Lightning Ridge to our weekender

Alas, all good things must come to an end and we were off again. Where to next as we wait for our 14 days in NSW. With some wet weather on the forecast we headed towards a safe haven (the Dono's). On the way we stopped of the shop that has everything in Walgett, you have to love a place that sells Newspapers and guns. As well as thorn proof tubes for the bikes, will have to change them when I get a chance. 

After looking at various options for the night we settled on Warrumbungle NP, was a great choice.
A quick call to the Info Centre and bad news as everything was booked out. We drove in the the National Park as it was on the way to Coonabarabran, stopping off at Camp Wambelong, a very nice camping area that was not full at all. A little up the road we managed to get some internet coverage and checked the website, sites were available - we are all good. Quick u turn and back to the site to set up.

There was a lovely creek running through and clean facilities. Set up was easy but there was still the wet forecast on the horizon. 

We had a good feed and then managed to have a nice fire as well.

Off to bed and hope that the weather will hold, atlas 4am and down it came. When we finally come out the weather seems to have stopped but now the mad rush to pack up before it comes back. Just as we started to get sorted it come down again so a little drying will be needed when we get to the weekender.

After packing up it was time for a little exploration led by head explorer Charlie.

Not long in to the expedition and a few creek crossings later we came across a slightly hard one. It was at this stage that our leader needed to offer encouragement to a fellow expedition member, as quoted below:
"Mum, just believe in yourself, you can do it", this was all that was required and Cindy managed to navigate the crossing.

Not long after we got back to the car and we were driving out the heavens opened again. Next stop was the Warrumbungle Observatory, 4km up hill in the rain and fog. Seems I was the only bloke towing (as we found out later there was a spot to leave trailer/vans at the bottom). It was a very interesting detour and well worth the effort. The Observatory is home to Australia's largest telescope.

The kids thought this was a good chance to try to eat the clouds, not sure what they got out of it other than wet.

False emu spotted by Emi.

A full review of the situation and it was time for a quick foggy descent.

Driving out of the NP and towards Coonabarabran and on to our weekender. Quick stop to take a few pics of a good looking crop just outside Mullaley.

Arrived at our second home on this trip (The Dono's aka Our Weekender) later that day, stocked up with supplies and ready for a weekend out of the weather. Was a good chance to do the washing, dry put things and have a comfortable bed for a few nights. Even managed to get a few holes of golf in with Brett and Charlie 1 & 2

Thanks again Dono's, next stop off to Yamba to catch up with Paul, Laura, Zac and Zoe


Updates:
EEC has had a good increase with 18 spotted plus Stanley
Total EEC now stands at 44
CCC (Charlie Croc Count), None