Trip Report – Darling River Run Part 2
12-25 July 2020

Rob Drummond, TL                                     Nissan Patrol
Phillip & Linda Favaloro, TECs                   Nissan Patrol

Trip Report by Linda Favaloro

19.7.20 Killara Station, 12km out of Tilpa.

We had breakfast and packed up then we went to have a look around the place, as the owner had quite a bit of equipment around like old tractors. There were some kids swings and his own private aircraft. There were old fuel pumps and lots of old rusted farming equipment. Then met the owner and her friendly dogs. After chatting for a while and paid our dues, we were on the road again. Rob and Phillip were itching to paddle on the Darling River in their kayaks, so they went to investigate a place about 4km on the river through the back of their property. The owner mentioned it would be a great area for kayaking. We had a look what we thought would be the spot and it didn’t look like you could put ski boats in the water let alone kayaks. Turned around and made our way back. Along the way spotted some campers with kayaks and decided to stop and ask if they had been kayaking. They said no but were in the process of making scones over hot coals in the camp oven. Said our goodbyes and decided it was time for morning tea but no plans for scones, as we couldn’t find any timber anywhere.

We headed back to Tilpa to refuel and to have look around the town. We went to investigate the cemetery without residents. We had great difficulty in finding the cemetery, so just went for a short walk around the Town. Heading onwards to Louth, we were about 25km out of Louth when Phillip heard a noise pulled over to have a look at his tyres. They looked good so then he moved on slowly and saw out of his side mirror, a big puff of dust and stopped. It happened just before the Stoney Creek Bridge. When we further investigate, it was the back right side wheel which was flat. Phillip removed the flat tyre and he checked out the tyre for any holes. Rob said it wasn’t the tyre but it was the rim that was actually punctured by a huge stone, which was wedged between the rim and the disc. The rock was stuck and grinding away at the mag wheel and when rolled off slowly, it was able to move a bit and the sharp corner pierced the rim therefore flattening the tyre. We replaced wheel and continued our trip to Louth and set up camp along the Darling River. Rob went searching for timber to start our fire so we can prepare hot coals for the scones Rob was going to make at last! Phillip and I supervised the production and provided the half pinch of salt, that was needed and any other helpful hints along the way. The camp oven was lined with aluminium foil and after mixing and whisking away at the mixture, it was ready to place into the camp oven. It was cut into three pieces and placed onto the coals and shovelled coals on top of the lid. After 10 minutes we went to inspect the scones and found the top stuck to the lid. They were burnt but still raw in the middle. We cooked the scones slowly for a further 30 minutes and they were ready to eat.  We buttered, homemade jam and honey them. They were cooked just right and very delicious. We then placed more logs on the fire to stay warm and toasted marshmallows. It was getting late to we went to bed ready for the next day.

20.7.20

Our next destination was to explore Gundabooka National Park, so we went south on the Louth Road toward Cobar looking for a turn off to the east but we couldn’t find the road. We turned back into Louth to go the other way. We have seen so many goats along the way. We have turned right into Mulgowan Road, 32 kilometres to go. Turned left onto Ben Lemond Road, only 8km to go. We could see the other track, the one we couldn’t find on the Louth-Cobar Road, coming in from the right but had no time to explore.  We stopped to have some morning tea at 10.30am at the information bay.

Now we are going on a walk to see Aboriginal Carvings on the Rocks. It was name Mulgowan Aboriginal Heritage Site. Stopping to take photos of flowers. There were fields of purple, white and pink flowers growing everywhere.

We had lunch before we went on our walk to give us more energy. The Aboriginal site was interesting to see but there were no plaques for information to give a greater appreciation of the site, which was disappointing. At the end of our walk, before we turned back you could walk down to a little creek which was quite quaint. Then we headed back to our vehicles to explore Yanda Camping grounds within the National Park, to see how close it was to the water as shown on the map. Travelling along Yanda Track, we stopped at the Five Mile Historic Site. There was an old house and a shed with a Landrover, not sure if the other vehicle was a Vauxhall or Vanguard, and a water tank on the left-hand side of the road. Then we continued our travels to the campsite. As it turned out the camping grounds were a long way from the water.

