Posted on April 23, 2023 by Ken Banks

Tourist Destinations for the Retirees

Heather and Paul provide more tourist destination ideas.

Heather continues with her updates on the wonderful retirement holiday tourist destinations throughout Australia. “Following on from their time in Arkaroola they headed south to Ikara Flinders range for 4 days, such a stunning area, Wilpena pound & Brachina gorge, Arkaroo rock. We’ve done a few walks, hiked St Mary’s peak loop 21klm and 1100mtrs, a big day but incredible. Had a big rainfall one night at Brachina gorge and tried to help out a bogged caravan heading out of a gorge , the national parks had to come and we also saw another van jack knifed in a creek bed. We’ve had a couple of flat tyres.

The last four days have been spent at Silverton, Broken Hill & Menindee. Really enjoyed this area, so sparse. Did a few tourist destinations, the Palace hotel where Pricilla was filmed and the mad max museum. Amazing sunset at Menindee bush camp and living desert park. River Cruise in the Menindee lake and some historic stops. Also the Pro Hart museum.

We have started our drive home and are looking forward to seeing the clan, Briddy baby is due in 7 weeks ”

Click on pics to enlarge.

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Posted on April 21, 2023 by Ken Banks

Retirement Holiday Destinations

Retirement Holidays for local Ulladulla couple, Heather and Paul.

Heather provides this update on the wonderful retirement holiday, touring throughout Australia. “For this trip we are doing a five week loop version. Down to Cape Conran and the Marlo free camp where the snowy river meets the sea, then a little surf for Paul at Salmon rocks, then four amazing days at Wilson’s Prom. Climbed Mt Oberon for our 38th wedding anniversary and a couple of other hikes. Cruise to skull rock was spectacular and a quick stop at Peninsular hot springs. Ferry across to Queenscliff and then headed to Apollo Bay / Cape Otway.

Few days along the Great Ocean Rd, Johanna camp ground, Otway National Park so beautiful and the coast. Then ‘The Grampians’, can you find me in the forest pic hiding behind a tall tree?

We spent a few nights at ‘The Grampians’ and did a couple of wonderful 14klm hikes up and down. Spectacular area very lucky with the weather clearing at each view. Complimentary infrared sauna & cold plunge at our camp.

Spent time at Port MacDonnell, Mt Gambier and Southend SA. We did a cold snorkel in the Ewan’s Ponds absolutely unforgettable crystal clear water with an under water garden and limestone, we did three ponds. Visited the Blue lake. Had a dip in the cool ocean and we could not resist the lobby territory

Spent four days at Arkaroola in the Flinders Ranges, incredible area, wildlife sanctuary with bush camping. We did the 4wd ridge top tour, it was great, and a couple of walks.

Hope all the Mollymook ocean swimmers are doing well and a happy 79th birthday to Isabella” Click on pics to enlarge.

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Posted on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swim Caps

Mollymook Ocean Swimmers, new swim cap

Mollymook Ocean Swim Caps have arrived.

Hans provides the following update: “I have received the Mollymook Ocean Swimmers caps. I think they turned out great. I gave out caps this morning to the ones who have paid. I will be at the surf club every morning till Saturday (this week) as I then will be leaving in the afternoon for a few days in Sydney. I will keep the ones who have NOT been paid for a few weeks as I have a small waiting list for caps from those who didn’t order.” Regards, Hans

P.S. John Louth mentioned that during the original design of the caps, the inspired words ‘between heaven and earth’ were Issi’s contribution and passes on his thanks to Han’s, as do we all, for getting them made.

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Posted on April 10, 2023April 12, 2023 by Ken Banks

Bird Life, the Pilliga State Forrest.

Street art in Baradine, gateway to the Pilliga State Forrest.

Some amazing ‘Bird Life’ in the Pilliga State Forrest.

Between the foothills of the Warrumbungle Mountains and the Western Plains are the vast forests of the Pilliga. The ‘Discovery Centre’ in Baradine provides some excellent brochures and bird trails whilst most of the bird routes are clearly sign posted. I chose the ‘Bugaldie Bird Route’ as my first outing arriving about 8.00 am. Most of the following pics were taken in this area.

(Click on pics to enlarge)

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Posted on April 10, 2023April 12, 2023 by Ken Banks

Capertee Valley Birdlife

Sulphur Crested Cockatoos perched in the Wollemi National Park @ Coorongooba Camp Ground. (Bird Trail; 8)

‘Bucket List’ visit, the Amazing bird life in the Capertee Valley.

This scenic Capertee Valley encompasses the Capertee River and hamlets of Glen Davis and Glen Alice. It is surrounded by the Wollemi, Capertee and Garden of Stones National Parks and has some magnificent bush walks.

I enjoyed a wonderful Birdlife experience. My first stop en-route was the Lithgow Visitors centre. They have an amazing amount of information, including maps with 19 various ‘Capertee Valley bird trails’ clearly set out, with references to the species you are likely to see.

I stayed at Dalli’s Camp ground, which is located on the Glen Davis road. However there are numerous basic camp grounds to choose from and a few ‘Airbnb’ listed cottages.

It was mid-Autumn and it rained for the first two days that I was present, however despite the ‘time of year’ plus the rain (showers and some heavy storms) I saw some amazing birdlife by following the various Bird Trails listed in the visitors centre brochure.

(Click on the bird pics below to enlarge)

Brown Falcon on the Glen Davis Road. (Bird Trail; 7)

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Posted on April 2, 2023April 2, 2023 by Ken Banks

Mollymook Ocean Swim 2023

The local Mollymook Ocean Swimmers line up for a photo shoot prior to starting the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic

Kath Rogers provides this report and pics on the 2023 Mollymook Ocean Swim Classic.

“Conditions were not the best very choppy, strong currents and some nasty sets slamming onto the banks at the southern end for the finish.

So a great effort by everyone especially the support team out there in boats, ski’s especially Bob and Mike in the water with the swimmers with safety floats.

It was a fun morning” Kath.

The results are available on this link: 2023 Mollymook Surf Club Charity Ocean Swim.

Feedback: From Peter Hendriks: “Thanks, Kath for the report. What a beautiful sunny day for the swim. I was registered for the 2.4km “Coogee Island Challenge” Swim, which was to be held today (the day after the Mollymook swim). Sadly, due to rough seas the Coogee swim was cancelled. See you over the Easter Weekend”. Peter.

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