Well we bolted down the Leichhardt Hiway from home on the 3rd of January as we had a window of opportunity to escape to New South Wales heading for Goondiwindi. The trip was slow as we navigated some small floods & lots of potholes. In Goondiwindi we looked up a 2nd cousin who we had not seen for 8 years Denise was so happy to see us & we met her new husband Terry. Had a cuppa & then proceeded to our destination down the Bruxner hiway which was rough & torn up with the rain & floods they had. As we approached Ashford in NSW would you believe it a thunder storm was in front of us! charming as we have to negotiate 30 km of dirt road to get to Kiambal National Park. We eventually arrived at Lemon Tree Flat in the park without any incident & was able to cross the causeways ok. Had to set up the caravan in the rain. Welcome to NSW! Its a lovely spot with not many campers with lots of wildlife and millions of deafening Cicadas & quite a few Goanna's next to the Severn River.
On Tuesday the 4th there was sunshine & it was quite warm so we went for a swim in the morning in the river. In the afternoon we went for a bike ride up the road & then decided to go for another swim. Because it was hot we decided to put "Charlie" our pet cockatiel under the awning while we went for another swim when we arrived back we were absolutely shocked a goanna had tipped over Charlies cage got through the doors & eaten our beloved pet. Was very sad. That night we had another thunderstorm!
On Wednesday the 5th we decided to go into Ashford to fill up the wagon with diesel as we were very low on the return trip we stopped at the Limestone caves in the park which were amazing. Could not do much more as another Thunderstorm was upon us! There was supposed to be a 3G phone signal in the area but all communications were dead at the park.
On Thursday 6th am we had a visit from the ranger informing us that we may have to evacuate as they were expecting a huge front to come & drop maybe 8 inches of rain in a couple of days & we would be trapped & the river may come up too high. He came back after 2 hour to confirm that we need to evacuate asap. well this is turning out to be a nightmare! So we packed up & headed to Tenterfield & as we approached the Ranges another Thunderstorm & we just drove through it & it was still raining when we reached Tenterfield. We found a high spot in the showgrounds & set up there again in the rain. We are staying here for a week until the weather improves.
On Friday 7th we went into town & had a look around & there is plenty of places to see (weather permitting) the rest of the day we collapsed. At least we can get mobile & internet communications here. So until the next blog in a couple of days keep well & safe.
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