Weeping Rock - frozen tears

We headed off from Armidale toward Coff’s Harbour via the Waterfall Way this morning. We had seen in the book the boys gave Fin for Christmas that it was worthwhile going to Lookout Point along the way so we decided to give it a go. This involved a drive along a road which was mostly unmade and to our surprise there were a few B&Bs or cottage accommodation along the route. We got our car nice and dirty again but it was a fairly easy drive in and it was interesting country side with some cows grazing along the way, some nice birds flying past such as parrots – rosellas and king I think and some kookaburras. When we got out of our car, Fin noticed a Lyrebird in the bushes just near the carpark. I tried to get closer and take a photo or two which I did but not sure how good they are. (I haven’t put the card into the computer yet to take a look.) At the lookout there was a shelter where we could have our coffee but it was still very cold inside; we kept our coats on. There were maps and information on the walls and pamphlets available too. You couldn’t see much from the shelter so we went along the path to take a look from there. It was beautiful forest all around; snow gums, lichen growing on rocks and moss hanging on branches. I wanted to photograph everything I saw but had to be selective or we would have been there all day. While we were in the shelter, a couple came up from further down and told us that there was a magnificent sight at the Weeping Rock. Apparently there was a sheet of frozen water over the rock and drips frozen hanging from it but the guy warned that we should get down there because it might start to break off as it warmed up. We got into the car and drove down to the Weeping Rock car park and started to walk along the path to the Weeping Rock. We found what we thought the people were talking about and madly took photos but then someone else came along and said that it wasn’t it so we went along further and WOW! It was amazing! Freezing cold but amazing. I again took heaps of photos so you will get some idea what we saw. While we were standing there a small avalanche of ice cascaded down but of course I was startled and more worried about whether I was going to get hit by the ice than concerned with taking a photo despite Fin saying, “Get it!” I could never have reacted that quickly but it was spectacular to see it crashing down. The whole area was just so beautiful and we were very glad we made the effort and took the time to stop and see it. On our way back up the track to the car we heard a Lyrebird calling in the distance and then another closer to our path replying or, I should think, competing with it's own call. We tried to see it but when the bird realized we were there it went quiet. I wonder how many of them are in that area? Of course all of this meant we got to Coff’s Harbour later and ended up having more of an afternoon tea than lunch but that wasn’t a problem and we arrived at Yamba just before 6pm to a lovely cabin. As we drove up to our parking spot, our headlights shone on three kangaroos just behind our veranda down toward the pond where we could hear the frogs merrily serenading. I saw what I thought was a large moth fly by also but apparently they have micro bats here so it may have been one of those. What an interesting place!
The drive over the mountain (Dorrigo Mountain I think) was pretty windy and some very steep descents where the signs say trucks and buses need to use low gears. Fortunately all the traffic was coming the other way and we didn’t get stuck behind any trucks for this part of our journey. Even more fortunately I didn’t get carsick which I usually do on those types of roads but it was so beautiful and interesting with very tall eucalypts on both sides most of the time and, .. I just didn’t so hooray! Dorrigo itself looked like a lovely town, situated in very pretty hilly surroundings and with National parks, such as the one where Lookout Point are, so close by it is worth considering for a holiday in the future I think. There seemed to be quite a few farm stay or cottage accommodations available too.
We went to the Yamba Shores Tavern Pelicans Restaurant for dinner and had a really nice meal. Only one course and we our appetites were both adequately satiated. We were seated next to a couple with two little boys; one just two and the other 6 months old and struck a conversation with them telling them that we had been there, done that. They said we were lucky now and we told them they will get there but, yes it is hard when you have two little ones on holiday. Lucky there was a playground outside the restaurant as a bribe! Aah, we remember the days! Thank goodness they are over! Just joking boys.
Well, not sure we will have broadband here since they were meant to have it but they say they have problems with their wireless. I might be able to use it in the lounge area but if not will probably not upload more photos till we get to a broadband zone.