Full Moon Rising

 Back to Cotton Tree for mail and stuff. Timing not the best, school holidays. 

Queensland beautiful one day, full of Victorians the next!

Full moon rising.

Woolooga - Munna Creek

Woolooga BA camp will close at the end of this month.

As is often the case the hard jobs that have been avoided come to the top of the list toward the end. This one is a doozy!

The farmer tells us this part of the farm was leased to a cane farmer who walked away from the lease and the crop because of the flood.

Cows know no boundary and washed away fences need to be re-establish after the flood.

The farmer explains the creek is running strong at the moment but can be dry for extended periods and needs to be fenced. The creek is not always the boundary between the two properties and it something needs fences across as well.

These photos give an indication of the height and the ferocity of the flood waters.

Yep there is a fence down there.
And a creek crossing as well.

Wash-away just about to take the fence.

Same fence as above.
Cane crop left of screen.

There's a fence in there.

A fence in there - zoomed out.

Woolooga steel and timber

As of late it has been a mixture of adventures from retrieving flattened wire picket fences and patching others, to demolishing old timber cattle yards and making timber driveway gates and grids, cattle proof again. 

The camp has volunteers coming and going all the time. People coming for a few days or longer. Some reasonably local, some from interstate and some with foreign accents. All here for the same reason, to lend a hand. 

The foods good and the company at night around the camp fire interesting.

The farmers are always happy to see us and very appreciative. Some providing muffins for morning smoko and others invigorating home brew drinks after a days work. 

Dragging a fence back

Before

After

Before

After

Woolooga BA

 Moved from Murgon to Woolooga, only ~65km toward Gympie.

The camp is being hosted at Brooyah Station, a large property just a short distance north of Woolooga on the Bauple-Woolooga Rd.

What a great place! Plenty of space, great views with facilities and not far to the flood affected farms. Brooyah homestead is on high ground and was not flooded. Offering the place to BlazeAid is very generous and the camp has been running here since February this year.

Power, water, hot showers, laundry with machine and dryer, also a vacant house for cooking that has a balcony overlooking a private lake, fantastic.

Just a small group of volunteers forming 2 teams of three are going out each day. Very comfy.

The Mary River is notorious for flooding, seven times just recently, apparently. Relocating a fence a bit higher up the river bank required hacking a track through heavy undergrowth. Carrying everything, tools, wire, pickets and drinking water it felt a bit like Himalayan Sherpas looking for Dr Livingston and finding Apocalypse Now. Hmm, mixing movies?

Did some regular farm work as well like ripping up and winding up fallen mud covered wire and posts and clearing curtains. Curtains as one farm hand described the long grass that is left draping over the wire on low lying fences after the water recedes. Generally whacking the wire with a stick will dislodge most of the grass and any snakes.

Woolooga and Murgon

Got away as planned mid/late July. But the wheels fell off, so to speak, with the unexpected temporary closure of the Woolooga BlazeAid camp due to resent rain. Arrangements were made for me to work a farm until the camp reopened but illness of the farmer prevented that from happening. So ended up cruising around the Gympie Shire. Kandanga, Gympie, Theebine and Kilkivan. The weather was excellent, sunny cloudless days with only a light breeze. Mind you paying for it at night and especially in the early morning with the temps down to single digits.

Bored I decided to go to the BlazeAid camp at Murgon. They had a covid scare and I was avoiding the place until the all clear but decided to stop living in a bubble. RAT testing showed all was (should be) good. 

A small camp of 3 teams going out each day with a group of wives doing a great job cooking.

I joined a team going to Ol' Bill's Place. Bill is 90+ and still working the farm. He has a wheelie walker for getting around the house and a stick for everywhere else. He's not real quick getting about but can still climb onto the tractor or drive the gator.

We looked like emus walking about the paddocks picking up timber that had floated down from the hills around his low lying farm. But there were fences and bush gates to rebuilt as well. The paddocks are still damp and getting bogged was always a consideration.

Available work was limited due to soggy paddocks on the remaining farms yet to be done, so we kept going back to Bill's. On day 4 we started doing gardening around the house, much to Bill's surprise and pleasure. Long smoko and lunch breaks with Bill entertaining us with stories of his past. All part of the BA service. Also worked another large property that been established for many years and helped finishing up there.

Murgon camp was obviously in the throes of winding up. I contacted the co-ordinator at Woolooga to hear that it was reopening again on Monday 8th. So a new camp, new people, new experience.

Old slab hut from way back when.

Product of much stick picking.

Cotton Tree - Ducks

It has been 14 weeks since returning to Cotton Tree back in April. Not a record but becoming tedious. The plan was to get to Townsville for The Dam Fine MH rally late in June but delays in the supply of bits and pieces for the MH put paid to that. Now things are coming together and those pesky ducks are starting to line up. The open road is nigh.

