Tamworth, Cobar, the road to Tilpa

Tamworth Firearms

We arrived into Tamworth from the east. The ranges develop into a deep valley that is the headwaters of the Wren River. The Wren runs through Tamworth & is known to supply the famed Murray Cod that can grow to 100kgs. Other species are silver perch, goldenPerch (referred to as ‘yellow belly’ by the locals & bass.

Whilst here there was a really belter of a downpour so after a snack at a nearby cafe we took refuge at the local gunstore. The staff here were great and the boys had a great time playing with ammo belts & other goodies.

Cobar

A mining town & nothing more. The townsfolk were again friendly. We took on fresh provisions, stayed a night a headed further west

Gloucester - Mendorah

Gloucester  River

Dano enjoying a sip of mountain fresh. We walked the banks of this river skimming stones & climbing fallen trees that had provided bridges to the far bank.

We left mid morning for Tamworth. The drive continued along The Buckets Way crossing the Great Dividing Range. The road becomes Thunderbolts way & there are many steep ridge climbs & narrow valleys with fast flowing creeks. The scenery is spectacular & I would thoroughly recommend a trip. It would make for a great long weekender, especially when a little warmer when it would be comfortable to camp on the riverbanks. This is pure nature; it is now feeling good to be on the road.

Mendorah

Our first ‘free camp’; located on the banks of the Castlereagh River is a very isolated camp site. I spoke with some local horse wranglers;  really welcoming blokes. Out here, there is time to stop & have a yarn.

The overnight temp was minus 2 degrees, thank good that Kaz packed flanny sheets.

Dano & I tried our luck with some fishing, but no luck. A local advised that the water was too muddy due to the recent heavy rains.

We packed up and headed for Cobar

Mendorah Gallahs

These birds of the bush were in large numbers due to the recent widespread rainfalls out west. The Gallah is an indicator that there is water nearby. These guys put on a raucous show each sunrise & sunset.

Gloucester and Trudgalong Farm

Gloucester

After a week at Wyee we depart for Gloucester. Gloucester is located a little inland on the NSW mid coast. Our trip takes us further north along the Pacific Highway deviating west along the Dungog Rd which begins 10kms south of Bulahdelah. We connect with the Buckets Way which leads us to Gloucester.

This to me is the first ‘real’ country area close to Sydney. The area has rich fertile soils and produces some of the finest beef cattle. The local shopping centre has that wholesome country feel and friendly shopkeepers are happy to meet your inquiry.

We checked into the Riversisde Park for our first night totally on our own; not knowing what lay ahead, when next we would see family or friend, but full of a feeling of; “what the heck, let’s go for it”

Trudgalong Farm

A little south of our base is Trudgalong Farm. Here we greeted by the owners son and manager Matthew. They have a ‘Silver Perch’ farm upon which you can come along and try your hand at catching some of these fresh water beauties. They farm up to 4000 fish at any one time and supply to the local market as well as the Sydney market. The fish are marketed as ‘ Barrington Perch’. We were told to fish on sunset and Kaz and the boys were all rewarded with a catch.

The Departure

After months of planning and preparation we finally leave Sylvania, a leafy suburb in Sydney’s south. Our first port of call is to Wyee via the Pacific Highway. Wyee is the home of my brother Darren and his family.

Wyee is a quiet rural township located on the fringe of the bustling Central Coast of NSW. Darren, his wife Jodie, their children Jake, Manie, Abbie and my mum live on a small acreage and enjoy the spoils of a small friendly neighbourhood and quiet surrounds.

The boys are constantly asking; “when are we going to the farm again?”.  They adore their cousins and love rumbles with uncle Darren. Most of all they love tucking into Grandmas cooking.

Manie is Darren and Jodie’s  eldest daughter, she loves her horse Bundy and is quite an accomplished rider. She trains in the dressage arena frequently and it is really great to see how she cares for her friend. Even on the coldest mornings, she will wander to the stable and  feed, clean etc.

Recently I have spent some time on the property doing small projects and have got to know Bundy. This horse really is “personality plus”. At given times he will

actually smile. His not so popular trait is eating cardboard. Anything left around is demolished.

All in all he is beautiful and the boys are quite comfortable around him.

 Matt and Manie are great friends and always have a good laugh.

Thank you and Welcome

Welcome to our first download; we hope that all will enjoy the journey with us. To our many friends, a special thanks for the support that you constantly provide to our family.

Thank you to Shannon , the committee and all the helpers for the fantastic work that is being undertaken for the fundraiser.

Thanks to Helen and Simo for sharing your home with us over the recent weeks.

To all our sponsors, your help has made this trip a reality that our family can enjoy. Without your help it would be a considerable struggle.

Thank you and I would urge you all to support these fine companies.

Come with us and explore this tremendous country.

The Carty’s

My Beautiful Wife and Caring Mum

Kaz, as we affectionately call her is a very special person. Not only a very beautiful and decent person, she is very special. Our boys are indeed very privileged to have such a mother.

Kaz is the one whom they can always count on. I thank you for being such a great wife and fantastic mother to our boys.

I love you and know that we will share many experiences on this trip that lies ahead; some great, some not so great, but in all, it will be a pleasure to be with you Dano and Matt