The last weekend before the fire ban season! What to do – would we be able to light a fire? Why not try the SA jewel in the crown – the Mid North?! (My personal bias is showing!)

    Old Belcunda Station has been completely renovated over the last 2 years, it now has power and gas installed, and, is approximately 28kms North East of Burra. With two bathrooms, 3 bedrooms, a BBQ and other mod cons it seemed to be an ideal place for us to try out. And so it proved

    N.B. Believe it or not; No one used the luxurious cool beds – what a committed camper trailer group we South Australians are!!

    The weather forecast was for clear skies and a temperature of 26o C for the Friday rising quickly to a warm 34oC plus on Sunday; an early start therefore seemed preferable on Saturday. Dave (aka smokey) and Rosie were already set up when I (the local guy) arrived at 1100. The others – Pat and Frank, Rick (walks on red coals) and Cindy, Barb, Michael, Amanda, Lauren (makes a great cuppa) and Phil, Andrew and Rosemary, Burnie and Shirley (master of gates), and, Michelle and Barry from New South Wales had all made it by last light - a flashing light ensured success in the dark for the remaining few. However, it does appear that “yours truly “can improve on his directions (nothing a map reading course. can't fix guys)! One couple – no names here – were in the local area searching for 2.5 hours.

    Our first evening was spent chatting by the fire and catching up with old chums, and also making new friends. Relaxation was the order of the day.

    As we had been told there were yabby dams on the property we breakfasted early and, armed with a host of Michael's baited nets, headed for the dams. But alas no yabbies to be had, in-spite of a great team effort! Perhaps it was because there was an “r” in the month? So, Plan B for dinner.

    In the afternoon five vehicles set out a 2.5 hour tour of the region exploring hidden areas of country, marvelling at views, and generally enjoying the countryside – there is a lot to see. The last stop was at Sir Hubert Wilkins' restored cottage – this is where he was born at Mount Bryan East. Back in time for Happy Hour and, for two of the groups, a puncture repair to fix.

    Did you know a puncture requires two men and 4 cans of beer to fix?!

    We do!, and the tyre was fixed in quick time! Another lesson learnt for the group was ,that a Toyota requires a special key and tool to lower the spare wheel. What a hassle.

    We had decided (Plan B – no yabbies remember?) to pool our food for the evening meal. Mike commissioned the spit of his Wombat with a leg of lamb – it was brilliant! (No doubt due to the fire set up by Rick!). The Gas BBQ was also put to good use –and a great dinner was had by all. Barb's desert was brilliant and worth waiting for.

    Sunday morning, and it started to warm up very quickly, so we didn't hang around. Everybody had gone by 1000 having had a very enjoyable weekend.

    It was lovely to see Michelle and Barry (he of the Nelson touch) from NSW; you are both now co-opted SA members of the group – come back soon. We were so please that you were able to join us and hope, with 4 new tyres you have speedy and safe trip. home

                     

     MPF