Managed to repair and or replace MH parts whilst here in Cotton Tree. The performance of front end shock absorbers can easily be overlooked whilst driving as their effectiveness reduces bit by bit. But a quick under body inspection is a give away and driving with a brand new pair is immediately noticeable and appreciated. I also had to the replace the blower motor in the cabin heater, not an easy job. Shocks and blower motor had to be sourced from the states so that always takes time. I took advantage of the layup to have both of the windscreen, split screen, glasses replaced as well.

A new awning had been on the cards for a long time. It surprised me the lack of commitment with a local supplier, in this case the awning guys. 4 to 6 weeks was the estimate, after 8 weeks I'm annoyed. Excuses but no apology. In the end I think they were referring to me as that pushy motorhome guy.

In between getting the MH ready for the road Cotton Tree proved to be a good spot to be hold up. The weather has probably been better than most anywhere further south with less rain and no flooding. Being on the coast probably helps with flooding, well until the oceans rise. Walking, bike riding and occasionally climbing Mt Coolum has generally kept me occupied.

The Sunshine Coast Council is again shifting beach sand around because of the erosion caused by tide, wave action and storms. Replenishing the groins and beach sand never seems to stop but its interesting to watch and forms part of my daily routine of walking the beach.

Before the latest replenishment of the groins.

Replacing the bags.

Coonabarabran - Wyaga - Millmerran - Toogoolawah

Stopped at the golf course in Coonabarabran.

Sign of the times, no TV signal but Internet access is OK. So got to watch the NRL Sunday game on the PC. Then finally back in Qld on the Gore Hwy and stopping roadside at Wyaga. 

Nice welcome back to Qld: The rivers are overflowing and lots of roads are closed. Snapped a shot of the Road Conditions sign leaving Millmerran saying the road was open but CAUTION. Then, 10km down the road, it closes and I am directed to turn around. Bugger!

I'm stuck in Millmerran as the Condamine River has topped the Gore Hwy at Pampas Bridge. So wait or what? Hmm wait, no hurry.

Did some shopping in town and repaired the bike flat tyre whilst I waited to see what the river would do. Checked the Internet Latest River Heights for North Condamine R at Pampas Br *

Set up camp at the local golf course. Space for about 6 vehicles, but just me here and the coarse is closed because of the resent rain. A lot less noise than a roadside stop or in town. Fast Internet to monitor the river height, read and blog. Got to be somewhere, this will do nicely for tonight.

Next day road still closed so headed south to Inglewood and the Cunningham Hwy. On to Warwick, Gatton, Esk and Toogoolawah.

Toogoolawah is a noisy roadside camp but good enough as I've gone far enough.

Not an uneventful trip as something spiked the left-hand rear outside tyre and it blew out with a bang. Always a lengthy procedure changing a tyre on the MH especially a rear one.

Not for long!

Took their time closing.
Must have been waiting for me 8:30am Tuesday.

Flood-gate fences

I've been back at Forbes BA for four weeks. A flurry of the slower more time consuming jobs, water crossings, flood ways, floating fences and the like are a sure sign the camp is about to close. The hard ones are always last.

Change is in the air. It's cooler overnight with some cold mornings. Time to go. Time to head north. Time to check the mail. See if there are any eBay purchases that I can't remember ordering. Won't be the first time. Nice surprise. Also be nice if the rain stops before I get there.

The trick - don't get wet!

A steel cable supports the flood gate.

Carrawobitty

Driving along the Bedgerabond Road, a quiet country road west of Forbes, passing farm gates and driveways looking very much the same... then Carrawobitty. What da! So out of place and time. Makes you think who built that and when? Had to stop and take a pic. Had to ask Google. Interesting history.

Imposing house.

Imposing Gate and driveway.

Jemalong Weir

Jemalong Weir is west of Forbes on the Lachlan River and a good free camp for a quiet night. Well... most nights.

Heading east to Forbes on the Lachlan Valley Way are roadside Amazing Sculptures. Worth a quick stop and pic. News clipping.

The camp ground overlooks the weir.

Kangaroo's revenge?

Bird in the Hand.

Probably a shortage of chain in town for months?

Mirrool

Not far north along the Newell Hwy from Narrandera is Mirrool, a one pub town just off the highway. So I stop for morning smoko and take a few photos.

Lots of improvements since being here last. Like hard-stand in the free camp area as well as power available for $10/night. The pub is looking like money has been spent on it as well. Always was a great place to stop for the night.

Its too early today so maybe next time.

Can't resist street art!

Adelong - Wagga - Narrandera

On the road again, nice.

Left Adelong and went north via Tumblong to the Hume Hwy rather than the usual and more direct Snow Mountains Hwy to the Hume. Via Tumblong is just a few km longer but is not so hilly or busy. Fuelled up in Wagga paying $1.78. Some places $1.85. 

Bunnings for some stuff then provisions at North Wagga Woollies. Wilks Park for the night. Don a BA volunteer who had worked for some time at Forbes BA with me was also camped there. We talked for a while, about BA of course.

Next day onto Narrandera. Free camped at Brewery Flats on the approach to town. Its beside the Newell Highway and road noise can be an issue for the light sleeper. Before setting up for the night I drove around town rubbernecking. 

