Writing this from the Bushranger Motor Inn at Uralla. Have just finished dinner: Bacon and Mushroom Skins, Veal Fettucine, Perch Almondine, Sticky Date Pud and a flagon of house red - Brown Bros, as it happens, and very nice, too.

Had a good trip up from Laurieton (about three hours) although rain, drizzle and mist most of the way. Much cooler up here in the New England Ranges (1000+ metres elevation) and I found air nice and fresh – Lorraine just cold.

Checked out great, great, great, great (I forget how many) uncle Fred's (Ward Captain Thunderbolt's) grave; just a simple headstone inscription and historical plaque. Also went out and saw Thunderbolt's rock, where he was supposed to hide from the "traps" (dunno about that one). Took plenty of photos.

Also went out to a place called Dangar's Falls (about 50 kms ESE of Uralla). Unbelievable place: just like a gigantic sink hole in the hills with this huge waterfall going into it - amazing. On the way came to this beautiful little church at a place called Gostwyck; nothing there, just this little church in the middle of nowhere all covered in ivy at the end of an avenue of beautiful deep green elm trees - so peaceful and soothing a setting - and surrounded as far as the eye can see by barren-looking yellow-grassed paddocks. Just like an oasis in the middle of a desert.

Hope to make Walgett tomorrow, if not Bourke - depending on what time we get away and what driving conditions are like.

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