not hear rain, so guessed that there was a heavy fog. We were correct. A heavy fog had blanketed the entire area. It did not lift until after lunch and even then the valleys held large fog banks and the cloud base was sitting on top of the higher mountain ranges. With conditions so unsuitable for sightseeing during the morning we stayed in the van for the most part and gave the heater a work out. After lunch the conditions had improved so we set off to look around.

Top of the Leura Mall. The mall is on a fairly steep hillside.

Top of the Leura Mall. The mall is on a fairly steep hillside.

 

The caravan park is at Katoomba Falls and right near the Skyway and Scenic Railway. The best view of the valleys and cliffs is from the Cliff Drive that follows the top of the escarpment and takes in many of the iconic locations. We looked in at Leura Falls, Gordon Falls and Sublime Point and did a leisurely walk around Leura Mall. That, incidentally, is the name of the street that runs through the main shopping area, not some fancy title for a modern development.

Leura Mall. Not a spare car parking space in sight.

Leura Mall. Not a spare car parking space in sight.

Development rules are obviously strict as many old buildings remain and have been tastefully renovated and contain the boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants and household goods stores that you will find in most tourist shopping precincts.

We drove past Echo Point, the observation point for the Three Sisters, mainly because it looked as though no one else had driven past. On this public holiday it was a seething mass of humanity. Besides the “Sisters” looked to be obscured by fog.

Leura Falls viewed from above.

Leura Falls viewed from above.

Sightseeing in the Blue Mountains can be quite strenuous, as flights of steps or steep inclines need to be negotiated to reach lookouts, waterfalls and other features. So I have seen a bit more than Ruth, but I have taken plenty of photos so I can share.

One of the falls in the Leura Falls group of cascades.

One of the falls in the Leura Falls group of cascades.

A converted church in Leura Mall

A converted church in Leura Mall

 

Bottom of Leura Mall

Bottom end of Leura Mall

Gordon Falls viewed from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Gordon Falls viewed from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Sublime Point from Gordon Falls Lookout.

Sublime Point from Gordon Falls Lookout.

The rear view of the Three Sisters from Gordon Falls Lookout.

The rear view of the Three Sisters from Gordon Falls Lookout.

 

Jamison Valley and Clouds.

Jamison Valley and Clouds.

 

Katoomba in the mist from Sublime Point.

Katoomba in the mist from Sublime Point.

 

Attractive colours in the cliff face. Notes houses with superb views.

Attractive colours in the cliff face. Note houses with superb views.

 

View back to Gordon Falls Lookout.

View back to Gordon Falls Lookout.

Clouds remained at mountain top level all day.

Clouds remained at mountain top level all day.

 

Sydney 2014 – Day 9 – 25th January – Toukley to Katoomba

Today’s activity was the drive. For variety we followed the road through The Entrance to Gosford and then followed major highways for the rest of the way. The only bit of excitement was when I took a wrong on ramp in the western suburbs of Sydney and ended up with the sun on the wrong side of the car. But a quick exit and reorientation and we were headed in the right direction again.

Last time we travelled the road to Katoomba there was road works at many places. Most of the work is now finished with only one section still under construction, but after crossing the Nepean River it is up hill all the way , so was a slow journey.

It has been a quiet afternoon. Well, as quiet as a caravan park is when full of families for a long weekend and when it borders a cricket ground where there shouts and cheers whenever a wicket fell. We back onto the community kitchen so meal times are rather noisy. But we are quiet!

Ruth and I honeymooned here almost 52 years ago so there will be some nostalgia in the visit. Driving down the street today much is still the same as then but there is new development as well. When we were here all that time ago we did not have a car, so we now plan to visit some outlying places that we were not able to visit then.

Stand by for the story!

Sydney 2014 – Day 8 – 24th January – The Watagan Mountains

We had planned to take Judy and Alan with us on a drive into the Watagan Ranges for a picnic, but they had commitments that could not conveniently be changed, so we excused them and went by ourselves. We were following an established trek that included features of the Watagan National Park and surrounding state forests. This was another gravel road, and another opportunity to operate the Challenger in 4 wheel drive mode.

A roadside view through the trees

A roadside view through the trees

Our highest altitude during the day was around 550 metres so these mountains are dwarfed by those that we had visited over the last few days. The highlights of the trip were picnic and camping areas and lookouts. There are some areas of semi rain forest but the bush scenery was fairly ordinary. But on this last day before a long weekend the camping areas were filling up so it was easy to see the value of the area to residents of Sydney and Newcastle who are looking for an escape from city congestion.

