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Victorian members
weekend meet
Dando's Bush Camp
The weekend of Saturday & Sunday,
26th & 27th of
February 2005
Friday morning of the Victorian meet
brought grey skies and threat of rain – just to tease those attending the
Victorian get together at Dando’s Bush Camp, just outside Gellibrand in the
Otway Ranges.
Those who were keen began arriving just prior to lunch, with 3 campers already
present by the time I delivered the firewood trailer, best idea I have had in a
while!
The skies had cleared by then for the start of some of the best Otway’s weather
seen in months.
A quick scout of the CT’s set-up by late afternoon soon had us categorized into
“Toorak” or “St.Alban’s. With the T-Van and the Ultimate making up the former,
while a couple of Dingo’s and a Cub Kamparoo making up the latter.
More were to arrive with the addition of two Trak Shaks on Friday afternoon,
both recently purchased, and another T-Van, a soft floor Southern Cross Camper
and an Aussie Swag on Saturday.
This brought to 10 the total number of CT’s for the week-end. We were joined by
several who decided to tent it for the weekend, making 13 groups in all.
After quick introductions and a look-see through each camper / vehicle, tea was
taken over the first of the camp fires for the week-end, with the natural
progression of those present to gather around for a drink and a chat. Clear
skies, warm weather, good company, the conversations ended around 12.30a.m. with
the stragglers, (myself included), deciding if we didn’t call it a night then we
would probably keep the whole place awake.
Saturday morning brought a round of “good-mornings” through bleary eyes, some
had bacon and eggs going on the camp fire while others were content to sip
freshly brewed coffee and discuss the state of the world.
The Patrol owners in the group soon noticed others of the same ilk about, so out
with pens / paper / questions. Bonnets were lifted, doors swung open and
vehicles checked out from top to bottom. Felt like a kid let loose in a lollie
shop. Thanks to the other Patrol owners for being so patient and welcoming,
amazing what you can fit into a large 4WD if you try hard enough.
The arrival of the last Patrol was greeted with more excitement than a Mr.
Whippy van on a hot summer’s day.
Saturday proved perfect camping weather, skies cleared, mid twenties, autumn
leaves falling from the trees, what more could you ask for. As afternoon turned
to night another of the camp fires roared into life, at one stage I counted 20
chairs in a circle around the fire, with three dogs and numerous others the
place. This was as successful a week-end as we could have hoped for.
The conversations slowly turned to good-nights as campers made their way to bed,
with the last conversation ending around 2.30a.m.
Sunday brought more fine weather, a hearty breakfast, then the task of slowly
packing for those leaving on Sunday. Good byes were said, new friendships forged
and the promise to arrange another week-end away made.
Some stayed till Monday before making their way home or further afield.
All said, a perfect week-end, perfect company, great times and a few laughs. All
from a group who had only met two days prior.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK-END:
· The weather, not able to find fault with
any part of it;
· The
camaraderie enjoyed by all those attending;
· The
variety of campers / camper trailers on show;
· The
new friendships made and the promise to arrange another meet;
· The
fact that 13 groups arrived for the week-end;
· Dando’s
camp site at its absolute best – aside from the toilets;
· Sheryl’s
lockable wine cellar in the Ultimate;
· Dale’s
home made camp fire hot plate;
· The
huge circle of chairs formed around the camp fire on Saturday night;
·
The Sunday group photo, just how did we fit everyone
in?
· Ron’s
protection bars for the back of the Patrol;
· Rob’s
home made “annex”
· The
number of people who said “I’ve got one of Tuco’s lights” – must be a right of
passage in the CT group.
FUNNY MOMENTS DURING THE WEEKEND
· Rob
setting up his Cub Kamparoo and portable wine bar, complete with arched windows,
(see photo’s);
· Mike
and Sheryl explaining the extra canvas attachments for the Ultimate – Mike
spending Sunday morning packing up canvas extras for the Ultimate;
· David
and Edith packing up the Trak Shak with an interested audience watching– David
and Edith unpacking the Trak Shak when they realized the car keys were still
inside;
· Rolande
getting used to hearing “Thought the directions were good but had trouble
finding it” – I PROMISE BETTER DIRECTIONS NEXT TIME! – Rol;
· Grown
men acting like little kids with their heads stuck under bonnets of other’s
vehicles. Wow, look what he’s got;
· When
20 sets of eyes focused on the two – read TWO - chocolate bananas cooking on the
camp fire;
· 18
sets of eyes watching two sheepish people eat chocolate bananas fresh off the
hot coals – where’s the recipe Dave?
Rolande and Holly
A big thanks goes to Rolande &
Holly for hosting the CamperTrailers Group meet
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