Thursday 22nd September
Packed in the morning, just in time, we had Djan all closed up and were just sitting there innocently looking at maps when the ranger turned up. He waved at us and we drove off :) Were heading to Erin and Jahman's today via Nimbin. More winding roads through almost English countryside. Nimbim must be in the most spectacular green valley. What a waste!! The first shop in town was an opshop “Vinnies”. It must be the nicest one I have ever been in. The ladies running it could have come from a well to do city, but the customers definitely must have fried their brains. Listening to some of their conversations I couldn't believe my ears that these were adults, I don't know if I was 'fascinated' or 'embarassed'! Anyway, on down the street, and it got worse so after a quick lunch we headed on. Found Erin's place in a little bit of paradise. The drive to Coorabel felt like something out of The Hobbit. We had a lovely time catching up with what felt like 'an old friend of the family'. Little Jarman was not so little, and was growing into a bright young lad. Erin lives in a wooden cabin built into the side of a hill, so the front door opens out on to the grass, then you go in and downstairs to the kitchen and bathroom, which also opens out on to the grass. Erin had decorated it with all her creative flare. We had great fun opening out Djan with our remote control, but teasing Jahman into saying 'Abra Ca Dabra” and out it came. His little face was a treat. We had a great night, lots of reminiscing.
Friday 23rd September
Erin had given us perfect instructions for getting into Byron Bay, but forgot to mention just how busy it is – worse than trying to get into Freo. Never mind, it was a must see, being to close. We found some free parking and walked up to the lighthouse (previously done 30 years ago). I like their environmental ploy. If you park at the bottom at a little beach called Wategos, it is free. If you drive up to the Lighthouse you have to pay to park. A little sign at the top congratulated walkers for being environmentally friendly. Halfway down we were entertained by some whales breaching in the waves and then after a picnic on the beach we decided to brave the crowds to get to the info centre in town (we were looking for a tap to fill up Djan with water). Drove around the corner and passed a familiar HiLux and what was attached to the back but the Theunessons Kimberley Kamper. We pulled up and I phoned Rachel, to find out where they were. Turns out just back at the beach, having a BBQ. We walked back, via the toilets where I nearly surprised Jamie out of her skin as she opened the door and bumped into me. After much catching up, we got into the Info Centre and then sidetracked into the Railway Hotel for a quick bevvy with our buddies.Unfortunately they were heading south and we were going West, so we said our goodbyes and were off again. We camped in the Nightcap National Park. The scenery just gets better, so I wont ooooh and aaaah again. But it was good.
Saturday 24th September
As Erin had told me Jahman had walked up the top of Mt Warning and we had seen quite a few glimpses of it whilst driving around we decided it was on our list to do today. It is the tallest peak around here (maybe one of) at 1156 m. It is 4.4 km to the top and the same back down again. Quite a wiggely drive to get there and a tight squeeze for parking on arrival. These mountains never have nice flat open carparks at the bottom (a bit like Sunshine skiing area outside Banff). With our water, fruit and peanuts, off we went. The signs say to allow for 4-5 hours. It started with lots of steps, but the rainforest was thick and kept us in the shade. A very different type of rainforest, lots of Bangalow Palms. The steps became more of a scramble over rocks and tree roots. Up and on and Up and On. There were nice signs that told you every 1 km how far you had gone and how much further to the top, phew. The last .4km is a climb up a rock face. Fortunately they had chipped ourta few toe holds and put in a chain railing. Would still have been managable without, but it helped. The view from the top of the volcanic plug would have been great on a clear day, but there were a few clouds, so we couldn't quite make out the coast, but it was worth every minute of sweat to get there. The trek down is always the hardest (on the legs) and by 2 km down my knees were complaining, by 3 km down I had Campanile Knee (what I get when I climb the church towers (campaniles) in Italy. By 4km I was walking like a cripple :) It didn't help when chauffeur reminded me in my youth I had run up (and down) Mt Snowdon. What did he expect, I am no longer in my youth, and don't have a problem admitting to middle age! He might be superman and only be suffering from a blistered toe! Found a couple of yummy pies in Uki (honestly, what kind of a name for a village is that I ask you) which revived us and we drove through the Border Ranges National Park. Back up over 1100 m but in Dmax this time. Couple of major lookouts that we had to check out, I must have looked a sight – knees were not doing what they are meant to do (ie bend) it must have been a strange hobble, if anyone was looking. This whole area is a volcanic caldera with Mt Warning in the middle. I just love it – shame the knees don't agree with me. The campspot was full, at least the level ones were so we drove on hoping to find something else. There was a nice carpark for a picnic area, still in the Border Ranges, but not meant for camping, but it was dusk by this stage, so you do what you have to do. Heard a bit of thunder and wind during the night – bet it was right on the top of the mountain where we hadn't been able to find anything level :)
Sunday 25th September
Woke up nice and dry – bet they weren't on the top, heh, heh. It would seem this is a popular place for breakfast, at least they weren't rangers! Put Djan down, much to the amazement of the breakfasters, who had a lot of questions and queries. There was a rail track running past here and even a loop with a tunnel through one of the mountains. On hearing the train whistle chauffeur was up and running with the camera to take a photo!! Moving on, ever descending, unbelieving this beautiful countryside can continue for much longer – but it did. We were reminded continually of other locations around the world – from UK, NZ and Canada. Found another lookout, Governors Seat for mornos. Lost of warnings we were on the top of a cliff edge, the vista was awesome. Quite a historical place. Should that be “An historical” place? All good things have to come to an end and we eventually reached some flat stuff, but not long later, bypassing Warick, we saw a few gliders being towed. Pulling in for a bit of a sticky beak and another bite to eat (surely I have to gain a few pounds with all this eating we are doing?) we discovered there was a competition going on. Didn't discover what gliders compete against – height, length of time gliding?? However, it was interesting to watch all these gliders being towed up – didn't do much for my fear of heights! Told chauffeur sure I would do it – if he did (Heh, heh, he doesn't like planes without engines). Were definiately on the level ground now, and leaving the volcanic ranges behind. Camped beside the a small river just past Inglewood (on the way to Goondiwindi). Chauffeur cast a few lures, and just before he gave up this poor Yellow Belly latched on. A good couple of pounds, so it was prepped and put in the fridge ready for dinner tomorrow. A few photos, duly emailed to some buddies, and chauffeur went to bed with a smile on his face. XXXX
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