There had been some rain so the dust was settled but had only produced a few wet spots. The road was in good condition with only a few washed out and corrugated sections. We crossed a number of ranges during the day so the drive was quite varied. As my beginnings were well and truly in the bush I love to return to it. I guess I am revisiting my roots to some extent. I think Ruth, brought up in the city, sometimes wonders what it is all about.

Boarding House Dam picnic area

Boarding House Dam picnic area

We stopped for lunch at Boarding House Dam picnic area. The facilities are set in a glen that could have been a small volcano crater. The stream was dammed many years ago to provide water for a boarding house that  accommodated timber cutters during early logging operations. We drove through regenerated and plantation areas not too far away.

The dam that gives the area its name

The small dam that gives the area its name

The view from Heaton's Lookout

The view from Heaton’s Lookout

The last feature of the day was Heaton’s Lookout that provides sweeping views over the coastal lakes of the Central Coast of NSW. Unfortunately there was a great deal of haze so the view was not all that good, but worth the drive.

Instead of following the trek back to the Sydney-Newcastle Highway we retraced our steps for few kilometres and drove down the mountain to Cessnock and Pokolbin to have a brief look

An impressive facility at Pokolbin

An impressive facility at Pokolbin

at the Hunter Valley vineyards. In the early years of our residency in Brisbane we often came through this area to avoid the congestion on inadequate roads. It was interesting to see the development and the money that has been spent on cellar door developments at some of the better known wineries.

About ready to pick

About ready to pick

Hungerford Hill's impressive cellar door

Hungerford Hill’s impressive cellar door

We paused in Cessnock for a cup of coffee before returning to the van along other familiar roads. We enjoyed a quiet evening but were awakened several times during the night by heavy rain. There would have been some very happy people as their parched gardens were watered by the persistent showers.

Sydney 2014 – Day 7 – 23rd January – Gloucester to Toukley

The morning was overcast and progressed to drizzle as we packed up to move on to Canton Beach Holiday Park at Toukley on the shores of Tuggerah Lake. Light rain continued for most of the trip but did clear as we reached our destination.

Our reason for spending a couple of days here was to catch up with Ruth’s sister Judy and her husband Alan. After setting up the van we took the short drive to their home for afternoon tea and a chat. Later we joined them for dinner at the Toukley Golf Club and chatted again while we dined and watched the last golfers for the day make their way up the fairway to the 18th hole: and for some the 19th hole as well. Then back to the van for a relatively early night.

No pictures today.

Sydney 2014 – Day 6 – 22nd January – Around Gloucester

The sunshine and warm weather have gone, to be replaces by cool cloudy and rainy conditions. All areas through which we have travelled have badly needed rain so we shouldn’t complain. So we won’t!

But we did spend the morning around the van – a bit of shopping and some work that needed to be done. After lunch we went exploring again.

As I was born in Taree and lived in the area until I was 15, I am familiar with the Manning River that flows past the town and empties into the ocean at Harrington. But I have never thought much about its source. During map study as part of planning for this trip, I noticed that a stream that has its origins high in the Barrington Mountains was marked “Manning River”. Sure enough, they are one and the same. On our drive down to Gloucester from Walcha we crossed the Manning a couple of times but could not stop for a photo due to narrow roads and narrower bridges. We had also been told about the Bretti camping area and had caught just a glimpse of it on the same journey. This time a steep hill and the caravan pushing from behind swept us past without the chance of a real look. So we took an afternoon drive back north to see both.

 

Bretti camping area. Where the Barnard meets the Manning

Bretti camping area. Where the Barnard meets the Manning

 

Bretti is about 40 kilometres back up the Walcha Road. It is located in the most perfect valley where the Barnard and Manning Rivers converge. The road runs along the edge of the mountain above the valley, but only for a short distance, so the view from the road is tantalisingly brief.

The road runs along the ridge above Bretti camping area

The road runs along the ridge above Bretti camping area

The camping area runs along the banks of both rivers. Facilities are minimal, with only a couple of small toilet blocks, but there is plenty of water in the river and the area is intended for self sufficient campers. There were probably 30 camps and groups. Double that number would not have crowded the area!

 

 

Gloryvale Bridge over the Manning River

Gloryvale Bridge over the Manning River

 

It began to rain again as we started back, so a couple of photos of the Manning River had to be taken dodging the rain. You will see that this far from the sea it is only a small stream. A camper to who we spoke at Bretti told us that the Manning has 153 tributaries flowing into it between its source and the ocean, so no wonder it is so much larger at its mouth.

