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nsw
percy's
place weekend
Saturday 28th to Sunday 29th October, 2017
Twenty-five enthusiasts in 13
campers made for a great weekend in what was mostly fantastic
weather at the inaugural gathering at the Percys Place camp ground,
near Pitt Town, on the north-west edge of Sydney, over the weekend
of October 26 to 30, with hosts David and Jan Cook.
The
numbers weren’t great – short notice just after the National meet
found many with other obligations – but the numbers made for a good
weekend where everyone could fit around the one fire and there was
plenty of time to enjoy everyone’s company.
The
venue provided great facilities – a pile of kindling, plenty of
fireplaces and a scattering of tables and other usable gear, plus
handy portable toilets and all the comforts of hot showers a couple
of minutes’ drive away. The chosen location provided ample shade for
the hotter hours, and the steady breeze kept temperatures to a
comfortable level. Only one brief fall of rain overnight – even
though accompanied by strong winds – on the Thursday night meant
that the grass stayed green without being soggy.
The
river was constantly busy with jet skis, ski boats and – on the
Saturday evening and night – a canoe paddle race from Windsor
downstream – so there was plenty to watch. A handful of hardy souls
braved the water when it was hot, and others made the most of a huge
mulberry tree nearby that was just dripping with fruit.
There were excursions to the markets in Richmond and Windsor and to
other popular spots in this historic area, though for many the
weekend was simply an excuse to put their feet up and chat.
There were a few “sillybilly” moments – Mal Currey driving back home
(only 30 minutes away) to gather up his TV bits and pieces to make
use of an offer from Jack Langfield to get it all working, and then
forgetting to bring the remote, which was needed – and Jim Roche,
who was enjoying his 60th birthday, ducking into his
camper seconds before his surprise birthday cake made its
appearance.
But
the chief “sillybilly” award went to Jack and Jan Langfield. The
pair travelled down from Tamworth in separate cars, as Jack was
heading on to assist his father in some work around home after the
weekend, while Jan headed back north. Jan left about 10 minutes
before Jack was ready on the Sunday morning, only for Jack to
discover that he couldn’t find his car keys. After dismantling his
car he decided that they had to be in Jan’s car, but numerous
messages and attempted phone calls brought no response. It wasn’t
until later that afternoon that she got home and discovered the
missed calls and messages on her phone, then found that she’d
accidentally turned the ring tone off. She rang to find out what the
problem was, and when told checked her purse and found the missing
keys. So, without batting an eyelid she got back in her car and
drove the five hours back to her sister’s (Joy Wilkinson) on the
Central Coast and continued on on the Monday morning so Jack, who’d
calmly added a day to his camping, could head off. Jan then turned
around and drove home again.
All
up it was a good weekend at a great venue on the very edge of
Sydney, one that was new to all bar just a couple of those
attending.
David and Jan Cook
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