We drove to Baradine 50 kilometres (30 miles) north of Coonabarabran intending to see something of the Pilliga Scrubs but all the roads into the forest were closed by the Forestry Commission as there were many washaways and lots of soft mud. As we were a month too early to see the best of the wildflowers anyway, we plan to visit in another October when there have not been such floods.
Our next stop was Siding Springs Observatory. The drive there is exciting in a Winnebago as the road rises 300 metres (1000 ft) in 5 kilometres (3 miles) and the drop-off at the side of the road is precipitous. It is well worth the effort as the views both going up and at the top are quite stunning. The ANU runs an Exploratory at the Observatory which has lots of fascinating exhibits. The one that impressed me most was a simple plate from a wide field telescope showing a large star field but, with the magnifying glass provided, one could clearly see all kinds of galaxies. I had never before been able to see the relationship between star field images and galaxies as they are normally shown separately. I learn something new each and every day. The Anglo-Australian Telescope is unbelievably big. To see such a massive machine which achieves such delicate and precise movements is mind-boggling to an engineer.
The Warrumbungle National Park is exceptionally beautiful. The bare rock mountains spring majestically out of dense bush and the grassland is green and lush. The birds are many, varied and tuneful. The kangaroos are a little wary if you get too close but by and large they co-exist with the people very well. It's exciting to see a kangaroo hopping through the camp towards the creek while you're eating your breakfast.