Finally we reach the marshes! It's actually west, but we'll go south soon.
On the road west from Quambone, a viewing platform has been constructed. It's really the only way the average passer by can actually see any of the marshes.
Fortunately, we are not your average passerby, and came equipped with an ample inheritance. After getting the best directions available, we dropped our kayaks in Monkeygar creek and paddled off into the marshes.
The wildlife was abundant of course, and the landscape varied. Where the land was elevated, emu, kangaroo, and cattle abounded amongst the red gums. The reeds were alive with birds, swamphens and night herons just to name a few. Even the water was alive, with fish, tortoise, and a few snakes. A great place for a paddle!
Unfortunately, the marshes really aren't very accessible. So after a couple of nights camped at Willie on the edge of the marshes, we headed south to Dubbo.
After driving past endless wheat fields and even the occasional cotton field, we stopped for a cuppa on the banks of the Macquarie, upstream from the marshes.
We reached a comfortable motel room just ahead of the forecast storms. The winds were fierce, the rain hard but short-lived. Since we were indulging in the expense of a nice motel room, we further indulged ourselves by having dinner delivered. Luxury!
Up at 4:00 AM for the forecast meteor shower, but despite the clear skies it was a bit dull so it was back to bed. It appears that the forecast was off by about half an hour - a bit of perseverance would have paid dividends apparently.
The rain returned by morning, and made our trip to the zoo a bit disappointing. The entry fee is quite steep, but they've done a nice job with the place. The enclosures are big, and the fences are for the most part unobtrusive. Lots of big game animals.
We were a bit surprised when we came across a mother/joey pair of white kangaroos, mostly at the fact that they were wandering the grounds, and not in a labeled enclosure.
We stopped in to Coolah again for a couple of days work. How could we refuse a direct request for help? After all, that's how we pay for the diesel.
Since we were in the area, we decided it would be a lark to stop by Eileen's one more time. Just for one night. She was suitably surprised, and we were suitably amused.
From there it was a short hop to Dunn's Swamp in Wollemi National Park. Plenty places to walk, and a great place for a paddle. For all our Sydney based friends, we recommend a visit. A great place to spend a weekend, and less than 4 hours away.
There was only one other group of campers when we arrived. Unfortunately, it was a bus load of high school kids. It's great to see them out and about seeing what this magnificent country has to offer.
After a day of kayaking and hiking, we headed south again. We weaved our way south to Kanangara Walls in Kanangara Boyd National Park (crossing the Macquarie river again at Bathurst). The views are spectacular.
Even though we didn't have adequate maps, we thought we'd take a little short cut. It was a lot shorter, but took at least twice as long as going the long way would have. It was the first serious 4WDing we'd done for a while. Straight down into, and straight up out of valleys as deep as the one pictured above. The biggest of the valleys had a substantial river crossing to add to the challenge.
Eventually, after a few judicious guesses at some unmarked intersections, we finally found the road south again, and eventually reached Pete's place in Canberra. We were a little late for dinner, but Pete had prepared for our arrival. Sipping some good bottled (as opposed to boxed) reds helped Helen relax after a long day on the road.
Since our southward journey is something of a kayaking adventure, we put the boat in again in Canberra.
Canberrra also provided the chance for a few more errands, including a visit the Australian Bureau of Statistics to pick up some information about rural populations to help us target our business. We even found enough time to do some touristy things, including a visit to old parliament house.
After restocking the truck, it was off to Steve and Kim's place in Burragate.
In keeping with the theme, Helen and Kim played landcrew while Steve and Bill kayaked in the local creek.
We even found time for a trip to the coast to picnic in Ben Boyd National Park.
We have serviced the truck (again), and we can (almost) smell the border. The drive up Big Jack Mountain through South East Forests National Park was a nice way to escape the coast and head for the mountains.