Port M to Pokolbin

Started the day with a cool walk towards Settlement Point


Met some friendly dog walkers who suggested a route through this canal development where every home had a boat ramp and private jetty


Lots of new homes possibly with a retirement lifestyle in mind


Flood mitigation works at the end of the canal.
I then walked along the mighty Manning River,only one in NSW remaining wild and un dammed. The sun was still low so no pictures. Will take Tess with me one afternoon on another visit.



This panorama is taken from one of the bridges on Park Street which leads 3k out to Settlement Point and the car ferry to the north shore.


Shades of Truman Show in the pastel coloured newness and sameness of the new housing.



View towards Port Macquarie from the west.

Washed the car (paid for the extreme treatment given the mud) before leaving Port and then fanged down the Pacific HWY for 300+k until taking the wrong turn for the vineyards at Hexham.

They have built a great road which bypasses all the old towns along the way to Cessnock but we took the old road. Greta was an interesting town and we did pass the memorial to the Rothbury Mine massacre- or riot as it is officially termed. The GPS was determined to take us strange roads so we abandoned itand found our way to Deaseys Road and Marsh Estate. Enjoyed a long and informative tasting with Andrew Marsh, son of the original owner and knowledgeable owner.

We have been visiting since 1985 with Dad and Mum and tiny Tim but their wines are expensive so we rarely buy. $400 a case (and they only sell in cases) is the starting price! They were already out of shiraz so we made our excuses - after an hour! - and left with a free bottle he gave us. We do have birthdays coming up:)))))))

About to wander down the hill for a tasting at Scarborough before dropping by Kelman Estate and then dinner with the Wilsons. Should be pleasant.





PS 6 July
Not uploaded at resort. Went across the road and chatted to nice American and signed up to a 2X6 bottles per year club featuring wines we know and like.
Then had a lovely dinner with Col and Leonie



and rose the next morning for the return trip ... via Gartleman's.
Another $250 poorer, we had renewed our membership, bought some win and found the new Hunter expressway to the Pacific HWY. Built for coal trucks of course,as it heads to Newcastle. Heard distant explosions all morning. Shame.
Back here in record time.
Till next trip.........

Location:Tuscany Wine Estate

Dungog and Glocuester

Back to Blogpress after puzzling and failing with Dayone. Hate that program. I'm good with apps but Dayone is just useless.
So here is the entry:
Safely arrived at the Country Lodge after an enjoyable drive north through Dungog, viewed Chichester Dam and then forestry roads and dairy cows till arriving just before 4 here at Gloucester. Snowing on the Tops tonight:)




Barrington Tops NP


Stayed here to see in the new decade .... 1970!
Rose would remember. One hot summer. Cattle yards behind the rooms.


Chichester Dam - worth a look next flood.

Location:Bucketts Way,Gloucester,Australia

Driving Day

The purpose of our northern NSW excursion was to see Peter and Kathleen in Tamworth. Pete has been battling health issues recently so we set out about 9 from our comfortable motel in Gloucester for Tamworth, via Thunderbolts Way.



Perfect driving weather and spectacular views.


A great roadside stop at the high point on the Way. Views back towards Barrington.


Read for yourself where we are. Thankyou Rotary!


Sad to say but we owe the good roads to the timber industry!
The road passed by Nouendoc, scene of the capture of that crim on the run for 7 years in these mountainous parts.
The altitude is over 1300 metres in places and features that tussock grass found in the Victorian high country. No pictures I'm afraid.
Passed slowly through Nundle (enthusiastic cop apparently) and enjoyed lunch with the relos in Tamworth. Much the same as ever.
No photos I'm afraid but Pete in good spirits. Impressive cochlear implant and his portrait of a famous local artist was fantastic. Tess and Pete talked chemo while I fixed Kate's internet issues. Hope she upgrades her data allowance soon! 2G will not go far in my family:)))
Setting out after 2.30 meant we would arrive at Port in darkness. I was keen to complete the twisty Walcha road in daylight which we managed, avoiding 7 swamp wallabies along the way! Fortunately, they are the sit and watch variety, not the "Quick, lets hop out in front of this car" variety of roo,common elsewhere.



Shared a seafood plate in the restaurant. I was tired.


But woke to this view in the morning!
Now off for a walk.




All my own work - sorry!

Location:Park Street,Port Macquarie,Australia

Gloucester Tops

30 June Continued
After our Barrington visit, we decided to tackle the Gloucester Tops. This meant a descent back down the gravel and onto a windy country road through hilly farmland behind the Buckets.














The first of 6 Fords across the Gloucester River. This is staged for screen on our return!

I was delighted to be able to drive the Rav through some river crossings, even if it was on concrete and only a few inches deep. Any real rain would make them a challenge very quickly. I will add some video later.







The mud sticks like concrete! This is at the end of the road at the Tops.











Fallen timber everywhere along both mountain roads but fortunately Parks staff had sawn paths for us along the way.











View from Gloucester Tops to the south.











We were determined to reach the Falls view lookout but it was hard work!













Iphone not up to this shot but do have some awaiting uploading on the Sony. Sounded more impressive than it looks. In two sections. Track closed to the base due to damage. Worth re-visiting.

- All my own work - sorry!

Location:Sails Resort,Port Macquarie,Australia