From Abercrombie Caves to Lightning Ridge

Gav and I ready to go!

After leaving Lake Conjola early Thursday morning fully packed and ready to go we made our way via Turpentine Rd to Goulbourn. Here we stopped for a photo of the iconic ram... our first of the big things to take photos of. On we drove and took a turn off to Abercrombie Caves between Goulbourn and Orange. This was a beautiful place, with awesome massive caves and beautiful water course. We walked through the caves and also saw a lyre bird, apparently very rare to see.  Then after driving to the camping area we decided to stay. Set up for our first night, taking a bit longer as we are getting used to the camping gear and tent. Learnt a few things along the way about what works and what doesn't... a trip to Bunnings was in need to fix a few things. Went down and tried our luck gold panning in the river, but all we managed to find was some quartz. Came back, had our first dinner and settled in for the night. Saw my first wombat in the wild! This was the coldest night either of us have ever camped - it was in the minus temps and definitely not the best first experience of our camper trailer. Nonetheless, the camp site was great and a hot shower in the morning was a bonus for a free camp site. 

Gav taking in the sun!

Me meditating at Abercrombie Caves

Our set up at Abercrombie Caves

One of our opal finds!

On the tour at Lightning Ridge

Then we headed for Lightning Ridge - which was quite a trek. Stopped in Dubbo and went to Bunnings to fix a few teething problems, and had some lunch. Saw some emus along the way and a lot of different types of birds. Stopped at Gulargambone, which reminded me of my childhood and had a snack - near the Warumbungles. We got to the Ridge around 5:30pm and stayed in the Lightning Ridge Tourist Park... pretty good for $15 a night unpowered site. We just had enough day light to set up camp and then make dinner. We have these cool LED lights that Gav bought that run off really little power, so it really is a home away from home. Bit of rain over night but woke up to a fairly fine day. Today we have spent the day doing touristy things - went on a mine shaft tour and then went fossicking for some opals - found a few bits which was fun. Went to the Artesian Bore Baths and the temperature was 42 degrees in the water - was really relaxing and fun! Then went for a Saturday afternoon beverage at the local Bowling Club. After some Tacos and writing this, I think it's nearly bed time... ready for a big day tomorrow. Have plans to head to Roma then Canarvon Gorge, maybe Emerald then up to Mackay. Will keep this updated. Hope everyone is well!! N & G