Going up to Dorrigo - 29th Dec

Today we took the campervan up the hills to Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. It was a beautiful day and we were treated to some great views of the valley and could even see the sea. We had a latte, flat white and cake before heading out on the Skywalk which jutted 200m out over the canopy.

Andy on the skywalk

I'd seen what I thought was a black caterpillar in the toilets but whilst having our drinks another one was spotted on the floor. It turned out these were leeches which were more abundant after rain. We then noticed signs up warning you about them and I was very glad the “caterpillar” I saw in the toilet hadn't attached itself to me whilst on the loo.

Next we decided to do a circular walk through the rainforest. I was a little hesitant about doing this for fear of snakes but when I saw people in flip flops going off to do the walk I decided to be brave. The walk was really good – there was a bird-watching boardwalk half way round and a viewing point over the valley. There were plenty of people doing the walk and so I tried to remain brave whilst walking and not feel under threat from snakes whilst Andy took photos of some of the birds.

Emma looking brave

After this we took a look at the Dangar Falls on the other side of Dorrigo before heading back down the steep road. We'd had a light on the dashboard of the van to warn us the brake pads needed replacing. Andy had phoned up Kea customer service who'd told up they'd last another 10,000 km however on the way down we could certainly smell burning and were glad to reach the bottom when we did.

Dangar Falls

Before heading back to the campsite we decided to take a look at Mylestom - “a stunningly beautiful spot on the Bellinger River” - according to the Rough Guide. It was a very nice place with the sea on one side and the river on the other. Part of the river had been cornered off as a public swimming baths which looked really appealing were it not for the muddiness of the water. We stopped for a snack of crackers and cheese and then headed back to base.

I drove back to the campsite which involved a few windy but quiet back roads, a bridge and a bit of the highway. I was fine driving although it certainly felt very different to a car and I did notice Andy grab the door handle as I turned right on the roundabout.

Back at the campsite it was a gorgeous evening. Andy went for a run and I decided to do the boardwalk again. The experience was so different to the night before when it had been cloudy and wet. There were mountains which I hadn't been able to see before and the colours of the water were just stunning.

Can you spot Andy?

 

We had burgers and salad for tea followed by the usual Yahtzee and Only Fools and Horses.