INGLEWOOD and CARISBROOKE CAMPING and FISHING RESERVE QLD

  If it wasn't for "Camps6" and my GPS I would never have found this Free Camp. On the Cunningham Hwy 15 kms west of Inglewood, it is in a deep gully beside the Macintyre River and unseen from the road. I only then confirmed it by driving of to the side and seeing the roof of a Coaster on the river bank. There is a hint a large garbage skip bin that the Council leaves beside the entrance. Beware that the 50m metre track down to the campsite is steep, rough and narrow and you should check first if towing. I had no problem.
  It was worth the effort, a short narrow grassy strip right next to the bank, no Toilets, I have my own now anyway. The bus aforementioned, a tent further along and me in this tranquil setting, I liked it. Talking to the Coaster Guy, there are Yellowbelly to catch here and yabbies for bait are plentiful. I am a "Coastal" Bloke and have yet to try freshwater fishing, I don't think that I have the right gear with me. While chatting he mentioned that he came here regularly and for me to beware that if it rains I should be prepared to move quickly as the River has a tendency to flash flood and inundate the camp. He reassured me though, that if this was imminent then either one of the local Farmers or the SES would warn ahead of time. I hope it doesn't rain!
  I spent the next two days here taking in the wildness of the place, it seemed like we were miles from anywhere (if it was not for constant truck movements on the Hwy). This is a great place to stay for free if you are passing by this way.

 

 

NINDIGULLY TO GOONDIWINDI QLD

  Luckily no rain at the Pub so no hassle with mud getting out this morning. I haven't seen any rain at all for a long time in fact not since I stayed in Walgett many weeks ago. The NSW west I would say is definitely in drought, there is no ground water anywhere west of Dubbo.
 I pulled into a small place, Talwood only 70 kms west of Nindigully and have decided to stay at the Showgrounds. For a gold coin donation there is ample room with some shade and a Toilet Block with hot showers. While I was there the kindly old Caretaker dropped in and said that power was available from the back of the Toilet Block. he also said to forget about the donation as the Town could afford it. Nice gesture. For those heading this way it is a good place to break the trip.

 



 

  Next morning and another nice day, the weather has been great for weeks now. Goondiwindi for lunch and a look around. Friendly and typical of this part of Qld, the Information Centre offered little more than some scanty details of camps in the area. I had already chosen to move on bit further north east  to Inglewood and Carisbrooke Camping and Fishing Reserve, a free camp beside the Macintyre River.

 

POEM No2

On a road here on this map
Thoughts a-buzzing beneath a cap
Far from that place once was a home
A puzzle to solve why do this roam
Turn to a friend who isn't there
No help from him only a stare
White lines ahead point to a past
Can't look away moving too fast
Just sneak a gaze from side to side
Then must return lest end this ride
At once the heart begins to ache
Those old decisions yes had to make
The straight in front becomes a turn
Then climbs a hill much more to learn
And then a view the lake in sun
The trees the birds they all make one
On water's edge a horse a cow
That weary past what reason now
The cap now mute no aches remain
A puzzle solved here comes the rain

NINDIGULLY PUB QLD

 

 

 Passing through the Town of St George Qld and about 155 kms from Dirranbandi I am at the Pub. Nindigully is one of those must visit places on anyone's itinerary I am told. An old 1880's Country Pub with a colourful history described by various displays around it's wall. This is really a Tourist destination these days, the population of Nindigully is 9 and 7 of those work at the Pub. There are no other commercial buildings here. The Pub's claim to fame is it's Menu. A 5.5 kg Hamburger that feeds up to 6 for $60. I heard that larger are for special order ranging up to a massive 27kg Burger that costs over $100 and feeds up to 30! If you want a T bone, 500gm and $45 or a Rump at 400gm and Fillet at 300gm, impossible to eat. The rest of the Menu includes Battered Barramundi or a Pot Pie (which I had and it was cold before I sent it back) for $25, all a bit pricey. Needless to say most of the occupants of the 15 or so Vans here ate at the Pub tonight.
  The Free Camp beside the Moonie River and old Bridge was a bit rough consisting of uneven dirt ( that would be mud in the wet), with some tress scattered around. It wouldn't take many more rigs than about 20. Toilets and Showers at the Pub. The place is very popular so I suggest that travellers be prepared to squeeze in and if it is wet then beware.
  I managed to take some good photos of the river and the Bridge, I hope that you agree.

LIGHTNING RIDGE to DIRRANBANDI QLD

  I have left the dusty climes of The Ridge and travelled through much greener parts today. I can really see the difference that some water makes with the countryside now green and lush and the road lined with Forest and Woodland. The Creeks and Dams even have water in them and plenty of it. I think from what I have seen that the West is indeed near drought.

  I called in to Hebal Pub and the General Store across the road, that makes up Hebel. The Pub is a good example an old Country Hotel and would be little changed from when in it's prime. I had sandwiches at the Store before turning 90 degrees right and on to today's destination, Dirranbandi.

 It turned out to be a tiny "Main Street" Town with the usual Pub and a couple of Stores, nice enough. My overnight here is a Free Camp (there is a Caravan Park in Town which comes with some recommendation), beside the Malone Minor Bridge a couple of kms from the Pub.
  It turned out Ok beside I assume the Balone River (or Creek) with 2 others here also. No facilities at all but safe and quiet. The river was obviously much lower than usual , with recent flood high level marks still evident on the River Gums, about 5 or 6 metres above where the water level was now. A nice Sunset filtered by the trees made the stopover worthwhile.

 

Is this a Sunset or are the Trees on fire!

 

 

 

 

The River at Balone Minor Bridge

 

 





A Spider's web in the Setting Sun

  Tomorrow my aim is to reach Nindigully Pub and Free Camp, a bit of a legend amongst Grey Nomads and other seasoned travellers.

MY UNKNOWN FRIEND

 Here, meet my friend, He's one strange Bloke
  I ask his name, He's never spoke
  Followed me all round this way
  Yet rarely has much time to stay
  At times He tags along for days
  This fellow really has strange ways
  One step ahead of My footfall
  On others he's nowhere at all
  The darnest thing of all you know
  At night he'll never ever show.