We are now on our way to Bourke to stay for two nights. We arrived at Kidman’s Camp to book accommodation and set up our tents, we had our dinner then went to bed.

21.7.20

After breakfast, we visited the Visitor’s Centre and purchased passes to visit Mt Oxley for tomorrow when on our way towards Brewarrina. Then we went into Bourke for a good cup of coffee at Bourke’s Best Bites before we did our grocery shopping. Rob and Phillip walked down towards the picnic area and noticed the Historical Crossley Engine “Twin Cylinder all Fuelled Stationary Engine” was in operation, so they went an d watched the demonstration. Rob said the times that he has been to Bourke he has never witnessed the demonstration of the engine running. Meanwhile, I was having a look at shops that wouldn’t be of interest to the men. We met up again and had a look around the town itself. Phillip also visited the National Parks Office to find out if he could purchase a National Park Yearly Pass but was unsuccessful.

Then we decided to have lunch at the picnic area, a very pretty spot by the water. We were going to visit Back of Bourke information centre but thought it was too costly to go in for the time available. We went back to our campsite and Rob and Phillip changed into their swimmers and went kayaking. They found a perfect area just before the two bridges where there was a boat ramp to launch their kayaks. After they paddled the 12km round trip down to Bourke and back. They went as far as the water alongside the picnic area located in Bourke, the location of the old wharf, and turned around. I stayed and relaxed at the campsite. When they came back it was time for dinner and we sat around chatting for a while then went to bed.

22.7.20

Packed up and travelling east towards Mt Oxley for morning tea. We turned right into Tarcoon Road, towards Mt Oxley, two sheep were outside the fence line. The road until we reached the bottom of the mountain was badly corrugated for about 11 kilometres. You could say it was worse than some parts of our Simpson Desert Trip last July 2019. Rob placed the go pro on his car to picture the view until arriving at the top of Mt. Oxley. As we were proceeding up the mountain, we saw most spectacular views and at the top you could see magnificent views for miles. The sun had come out and the winds had eased. The height at the top of the mountain was 293 metres. Rob was having fun with his drone and getting great pictures.

It was well set up with picnic tables and toilets. It was time for something hot to drink as it was cold and windy. Then we continued to travel onwards to our next destination.

After shutting and locking the gate using the padlock chain at the end of our mountain climb, we turned right onto Oxley Road making our way to Brewarrina. Then turned left onto Charlton Road. We travelled on the bridge over the Bogan River. We found a nice shady spot on the left side of the road and had lunch. We spotted numerous paddy melons yellow and green ones on either side of the road. Phillip had fun playing lawn paddy melon bowls, and as we continued our trip, Phillip and Rob succeeded to squash a melon or two as we headed off.

We arrived at Brewarrina and went to the information centre to find out the nearest accommodation, boat ramps for kayaks and the famous fish traps. We set up camp at “Beds on the Barwon” right alongside Barwon River. It was a peaceful place. They also have four riverside cabins overlooking the river, but they were all booked out. Looks like another night in the tents. Tomorrow we will go on the Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum guided tour which includes an informative guided tour of the Ngunnhu (fish traps) which are estimated at 40,000 years old.

23.7.20

Rob and Phillip left the campsite at 7.00am to go kayaking at 4-mile camping reserve, then went towards the weir back in town. They were on a time limit and didn’t quite make it to the weir, so they turned around and came back.

We travelled back into town for a 11.00am Brewarrina Aboriginal Cultural Museum guided walking tours of the Ngunnhu and the museum exhibit. The tour guide shared stories from an indigenous perspective through storytelling, actually explaining the fish traps and how they worked. Then we had lunch along the river, not far from the Weir. Now we are heading to Walgett. We stopped at Walgett not only to fuel up but have a look at a painted mural of galahs on a silo which was amazing.

