Woke up yesterday to a hot shower and a great breakfast with the eggs given to us by the caravan park. Soon we were back on the Newell Highway and heading north again.

We made our way through Jerilderie, Narrandera and past Grong Grong, then a small stopover in West Wyalong for some provisions, where we were nearly rundown by an old lady who couldn't keep to her side of the road.

It was a long day, so we decided to pull over in Forbes for the night. The weather was getting slightly warmer, and we hadn't desperately needed heating the night before, so we thought we would chance some free camping. Forbes has a great free camping area along the river, a short stroll from the middle of town. We walked in and checked it out, then went back again in the evening to get some pizza. The town is beautifully lit up at night, from the lights marking out the path, to the fountain in the river, to the trees covered with fairy lights in town. Magical place.

The next morning dawned grey and rainy, and the wind shook the tree we were parked under and caused a cacophony of dropping twigs on our roof. It was miserable and cold, so we thought it best just to drive on.

Stopped at Parkes for a great breakfast at a cafe - bacon and egg roll and coffee for $8. You can afford that when you free camp. Then on to Dubbo, and a wonder around town again. The whole day was cold and wet and windy, so not a very pleasant experience. As we drove there was water on either side of the road, almost streaming along beside us. Good thing the road was a bit higher and we weren't washed out.

So we pushed on through Gilgandra and on to Coonabarabran through the Warrumbungles. This area is hilly and the roads are steep and windy, not to mention all the roadworks along the way. There had been floods here a few months ago and the roads were riddled with pot holes.

Finally arrived, exhausted from the miserable weather and the rubbish roads. Settled into another free camp at the back of the golf club, and the sun finally came out for a few minutes. We went to the golf club for a drink and met with other travellers, swapping stories. The news on TV was reporting on the sudden 'cold snap' and showing snow on the hills. It seems we had driven with the front all the way, with the south wind behind us. Hope things improve tomorrow.

Georgy's bit

Where is the camera when you need it? The life long question, demonstrated in Forbes. Went to get pizza. Unless you are Japanese or a millenial, why the camera? Trees in midtown Forbes are gorgeously lit with LEDs, as well as the fountain in the river. Sadly missed photo opportunity.

Parkes' Dish, made famous by the movie "The Dish", with camera ready on hand. The snap was perfect, but not the weather - another miss.

Next is the driving, and the Newell was unpleasant all the way. Hope tomorrow I get better pics.