Before you all PM me yelling at me for this long update, I apologise in advance but so much to pass on, sorry all.

As I said last week I was leaving Greens Lake Tuesday April 2 and me and myself didn't argue, they must have wanted to get under way as well. I think the three of us want to get to the warmer climate up North.

I was gone by 8.00am as I wanted and got a few things in Shepparton then started the journey North, I was a Mexican by 11.00am and got as far as 30 km North of West Wyalong so decided to pull into my very first free camp away from Greens Lake, there were 4 happy campers already there so that will do me too. By the time morning came there were 9 happy campers including me?

Wednesday I asked Nav lady to take me to her leader in Tamworth and left at 8.00am. After a few short stops including Parks Radio Telescope for a quick visit along the way and dear Nav lady yelling at me as the stops were not on the agenda we arrived in Tamworth at 5.30pm and I decided to make camp in a CV Park for a treat so I could have a shower, well it's been 10 days and no shower. Now I know what you're saying, pew, he must stink, well, you're wrong, I have a wash every day but a bloke has to do what a bloke has to do. Besides, it's just a treat for being a good boy with my eating plan, it's better than food at this stage. I did check out a few free camps along the way but no one else around and I wasn't over impressed with any of them, never mind a treat now and then doesn't hurt.

I was one day ahead of where I thought I might be by the end of the week and was able to slow down a bit  so that's good. 477km Tuesday and 590km Wednesday is just too much these days.

Bugger, I still haven't lost me and myself yet so those committee meetings will still have to take place from time to time I spose.

Thursday the plan was to catch up with JustCrusin, Jim and Leonie and spend a couple of days with them. We met at the Apex Park in Manilla, now I here you say how could we get all the way to Manilla with my Avan and JC's CV in tow. Well this Manilla is in NSW about 30km north of Tamworth. Now JC picked this place out as he had stayed there before but, now I know I am in the playground but there is also a lovely set of kids play equipment here as well,  so the thought was maybe I could play on it later. That's if JC doesn't hog it as he is parked right in front of it. Never did get to play on it, oh well maybe next time.

But before this meet up I spent the morning looking around Tamworth and found some great looking modern buildings and some really nice older looking buildings as well. I checked out the Golden Guitar and was a little disappointed as it had no strings, how could I show my guitar skills now, never fear, I can't play anyway. I finished being the tourist and headed for Manilla.

It was sure nice to just do a short drive after the last two days and a nice pleasant afternoon chatting with Jim and Leonie then we all settled in our own vans for the night.

Friday arrived and we all decided to stay put for the day and Friday night as well and just sit around and have a good old natter and what a great idea it turned out to be, JC and I chatted about my upcoming venture to Longreach and around that area, he gave me a few ideas of some free camps etc and during this chat he pointed out a road from Winton to Hughenden that has now cut off two nights for me as I didn't pick it up and was going Winton - Cloncurry - Richmond and Hughenden, great, two nights saved. That will teach me to look at a map better next time, see, experience pays, thanks JC.

With this in mind and chatting with JC I thought I might head over to Lightning Ridge first then to Longreach but before all that happens probably the most important meet up in the history of The Grey Nomads Forum Members ever, Dougwe and Bohemian Gypsy ( and her husband Ray).

Saturday arrived and I said goodbye to Mr and Mrs JC and headed for Inverell, now that was the shortest drive so far and it was good to be set up and all ready for this stay. I ventured into town and got a few things, thick PJ's, thick sox and a beanie, I didn't go with the red as Beth 54 suggested just black, I don't need to go fast in bed.

Bohemian Gypsy and Mr BG, Michelle and Ray braved it and came to see my big rig and we had afternoon tea and a good old chat.  Now when I rang Michelle to let her know I was in Town she said it was cold and had the heater on, few I'm in shorts and T-shirt and reckon its warm, ok, not hot, but warm. I reckon she must be related to Wombat, they have cold blood don't they ? :)

Sunday and I was invited to Lunch with Michelle and Ray at their place and that was really nice, we enjoyed a beautiful lunch and chatted the hours away, all us GN's have so much to chat about when we meet up, it's like long lost friends. Now come on Ray you need to get that great looking CV out in the playground mate, it's going rusty.

I checked the number of nights I had to get to Townsville and had one night spare so I have decided to stay here in down town Inverell for another night so will now head off for the next leg of this journey Tuesday morning.

Now I am going to tell you something for free, this CV Park I am staying in only has 1 Star rating, why you ask, well I just dont know. This park is one of the best 1 star parks I have seen it should have 3.5 or maybe even a 4. The best bit is its ONLY $20.00 for  two people per night and wait for it, a singles price, now I must admit there is not a lot of difference but if you are solo its only $18.00 per night. For the money you get great people owning and running it, grass site, power, water, swimming pool, extremely clean and very spacious showers and toilets and a laundry in the same condition and one of the best camp kitchens I have ever seen and it even has a piano, ok Biggles get that guitar out mate and I will play the piano then we can add free entertainment to the long list of good things this park has to offer. You didnt know I could play the piano did you, well your right I cant thats why it would be free but I tell you something you would have a treat for the night with Biggles heading the bill and I also tell you that for free.

Now did I say this is a great CV Park, well it is. Sapphire City CV Park, Moore St. Inverell NSW. 02 67221830.         Permission was granted for this part of my post.

Oh well that will be enough for this update or it will be classed as a novel so until  next week,