Ten camper trailers, a ute with canopy & two tents attended the Australian CamperTrailers Group members get together at Old Bara over Easter hosted by Rob & Carol. Old Bara is a 1100 acre property running 100% grass feed beef near Mudgee NSW & owned by Richard & Sally Nagel. Members arrived from far a field as Moree, Taree, Newcastle, Wellington & Orange as well as the Sydney region and just up the road from Gulgong.

Central NSW had endured a long hot dry spell, however the paddocks were looking fantastic with the result from a couple of recent falls of rain. With the relentless summer heat gone, we were treated with perfect early autumn weather of hot sunny days & light breezes. The shade of the camper trailer awnings where a welcome relief from midday onwards as the days warmed to around thirty degrees. The temperature suddenly plunged at sunset making for cool nights & a pleasant time around the evening campfire.

 

Andrew & Clare along with Ross & grand daughters Emma & Issie enjoyed their first weekend get together with the group. It was pleasing to see how easy they slipped into conversation with everyone around the campfire.

Those who had arrived by Friday accompanied Rob & Carol for a drive to the lookout on the property for happy hour & to watch the sunset.

 

While some drove to Ferntree Gully for a walk on the Saturday, others wandered the Mudgee markets, a look around town & a cup of coffee, or a look-see around the district, before returning for afternoon happy hour in the shade under Rob & Carol's awning. 

 

On Sunday Andrew & Claire and John & Joy explored the back roads from Old Bara to the Cooyal pub for lunch. They drove down a track with a sign saying the road was not maintained & soon found themselves in 4wd negotiating deep washouts. After all that effort they were now looking forward to a bit of light refreshment & lunch, but found the pub shut. However all was not lost as they soon found a nearby winery with pizza.

It was Rob's first camping trip for nine months after a bit of ill health. The smoke seemed to follow him no matter where he sat around the campfire, even up wind. Walking back to his camper trailer from the campfire in the dark, he found himself at the wrong camper on more then one occasion, but they say what happens in camp, stays in camp. Someone must of spiked the ginger beer. 

Monday afternoon saw a few showers around the district with Old Bara recording 6mm of welcomed rain. We did manage a walk in the Cypress Forest between the showers, but happy hour at the lookout was cancelled owing to strong wind on the mountain top. It was nice catching up with Richard & Sally when they joined us in camp for happy hour.

It was a great weekend. Thanks to those who attended for the camaraderie around the campfire. See you next Easter.  
 

Rob & Carol

waxing moon	Meadow Argus	Yellow-rumped Thornbill
Jacky Winter	Painted Lady	Zebra Finch