Dubbo to Lightening Ridge

Spent 2 nights at a CP in Narromine then on via Dubbo towards Lightening Ridge. Very windy to Dubbo  - lot of van shaking - then 10 km north to Terramungarmine reserve beside the river. Supposed to be a 24 hour stop but nobody takes any notice I am told. Several here so had to park on the road and the camp was full overnight. Couple I met at Nyah last year are here!!!!

Then on through more flat lush land to Coonamble. The land past there is not so lush. The roads leave a bit to be desired – almost as though they sealed over the corrugated dirt in places. Stopped at Wingadee camp – several here and lots of truckies use it for a break.

Must be sunflower crops grown – or transported – wild ones along the road.

On to Walgett. Definitely getting drier now although it is a bit green. Stopped at the Apex park – free camp on the edge of town beside the airport. Chatting to a couple of women - and we realised we had met at Nyah last year – how is that for spooky – 2 lots in 2 camps.

Then on up this yuk highway to Lightning Ridge. Definitely need rain up here. Some skinny sheep grazing the verges and heaps of road-kill. Went to a very new Top tourist park with free wireless internet! Very warm – am dripping!!!! 

Have a heap of tourist options to check out – tours etc. but don’t think I want to try to 41⁰ baths today. Courtesy buses to pub, club. Big racing carnival on over Easter – side shows here setting up, and even a mobile Wendys van in the street. 

Did the Black Hand underground art. Took the stairs down - quite steep but got a ride in the little 2  person shaft lift to come back out. The art is really clever. Met the Pommie ex Navy artist as well, and got the free video. He has a lovely sense of humour. Was wondering what the little black bits along the edge of the floor were in places - then came around the corner to find the Pied Piper of Hamlin. Julia G is below Kevin R who has a knife and she has a rope around her neck pulled by Bob C! The opal earrings I liked were only $1000 so just admired them!

 Then got lost trying to do the rest of the tour – roads going off all over the place and holes in the ground. Certainly not as strict with their access as Coober Pedy! Not as spectacular either as there are trees hiding much of the fields  - Coober Pedy was like a moonscape. Bumpy roads everywhere – am so over that! Interesting use of old car doors as markets for tours. Plenty of really old vehicles to get doors off !

 Back to town for groceries – then got breath tested coming back to the park at 11.30. Nearly didn't stop for the cops as they did a U turn and then came up behind me. I didn't think it was me the lights were blinking for. Maybe it was the WA plates - or me wandering along looking for the CP.

Came across the corrugated iron church - not sure what it is there for - a film I think.

Have been given a DVD of the other attractions  I am not a very good tourist when it means driving over rubbly rough roads - and I find this place a bit depressing. Even the roaside Cactus are dying.

Had a quick look at the castles and the bottle/can house. Very clever but much smaller than they seemed on the CD we are given ( great marketing I have decided).

Back to Walgett for a couple of days then on to Burren Junction to the baths. Meeting friends there. A very popular place it seems. Large areas to camp and good facilities. Shame about the young local hoons who use the baths after dark and leave all their broken bottles around the pool. At least the Shire send a cleaner out daily. Was a very busy time at the pool over Easter - spent 8 days there and a constant change of people. Some for a few days, others just overnight. Lucky we were able to park to make a square with 2 vans and a campervan so had a cosy spot.