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Glendon
Weekend
SE
Qld members meet near Warwick
held on the weekend of Saturday
21st to Sunday 22nd April 2007
Carol and I decided to get away early from home on Friday to arrive at Glendon
before most of the others – Carol had heard that a few were arriving around
lunch. The road in (especially the last kilometre of
bulldust) had deteriorated since we checked it out in
February – only 9mm of rain at Easter had fallen.
To our surprise we were first there and were shown the area set aside for the
group. Peter, Helen and Jake arrived soon after - although we were not really
sure at first as Peter and Helen’s red trailer was a light shade of grey when it
arrived. They were accompanied by their friend Bev in her campervan.
The next dusty arrival was newcomers to the group Rod, Rachel and Eliza who
quickly selected a site and got stuck into setting up. Shortly after this Gus,
Clancy and Jayden (+Bree) arrived – Jill having decided to come early the next
morning as she did not think she could get there before the 8.00pm curfew.
Whilst watching the blokes set up though it was decided Jill’s reason was to
avoid the dust and setting up.
This was it for the daylight arrivals that day. Noel and Cathi arrived around
dusk – Noel having left Rockhampton earlier in the day, stopping off at home to
change trailers, pick up the cheese ‘n kisses - hit the road again. Soon after
Rob and Dianne arrived. They proceeded to tuck themselves away the furtherest
from the fire – did they know something we didn’t.
After the usual necessities of food we all gathered around the fire and awaited
the last arrivals for the night – John and Penny. To our surprise they arrived
at 7.28pm – two minutes to spare before the official curfew (not the extra half
hour I had bargained for with the owners to give them some leeway). Having
feasted on a flying Red Rooster meal from Warwick all they had to do was set up
and they quickly joined us at the fire.
With discussion ranging from the drought - the dusty road in – to Noel’s
Rockhampton Expo – the hours soon passed. It cooled off rather quickly and some
felt the need to jockey for best position near the fire. Highlight here was Noel
secured best place and told us he was going to peg his chair in for the next
night. He wouldn’t leave the fire until we all did just to make sure – much to
Cathi’s dismay. It was also rumoured Rob did his promised nudi run in the aid of
making it rain but I’m not too sure.
Next morning was spent loafing around awaiting the rest of the group. Robyn and
Lindsay first for the day followed shortly after by Jill. Robyn provided some
early worry when a loud bang/explosion rang out from their CT. After some
hurried checking it proved to be the gas hose for their stove – it appears the
internal braid may have broken near one end – the hose filling with gas between
the braid and outer rubber until – bang!
Next in came some other newcomers - the rock and rollers -
Margaret, Julianne & Lee. When
they had finally set up a comment was passed as to how they got all that in the
RAV4 – perhaps they had been talking with Rex (Mr Gadget)?
Morning tea was
delayed due to some late (very late) cooking but it eventually started. It must
have been a good spread because it attracted all the birds in the area and not a
crumb was wasted. Shame those Skinner boys didn’t like the pickled herring – hey
Peter – the Kookaburras got the last laugh there. How was that milkshake you had
to down through the sipper straw? Did those Blueberry muffins ever get cooked?
Turtle and family arrived during mornos for their daytrip - this provided some
entertainment for the women – babies! So many redheads amongst them too! Soon we
all drifted away for lunch and siestas. Poor John missed out though – no granny
nap for him – someone had a problem and John was called upon to assist.
Here newcomers
Andrew, Fiona, Bronte and baby arrived – followed shortly by Steve and James.
Unfortunately the sites left were not the best but they made do. Steve and James
took a little longer than usual – James had one hand out of action which delayed
proceedings somewhat. Bronte in the mean time was out exploring and soon looked
the part with dust all over.
A few trips were
made onto the property to inspect the lake, old gold mine and 4x4 tracks. Much
of the rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and preparing tea. Here is where
those unprogrammed workshops begin. First was Jill and her leg of lamb – its
preparation, spices and eventual laying to rest in the COBB. Next was John and
Cathi and their lap dancing – sorry make that laptop dancing. A few charging
problems on the laptop hopefully remedied and on with the lessons on plotting
tracks and waypoints for the GPS.
Happy hour
started and Noel was delegated as chief fire starter. This honour befell him as
he had hounded Robyn about making the camp oven cake that was not forthcoming at
Andrew Drynan. The big decision was what type of cake – after all there was a
choice of two flavours. Put it to a vote which was about equal so it was decided
to make both. But what about another camp oven – Skinner clan to the rescue. So
the fire was started and all gathered round swapping a few yarns.
Time for tea so
most drifted away and left Lindsay to make sure there was enough coals for the
camp ovens. Now occurred a very impromptu starlight dinner for some. Helen and
Carol had been preparing dinner for the two families – hoping to also get a few
others to join in – thus having a bit of a mixed bag of dishes to choose from.
Unfortunately timing of the meals did not coincide (others had a while to go –
Gus had better find some smaller legs on sheep) so here we were sitting down to
two roasts and a mountain of vegetables. Jake said he couldn’t be expected to
eat all this so it was decided to ask a few others to join us. Perhaps next time
some better planning will see it come off as a meal for everyone. Hunger
satisfied it was back to the fire where Lindsay had a good bed of coals
happening.
As the stragglers
started rolling in talk turned to the cakes – and was that Noel drooling? After
watching, waiting, watching, waiting it was decided by chief chef Robyn that one
was ready. It did not take long for it to disappear – but Noel where was the
butter – a little late now. Patiently the vultures waited for the next feast and
finally it was ready. It, too, did not last long and soon there was naught but
empty plates and camp ovens. Time flew and Noel crept closer to the fire as some
retired for the night. Where did Noel and Cathi go?? Had they slunk away to bed
evidenced by their empty chairs? John retired too – outlasted by a baby Eliza
and Jake (90 years young) – better get the afternoon granny nap next time. A
long day of good company came to an end.
Most were up
fairly early on Sunday and a lot of visiting between CTs went on. Some of the
newcomers were experienced campers and had a lot to share in knowledge of trips
and vehicle setups. A bit more lap dancing and Cathi was well on her way with
preparations for their trip to the Kimberleys later in the year – no excuse to
get lost now. A little packing up here and there by some to ensure we were out
by midday and all of a sudden time to go. Staggered departures was the order of
the day so the dust could settle between CTs. Did the Skinners get out – I think
they were last to leave. We didn’t leave last - although the Skinner boys said
we had to wait to last as we had hosted.
A great
weekend! Thanks to all those that attended – hopefully we will see more of the
new comers – I was impressed at how well those with young children managed to
find time to participate and also find time to do the parental chores. Hope us
older grumps haven’t dampened their enthusiasm.
Pity we
couldn’t have got some much needed rain – most of the other weekends with the
group have produced some.
Perhaps it
was good preparation for Copeton – my parents were there a week ago and it is
dry and the dam down to around 10%. Next meet by Helen and Peter
(you’re not getting out of it) was planned for June but unfortunately had to be
postponed to August.
So who is
stepping forward for June- ish??? Remember the Caravan and Camping Show is on
the June long weekend which may affect who can attend – I believe some members
are involved/going to this.
Rick & Carol
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