My how this little park had filled up overnight. We didn't even hear some of them arrive, but the top end of the park containing the powered sites was almost full when we woke this morning. As usual though - many of the early travellers were out the gate by 7.30am. As usual - we weren't one of them!
This morning's smoke haze was a sad reminder of the devastating fires that were still blazing closer to the coast in both Queensland and New South Wales making us grateful that we had stuck to our original plan of going inland and not opting for more beach time. The roadkill on this road was probably the worst we've seen on this trip - so bad that I often had to venture onto the wrong side of the road due to the large roos that were lying almost completely in the middle of the lane and prompting me to warn oncoming traffic of nearby obstructions in their lane.
The terrain and vegetation was constantly changing and quite picturesque despite the heavy haze. Although I have to question were these line markers sober at the time of their work?????
The signs were misleading and at times prompted me to check we were actually on the right road, until I realised that as we were nearing the border to cross into New South Wales the only towns mentioned would be those on the Queensland side.
I'm still amused that every town has its own claim to fame - take Dirrenbandi for example - home of the croaking frogs! I think they underestimated themselves though as judging by the lineup of caravans and the number of people stopped at the bakery - I'd say it should be known as the place to stop for morning tea!
And finally we got a sign that reassured us we were on track.
Hebel was our stop for an early lunch at the local cafe for a homemade pie for Shane (quite tasty I'm told) and a toasted sandwich for me. A pie, toastie and a coffee for $16 isn't too bad although the coffee wasn't the best or the worst we've had. The real attraction for Hebel - a town of 149 residents (town and surrounds) is the pub across the road which is truly a see it to believe it, although we didn't go in because the flies were just impossible and I have absolutely no idea how you would live with them.
The Historical Circle beside the cafe and local library (which by the way apart from a couple of run down houses pretty much completes the township itself) consists of tall timber posts hovering over ten illustrated signs which tell stories of Hebel's history including the fact that Ned Kelly's brother Dan Kelly together with Steve Hart of the infamous Kelly Gang resided here under assumed names. Hebel was originally established in 1889 as Kelly’s Point and the settlement's name was changed to Hebel in the early 1880’s.
And soon - there it was - without any pomp or glory - the New South Wales border and absolutely no indication on the other side of the road that you were crossing into Queensland. I have to say for a big tourist state - Queensland really sucks at "welcome to Queensland" signs.
And finally we were at Lightning Ridge.
Although I did get a little concerned being stopped at a red light out of town. I may have remarked to Shane that perhaps they needed to let some people out before we could get in. Thankfully eventually the light turned green and we pulled in to our van park just before 2.00pm. With a huge bag of laundry and lots of dusty dog blankets my afternoon was pretty much booked in and I had the awning looking like a Chinese laundry in no time. Apart from a quick trip to the supermarket we opted for a quiet afternoon/evening and thanks to a warm evening enjoyed yet another outside dinner and drinks.
237km
Total - 12,209km
Top today 23°c - expecting overnight 2°c
No comments:
Post a Comment