From the Rocks to Solitude via roadworks a nice view or two and well, roadworks...

G'day possums and hello from Wooli (pronounced wool-eye) and what a paradise it is.  But more on that later, let's pick up where I left off and I think that waas picking up my unwashed washing....

I headed back to Winston to find that a pack of kangeroos had decended on my patch, much to my delight, and after several photos and lots of chatting to them like a mad old roo lady, I manourvered Winston around them and headed out.  I was really struggling to leave this lovely place so I headed back into town to pick up and coffee and two more of those delicious scones and headed out just a little way to visit Trail Bay Jail (seemed rude not to as I had been looking at it from a distance all day yesterday). Another incredible view met me and also another amazing beachfront campsite and I settled down on a bench by the sea whilst two fellas nearby had a bit of a tiff about their tent in very hushed whispers so I didnt hear.  Epic fail boys.

Breakfast eaten I had a mooch round the jail that was built by the convicts to hold the convicts back in the 18 somethings and never held any prosioners. It did, however hold some in the First World War but has then been stripped of its roof and metal fixings and still stands majestically unused for us all to enjoy.  Then it really was time to leave, not before a quick stop back to town to pick up another couple of tops from a shop I got two from yesterday as they were so nice. All one size, get in and get out.  All one size my arse, two fit over my arse nicely the other two I have to put on the conventional way over my head and they are fine as long as I don't wany to move my arms...that's ok, I will lose some weight eventually.

Then it really was off time and my first stop was going to be Nambucca Heads, looked very pretty in the pictures and when I got there it was indeed pretty.  But the getting there wasn't really. It was more roadworks along a stretch of undeniably nicer road than back home, but a bit dull none the less.  Nambucca bekoned and I took a wander down on the foreshore and the colour of the water was stunning. Most of the places I have visited so far on this side of Oz are river towns where they meet the sea and this was no exception.  There were rocks all along the foreshore that people had painted with greetings and messages, some big and some small but all colourful and most heartwarming.  I decided that I wanted to add my own little mark so after hunting the van for something suitable to make my everlasting mark, I loving marked a rock emblazened with Wally of Where's Wally fame with L + V and a kiss underneath.  It won't be there long I dont suppose as all I could come up with was an eyebrow pencil, but the thought was there and I have the pics to prove it!! I must learn as those of you who has read my previous escapades (if not why not) will know that they love a bit of rock graffiti here in Oz.  Next time I will come prepared with a Sharpie at least.

Another thing that had struck me today was the weather, it was hot, muggy hot, and no wind, so another popular travel companion that is always with me (once again faithful followers will know) returned.  The sweat-tache-o-meter was back and oin full swing today! (for those new to my ramblings, if the temperature gets about a certain level and humidity is high I get a line of sweat on my top lip.  The more sweat, the hotter it is and it never lets me down.  That and the cankle I get on my right side when it hits 35 or more.....)

Me, Winston and my top lip were off in a flash, onwards and upwards to our next stop, Coffs Harbour. Another unremarkalbe drive bought me to this pretty seaside hub and I spent some time in the harbour (just missing a Sunday Market, I love a Market) and the grabbing myself some super freash prawns for my tea and a sarnie to eat for my lunch.  It was lovely and I'm sure if I'd been inclined to stay there longer I would have found it even lovelier but it was one thing I am not keen on and don't find often in this fair land - busy.  Too busy for me, not Margate or Hastings busy on a heatwave, but busy as I've seen a town out here.  So I headed out to a nearby beach, nommed my sarnie and then promptly saw more of the industrial side of Coffs Harbour whilst Mavis tried to navigate me to a supermarket.  Beer and supplies bought I headed out in search of the BIG attraction here, the Big Banana! And advertising thingy from the 1950's that started the craze for big things in Oz (the lobster etc etc).  It was big, but not as big a big thing as I've seen.  And it was currently being invaded by 4 asian women having their picture taken by an elderly man.  This took some time and finally when I was sure I was not going to get anyone else in my shot (I hate that), snaps taken and time to head off again.

Now if I thought the bit from The Rocks to here was dull, the next bit was absymal.  That's not to say the landscape wasnt beautiful, it was and I'd much rather drive this than the M25, but the roadworks went on for ever.  They are building a 6 lane freeway (part of which I think I got onto the other day, still not convinced it was open) right through the beautiful forest.  And I mean right through, it rips it like a massive ugly scar and is such a shame.  But someone somewhere thinks they need it, and after still managing to find the wonder an beauty in the landscape I finally left it behind and the road became single carraigeway again, finally turning off for the road to the Solitary Islands Resort.

My kind of road once more, the trees, the noise of the insects, the smells and the dappled shade of the trees made my arrival into this isolated place a wonderus one.  And then I was there, in Wooli (wool-eye) and the incredible BIG4 Solitary Islands Park.  STUNNING does not cut it. The lovely receptionist checked us in and I headed through the palm fringed path to find our spot.  A riverside spot to die for, no moving for the sunset for me.  It truly was magical and the pics (when I can upload them, sorry Heggies I will be using your wifi in Adelaide!) will show you how good.  Secluded, quite, beautiful and serine, perfect.  So I cracked open a beer and sat by the waters edge as the sun went down.

I survived the mozzies by dousing myself in tropical strength jungle formula One beer led to two, then three, then I nommed the big bowl of prawns I'd bought in Coffs, then another beer then I realised it was dark, very dark and I had no torch.  Thank the Lord for my phone!    Soon it was time for bed and I was quickly in the land of nod very happy and content, not before thinking how untidy Winston was looking and where did I put that washing up from yesterday. Until I woke with a wet arse only to find it was raining again and the window was open.  So I switched ends, not before a quick bush wee (the loos were too far away in the dark) and woke this morning refershed and very very content and with several mozzie bites on my behind....that'll teach me to take a cheeky squat!

And here I sit, chores done, Winston tidy, washing up found, sun glaring the rain away, washing drying and silence all around (apart from the odd comedy nose blow from next door...) I called my mum to wish her Happy Mothers Day and spoke to my man which made all of us very happy and now to go find the little town of Wooi (you know it now) and check out another beach.  I do it all for your enjoyment you know....

So until later as always, TTFN xxxxx