Day 68 - Narrandera to Echuca

It just seems to happen automatically now. On departure days the body clock’s alarm goes off early. Unfortunately nothing has changed in the health department, I’m still suffering the effects of the airborne allergens. Gail as well but to a lesser degree and Peter seems to have developed a chesty cough.

Whilst still a lovely morning, it was slightly overcast with Mother Nature presenting us with an awesome rainbow. She also decided we hadn’t been bothered enough by the swarms of disgusting flies so decided to wake them early as well.

We packed up and hitched up all while swatting and dodging the plague of flies and headed into town for coffee and pastries.

Our first stop today was Jerilderie, a town with 2 polar opposite claims to fame. The first being the only town in New South Wales with the pleasure of being frequented (and robbed) by Australia’s notorious bush ranger, Ned Kelly.

And second, the birthplace of one of Australia’s great academics, Sir John Monash.

Evidenced by us, but not noted anywhere formally (that we could see) was also the abundance of those black flying vermin of the skies. The air was thick as they encroached your personal space looking for a quick feed of whatever your body was able to give up.

It was also noted the habits of the flies in this town were in complete contrast to any I’ve witnessed anywhere in the world. The streets were full of the filthy annoying pests but the public toilet was not. Go figure!

The next town on the journey was Deniliquin, or Delinquent as some us pronounced it.

There seemed considerable activity here particularly in the occurrence of mobile accommodation options. After a quick google search it was identified this weekend sees Deniliquin hosting a “Ute Muster”. An annual event for worshipping the good old Aussie Ute.

It’s a shame we didn’t know earlier as the entertainment lineup was pretty darn good.

I managed to satisfy my weeks old urge for Chinese food as it was the first place we stumbled across after parking the cars, looking for lunch options.

We’re not sure if they followed us or not but trying to eat Chinese in the local park was almost ruined by another plague of disgusting flies.

We eventually arrived in Echuca and found the caravan park. We’re all looking forward to a bit of luxury after spending the last few days off grid. The first action item was washing. The cleaning of the outer garments, followed by the cleansing of ourselves. The four “sh’s” are always welcomed.

More talks with our loved ones back home. Of note, It was Julie’s grandson, Wills 12th birthday . And Gail and Bri discussing the pending birth of baby Nelson.

We’d defrosted tonight’s cuisine but none of us could be bothered cooking. Whilst we made it to 8.30, we all hit the sack without the need for our nightly feast.

PS. The four “sh’s” are Shit, shower, shave and shampoo.Read more