We then headed to Baradine and arrived at 4.30pm at Camp Cyprus. We stayed in a cabin with 2 rooms with their own bathrooms and a shared kitchen area. There were also 2 other bedrooms with their own bathroom. We had dinner and went to bed for an early start in the morning.

24.7.20
We enjoyed the views on our way to Warrumbungle National Park stopping and taking photos of the mountains in the distance. We visited the information centre and Phillip finally received his 2-year National Parks Pass, which made him very happy. He couldn’t do the senior pass online and he left it too late to send the form by mail before we left home.

We went to the Whitegum Lookout which was spectacular and took photos. Then we visited the Siding Spring Observatory, where we investigated information about fascinating facts and a close up look at the telescope. From there we went to Coolah and stopped there for coffee and lunch, then proceeded to Mudgee to catch up with Dianne, Eric and Laura.

Rob went home that day and Phillip and I stayed there for 2 days. We left on Sunday for home.

We had a fantastic trip. We saw beautiful landscapes and discovered more of the Australian outback. Rob, we are looking forward to next year’s trip.

Trip Report – Darling River Run Part 1
12-25 July 2020

Rob Drummond, TL                                     Nissan Patrol
Phillip & Linda Favaloro, TECs                   Nissan Patrol

Trip Report by Linda Favaloro

12.7.20
Phillip and I left Sydney at about 12.30pm and the weather was sunny. We were excited that we were finally packed and getting away. Travelled along the Bells Line Road to Lithgow, then onto to Bathurst.  Took the Northern Distributor Road instead of driving through Orange and ended up at Forbes for the night. We had experienced heavy rain and cold weather along the way.

13.7.20
Today we are heading for Hay but before arriving at Rankin Springs we drove through a town called Weethalle. It was a small town comprising of a Hotel, museum, serving tea and scones, which was closed, and a general store. We took photos of the train station sign, the painted silos and the Museum. When we arrived at Rankins Springs, we noticed a sign saying 69km to Lake Cargelligo so we decided to explore and have lunch there by the lake. Also visited the information centre. From there we went to Hillston and we were going to Booligal but the road was closed due to heavy rain, so we went to Hay via Goolgowi.

At Gunbar we stopped for a break and noticed another road closure. A man and his camper were turning around very unhappy.  Then I decided to investigate road closures within the areas and found out that our Darling River Run wasn’t looking promising. There was a number that you could ring and it was a recorded message of the road closures in Darling Wentworth Council. We found that roads were closed from Pooncarie to Menindee and Menindee to Wilcannia.  We were meeting up with Rob tomorrow at Wentworth and would need to discuss alternative routes of travel. I didn’t think he is aware of any road closures so we thought we will discuss over scones and tea tomorrow as promised by Rob. Phillip did suggest that maybe he and Rob could go kayaking along the Darling River and leave me alone knitting. At least I would be warm and dry as the boys explored the river by kayak. We saw a few emus along the way to Hay for the night.

14.7.20
We went into Hay to find the National Parks Office as Phillip had difficulty purchasing a senior park pass on line and it was too late to send forms by mail. When we found the office, it was closed and phone line was no longer available but still stated on their website, so we went to the information centre and they told us that the office had been closed for 12 months. They don’t do park passes as you have to do it on line, so we were told to call into the Yanga National Park before Balranald but they were closed as Park Ranger was on extended leave. We gave up and proceeded onwards to Euston where we stopped to buy lunch and went to a picnic area alongside the Murray River.

After lunch we continued travelling towards Wentworth. Just after Buronga we visited the Botanical Gardens on River Road. I was disappointed to see the Garden Café and Information Centre closed especially being school holidays. We had organised to meet Rob at Wentworth, Willow Bend Caravan Park. The proprietors Ana and Tony were friendly and helpful. We found out that Tony is a country singer and has a CD available. We met up with Rob in the afternoon and had dinner together.  Phillip and Rob arranged to meet down by the river to go kayaking about 6.45am the next day, so it was time to go to bed to be up early in the morning.

