Nearby the farm was Dangar Canyon and Falls, part of the Oxley Wild Rivers National Park. Here you realise how high up the New England plateau truly is. From here, water makes its way down to the Pacific Ocean, winding its way down to Kempsey and South West Rocks.
But it had been so dry in recent months that the water fall and the creek that fed it was completely dry!
Next, we’ll make our way up the New England highway.
We walked past a tangled-up tree.
To the next door neighbour’s drive way. There was a corrugated iron shed, and a field with a wonderfully green crop.
The two dogs accompanied us all the way there and back. They reminded me of Red Dog in that they loved to walk, even if it was only down the road and back. They were also very friendly, even to our sometimes anxious beagle.
It was a lovely way to end our camping trip. Early the next morning we packed up in the rising heat and humidity, and headed back home. I must say that this was the loveliest, most chilled out camping trip I’ve ever had. Even in the company of a beagle.
We are having one last walk down the road.
This time it was hot with lots of flies.
The cows and horses were in a different paddock, but we did meet some new friends – two friendly farm dogs.
The pine tree trunks river side were contorted into some interesting shapes.
But I must have one more view of the tranquil river.
I had one last morning wander by the river.
All was beautifully still.
The next day, we were woke up to a symphony of moos.
The cows had moved up to the area besides our camp site, and were having breakfast, playing in the river, and mooing.
Not a bad way to wake up, actually.
Soon it was time to turn back.
A second helping of that awesome scenery.
With the added bonus of fading afternoon light.
And one last glare at the horsey (it’s a large dog, isn’t it?).
Further down the road was a herd of cows going about their business. Bridie Beagle didn’t know what to make of these creatures either. Even larger dogs?
There were plenty of calves around. This one was suckling.
I simply loved awesome scenery of the foothills. The cattle just made it more quaint.
The horses were as curious about us as we were about them.
The white horse had a lovely, tangled mane.
The brown horse let me go right up to it so that I could pat it on the nose.
Little things, I suppose, if you live out in the country, but big things to city folk like us.
In the afternoon the sun came out, and the hills were alive with colour.
It was also time for another walk. We passed the stables.
And there were two beautiful horses to greet us.
Bridie Beagle didn’t know what to make of the horses. Large dogs, perhaps?
Static and Silence 