The weekend get together of CamperTrailers at Coolendel took
place on the weekend of 28-29 November 2009. Coolendel is approx. 30 km
west of Nowra in hook on the Shoalhaven River . Arriving around 11 am Friday
morning, we had plenty of time to set up. Shortly after, the first campers
rolled in, with the remaining campers hot on their heels. A few quick setups
and Friday Arvo Happy Hour was under way at Al & Mandy's site. (1
hour,35mins oops)
Happy Hour rolled into
dinner followed by our camp fire. Plenty of beer , bulls#@t and laughter. A
total fire ban was ordered for Saturday, midnight to midnight, so out came
the fire hose at 12 o'clock.
Saturday morning brought
us the remaining campers and the heat. We had managed to secure an area
where we could all spread out but still be together. Plenty of room for the
kids to ride their bikes. Very nice.
Saturday's heat hit us
early, so Coolendel's 20-20 cricket test called for early drinks. 40 plus
degrees and a hot wind... insane. The river was the go, cool & refreshing,
but just a little too far from the Engel. Relaxing in the rapids made it all
worthwhile.
Saturday afternoon saw a
few members head up to the works shed to check out the new
14 KW solar setup. Provided there is sunshine, Coolendel stands on its own
for power. Thanks to Jeff and Pam, Coolendel's caretakers for organising the
tour.
A special guest
appearance was made by Gary Roberson, albeit fleeting, but an appearance all
the same, leaving the campsite atwitter with curiosity. In and out quicker
than a dose of the salts.
The extreme heat brought
on an early and extended Happy Hour (or three....oops again), this time, in
the large covered camp kitchen. We got to know new members, Jeff & Debbie
Foster. Lovely people. (that's gotta be worth a beer). Also a couple of
visitors, Eric & sons and Bill & Debbie.
The wild life made an
appearance in the afternoon keeping the kids amused. Peacocks, wombats,
wallabies with littluns in tow. A few of the camper trailers received a
chassis scrub courtesy of the wombats. Bandicoot chip bandits were sprung
raiding supplies.
Dinner and a Virtual
campfire (Ian's traffic cone), and the chatter of happy campers floating
though the bush. Terry managed to keep the conversation going (a bit shy,
that fella). Ian & Brenda added some illumination to the evening (see
photo's below). A good evening was had by all.
The fire ban was lifted
for Sunday, so a fire was lit and Ziploc Omelettes were the order of the day
for breakfast. Sensational. An easy Sunday morning was followed by baseball
for the kids, organised by our sports co-ordinator Norm (I just can't sit
still) Eves. All too soon the time came to pack up for those leaving. A few
chose to stay on till Monday, leaving the rest of us envious.
Hosting the weekend was
effortless. Everybody was primed for a good time and the rest just happened.
Everybody thanked us for hosting, but it is us who should be thanking all
who attended for creating a great weekend.
Many Thanks,
Al, Mandy & Davis
attendees
David & Joy Wilkinson +
Luke, Emma and Brooke (depslibrary)
Alan & Amanda Haworth + Davis and Will (alamandavis)
Ian &Brenda Hamilton (flamelily123)
Jeff and Debbie Foster (foster.foster21)
Kevin Davis (troopytraveller)
Terry Hammerton & Helga Schiffer (teza45)
Norm & Christine Eves + Chole, Mitch and Jake (norm.eves)
Allan and Mary Anne Randahl (meeandthemouse)
Phil and Sandra Reid (philreid43)
Ken & Marie Root + Cameron (marie141148)
Kara & Rob Delatorre + Sean, Jarrod (karse03)
Bill and Debbie
Eric and sons, Lachlan and Reilly
