2023 Eastern trip. Bendigo, Shepparton, Gundagai

Peg 157

Gnaala Mia again - Quoll and Woiley

It felt so good to be back on the road. I was a little nervous as it had been 3 years since I did any serious travelling.  I found several camps across the Nullabor that I hadn't used before, and some new amenities, Loved being way out the back at Peg 157. Had a couple of days there. Also a camp only 8 km from Ceduna - but need to go in the 2nd entry apparently. It was a little tight for me!

I spent a few days at Wirrulla which has more power points now and new amenities! Then to Kimba. Once again - a huge change with a much expanded area and new amenities. Another stop at Iron Knob, then on up through Horocks Pass via a sealed but VERY humpy one-way 'shortcut' the GPS sent me on to get there!!!! Was going to camp at Burra but the town was very full, and the camp out of town is not so nice now. All fenced off,  uneven ground - and too many there, so on to Murraytown. A bigger area available to camp. So wonderful to see the autumn trees - I miss the ones we have in NZ and WA certainly doesn't grow many.

Big drive to Wirrabara for a couple of nights. Found the bakery!!!! Then to Robertstown and to Swan Reach. Now that has to be a favourite place. Right on the river, so peaceful - will definitely go back there. I took the ferry across after a few days and headed off along the high side of the river. Great views down to see where the floods have been.

2023 Darkin, Dryandra, Beverley, Bunbury, Nungarin then east....

 I left the caravan in storage over Xmas and spent time with family. After New Year I picked up the van and headed to Waroona to see friends who are moving east, before having a quiet few days at Lake Brockman. I camped right at the end this time - Zamia. So many people nearer to the boat ramp and in the tent area. A little nerve-wracking when there was a long thunderstorm and lots of lightening, but no fires here. Several were started up the coast from Harvey.

Next stop was Darkin caravan park. Great facilities. I did make myself a little nervous when I realised that getting on to my site was easy but getting out maybe not so? I stayed a week here, with a day trip to Collie for groceries. Stunned to find that you can no longer walk into a bank with $20 note and ask for change in coins..... unless you have an account with them! SERIOUSLY!!!! I just wanted coins to use the car wash - which did have a dispenser that I couldn't get to work. Luckily the lady in the Gull servo obliged. I managed to get off the site with no incident - just had to back up a bit first.

Off to Gnaala Mia camp in the Dryandra woodland. Got site 5 this time - up on the top loop and looking out onto the bush with a large clear area. Much excitement when I realised that the scuffling noises I could hear at about 10pm, were in fact Western Quoll and Woylies. They kept me entertained for a few nights. I put water out for them and had both species there together the 2nd night. They are pretty tame - didn't mind me sitting out at the table watching. The Quoll hopped up on the table looking for food one night - but I wasn't sitting there at the time. Turning outside lights on didn't concern them at all.

Back to Bullsbrook to get a few minor repairs done [fridge element, & a loose wire so no diesel heater], then to Beverley at the start of Feb to spend 4 weeks at the Museum again. Great progress with the help of members. We have been finding things with the original numbers and updating the Mosaic system. They are all amazed at what they are finding - both on display and stored! It has been in the high 30s much of the time, but I have a couple of fans in the museum, and go to work between 7 & 8, then back to the van around 1 to keep cool with the Ac going.

I spent March housesitting for a friend in Bunbury which was lovely. Just a very friendly cat for company.  The family came 'farewell' camping with me over Easter in the Dryandra forest which was fun. They do the proper campfire thing lol. So good to have us all together. From there I spent a few days at Nungarin Museum and was delighted to find that they are interested in getting the Mosaic program, so will go back there to help them once they have the money etc.

Off across the Nullabour!