I left home at 11.05 am on a cloudy Tuesday morning and filled up with petrol at Blaxland ($1.03) and bought a coffee and a very nice apple slice at Blaxland bakery. 

The journey began at 11.20 am. It took 52 minutes (53km) to reach Mt Victoria and another 60 minutes (72km) to reach Capertee. Capertee had some interesting points of interest such as the service station with a large Rabbitohs poster on the perimeter of the property. There is an old historic pub and of course Pearson lookout providing a wonderful view of Pantoneys Crown.

 A further 45 minutes (45km) to reach Rylstone which is a half hour drive off the main highway. It was 23 degrees at Rylstone and a little cloudy. I turned off the Castlereagh highway onto Belong Way not far past Ilford. It was a short drive (20kms) to Kandos and then a few minutes to Rylstone. 

I had an egg and lettuce sandwich and coffee at Rylstone and took some photos of historic buildings before taking the Dunns Swamp turnoff near the Rylstone Hospital. It was only 25 kms to Dunn Swamp from Rylstone but I took some time stopping along the way to photograph the lovely combination of rural countryside and the rock formations in the background.

As I approached the Dunnes Swamp camping area, the soil colour changed from brown to red and the large pagoda rock formations became evident. At the entrance I placed the camping fee of $6 into the steel box. I then found Cindy from Southern Cross Kayaking to discuss kayak hire and the walks I could do in the area. I then did a little walking around the general area and took some photos. The camping area is very large and accommodates vehicles as well as caravans. It is right next to the swamp and is very scenic indeed. I can hardly wait until morning to do some exploring in a kayak! Hire is $30 for one hour and $50 for two hours.

I had dinner at 5.30pm which consisted of half an egg and lettuce sandwich and a banana. I had a picnic table to myself next to the car overlooking the swamp. As this is the second week of school holidays numbers have diminished so its not very crowded. After dinner I copied today’s photos to my Surface Pro.  

As I write it is 6.29 pm (it was all but dark by 6pm) and a very mild evening. I’m laying in the Outback with the tailgate open wearing shorts, not cold at all. In fact, it’s a pleasant 18 degrees and no mosquitoes which is surprising considering I am only about 20 metres from the water! Its pretty dark but with my very bright Black Diamond head torch I can see very clearly to read maps and information about the area. My Surface Pro is also sufficiently illuminated to allow me to write this journal. 

It is now 7.15 pm and I’m still quite comfortable in my shorts and short sleeved shirt. I’m wearing my new Salomon trail shoes with sock liners and wool socks. Very warm and comfortable. My head torch has two settings, one for reading and another more direct light for walking. It is quite dark now with no lighting near me. I just went to the toilet and the head torch illuminated the whole area around me. Most impressive! 

The toilet sheds are very good! No smell and proper plastic toilet paper holders. They are modern and there are plenty of them scattered around. 

As the senate didn’t pass the bills (yet again) that the Governments put before them yesterday, it looks likely Prime Minister Turnbull will announce a double dissolution of both houses after the budget is handed down next month, and a federal election will be held on July 2 – Heather’s Birthday!

Wednesday morning 20^th April, I awoke at 6.45 am after a rather sleepless night. I slept well from 8.00 pm until 1.00 am but didn’t sleep well thereafter. It is now 7.30 am and quite misty around the swamp, a very cool 10 degrees! I took some photos and then went for a two hour walk around Ganguddy and climbed to Pagoda Lookout which afforded great views over the swamp and wonderful pagoda’s in the opposite direction. 

I left Dunns Swamp at 10.45 am. (208kms distance travelled from Mt Riverview to Ganguddy). The road was Coricudgy and the first 8 kms was on gravel which is badly corrugated in parts. I had to drive slowly and therefore the 27kms to Rylstone took 44 minutes. Rylstone via Kandos on the Bylong Way to the Castlereagh Highway took 25 minutes (26kms). It was another half hour to Capertee. 

The drive home had some good photo opportunities such as the rustic shed before Capertee and the solitary tree just before Ben Bullen.