This was a big, big day for little (and big) legs. After doing homework and toasting some hot cross buns in the fire, we headed off to walk up Bald Rock - about a 3km round trip.
The walk up was a a bit of a climb through lots of beautiful bush and past many different sizes of granite boulders. Here's a typical boulder formation we walked through:
Some people required a piggy back and it was a bit slow at times. However, it was worth it when we got to the top - it was just spectacular.
Bald Rock is an enormous granite rock that is relatively smooth and steep. Here's some information:
(Click on the photo and you'll get an enlarged view).
At the summit, we were greeted with a 360 degree view of the surrounding countryside. Getting right to the summit (which not all of us did - it could have ended in disaster), was a little treacherous and not great for people who don't like heights (me), as there are a few steep drops either side to get there. This photo should give you an idea:
On the walk back we decided to take the 'steep' climb which was straight down the face of the rock. It was a bit wet and slippery so we had to take it slow. This was one of those walks that leaves your legs feeling like jelly at the end. When we reached the bottom our legs were all wobbly and hurting. Steve and I were extremely proud of the kids, they complained very little and really embraced the opportunity to see and do something quite unique. Here's a view looking back up the rock we climbed down:
After the walk, we just relaxed at camp for the rest of the afternoon. As always there was time for trains:
Maggie decorated the caravan:
And I got to cook in my camp oven for the first time (a sort of salmon pie that ended up a little over done but very tasty):
Day 11 - Bald Rock N.P. to Inverell
Back on the road today, first stop Boonoo Boonoo Falls (pronounced Bunna Bunoo). A lovely spot although the water in the swimming hole was murky from the recent rain, so we didn't take a dip. We did however spot a huge goanna who headed up a tree after checking us out.
The rest of the day was spent mainly in the car with a brief lunch stop in Glen Innes. Our overnight stop was a caravan park at Inverell where we opted for an ensuite site as we desperately needed showers after our bush exploring of the last few days.
Day 12 - Inverell to Moree
After a quick look at Lake Inverell, we headed straight out of town towards Moree. Cranky Rock Reserve was our only stop. It's called cranky because apparently a 'cranky' Chinaman jumped to his death off the high rocks. It's a small gorge with steep granite boulders overlooking a creek.
We got to walk over a suspension bridge - very exciting for Stewie as these are everywhere on Sodor Island (Thomas the Tank Engine's home) - to view the gorge from above.
We could also get to the creek below and have a look up. Here's the view:
Once in Moree we settled into the van park then headed straight to the thermal pools.
There were 5 pools in total - 4 heated (35, 36, 37 and 39 degrees) and a 'cooler' non-heated pool. The minerals in the water are meant to cure all sorts of ailments. I don't know how true this is, but it definitely didn't go astray on our still weary muscles from the Bald Rock walk. The water was also very refreshing, even though it was warm.
More to come in the next couple of days so say hello in the comments section below.
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