15.7.20
It was very cold and misty but Phillip and Rob still went kayaking on the Darling River and the Murray River. I stayed in the van and kept warm but I made sure things were ready to be packed in the car. They headed off about 7.00am to circumnavigate Junction Island. They were both very cold and frozen when they came back after kayaking for a couple of hours. They were looking forward to a hot shower to warm up but that didn’t eventuate as the electrical company had switched off the power to do some work. The temperature was minus 1 in the morning so Tony the caretaker had built a fire by the water to keep his travellers happy.

We went into Wentworth to do some shopping, visit the information centre and gift shops. Then we left Wentworth bound for Pooncarie. As the day went on it was gradually warming up to about 17 degree Celsius, so they both thawed out gradually during the day. Rob spotted a nice shaded area for lunch with river views. Then we continued travelling to our next adventure. On our travels we notice two pink pianos on the left-hand side, so we decided to turn around and take a photo. There was a sign saying bras, boots and a pink piano. We arrived at Pooncarie about 4.00pm to set up our tents, had dinner and we went to bed. A very cold and heavy dew that night.

16.7.20
We woke up had breakfast, packed up and on our way to Menindee. Before leaving refuelled at Port Pitstop and paid for our one-night stay at the Multi-Purpose Park at Pooncarie. We stopped at the Old Wharf Café at Pooncarie for a coffee whilst we were there, they were playing Tony’s country music in the background. (Tony is the owner of Willow Bend Caravan Park at Wentworth). We continued our travel toward Menindee on the High Darling Road, on the western side of the Darling and we were now on a dusty road. It was another sunny and glorious day no wind or rain just dust, just lots of sheep on either side of the road. We stopped for lunch by the Darling River at Polia Station and on the other side of the fence, near the river, sheep were coming down the steep riverbank to the river for a drink and a walk along the waterside. After lunch we stopped to look at a steel structure which turned out to be a pump to retrieve water from the river. Another little structured shed (environmental monitoring station) to keep an eye on the river. The river at this point was about 800mm not even a metre deep. The bank had a wet patch on the ground about 300mm foot high indicating there had recently been more water in the river. Further down the road we came across another dry lake on the right.  At the sheep and cow crossing, a whole lot of sheep and goats went galloping across the road in front of Rob. Then we crossed an airstrip, just as well there were no planes (sneaky landing).

At Packers Crossing there was a sign saying no diving, no swimming, no fishing and no boating. We turned right onto Tandou Road to Menindee absolutely no water in the creek and there were two Water Board trucks on the creek bed. Stopped along the way to take photos of structures poking up from the ground in dam like structures, which probably should have had water in them. Continued our trip where we spotted emus and kangaroos along the way but at Lake Cawndilla there was no sign of water.

We checked out one campsite overlooking Lake Menindee but decided against staying there as it looked so desolate and ended up camping at Copi Hollows Camping Ground right alongside the lake between Menindee Lake and Pamamaroo Lake, a very pretty spot. We stayed here for two nights.

17.7.20
The next day heading out to have a look at historical Kinchega Woolshed, the Visitors Centre, Shearers Quarters and Rangers Office in Kinchega National Park. Another glorious, sunny day. It was very interesting to still see all the old equipment and tools on show.

Now headed off to River Drive alongside the Darling River. River Drive is 27km of winding road and there are 34 camping sites located alongside this scenic drive. There was a plaque placed on one of the trees indicating 1976 flood level which was quite amazing on the riverbank. We stopped further alongside the lake to explore large trees showing their roots because of the soil erosion. We came across the remains of the paddle steamer PS  Providence which exploded at this location in 1872. Only the boiler was left on the bank.  We found another tree displaying 1976 flood level, 1983-1984 flood level and 2011 flood level. 2011 being the lowest of the three and 1976 being the highest.

We had lunch at a picnic spot by the water and spotted a pelican and finches. Our next stop was the old Kinchega Homestead. The homestead was cleverly located between the Billabong and the Darling River. You get an idea how they would have lived and survived in those days. There was plenty of water flowing over Weir 32.

