13 April 2022 Thunderbolts and Deepwater

We decided that we would go for a drive today as far as Deepwater, checking out other points of interest and walks along the way.

Chilly overcast morning. First morning we haven’t had sunshine so we have been spoilt till now really

Our first destination for the day was Thunderbolts. The walk started from Nomads Picnic area. The toilet block looks new and was most likely rebuilt after the 2029 bush fires.

The shelter shed being built of stone obviously was Ok but there are signs of burn scarring 

The Nomads picnic area itself looks substantial with plenty of space 

The start of the Thunderbolts Walk had what looks like a counter at the start

Pretty walk with lots of rocks beside the track 

and lots of new growth with long grass either side of the track. So tall that you could hardly see Bill’s head along the track around the corner

Before long we reached the main area of the rocks where steps have been built between them

The path led us through cracks in the rocks

Here there were steps through the rocks to the left of where Bill is standing

Taking us up through a narrow gorge

Bill at the top of that set of steps

My turn

Up through the next set of steps

My turn

Then finally the ladder to the lookout



and what a view

Pity it was overcast, but still an amazing 360 degree view

We spent quite some time at the top enjoying the view, in fact we received a timely phone call from Garrath whilst up there as there was signal 

Views across to other rock formations such as Mystery Face

Looking out at the view we saw a speck of red in the trees.

It was a pair of Rosellas quietly enjoying a feed

Other birds also flew into the trees whilst we were there including a flock of what we think were dollar birds

Of course we had to take the obligatory selfie!!!

Then back down all the steps we go.,,,









Admiring the rock formations and creating shapes of objects in our minds - a head

a turtle

Flowers on the way down

Back down at Nomads we stopped our tracking and recording thus showing the route

Next - back in the car and on the road through Torrington to Deepwater. Roadworks along the way along a not too good road, surfaced but pot holey

Soon we reached the New England Highway with a better road surface 

Not far to Deepwater where we drove through the town checking it out first before deciding on our lunch destination.

Came across these vans set up outside the local park so stopped to ask what they were there for. One of the vans was a NSW services van that drives to local communities providing resources and vouchers to the locals

The other van was staffed by a young aboriginal lass providing NDIS information to local communities. When we first drove up and saw the Sign we thought that it was a Clive Palmer United stand and Bill wasn’t going to pull up!!! 

We used the amenities in the local park


This example of locally mined silica was in the park too. Before now we had not realised how much mining there was in the area and the reason for these towns to exist. They are gradually building back up again as fossickers come through and some mines such as tin reopening

We discovered this interesting retro cafe on the corner and decided to have lunch there 

They had some fabulous furniture in there

They mainly served burgers, so we chose one with the lot. What a mouthful 

Apparently vandals had shot through the window of the cafe where this suit of armour was displayed so it is now set up out of view of the street now ☹️

On our way out after lunch we explored a bit more of the town taking photos of some of the interesting old buildings, such as this Theatre

and the historic railway station



and the School of Arts building 

Back out on the New England Highway but towards Tenterfield

Up the impressive Bolivia Hill

but then turning off at Pyes Creek Rd as we had decided to try out the backroads back to camp, coming back in from the north

crossing over Deepwater River

which was flowing quite fast still

The drive, although it took a long time to get back to camp, was most enjoyable, certainly more pleasant than just going back the way we came and on highways. Soo much to see. Lots of healthy looking cows

Some inquisitive cows

We passed the junction back to Stannum which was an alternative way we could have come

The road took us over many of the Pyes creek crossings, all with water still flowing over the road but only minor

There were sections of the road that had been surfaced but it was mainly gravel. 



The crossing over the Mole river had a bridge

Lots of water still in the Mole river

A sign to confirm for us that we were on the right road

Not a bad backroad

Great views along the way

More livestock on the track

More signage to confirm that we were on the right track

Dark rain clouds ahead

Stray Billy Goat wandered across in front of us

Handsome looking one

Soon we were at the turn off for Blatherarm rd and our campground as the rain started to come down ☹️

A most enjoyable drive through the countryside as this tracking shows where we went

By the time we got back to our campsite the rain had settled in. There were already pools of water all around the site. It was also pretty cold, so we didn’t hang around outside for long. A cup of tea to warm ourselves up before turning in