There was a massive thunderstorm when I first arrived in Bellingen and I was afraid that it was going to be an ominous stay here. However, after getting to know this place better, it has now become one of my favorite places in the world. The people here are incredible and the views are just spectacular.
The Hostel
View from veranda
The Bellinger Backpackers YHA hostel has open verandas and a patio balcony that overlooks the river and lush cattle pastures. People play chess, ping pong and just hang out on the balcony. There are about 7 permanent residents here who work or are associated at the hostel. Some of them are backpackers who work a couple hours a day in exchange for accommodations. The others include are a grounds supervisor, a tour guide and locals who are so drawn to the place that the keep coming back. I can definitely see the draw of this town--I myself was originally booked to stay here one night, but ended up staying three. There's a great openness and warmth here, and even though I have only been here for two days, I feel at home.
Yup, that's a chicken!
This morning, I visited Bellinger's monthly market replete with food, clothes, crafts stalls. The highlight was trying new fruits such as lemonade (citrus hybrid), Monstera deliciosa (aka: fruit salad plant http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monstera_deliciosa), tamarillo (aka: tree tomato) and custard apple.
I had planned to spend the afternoon writing, but the weather was too beautiful to pass up. Instead, I join Graham, the bike mechanic and permanent resident, on a ride to the Never Never Stream in the Promise Land (Peter Pan and Moses)! The 24km trail offered the prefect amount of hills -- providing some challenges but also some downhill thrills. Coming back, Graham's bike got 2 flat tires! The first one sprung a leak and his replacement spare both sprung leaks. But as knowledgeable is a cyclist, he was able to continue pumping the spare up and get back to camp.
It has been wonderful here and I'm sad to leave.
Picture from Dorrigo NP: Bower bird nest
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4 comments:
How beautiful! Man, you must have a hard drive full of amazing pics already. Keep up the fascinating blogging, and don't let those obnoxious drivers get to ya ;)
--The New Jersey Driver
I am so glad you enjoyed Bellingen. It's one of my favorite places ever!
Looks like you're having a great time! The pictures look great - you should post more of them!
Awesome posts, great pictures -- wish I were there with you!
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