We decided to leave the fishing at Dunbogan to the Easter Holiday crowd and we moved on to Taree for Easter.  It would have been a very quiet time, but, as luck would have it, over Easter Taree was hosting a speedboat championship on the Manning River.  We spent the day with all the locals, sitting on the edge of the river watching the races.  It was just like the buggy races, only on water!!!!  Fortunately I went for a walk and found TWO shopping centres!!!!

We then moved on to a free camp at Wingham Bush Reserve - beautiful.  Until dusk.  Then about 4million bats decided to fly to wherever it is that bats fly to - and then they all came back in the morning!!!!  Those scenes in the movies where all the bats fly out of the mountains - IT'S REAL!!!!  It was spectacular to watch and fortunately no droppings.  Camping tip - if you are watching in awe as bats fly overhead - keep your mouth shut!!!!!

Dunbogan local

Another local

Another local

Vroom Vrooooooooom

Wingham free camp - view from the van - not too shabby!!!

After spending a few days at the Armidale showgrounds we headed off for a few nights free camping on our way back to the coast.  We found Dunbogan.  What a beautiful spot.  We spent a few nights at the Kendall showgrounds and on one of our day trips we discovered the Diamond Waters Caravan Park.  On the edge of the river and also beach access close by.  On our first day we put the boat in and went to do a spot of fishing.  After about 5min a fellow angler (Hi George and Rita!!!) waved and yelled out hello.  We waved back and we thought what lovely people here at Dunbogan - they continued to wave and call out and we decided to go over to them just in case they were in trouble.  Sure enough, they had run out of fuel.   With a strong current and head wind, our mighty ocean liner towed them safely back to shore.  Turns out they were in the caravan next to us, with their good friends Wayne and Marlene next to them.  We had a great few days together, chatting and laughing (lots of laughing).  The fishing has been fantastic so far - 1 bream, 4 (HUGE) whiting, 12 flathead - not to mention all the under size ones we threw back.  Having a ball, relaxing, fishing, chatting and laughing.  Life is good.

One morning's catch

Nice!!!

Another day's catch

short stroll from the van to the water

We have just spent a few days at Dorrigo. Rolling green hills dotted with fat happy dairy cows.  Just beautiful.  Visited a few waterfalls nearby. Bit of a climb up the mountain to get there, but well worth the drive.  Across the road from the showgrounds, a farmers paddock was full of old railway carriages and a row of old steam engines.  Very bizarre.  It was also quite cool - nearly had to get the winter jumpers out - nearly!!!

Steam train graveyard

Dangar Falls

Beautiful Dorrigo

Griffiths Lookout, Dorrigo