Where are we going? A map can be very helpful...especially in the outback. Lightning Ridge is west of Moree, about a half a days drive. We really broke the drive up into two parts, because Allan learned from his father that one of his cousins, whom he had not met, managed the hotel at Collarenebri. She could tell us about Lightning Ridge.

The red marking on the map is the road we took to Collarenebri. The blue marking is the dirt road we took to Lightning Ridge.

The road west of Moree is two lane bitumen (blacktop). It had been dry for quite some time and the paddocks(pastures) had been overgrazed so the sheep were allowed to wander the roads looking for forage. The owners and their dogs would keep them rounded up. Those that get on the road at night wind up as roadkill along with scores of kangaroos.

The front of this ute(pickup), has a set of bullbars, necessary in the outback if you drive at night especially. The sheep, kangaroos or emus can be over the top of the next rise and at night at 110 kilometers...you can't stop in time. The bullbars protect the front of the vehicle. Roadkill is all over the sides of the roads...so bullbars get used.

At a town along the way, Liz and I decided to go into a bakery. Every town has one. I must say, I became addicted to Vanilla Slice on the trip. Vanilla Slice is a pastry that has a crust on the bottom sometimes with jam spread on it. On top of that is vanilla custard. On top of that is the most heavenly sugar icing...mmm. I found the best in Australia....but you will have to read this site completely....to find out where.

Outback Experience 3

"I Put A Seashell to My Ear...And it all comes back..HomeBoy in Paradise"

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