Jo's Journey: Gold Coast to Little Hartley

Hi There

Here I am in Little Hartley, where you may ask. It's between Katoomba and Lithgow and I'm staying with friends of friends, but have met them before.

I left Gold Coast on Saturday. Doug did some structural work on my scooter, and put in the new shower head. I went out with the girls from work and it was sooo good seeing them all. Unfortunately I didn't have a lot of spare time so couldn't see everyone. I enjoyed my stay but was keen to get going again.

I did plan to go to Yamba as I've heard that it is a lovely spot. According to my Caravan Park book which is a few years old, there were no dog friendly caravan parks so drove to Maclean which is on the Clarence River and west of Yamba. The caravan park was only small but very nice. Took the dogs for walks along the river and saw dolphins and Water Dragons (lizards). Unfortunately the dolphins didn't surface long enough for me to take a photo. I stayed there 2 days and really enjoyed it. The lamposts are painted with different tartans and look quite spectacular.

Next was a free park just north of Kempsey. When I arrived ( it was at a BP Roadhouse) there was no one else, but by 4pm there were a large number of trucks and my little van looked like a matchbox toy surrounded by tonka trucks. I did feel safe.

I have always wanted to go to Port Stephens, why? not sure. I stayed at Caravan Park at Anna Bay but it wasn't near the water. I did drive into Nelson Bay but it isn't Mobile home friendly and found it very difficault to get a park. Anyway I took a couple of photos and walked along the beach.

I then drove to Noraville and stayed the night with the family I met in Port Lincoln. It was great to catch up. There house is on top of a 'cliff ' overlooking the ocean and you just had to walk a short didtance to the beach. The dogs loved it and from the house you could see whales a fair way out, all very pleasant!!

Next was a visit to my niece's at Ettalong Beach. Stayed a couple of nights, met my great niece who was born on my birthday. I always love going there.

I had been in touch with Linda and arranged to meet her at Wisemans Ferry which is in the Blue Mountains, well close to anyway. We then crossed the Hawkesbury River on the ferry and went to the Caravan Park which is also on the river. It was a really lovely spot and Linda and I parked on either side of a covered area which also had a bar b q. The weather was superb and I did a bit fishing as well but only caught a tree. I had to get a fishing licence which was $12 for 1 month. Linda also got one so hopefully we'll get more fishing opportunities. We really enjoyed this caravan park, so friendly and with the river so close it was quite relaxing.

Monday we arrived here at John and Rose's. They own 18 acres, have 2 dogs, 3 chooks, 2 geese, 2 ducks, and 1 cat who has gone to the 'Catery' as John and Rose go away tomorrow. We are allowed to stay for as long as we like. We plan to go to the Jenolan Caves and 3 Sisters and using here as a base, we are so lucky to be able to continue to stay here. Not sure when we will leave.

That's about it for now. Hopefully it won't be too long before I write my next blog.