Extraordinary. No problems or concerns with space invaders, others’ noise, my noise (I didn’t use earphones), louts hanging out, idling cars, idling cars playing music, ugly or nondescript surroundings, homesteads onlooking, and as it happened, no problems with late arrivals or late perusals.
Just me on a hilltop and a beautiful expanse of landscape and a van a bit further up who caused zero worries.
Remarkable because expectedly at this time of year it could be overrun. It’s a fantastic spot, just a long way from food, unless there’s a shop in Cobargo.
It was a cold night and colder morning, requiring jumper and trackie pants upon awakening (4AM per usual). Sunrise was actually unspectacular.
The wind appeared early and ready to unsettle. Cold air. The highway is extremely quiet, also unexpectedly.
Very peaceful indeed, other than the odd cow sound and earlier pre-dawn a pack of nonstop barking dogs quite far off.
I like it here a lot, great mindbreak from pests and arseholes and worries of elsewhere. It might take a bit to get used to.
What an incredible view through yhe windows, a counterpart to river views at Moruya for breakfast.
Time of writing: 6.50 AM.
UPDATE 8.50 AM
Been inside enjoying the peace and step outside of the van and instantly attacked around the eyes and face by flies.
Me. No idea what I’m doing, and riddled with fears and anxiety.
This is a horrible time of year for me, always. So I’m not going to decide on any personal deterioration until it’s over, although I know I am. February would be the best time to do that.
I could go to Bega for a look around and probably will. Then perhaps to Bemboka. After that, who knows.
Bluetti has written more stupidity to me, clueless beyond measure, so I’ve realised they’re only going to remain a pain and stress until I send the unit, a process which has been interrupted by their stupidity and the xmas break. I wanted to go up to the tablelands and travel until my eye appointment but can’t do that with this wholly fucked up customer disservice ruining my and Ds life. Makes me so angry.
Windy today, too. It was lije a cold autumn morning earlier and I loved it.
So at 9.20AM still in the van, unorganised and uninspired and rudderless.
…..As I wrote the above I saw something I’ve never seen before, and wondered about perhaps thrice. A guy changes the fire risk signs.
The updated risk is Plan and Prepare.
Wish I could!
UPDATE 9 50 AM
Just stepped outside, on the way to the bin, and all the way, attacked by flies. I must remember this about Quaama rest area in warmer months.
Just along the road, 2ks. The Northbound site is higher, actually further from the highway, isn’t looked upon by the Quaama locals, and has this view out of the van door.
Was hoping for fewer flies but there are thousands.
Went to Bega after leaving the Southbound site and enjoyed a walk around. Shops closed but bought some sandals from BigW. Much needed cooler and can drive in them.
Then out to Bemboka where there’s a campground but charging $15 per night powered or unpowered. No way – that attracts arseholes who piss it up and play music and TVs.
Incredible country. It was only a recce then, I decided, and booked it in for a good look around sometime, then back to this Quaama spot.
The flies left last evening after 7.30PM so hopefully these do too. I do like this spot, and won’t get anyone beside me. Maybe, because there’s a hundred yards of equal free space, I’ll get the typical one up the van’s arse.
Had a look at the old Quaama spot and where I park was a huge caravan with slide out sides, settled in. Fuck that.
This is a great spot.
The photos are of Bega and on to Bemboka but the best views I couldn’t capture.
UPDATE 4.40 PM
The extreme wind and insane flies definitely increase stress and anxiety. It’s something of a nightmare. Much windier up on the hill here.
UPDATE 8.35 PM
No flies for an hour and a half, no wind, very charming and peaceful.
Lying in bed basking in a near 360 panorama of Australian landscape. The side windows north show breathtaking forms.
All the pain is worth it, for this. Sun has gone down mow, gold sky westward dimming, and the visual elements recede. Some photos to now. Back to watching. What a blessing. I can hardly believe it.
Shower by the river to myself thence top up tank water and out of Moruya. Stopped by Bodalla SF rest area with a great spot vacant. I park and get out and the drunk hardcore bloke’s dog attacks me with kindness. I hear his radio going. No fucking way. No no no. Nightmare neighbour.
I stop at R’s spot on the way out, to say hello because he’d appreciate it. He has land up in the forest and invited me there. Sounds great as a Bodalla SF alternative.
Narooma lunch. Been quiet so far but getting boisterous now. Windy, too.
Have to get away from crowds and actually anyone.
UPDATE 1.55PM
Arrived Quaama. Hot very windy, plague of flies.
But (so far) alone!
UPDATE 2.25PM
I’ve lost my fly headnet. Disaster. Doubt I’ll be able to paint here tomorrow, or even stay. Fly nightmare.
UPDATE 3.20PM
Found it. Heaven on a stick. Still get flies everywhere else but the break from the face is priceless.
UPDATE 4.10PM
This is what I don’t understand. There’s 15-20m between me and the next vehicle. We’re at either ends of the carpark. This bloke screams in and reverses right next to me, doof doof music blaring.
What world are they living in? What world am I – not this one, I seemingly don’t exist.
I don’t understand.
UPDATE 5.30PM
Dinner today. Same as every other day.
But at Quaama in the battering wind and relentless flies.
