NUNDLE/WALLABADAH

SHAYDEN OF COURSE LOST HIS BALL INTO
THE DRY RIVER BED - OOPS!

TUES 29 - WED 30.1.2013: The day dawned and with it the return of the sun. Fossicker Peel decided to spend time finding our fortune. Down to the on site Peel River - the last time we saw it there was a babbling brook that allowed you to walk out to the centre and fossick from there. After two days of non-stop rain we faced a raging river! Did take up position on the bank and some five hours later had four gold specks the size of a needle point - thank goodness for Specsavers! Madame Butterfly provided morale support under the shade of the umbrella that had been carried in case of further rain. Before meandering home the aim was to make a few pit stops. Nundle Woollen Mill is one of the last spinning mills still operating in Australia. The Nundle Mill team use traditional spinning machinery dating back to 1914 with several pieces nearly 100 years old, to transform raw wool into famous Nundle knitting yarn in 8 ply, 12 ply & 20 ply. The mill enjoys almost 25,000 visitors each year who see the antique machinery in work.

Next stop was at the Art Gallery and pub that we had passed every day on our way to and from Tamworth. Pulled up at the gallery - closed, onto the pub - closed. We decided that everyone must have packed up and taken off on a holiday after a rather hectic two weeks! Drove into our favourite Wallabadah Freedom Camp and this time had a visit from the local Ranger. Asked our plans and advised that due to the flooding up north we were invited to stay as long as need be until it was safe to travel. So impressed!