south australia
Old
Belcunda Station weekend
On the weekend
of Friday 6th to Sunday 8th November 2009.
Near Mt Bryan township, 15 kms
north of Burra on the Barrier Highway, South Australia.
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
photos
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