Tuesday 29th November.

Well we are now 'on the road'. We collected our 'camper - Thor the Space Vehicle from the depot in Melbourne and have to say it was not without a problem or two. Basically the vehicle was in a pretty dirty state with quite a few dents and scratches - we did at one point consider cancelling the whole thing. However, the chap at the spot was very good and cleaned ip up for us and even gave us a free SatNav. So, off we went - an hour or so later than we had hoped.

Our first day target is the town of Albury in Victoria, and we are very much aware of the fact that there has been considerable flooding in the State. Anyway, safely navigating the outskirts of Melbourne we headed off to Albury. A lovely drive through the vast farming countryside  - a good combination of arable and livestock in vast rolling hill scenario. The Albury area also boast about being a good 'winery location'. Eventually arrived around 5.00pm and booked into the Australia Park Motel. We went out for a meal - but neither of us were that Hungary so just a 'Spag Bol' for Pete and Risotto for Merle - oh yes - we did have a drink as well!! Covered 325km

Sunday morning, up bright and early on on the road again and heading for the next stop-off at West Wyalong. This proved to be a more difficult part of the journey. We headed towards Wagga Wagga ( pronounced Wogga - as we were reliably informed by a couple Chris and Wanda who we met in a lay-by) - we were a bit lost or confused in what actual direction the next place was as there were diversions due to the flooding. They suggested that we head for Narrandera which we did and came across a lovely little town on the way - called Rock - where we had a revising coffee. Lunch was Ham & Cheese rolls. It was a very quaint town, and as we have also discovered in some of the other towns full of beautiful old buildings dating back to the late 1800's when they were all thriving townships following the discovery of Gold. Sad to say, those days are long gone, but the fabric of the buildings remain. Arrived in West Wyalong around 3.0pm.  Again, we travelled through wast areas of open rolling countryside. Not very busy as it was Sunday. Stayed in the Charles Sturt Motel - OK but not as good as the first one. We found an amazing place to eat - the Royal Hotel - full of late 1800 early 1900 character.  Merle had 'Sunday Roast' and Pete had Chicken Shnitzel - both delicious and enormous!!!  Covered 340 km.

Monday morning we were a bit concerned about the road condition especially as we were heading for Forbes which was actually under water a some point. We were told that the road conditions were not too bad but that there possibly diversions around Marsden - if we could get through Marsden OK then our journey to Forbes would be quite straightforward. Guess what! The road at Marsden was 'Closed' due to flooding and we had to detour via Grenfell - just a short 64 kms.  Anyway, as we approached the area around Forbes it was pretty obvious how bad the flooding had been and there was still an awful lot of floodwater around and much evidence of how deviating it had been. But it is recovering. Stopped for coffee and then headed off again for the next place - Parkes - straight through and making good progress and travelling towards Dubbo (Pete always wanted to visit - doesn't know why - it just sounds as if it needs a visit - 'Gibbo goes to Dubbo'). Big place, but just before the city - there is the Western Plains Zoo. We had time, so we stopped and spent a lovely couple of hors driving round and watching the wild animals in as near natural habitat as you could want. Really nice place. 

Photos from Parkes

Through Dubbo to air destination Gilgandra. We decided to stay for two nights, having been on the road for a couple of days we thought it sensible to 'chill-out for a day.  Dinner was Steak and Salad accompanied by a glass of wine (white and red).  Travelled 377 Kms.