Having lived in Narrandera and operated the Lake Talbot Caravan Park I was keen to see what had changed since we left, finishing up after 7 years in 2010. Back then a large number of very large London Plain trees were at the end of their life span. Never a horticulturist I agonized about what species and what was the appropriate size to plant. Trees are not cheap and we needed about 20. It appears it all worked out for the best as this photo of some of the trees shows. They were once just saplings.

Shade, grass and hot showers
everything campers want.

Adelong - Forbes - Adelong.

February - March

Had to remind myself what's happened since last posting.

Early in February coming from Gundagui back to Adelong for a week or so. Then Forbes for a week and then back to Adelong for two weeks. Now ticking over to March, home (Cotton Tree Qld) is in my thoughts. Lots of things have happened up north, not just the weather. Destination Fixation can be an issue so taking a convoluted course could help.

One fav past time is studying maps and plotting which roads and what places to see along the way. The Newell is not one of my favourite highways and its been a few years since the MH has been that way. It's the best option for bypassing Sydney, Brisbane and the current intense coastal weather.

First up Wagga for some retail therapy and provisions. Then Narrandera catching up with friends. Then The Newell.

Photos from Adelong

Blooming.

Slashed paddock, sleepy sheep
and neighbours farther up the hill.

Don't want that hedge there?

Gundagai

Following the Murrumbidgee upstream to Gundagai.

I have been here before, its a good free camp and close to the centre of town, so why not. From Wantabadgery its a nice country drive then closer to Gundagai the road is right beside and overlooks the Murrumbidgee river. Duck under the Hume highway bypass and there you are, right in town.

Walked the main and about town then up the hill behind the main street and down to the old railway station. Checking out the rail levellings, tracks long gone, and condemned bridge. The rail bridge is the longest timber truss bridge in Australia at 809m.

Got a nice spot to camp and will be comfortable tonight even with a lot more neighbours. Just shade and grass tonight but that's all I need. The temperature overnight will get down to ~10deg, cool for February I'm thinking, then mid 20s during the day.

The Murrumbidgee 
river span and back.

Rail cutting - well was once.

809 meters long

Over Morleys Creek

My camp looking across
 Morleys creek from town.

Adelong - Wantabadgery

Been back at Adelong for a few days. Now decided to do some touring.

Driving country roads can be very relaxing. I'm avoiding the Hume Highway and pretty much following the Murrumbidgee River, taking back country roads.

Along the way I answer a phone call. Good timing as I'm approaching a river crossing with an area to pull over. Sitting there talking to a mate it occurs to me that I haven't seen another car in a long time. I've been cruising at about 75k/h enjoying the view, just wandering along.

Stopping at Sandy Beach on the river at Wantabadgery will do for tonight. Well Sandy Beach is not so sandy at the moment as the river is running high and the normal bank is under water. It's been hot today and I'm able to swim and cool off.

Sandy Beach reserve Wantabadgery is in the Junee Shire and it's obvious the council looks after the area. It's a great free camp with plenty of open space, shady trees and lush grass. Also drop toilet facilities, picnic shelters, non potable tap water and a boat ramp.

It's very quiet here except at dusk when large flocks of Little Corellas are getting ready to roost. 

Got this bit all to myself.

And the other way tonight's neighbours.

Murrumbidgee running wide and fast.

Junee Shire billboard.
(www.youmeandjunee.com.au)

Wantabadgery street art.

Barmedman and Wagga

Friday was my last day at Forbes BA. Finished building a new fence. The team stayed back a bit late so I could end on a high, nice.

Got my booster jab at a local pharmacy, no drama, no queue. Not like it was back in Maroochydore with the first and second shot. So yep good to go.

Heading to Wagga as Bunnings has stuff that I need for a MH cabinet project. I also need to cruise the mall for some new linen that needs updating.

The Newell Highway south of Forbes is surrounded by water at the moment. It's an amazing sight. The highway has suffered badly and crews are working at patching and renewing long sections. Lots of stop-goes. So don't use the Newell if you are in a hurry. Hurry, not me, no big deal.

Stopped along the way at Barmedman to swim in the mineral pools there. A fellow tourist advised me that the pool had just reopened, probably been closed because of covid. I should have listened more closely to the bit about 'just reopened' as the water was very cold. The bore was operating, I could see water pumping, but no even lukewarm. But a $1 for a hot shower was ample compensation.

Forbes BA - steam driven pump

The weather here is very changeable, yesterday we were rained off, today we start a new new farm. The back of the property runs along the Lochlan River. A few large trees had fallen on the fence as well as the normal rubbish.

These paddocks had an extensive flood irrigation system of open channels and sluice gates. It's a long time since the system was working but the channels and gates, looking like gravestones every 20 or so meters, are still evident. The water came from the river via a huge pump originally driven by steam, then diesel and finally by electricity. But now it's centre-pivot irrigators using bore-pumps that do that work.

Always interesting to see this old stuff of yesteryear. A benefit of volunteering and working these farms.