Tuesday, July 20, 2010

West of the mountains again

Down in Moonan Flat on Wednesday morning, it was warm enough for Jen and I to cook breakfast.

From thewarmth
Later, we stopped to view some of the coal mines at Ulan, between Cassilis and Gulgong.

From thewarmth
We stopped for the day in Orange and met Ange and Ant's girl, Charlotte, and then stayed with the Sullivans before meeting up with Marko, Les and Jan for a spot of golf in Blayney on Thursday. Shown below is the shot that I used to extricate myself from this deep gully.

From thewarmth

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Polblue Swamp, Barrington Tops

Jen and I stopped on Tuesday evening at the Polblue Swamp in the Barrington Tops. There are a collection of clear streams here but it was so cold that I refrained from swimming.

From thewarmth
Though the timber was a bit wet, we managed to get a stable little fire burning. I used a little gas burner to boil the billy. As the sun sunk, the temperature dropped rapidly and I started putting on extra layers of clothing.

From thewarmth
We had been warned by a kind gentleman at the Gloucester visitor's centre that it would be mighty cold up in the mountains. "We're from Canberra; it'll be fine" was our response. Admittedly, I was surprised to find so much ice on the ground in the late afternoon. These icy outcrops were very widespread at the Polblue Swamp.

From thewarmth
Though warned that we ought to expect temperatures down to −9 °C, the temperature dipped below even that. In the middle of the night, the thermometer registered −10 °C. Thankfully, Jen and I were using good down bags in our tent. Though the cold did have some surprising effects: the hood of my bag was freezing to the inside surface of the tent, our gas-powered light and stove were not useful as the vapour pressure inside the gas cylinders (70:30, butane/propane) dropped almost to zero, and the camera took one photo and then conked out due to battery problems. That one photo was of Jenny's glasses that iced over during the night.

From thewarmth
In the morning, we took the stroll around the swamp and were impressed by the ice-scape.

From thewarmth
Here, Jen and I pause to soak up some of the warming sunshine. As our stove was not functional even after our walk, we postponed breakfast and headed west out of the mountains.

From thewarmth

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

The tops

We viewed a stand of rare and enormous Antarctic Beech trees.

From thewarmth

The view into the valley here is spectacular and a rival to those we enjoyed at the Kanangra Boyd Nat. Park in the Blue Mountains.

From thewarmth

Gently leaning on the rail, I take in the view from high in the Barrinton ranges.

From thewarmth

The warmth

The fine weather stayed with us as we stopped in at Tathra for lunch on the Monday.

From thewarmth

I found the water at Crowdy Bay very pleasant and ventured a dip. There are obviously dangerous rips here though, so I didn't venture out beyound my depth.

From thewarmth

Again, we paddled at the beach on Tuesday morning.

From thewarmth

Jenny enjoys the ocean in moderation.

From thewarmth


After morning tea, we headed west through Glouster and up into the Barrington Tops.

Newcastle

Jen and I visited Mel and Ryan in Newcastle late last month. The weather is pleasant and mild east of the Great Dividing Range. We drove to the waterfront to watch the Chinese Dong being loaded.

From thewarmth

The dogs enjoyed a run at a beach dedicated to canine fun.

From thewarmth

Here, the dogs await action from their master.

From thewarmth

Later, Lucky Mel won the fish tray at the Minmi Pub.

From thewarmth

Fine winter days

On fine days, Jen and I often walk the bridge-to-bridge circuit around Lake Burley Griffin.

From thewarmth

Incidentally, Jen's fine and learner-legal motorcycle is for sale. As the days continue to lengthen you're going to want at least one of these babies in your garage!

From thewarmth

Giving back

Jenny and I have been tidying The Fox. Jen is shown here contributing her "Obsession" to the pile of iron to be recycled.

From thewarmth

This comfortable velvet-covered couch found a new home at Hitler's Bunker, Bruce, with Roberto.

From thewarmth

The Fox is so spacious now. And luxurious for some.

From thewarmth

June farewells

Last month, we farewelled Lauren.

From thewarmth


And we farewelled Amy too. Best wishes!

From thewarmth