Manning River. Please boil the water before drinking!

Manning River. Please boil the water before drinking!

The rain had settled in for the afternoon so we went back to the van to shelter and warmth. It had become quite cool.

Sydney 2014 – Day 5 – 21st January – Barrington Tops

We are back in the lowlands so there was no need for a doona last night. We were comfortable with some help from our fan. Today dawned cloudy with rain forecast as possible but it soon cleared into brilliant sunshine with the promise of a hot day.

Honeysuckle is a typical rest area.

Honeysuckle is a typical rest area.

After clearing some business related matters, including waiting for it to be 9.00 am in Brisbane, we loaded our lunch (but forgot the thermos) and set off. We were following the road that runs from Barrington, just north of Gloucester, to Scone. The road is variously known as Scone Road, Barrington Tops Road and Barrington Tops Track. We followed it right through the State Forests, National Park and State Conservation Areas that collectively seem to be known as Barrington Tops National Park.

There is roughly 35 kilometres of sealed road that passes through the old gold town of Copeland, climbs 500 meters over a range and then descends 500 meters into a rural valley. It then becomes a gravel road as it ascends to the National Park area.

View over the mountains from Devils Hole Lookout

View over the mountains from Devils Hole Lookout

After a few kilometres after the gravel starts the road takes a sharp right hand turn over a stream and starts to climb from about 200 meters to near to 1,500 meters above sea level. The gravel road to the park boundary is in good condition but deteriorates a bit as soon as it crosses the boundary. A sign in council territory advises that you have reached the end of a council maintained road. A sign inside the park boundary advises that the road is not regularly maintained because of lack of funds. A case of taking the high moral ground on the one hand and passing the buck on the other!

The view from Thunderbolt's Lookout

The view from Thunderbolt’s Lookout

 

It was cooler at the higher altitudes so walking was pleasant. We visited the points of interest along the way, guided by a National parks brochure. There are two lookouts of note on this road, Thunderbolt’s Lookout and devils Hole. Both reward a short walk with great mountain views but they are not the equal of those that we gained from Point Lookout near Ebor, although at about the same altitude.

Presumably Thunderbolt’s Lookout is named for the famous bush ranger. He was active in areas not too far away from here so perhaps the lookout was the point from which he patched for his enemies. The National parks brochure is silent on this matter.

A boardwalk spans Polblue Creek between the day use and camping areas.

A boardwalk spans Polblue Creek between the day use and camping areas.

We had lunch at the Devils Hole day use area, did the short walk, and then drove on to Polblue picnic and camping areas which are separated by the swampy Polblue Creek. The rangers at the NP office in Gloucester had told us that Polblue was the main camping area. It certainly has space and facilities for a large number of people but the crowds were not there today. The only residents were a couple in an off road caravan. We would have seen only about a dozen vehicles in the mountain area all day and most seemed to be commuting between the major centres at either end of the road.

The caravan belongs to the sole residents of Polblue camping area

The caravan belongs to the sole residents of Polblue camping area

We chatted to and had coffee with the only tenants in the camping area. They are fellow Queenslanders who have followed a very similar route to ours in arriving at Barrington. Like us they are heading to Sydney and staying at the same caravan park with our stays overlapping.

 

 

Cleared slopes of the Upper Hunter Valley in the afternoon sunlight.

Cleared slopes of the Upper Hunter Valley in the afternoon sunlight.

We crossed the entire area to just past the Dingo Gate at the top of the long steep slopes that lead down into the Upper Hunter Valley. More views of mountains but these were paetly clear of trees and covered with brown grass. Another 15 kilometres and we would have reached the first small town on the way to Scone. But duty called. Someone needed to close the Dingo Gate that had been left open despite a prominent sign that said it should be shut.

The Dingo Gate after being closed

The Dingo Gate after being closed

The sun filtering through the pine trees produced an attractive effect.

The sun filtering through the pine trees produced an attractive effect.

Not far back from the gate the road runs through a pine plantation. Only 100 meters off the road is a rest area in such deep shade that it seems almost dark when you enter. A short walk leads to the edge of the pines where the normal forest recommences. The effect of the sun filtering through the foliage at the top of the trees was quite striking.

We lingered a bit longer with the folk at Polblue over that cup of coffee than we had intended, so it was near dusk when we reached the van. For the first time on this trip we turned the air conditioning on. The van was quite hot after being locked up all day.