Dorrigo

 Saturday

The original timing for this trip was the Birdlife Spring camp out at Dorrigo. Although it was cancelled due to Covid, we decided we would use our booking as it was a different way to go down the mountains on our way home.

On the way we called in to visit my parents grave in Armidale, but unfortunately were unable to catch up with my last remaining uncle as he was out of town. By the time we arrived in Ebor a drink was called for so we were pleased to see Fusspots Cafe open. The scones were delicious. As we pulled out of Dorrigo the mileage clicked over to 100 000kms.

When we passed through this area in January everything was burnt and there was no greenery anywhere so it was pleasing to see such a green landscape and plenty of water in the farm dams.



It was a pleasant surprise when we pulled into the van park to find that we were beside 2 birders from Ballina. One of them Lyn, was the woman I travelled to South West Rocks with, for last years Spring Campout. She has a fold out camper so once set up she can’t really do any exploring. The other woman has more flexibility as she has a camper van, but she had brought her dog so it made visiting National Parks impossible.

Once we had set up, the three of us headed out to Dangar Falls with our binoculars...Michael chose to have some quiet time in the cosiness of the van. There was a lot more water coming over the falls than on our last visit and I enjoyed having someone to discuss bird ids with...which thornbill...we finally decided on brown and buff-rumped.

By the time we returned to camp the fog was closing in.


Michael and I had arranged to have dinner with some other Ballina birders who were staying at the resort, about 2km out the road. A tasty meal was followed by one of the tensest drives of my life. The fog was so thick we had the windows down and were navigating by the grass beside the road. We missed the turn back in to the van park and had to go in to town to use the roundabout. When we got back to the park I got out of the car with my phone torch and led Michael back to our van. Very very pleased to get home!

Sunday

We got up on Sunday to discover Penne had left as the dog was driving her crazy, so Michael, Lyn and I headed out to Dorrigo National Park. Although it wasn’t actually raining the view from the lookout was non-existent but we were rewarded with a great look at a beautiful Paradise Riflebird. Michael walked ahead of us to the picnic area and waited for us there which was fortunate as by the time Lyn and I arrived the rain was pouring down and we had seen very few birds. 



Michael made an executive decision that after a change of clothes it was off to the pub for lunch, a choice popular with both of us.

By the time we had an afternoon nap the rain had cleared so Lyn and I explored the track by the river where we were able to tick off quite a few birds, bringing our Dorrigo list to 39 species.

Lyn joined us later for snacks/drinks and a game of cards, which I managed to win, making Michael and I equal on this trip.



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