July 9th

Whoa, I am so glad i made it out of the Pilliga Forest!

The day started with Tea and conversation with Graeme and Kath. Such a lovely couple. I gave them my DVD that I purchased in Winton as I had finished with it and thought they might find it interesting. Before leaving I was sure to grab their email address so that we might connect again come christmas as they live in melbourne.

Before I left Graeme gave me some advice on the roads and things to look out for and I headed towards the campsite they recommended in the Warrumbungles. I also offered to buy some prints from Graeme, as he is quite the painter, but he refused and gifted them to me. I will have to get him something nice for christmas!

The first site I stopped at was called sawn rocks and its this most interesting geological formation of rocks looking like hexagonal tubes. Really quite incredible! Then it was off to the visitors centre in Narrabri where I got a map and an update on the accident from the day before. The info lady was not sure the but road had not opened until well after 3pm, so good thing I didnt wait, I was already at the glacial retreat by noon on that day!

I told the girl at the visitors centre I wanted to see the Salt Caves and she said the road would be alright but was all dirt. It was intense! I made it in and out again and am very thankful for that. It was deep dirt for parts and I made a video of it which I am excited to see. On the way back out I hit a dip so hard that dirt caught the front bumper and blasted sand over the windshield, it was like something out of the movies!

At 5:30pm I made it into the Warrumbungles. Many Roos on the road but I was safe, slow and steady. Once at the site I met a nice couple who walked with me to sort out my tent site, very kind. Now I am here relaxing and having some wine. I have been craving it since I noticed Graeme drinking it last night. Sweet red and some calm down time. Tomorrow will be a big day I think, maybe a big hike and a trip to the observatory? who knows?

Might have a quiet night tonight and just coast on conversations from Graeme. Such a wonderful person!

Partial view from the look out. Was too stressed from driving to really take it in!

My little Camperina