Updated:

Several stages completed today in the heat. Long way to go, but first day results here enable me to work on them later.

Set up next to the grand big fucker Red River Gum (I looked it up), at Morley’s RV stop, looking towards Prince Alfred Bridge (I looked that up too).

2.55 PM

Long day painting in the heat. Left here about 9am and found a clean modern toilet facility and tap water, near the BBQs in Sheridan St at the library end.

Across the road then to Woolies.

Back to Morley’s for a shower. Then painted.

Some arrivals earlier who talk loudly and worry me, but one there on his own now is quiet. Two vehicles. I expect they’re drinking and it could well be a horrible night until they shut down but we’ll see.

Lots of vehicles in and out. It might fill up tonight.

5 PM

Sure enough, the selfish trouble-looking people in two vehicles have started a generator. Going 15 minutes now. Set up smack in the open so everyone has to hear it.

It’s so fucking selfish and inconsiderate. People do this. They sit out the day and then run a constantly disturbing noisy generator at the exact time everyone else is setting in to relax. Absolutely got me fucked how they can do it.

Why don’t they run the arsehole machine before they come anywhere near other people ‘ who are always dead quiet! Do it in the bush or bu the highway.

But no. They’ve got to be in a rest area and do it late in the day so they can watch television at night.

Generators should be banned from areas with people.

So that’s arsehole act number 1. There’ll be more from these pricks. Arseholes!

Do they look like they give a fuck about anyone else?

That generator is surrounded by other people, about 10 vehicles.

6.18 PM

It’s been off for 15 minutes and the peace is wonderful.

Still muggy sweltering hot. Cooked.

8.10 PM

Darkness coming in but no cool. Stifling debilitating hot. Just had a towel shower which was lovely, although the water out of the van tank, usually chilly, was mild. Back to feeling hit again instantly.

Anyway, despite the lethargy and oppression, been a good day to remember Gundagai by in the future. Paintings are special like that.

Cockatoos and maybe flying foxes been going off.

Trying to relax now.

Early light on the old wooden bridge just now.

Legit Stop – Morley’s Reserve

Looked on the map and it’s marked here as “Morley’s Creek RV Rest Stop Reserve”.

So presumably it’s okay to stop over. Wow. This might change a lot. An access base to other explorations.

7.20 AM

Been out since predawn taking a thousand photographs of the okd bridge and big trees. Incredible.

Cockatoos noisy as hell.

Shots from late last evening and sunrise today:

Gundagai sky. One minute ago. Taken from the van",s open window.

Fuck it. Leaving Yass after getting petrol for Tumut.

2 PM

Gundagai

Hume Rest Stop South Of Gundagai

Hot as hell, and noisy all night probably.

Then immediately, this thing, so “maybe not”.

Actually there are two trucks there. No way.

That was about 12ks out of Gundagai so I came back in, tried a couple of other rest stops, but the Hume is relentless.

Found this spot again, which I recced on arrival, and photographed the tree. That’s a red cap for scale. If all goes well and a few of us here (about ten in and around so far) I’ll be sleeping 5m from it. It’s awesome.

4.20 PM Dinner cooking. Old bridge view.

Gundagai shots.

Fantastic to see these town names on signs not a map.

That’s the lookout, from which the location shots were taken.

8.45 PM

Absolute racket has stopped – cockatoos going insane trying to outdo each other on decibels.

But just squawking sporadically now and I can enjoy the quiet fields. It would be horrific next to the Hume, especially with trucks booming in.

Anyway, others are here: caravans and rooftop, motorhome and a few cars on their own which might be homeless folk.

Morning is going to be wonderful.

It’s still hot. Had a handtowel shower and replaced the sensor. Sliding door open. Early 4AM cool will come straight in.

Really pleased to be here, to see it and live it. Gundagai. In a valley on the tablelands. Yes yes.

And really really big trees. Worth it for those alone.

P.S. are there flying foxes as well?