Flood levels 1976, 1983, 2011

We discovered Morton Boulka picnic area where no camping was allowed and we went for a short walk across the dry creek beds.

National Parks had closed some of the other roads we were hoping to drive, so we headed back into Menindee for some essentials. Went back to camp, had dinner and went to bed.

18.7.20
Left the campsite heading for Tilpa and on our way stopped at the Menindee Lakes Dam Wall and interconnecting channel between Lake Menindee and Lake Pamamaroo taking photos and the train line. While we were there, we saw a goods train come through. We spoke with Neil Flower, TRAX Chaplin who was enquiring on how we were going. Then, we had planned to travel from Menindee to Wilcannia on the western side of the Darling but found out the road was closed. The last update was done on Tuesday 14.7.20, so now we had to travel on the east side, crossing the Darling River. We went on back through Menindee and turned left onto the Wilcannia – Menindee east side road. I noticed the Old Mission Road was also closed.

Rob told us about an incoming vehicle coming but little did we know there were two young cows lying on the road in the shade. Rob had to wait until they moved off the road. Rob noticed a track right alongside the lake wetlands and went off the road to see the water at a closer view. We were driving on top of a levee which we found later was not the right thing to do.

It was ‘elevenses’ and we stopped for morning tea. We continued along the levee and came to a perfect morning tea/camping area. The location was 3 Mile Creek, Windale. The levee continued on the other side of the creek but there was a sign “no private vehicles are allowed passed this point”. It was time to get back onto the main track.

It was getting late and we pulled off the road to get some shade by some trees for lunch. We noticed a big hole in the ground not far from where Rob went off the road. At the Cobb Highway we did a kink and stayed on the east side of the Darling. East Tilpa Road was open.  This saved us from going through Wilcannia to take the western route. Along the way we found a sign saying no shooting feral and bush goats farmed here.  We saw another sign, the picture looked like a sheep but the top left-hand corner read “cattle”. I wish they would make up their minds.

Travelling along the road alongside Paroo Darling National Park we saw a sign Wilga Campground. We stopped here to investigate the area and had some afternoon tea. We arrived at Tilpa at 4.40pm then travelled to Killara Station where we would stay the night. We arrived there at about 5.00pm and after setting up camp went to have dinner at Tilpa Hotel. We had steak, vegetables and chips which was yummy and we didn’t have to cook! When we returned Killara Station, we had some time to ourselves playing patience, knitting, reading and mobile games.

Stay tuned for Part 2 coming to TRAXION

Trip Report – Burralow Creek
27th June 2020

Ron Paton (TL) & Neil Flower          Forester
Math Smith (2IC)                                Discovery
Will Smith                                            Honda Bike
Paul Batt                                               Mazda BT50
Norman & Olivia Shin                       Nissan Patrol
Beatson Family                                   Nissan Patrol
Liney Family                                       Forester
Ron Owen                                            Pajero
Phillip & Linda Favaloro  (TEC)      Nissan Patrol

We received a call just as we were about to leave home (7:10am). Read on to find out why.

We met at Macquarie Park picnic ground Windsor at 8:00am but was the last to arrive. Guess who got to write the report that you are now reading. Neil prayed for us and we left on time at 8:15am. The weather was cloudy, cold and drizzly light rain but cleared up.

