FORSTER
Friday 27th March 2009.
Nearly two weeks has past since sharing our adventure with family and friends. I have now discovered, writing in my hand written diary every day is a must, because remembering each place for its uniqueness becomes harder the more we see. Places and experiences tend to combine and blend into one another. A true sign of advancing memory loss.
We left Woody Point on Monday 16th after having a good look around both Iluka and Yamba, the adjacent town on the southern side of the Clarence River. Yamba has magnificent headlands and coastline and we found it well worth driving along the scenic coastal tourist drive as far as Angourie. Maclean was our next port of call, living up to the memories we both had of this very old but charming town. We were both delighted at the representation of different tartans on the power poles throughout the town. I of course strained to see the ‘Ross’ tartan, beautiful red and green, but was also surprised to see not one but two representations, the other a much darker green and blue, nowhere not nealy as attractive as the red version. Our home that night was the caravan park at Corindi Beach (35km north of Coffs Harbour). The land and seascape of this place took our breaths away with its beauty, 180deg view of beach and ocean, situated high on a bluff, we watched the ocean and land change color and mood as the sun set into the land behind us. The Lorikeets competing for their supper, their color and their presence only added to the sense of uniqueness that this place offers. Much to our delight this was the first park that welcomed pets so our boy, Wendell was bought out of his cave and made to wonder in the grass.
Corinda Beach was not easy to leave, so it was not until Wednesday 18th that we drove to Coffs Harbour to meet up with old friends Jillian and Ken over lunch. As all good reunions go, we talked and laughed our way through many hours until we realized reluctantly it was time to move on to find another camp for the night. Heading south the Bellinger River caught our eye and as we tend to do, headed off the highway to Myleston. On our way we spotted a sleepy caravan park on the river surprisingly called Bellinger River Caravan Park, it also said PETS WELCOME so we could not resist. Two chairs, a table, a beer, a wine or two, Wendall on his lead sniffing and us dogging the DUCK POO, what more could you ask for?
Thursday 19th drove to the beautiful town of South West Rocks and Arakoon, where we visited Trial Bay Goal first occupied in 1886 by ‘good conduct prisoners’. It later became an alien internment camp during World War 1 for German migrants. It still has a formidable feeling as most prisons and places of detain-ship do. We decided against staying in the campgrounds adjacent to the prison as it is a state park and clearly they have a problem with our four-pawed friend. On to a more friendly location we found Crescent Head, with its beautiful ocean, river location meet our needs admirably.
Friday 20th we woke to the sound of our alarm (a very unfamiliar sound these days) in order to climb the two bluffs that dominate this small town. We were joined by early morning surfers, many our age, catching a few waves in this much sought after surfing location. The view from the bluffs was not disappointing, breathtaking again, ‘oh the wonderment of nature’. Between the two bluffs is a golf course directly beside Pebble Beach, apply named for its stone collection. Towering over the town are two water tanks that have been adorned with scenes of sea life and relationship to land, all done in magnificent mosaic. This is a town that is well worth the 18km drive off the highway.
Heading down to Port Macquarie on Friday morning meant back tracking somewhat, however we are not in a hurry. Port Macquarie at this point was not a place of great interest as our friends Eric and Ann who live there, were holidaying at North Haven 50km south of Port. We decided to meet them there and arrived early in the afternoon of the 20th and settled into Jacaranda Caravan Park in our favored position (as far away from everyone as possible). Some may call us antisocial, some may call us discerning, however being in the middle of a busy caravan park is not our thing, so we try to find an un-crowded, dare I say isolated position to park ourselves. We stayed at North Haven until Monday 23rd and enjoyed its beautiful beaches and waterways. It also is home to North Brother Mountain; fortunately you can drive to the summit from which you can view the entire region.
While at North Haven, I discovered that an old friend of mine Sonia was still living in the area. To our delight we were able to visit her and her family at their home in Pembroke, which is located slightly north west of Port Macquarie. They live in a beautiful heritage listed homestead built in the late 1800, which sits on a hill over looking rambling paddocks and the Hastings River. Breathtaking views and warm hospitality formed the background for a wonderful visit. Reluctantly we left about 2pm on Tuesday 24th and drove south to Coopernock National Park, where they just happen to be doing back burning on the day. We discovered quite quickly there was no water available despite the Free Camps Guide suggesting there was; also our tanks were virtually on empty. I am not a happy camper without water and those of you who know me must now be saying ‘Oh poor Ken’. Ken’s solution to this problem was to trek with shovel and water vessel into a mosquito ridden almost non-existent creek, to retrieve water for a hostile wife. The putrid water was never used, however I did managed to get through the night by draining the tanks dry and deciding that attitude was everything in a situation such as this, we are on an adventure after all. As much fun as that might have been, we were out of there first thing the next morning to find a suitable park with running water.
Wednesday 25th a short drive south found us in The Great Lakes District. After checking out several caravan parks we finally settled on Lakeside Resort, south of Forster. It’s a very quiet park on the lake with brand new facilities, so it suits us admirably. It’s now Sunday 29th and we are still at this same park, which says we are enjoying it. Saturday 28th (yesterday) we left the van and Wendell and drove to Barrington Tops National Park to the north west of Foster. It was certainly a full day but well worth the effort. The drive takes you through some of the most beautiful hills and valleys that I have ever had the privilege to see. The view from the top of the range is spectacular, and the town of Gloucester and its surrounding countryside is a beautiful alternative to the coastal seascape.
I do believe I have finally caught up to today’s activities. As I am writing this Ken is out sailing his dingy, at last. It’s a beautiful day so he should have a great time. I hope this finds everyone who is reading this both happy and well. I would love to hear from you all when you have the time.
Love Elizabeth.
