Have been very wary of heading east as its been raining all along the coast for awhile and I’ve been avoiding wet weather like the plague. (this blog could be a joke) I have to get over to Byron Bay to hang out with Imo, Tilly, Adogg and Maddie so I have to get my big girl pants on and make a move. Washpool was on my hit list and about half way from Pilliga so figured I’d go there for Easter. I was also a bit anxious because the “talk” was... it’s Easter… It’s the school holidays… you wont get a spot there! Blah blah blah

Kaputar National Park with cotton plantations

The drive over to Glen Innes was pretty spectacular taking in the Kaputar National park and walking into Sawn Rock, fabulous rock formations like organ pipes. Travelled up through Inverell and was tempted to stay there. What a gorgeous little town with old milk bars and picture theatres. Stopped at Glen Innes for a night, which was bloody freezing cold, stocked up and visited the rangers office to get the lowdown. Again was told I'd be lucky to get a spot with it being the holidays. I channeled Doris Day, sang que sera sera and hit the Gwyder highway for Washpool. Visited the Standing Stones, a sort of tribute to the Celtic population around the area, a couple of lookouts and eventually the rainforests of Gibraltar and Washpool National Parks. STUNNING! There was a bit of traffic around and already I could see camping areas filled so my heart was racing.

God fingers ~ when I found the high ground

Arrived at Bellbird campground and only one out of the fifteen spots was taken. What luck! Birdsong is the background track and lyrebirds everywhere. I chose one that was handy to the camp kitchen, wood heap and toilet and set up post haste. Feeling accomplished sat down for a fag and a glass of wine when out of nowhere a torrential downpour. My so well thought out campsite was a lake and water was lapping at the floor seam of my tent! Fuck! I had to move. Skulled the wine, then peg by bloody peg I resurfaced in a ‘by FAR’ better site on higher ground. Pretty glad I accomplished that feat and then experience allowed me to light a fire with wet wood… Wooden ya know it!! And whilst I developed some excellent techniques over those 5 days of getting fires going I know that I will be buying fire starters for my essential camp kit from now on!!! Everything got damp!!! But boy could I write a whole blog on fire lighting… seriously everything was damp!!

The place did fill up over the next day and I was glad no one was around watching my antics. It is a rain forest, so rain is on the table and it’s so green and beautiful. I did end up in the best spot, went on a couple of walks and found so much colourful and weird looking fungi, spotted more lyrebirds and avoided leeches by spraying aeroguard on my shoes.

Now to dry out!!!