Ron lead us up Wilberforce Road as Freemans Reach Road was closed for road works as part of the Windsor Bridge upgrade. We turned onto the Putty Road at Wilberforce and left into Kurmond Road. We came across a bunch of bike riders that we had to pass on Kurmond Road. At 8:40am turned right onto Bells Line Road and the rain had stopped. The Liney family had arranged to meet us at Warks Hill Road Kurrajong Heights but when they left home travelling in Laura’s car the fuel pipe seemed to be frozen and the car stopped suddenly. Eric had to go home and get his vehicle and towed the car back to their place. They decided to take the Forester vehicle and proceeded on their way but would be late meeting us. Phillip volunteered to wait for them just before the turnoff to Warks Hill Road. Little did Phillip know that he will be waiting for three more vehicles who missed the turnoff. The Liney family arrived about 5 minutes after the lost vehicles returned. At 9:52am proceeding on our trip travelling down Burralow track. Karate Kid led the lost and found vehicles to the picnic area. Along the way we passed a man and his dog, two vehicles, two women walking and two bike riders and we still haven’t reach the picnic area. Turning right onto Patterson Range Fire Trail going towards the picnic area for morning tea at 10:15am. We met the others as we entered the picnic and camping area on the left. At 11:10 we carried on with their rest of our trip, whilst leaving the campsite we were passed two motorbike riders and another two vehicles. Also, there was about 6 motorbike riders alongside the road repairing the tyre on one of the motorbikes. It was amazing to see so much green growth on the burnt trees after the bush fires, even the grasses were growing and beautiful and green. We passed the power lines, our morning tea spot on the recce and was soon at the Bells Line of Road.

We turned left back onto the back top and a short distance down the road, turning right onto Mountain Lagoon Road. There was a stack of beehives on the righthand side of the road. I wonder what the honey tastes like?

We were back on the dirt again and travelling alone before Ron turned left into Sams Way. Sams Way circled the Mountain Lagoon lake. We were looking for some track that eluded us on the Recce. Will, on his motorbike, had turned left to checkout a track to see where it leads to. While we were waiting for Will to return, to our right was a perfect view of the Lagoon. At the end of Sams Way we turned left back onto Mountain Lagoon Trail and eventually reached Comleroy Road on the narrow track.

Ron turned left onto Comleroy Road and we were looking for the Gees Arm trails to show Shane (Gucrew). Off to the right is South Gees Arm Trail. As we are about to continue travels Will’s chain came off his bike, so we stopped to fix the chain. We all decided it was time for lunch off and set up in the open area just at the start of the Gees Arm South Trail. Ron announced that there was going to be a prize given to the person who collected the most rubbish. The Beatson’s children collected 2 large garbage bags filled with rubbish. At the end of the day, they received a packet of lollies for their hard work. Lunch finished at 2:00 o’clock and we continued our trip along Comleroy Road passing the Gees Arm North Trail on our right, before going down the hill to the Colo River. The entrance to Gees Arm North Trail had changed. The rocks across the track were removed and the gate was closed.

After passing the Anglican Church we came to the T intersection and turned right into Upper Colo Road then left into Colo Heights Road and told to stop on the bridge for a photo. Didn’t anyone see the 15 Ton limit on the bridge. After a few pictures, we proceeded across the Upper Colo Bridge and into a clearing next to the river. The vehicles were aligned ready for another photo shoot. This time with passengers and drivers in front of their vehicles. Will was egged on to take his bike through a mud puddle and it didn’t take much for him to do it again. Some goats were spotted across the road from the clearing when we were turning right back onto the road. Colo Heights Road took us back the Putty Road.

At the Putty Road, we turned right and then left Wheelbarrow Ridge Road. After some tar, the road turned to gravel just the way we like it. Matt pointed out that he saw a dog on a pile of mulch, and we were keen to spot the site. Well there was a dog on a pile of mulch checking out the vehicles as they passed by. We passed Wheelbarrow Ridge Trail on the left and our next stop were the aboriginal carvings on the rocks next to the road. You could make out the head arms and tail. Neil said there were more carvings, but they must have weathered away. Someone asked about using chalk to highlight the carving but told it a was a bad idea and sand was a better choice.

Down near Green Road the convey spotted a rainbow to the right which was quite spectacular, and Kylie reported that Isabel had seen a goat in a dog kennel. How unusual. You never know what you’re going to come across whilst travelling on the country roads.

We crossed the Hawkesbury River and turned left into West Portland Ferry Road to catch the ferry and waited to board. Paul, Norman And Olivia went back to Windsor instead catching the ferry with us.

The rest of the group was able to fit on the ferry. Once across the river we turned right and followed the river passing some of the river side ski parks.

