Noises in the night

With not much sleep the night before we were sure we’d crash out last night and catch up on sleep.  From about 21:30 – 23:00 motorbikes and quad bikes could be hard racing through the hills. They sounded close as they scrambled around. Every now and then there was a trailer banging on the bumpy roads out a lorry clattering the dusty tracks. The forest doesn’t sleep at night, we’re not sure the crickets even know the meaning of sleep as their thunderous rattling excited through the air.  Croaking frogs and the night owls ah to the harmonious choir that is continuously interrupted by the monstrous roer of modern machinery.

We were also suffering from the effects of travelling on a shoestring.  The group,  despite all the rain is solid,  full of natural bumps and dips the mays and quilts can’t hide. It feels like ‘the princess and the 1000 peas’. Drastic action is needed for tonight as our dodgy knees and “broken’ hips and back need some proper rest and relaxation. We are both fully aware how dangerous it will be, driving and hiking if fully fatigued.

The source of the noise

A we packed up the camp we ponder at how in such a remote location there could be so much human activity.  We soon found the answer as we headed out9 of the camp and were due to take an alternative route to the next site via a town for more supplies

We headed off to find a cheap blow-up mattress in Penrith. Researching on the way k-mart had one within budget. Agree a quick break and a  free boiling water refill from the man at the cafe if was off on our adventure.

Just outside Penrith was a inland beach, we stopped to have a look. There was a lifesaving event going on. Here the signs warned about snakes not sharks in the water. As tempting as it was too have a swim we needed to crack on.

Free ferries

On to out new campsite via 2 free ferry crossings and a stunning lookout point over the river.  The ferries operate 24/7 and it’s incredible to think that they are free to use. A great way for the magnificent ‘American style’ lorries to cross the river with their full loads. 

We made it to our campsite and had reserved pitch 8. That was on a slope so we set up on 7 as the campsite looked empty.  Their was still. A green moderate fire risk sign,  though the arrow had gone up from yesterday.  The no fires sign want up so this could be out last day to take advantage of the fire pits. We set up camp and collected wood and bark from the surrounding areas.  Once we had eaten we had a quick drive back to the Wiseman ferry to see if we could pick up some Internet to book or next 3 days campsites.  No luck so we headed back and got a roaring fire on the go. 

Feeing brave

We sat around the fire, chasing and playing games until will after dark,  not something we’d done before due to the night creatures. Somehow the fire and the stars giving an added reassurance. Though we were still vigilant as in these woods lurk many nocturnal hunters and we don’t fancy being their prey.