Friday 7 July 

From Cobar we drove north to Bourke, about 160 ks. We needed to collect two packages from the post office in Bourke, as I had ordered my beloved Merlo Coffee beans to be sent there and Spinifex was sending new drawer closing components for our drawers. 

I have often read comments regarding Bourke, as a town you don't leave things unlocked in. Well, that was certainly the feeling we received as we drove past the grills, bars and high fences in the main streets. It had  the same appearance as some middle of nowhere towns we've been in during past trips.

We parked in front of the IGA supermarket, which is the first one we've come across with a high fence around the whole car park and store and lockable gates. At the lovely old post office we found our parcels waiting. Joy of joys, I would not run out of coffee on this trip! It was perfect timing as I only had enough left for one cup.

Well out of town we set up on the banks of the mighty Darling River, which begins it's life about 25 kilometres east, as the crow flies, from here. It then winds it's way for approximately 1,500 kilometres down to Wentworth on the Vic/NSW border. 

After our obligatory Friday night feed, our neighbours, Neil and Sandie from Violet Town in Victoria, came to share the fire and some conversation. Nice people and good fun.

Saturday 8 July 

A magnificent morning, at 3 degrees outside when we arose. Rick renewed the fire, so we could have lovely Cobar Bakery bread toasted over the coals for breakfast.

We both explored the river on Mabel, and it was so peaceful. The water is less muddy than the waters further west, and the current here is very gentle, so no energy required. Rick continued catching yabbies and we now have enough in the freezer for another feed. Maybe I need to check with Chef Google for another recipe.

Sunday 9 July 

I woke suddenly, no, not to delightful bird song, but  to a sound more musical to my ears, the sound of coffee beans being ground in our little Porlex hand grinder by Rick. It was 9am! After coffee and toast made on the fire and even listening to Macca on ABC, as it was Sunday, we did the usual chores before Rick headed in the opposite direction today on the kayak.

I did some bird watching, as the bird life is so prolific here with rosellas, ring necks, honey eaters, tiny finches and all the water birds, interspersed with  blogging and map searching to see where to next, then it was my turn for a paddle. After putting on my winter kayaking outfit *see photo, I headed downstream for about an hour, enjoying the absolute silence, before turning around to lazily float and paddle back.

Monday 10 July 

Today was much the same as yesterday, except Rick caught two disgusting big carp. Late in the afternoon the peace was shattered by two  big caravans arriving with what seemed like a dozen children tumbling out of the tow vehicles. The tinny was launched and the outboard fired up, then groups of kids were given joy rides up and down the once serene river. I actually thought it refreshing to hear the laughter, but not everyone felt the same. We finished the day with another lovely Rick built fire.