. . . . . not newly constructed roads, but roads I haven't previously driven - or roads I've driven but not taken notice of my surroundings. I've lived in the Hunter Valley nearly all my life, but I have discovered there are many back roads, no-through roads, and tracks, I didn't know existed; so we're gradually checking them out.
Just after sun-up this morning, I packed the milk and water, cornflakes and fruit, and we were off for a couple of hours - destination unknown.
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We headed out of Singleton on the Jerrys Plains Road, turning off onto Wallaby Scrub Road (an irresistible name, for me - and I did see a couple of wallabies). Although this road was only a few kilometres long, and flanked by a mining lease, I was pleasantly surprised and delighted by the variation in roadside vegetation, and birdsong. I'll be keen to revisit Wallaby Scrub Road in spring in the hope of seeing the shrubbery in flower, and try to make some identifications. There was, however, a few species of mistletoe flowering.
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It was only a short drive into Bulga. I'd like to drop into the Cockfighter Creek Tavern at Bulga for lunch sometime (presuming that meals are served).
Next, up Inlet Road just past the pub. Now, if a person had to live in the Valley, this no-through road servicing small acreages of scrubby bush backed by treed sandstone hills, is very enticing. I was impressed by the natural vegetation, the outlook, and rambling old gardens - a thoroughly enjoyable detour. We pulled into the Bulga Community Park to have our breakfast. The cool southerly breeze was very welcome following a week of scorching days.
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Noses Peak Road was just an access road for more small acreages, but I was delighted by the birdlife. Numerous abandoned untidy, stick nests might have once belonged to the many Babblers in the area, and we will return to check out this possibility next breeding season for observation and photographic opportunities.
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Through Milbrodale and down the Putty Road a short distance. Steep rocky hills of Yengo National Park on the left, unfortunately had no access, but we stopped at a roadside rest area to see what we could find.
I walked up a dry sandy creek bed for a short distance and was impressed by the long, high rock face which had been worn smooth over time by rushing water. I think it was Terrys Creek (if not, then probably Darkey Creek), and what a fabulous natural rock feature; a shame, though, about all the dumped household rubbish and toilet refuse - disgusting. I'd love to see the creek running.
We turned towards home and drove the 40km back to Singleton to spend the rest of the morning with daughter and grandchildren. There are plenty more back-roads to discover and explore on the weekends, but this morning's drive was particularly interesting as I was so pleased to see several shrubs that I don't believe I have previously noticed in the Hunter Valley. The birdsong is always a highlight of my time spent in the bush. The rock wall I found in Yengo was quite spectacular.
A tall rock wall along the dry sandy bed
of Terrys Creek, Yengo NP - impressive !!
2 comments:
Hi Gaye
Loved the curved undercut rock.
Shame about the rubbish. Worse than Shame.
Denis
hi Denis,
the rock wall certainly was a beaut find. There is one rather similar in the Watagans National Park. I find these sorts of natural features just stunning.
Cheers
Gaye
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