Well perhaps the illnesses were not as terminal as at first thought! As we were eventually able to venture further than the nearest loo we finally left Pearl Beach and once more ventured North to the elusive Barrington Tops – our original destination of several weeks ago. Needless to say, three days after leaving Pearl Beach, we have still not reached Barrington Tops having been seduced by the charms, and empty (and very attractively free) camp sites, of the Chichester Forest. After 28 ks of forest track and river crossings we arrived at Telegherry, a secluded grassy glade with not a soul in sight and decided to call this home for a few days. Whilst not exactly “back to nature” it may well be the nearest we get!!
Living in the middle of a forest, without maps, is a challenge and we have had a number of interesting trips – mainly of a circular nature. This morning, trying to find the road to Monkerai to look at the apparently famous bridge, we could have sworn we were on the road by which we entered the forest yesterday. However we were stopped by a forest worker who informed us that the road had been closed for several days – we were on the wrong track - we were lost again! A 30 k detour saw us on our way again – maps are so important in some parts of Australia.
Living on the road with Sandra is not without interest! She is forever organising, then re-organising, the vehicle and all our goods and chattels. Her organising inevitably involves buying more containers in which to re-pack all the veggies, maps, first aid equipment, books, picnic stuff , craft stuff etc. etc. If only we had some way of organising all the organising!
For those of you that don’t know, Sandra has this idea of travelling round Australia producing “craft goods” which she intends selling at markets on our route. I’m sure that 50 % of our weight is taken up with her wire, cards, pens, beads etc. Unfortunately Sandra is like a number of “crafters” that I know (including you Liz!) she probably gets more pleasure out of buying or collecting all the raw materials then organising them, than she does out of making and selling the finished products. Her stock of merchandisable goods is pitifully low – but her stock of raw materials is well organised and growing.
Our vehicle has been performing magnificently although appeared to develop a terrible squeak which I was convinced was the wheel bearings – all of them! It was particularly bad on stretches of the forest road and I was so concerned that on several occasions I had to stop the car to check. Strangely enough, even when stopped, the squeaking continued – we haven’t yet identified the bird in question!
This is a very attractive part of Australia and, when outwith the confines of the forest, is very pastoral in nature. The English heritage is particularly evidenced in the place names and today we have visited Gloucester and Stroud – whilst the towns themselves were nothing like their English counterparts, much of the country-side had the feel of the Cotswolds albeit on a larger scale. We crossed over the River Avon and were not surprised to find the associated town was Stratford!
One final point – and a point of contention at that – is about my appearance. I first grew a beard in 1983, more out of laziness than any particular desire to be hirsute. Despite an early foray into a “long” beard, which was quickly dispensed with when I realised that this gave unfair, and painful, advantage to opposition props, I have always kept my beard reasonably well trimmed – until now! I have decided not to shave and consequently, after three months growth, I am looking suitably hairy. Unfortunately the sun has bleached my beard and I now have the appearance of a dishevelled Santa Claus – however this should serve me well if I am looking for seasonal employment next Christmas!
PS Having electrical problems - may not be able to charge laptop, therefore blogs may be fewer for the next week or so.
We want to see the beard santa!
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