We stopped for afternoon tea at about 3:30 on the corner of Sackville Ferry Road and Wisemans Ferry Rd, which gave Will an opportunity to place his bike on the back of his dad’s car, as we had experienced rain before we stopped. Ron handed out some prizes and Neil prayed thanks for a great day and a safe trip home. It was time to say our goodbyes and proceeded home after a very enjoyable trip. Thanks Ron. Some turned towards Windsor while others went to Old Northern Road.

See you on the tracks.
Phillip & Linda

Thanks to Kylie Beatson for photos in both trip reports Ed.

Trip Report – Burralow Creek
27th June 2020

The meeting place was Macquarie Park Windsor.

Those in attendance:

Ron Paton (TL) & Neil Flower          Forester
Math Smith (2IC)                                Discovery
Will Smith                                            Honda Bike
Paul Batt                                               Mazda BT50
Norman & Olivia Shin                       Nissan Patrol
Beatson Family                                   Nissan Patrol
Liney Family                                       Forester
Ron Owen                                            Pajero
Phillip & Linda Favaloro                  Nissan Patrol

The weather was cold with rain threatening. In fact it was raining lightly whilst we waited for all to arrive. It was obvious that most of us had sourced our breakfasts from MacDonald’s. Our friends from Mudgee were on their way and running a little late, but not as late as 3 of us were to become. We headed off toward the turn off to Ebenezer but continued along the Putty Road at which time I thought that Burralow Creek was not the destination I had in mind geographically as I hadn’t been there for many years.

We made our way across to Bells Line of Road exiting below Kurrajong, turning right getting into the climb. We proceeded through Kurrajong into Upper Kurrajong which is where the wheels fell off for me and two others. I think that entering Bells Line of Road by necessity created a split in our convoy. From the beginning I was in front of tail-end Charlie with two other of our vehicles directly in front of me. At Upper Kurrajong, tail-end Charlie peeled off to wait for our friends from Mudgee which was organised and validated on the radio. I had no qualms watching him exit and continued the game of 3 of us playing follow the leader, or so we thought, as we had not noticed any other of our convoy exit ahead of us.

I have to mention at this stage that my radio had difficulty receiving calls which were coming through as bursts of static. I put this down to the short aerial I had mounted to allow me to enter parking stations and figured it would suffice for convoy communications. We were up past the Bilpin Apple Bowl when I encountered three static bursts on my radio followed by three calls on my mobile which I couldn’t answer without stopping. This meant that the two vehicles ahead kept going. I found out we had overshot the turn off as had tail-end Charlie.

I confirmed I would chase down the two vehicles ahead and took off because the gap between us had now extended. To cut a long story short we ended up u-turning and made our way back to Kurrajong Heights where we were reunited with tail-end Charlie soon to be followed by our friends from Mudgee. We drove down to the creek, had morning tea on the flat and I changed my aerial. We drove through the park exiting on to Bells Line of Road just below the Bilpin Apple Bowl, turned west and after a brief drive, turned right into Mountain Lagoon Road looking for a specific track off the LHS. What was looked for was not found despite the efforts of Will Smith who had brought his latest trail bike acquisition with him and was of considerable help in being able to quickly scout these much more quickly than was possible in a 4wd vehicle. Unfortunately his chain came off and was quickly replaced with some assistance. It was decided we would lunch there.

After leaving, the opportunity was taken for a photo shoot of all the vehicles on the old timber bridge across the Colo River. Now whilst this seemed a good idea, I have no idea of the age of the bridge which has no supports above road level and as we loaded it up with our cars I couldn’t help thinking about the sign that said maximum weight 15 ton. I am sure our collective weight was more than that. But all is well that ends well and the trip turned into a very leisurely and pleasant experience with the weather holding firm.

Our Trip Leader Ron Paton introduced the novelty of issuing prizes at the end for certain tasks undertaken during the course of the trip such as the most garbage collected amongst others.

Great effort Ron P when is the next one?

Ron Owen