The Real Start of Our Holiday - Trundle to Byrock

Sunday, I feel was the real start of our holiday, with Trundle just being a little sojourn along the way.  We started to head north through Tullemore, Albert and across to Trangie.

The start of seeing myall trees beside the road.

Some crops had been planted, but not much rain fell north of Trundle.

Along the way Mick won the "Spotto" game by spotting the first emu.  We had both spotted emu ornaments, but they don't really  count.

At Trangie we stopped for a cuppa and a walk up the main street. 

There were some lovely old buildings and a really old fire engine on display.

There were even a couple of murals to brighten up some plain walls.

We continued on our way through Nevertire, where a humungous solar power farm is currently being built.  Last year, when we travelled to Lightning Ridge, there were lots of cotton crops in the area, but none to be seen this time.

Next was Nyngan, where we stopped for lunch and I got to catch up with "me old bogan mate".  We called into the supermarket to get some supplies and were surprised by the great quality and prices of their fruit and veg.  We stocked up quite well.  We also visited Nyngan a couple of years ago and you can see more here. 

From here it was pretty much new to us, as we haven't been north past this turn off since 2003.

There had been evidence of rain most of the way from Trundle, but around Nyngan seemed to have missed out and there were quite a few whirly winds.

The next village along the way was Girilambone, which is looking a bit down on its heels. 

We noticed the abandoned railway buildings, so decided to stop and have a look, but over shot the turn, so did a blocky through the village.

You have to chuckle at all the washing out the front of the shearers' quarters.

The church has seen better days.

As has the hall.  I don't think there is much need for a zebra crossing sign out here.

Finally, we had a look at the railway station.  

I don't think a train has been here for quite a while.

Back on the road, it always amazes us that you can drive for miles and miles and it seems to look to be going uphill all the time.  The clouds were so pretty.  There has also been quite a bit of rain in this area over the last few weeks.  Not enough to break the drought, but a good start.

Finally, we reached our destination for the night - Byrock, about 80kms south of Bourke.  Not much here other than "The Mulga Creek Hotel" with caravan park out the back.  

We have a nice spot, with power, in among the mulga trees.

After setting up we headed off for a walk to the Rock Holes of Byrock, a significant aboriginal site.  We  didn't even know they existed until we turned up, so they were  a nice surprise.

The story is quite interesting.

We were lucky to see them with some water in them, following the rain.

They have identification plaques under some of the trees, which is very helpful.

Mulga

Wilga

There was even moss and lichen on some of the granite rocks.

We then wandered further, to find a historic cemetery, but we gave up after quite a walk and not knowing how much further it was.

It was still nice to go for a walk in the scrub.

We saw a very quiet roo.

And played with shadows.

Jake the Peg.

Once we got back to town we saw another young roo nibbling some green pick on the side of the road.  It wasn't the least bit worried about us.

By then it was time to adjourn to the pub for a quiet one or two and dinner.

The interior was furnished entirely of mulga, rather appropriate considering the name of the pub.

It was nice sitting beside the fire, as the evenings are quite chilly, despite having nice warm days.

There were some interesting bits and bobs and in the war memorial section there is even the story of a VC recipient who haled from Byrock.

We enjoyed an interesting evening chatting to locals and other travellers before calling it quits for the night.

The night sky out west has been stunning. There has been no moon and very little light pollution or clouds.  At Trundle we saw a couple of satellites and a shooting star.  Yes, we made a wish.

The following morning we were chatting with another camper who had been wandering around the outlying areas of the campground and had found some interesting relics, including part of something  unidentifiable with an Isle of Man insignia on it.  What a small world. 

Byrock was a wonderful place to stay for the night and a nice introduction to our trip.