14 September 2013

A memorable few days 2013


So we didn't move on from Bretti Reserve,
It was lovely to just chill out and wind down at such a peaceful spot for a few days. 
We arrived here on Monday afternoon after stopping for a cuppa and a pie for lunch at Gloucester. A short visit to the information centre reassured us of our correct direction. Bretti Reserve is about 25 minutes north of Gloucester on Thunderbolts Way, although driving at our speed it took approximately 35 minutes. After passing Leslie Creek the turn off is over the next rise on the right, you can't miss seeing the caravans down by the river.
 
We were lucky enough to have great weather, warm days with warm breezes. The camp site is a very large expanse of land surrounded by rolling hills. Many caravans and rv’s  are camped here but not to close to each other. 
Dodging the cows, cow patties and fire places we looked for a suitable level site with just a short walk to the upper Manning River.  The river is flowing and the water looks very clean, you could possibly boil it to drink but we just used it for our shower and washing up. 
 
It’s very quiet here with the sound of the breeze through the trees and lots of bird song. Keep an eye on the cows as they like to rub themselves on or chew parts of your car or caravan.
Our afternoon siesta's are fantastic, getting the fire started and the Billy boiling, not the usual thing done at home and plenty of reading caught up with during the day makes for lazy relaxed girls, that's including Ruby.
While down by the river I seen my first ever wild Platypus swimming across the river.
 
The only drawback is that there is no phone or internet connection here. I was told, a short drive over the next hill, there is a spot beside the road with good reception so if needed urgently, that is good to know.

8 September 2013

Gloucester and beyond 2013


Its Sunday afternoon, I'm packed and almost ready to pick up Nicki around 9/10 am in the morning. Nicki and I will hitch up her van this time, as last time out she clipped the mains water tap with the side of her van. Not a great deal of damage but not a happy way to start out.

I'm not sure if Nicki's friend Jannette will be joining us, I hope she does as it would make for a good little group.
We will be traveling north through Gloucester on Bucketts Way, in no hurry, we may stop for a cup of tea and visit the information centre there before cruising along Thunderbolts Way.


Nicki and I decided our first free camp will be Bretti Reserve on Thunderbolts Way beside the Manning River (318 Camp 7) and only 34kl out of Gloucester.  On the way I would also like to look at any other free camps we pass for future stop overs.

Over the next few days we may see the Nundle district and possibly return home via Murrurundi and Singleton.