So the car was packed work was over for the week and we had decided to head in Thursday night to get 4 nights camping 3 was just not enough for the beautiful Bendeathra. We got away from home at 8.30pm and only had to make one fuel stop. We stopped for longer then we wanted but before long we were passing through a sleepy Braidwood and were onto the dirt. Oh getting closer by the moment we had a few near misses with wombats but then we saw the sign and turned onto the track into Deua National Park. From here it is only 23Kms to camp though it does take an hour and a half at a minimum. James aired down a little to make things more comfortable and on we set. It was a very uneventful trip in and with only 5kms to go we heard Mick Hill calling us on radio to tell us they had arrived found ray and were set up and heading to bed. The camping spot where we were hoping to camp already had 3 groups of people so Mick had made the decision to just head to our normal spot. We pulled in about 2.30am and had our camper up and were in bed by just after 3am and this has to be one of the best feelings in the world. In our favourite camping spot a cool night tucked into a very warm comfy bed knowing that it is just the beginning of relaxation.
Friday morning was a slow easy start we slept in and once we woke got going on setting up the rest of the camper. In no time the awning was up the mats were laid and ensuite was ready. It was only 11am and with coffee in hand we settled in to wait to hear for the rest of the campers. Mick and Jo had also decided to head in Thursday night and had pulled in, in nearly daylight so they arose late and were busy as was Mick and Jeanene setting up their camp. It was nearly 1pm before we saw the first cars cross the river from the second convoy. In this group was Walter and Alicia, Chris and Linda, Nick and Danielle and Richard with Corey and Jessica. Camp was set and then not long later it was nanna nap time I decided to have a rest and after waking hours later it turned out most of the rest of camp also decided to rest it was a very quiet camp. Festi Stu had also arrived and was busy getting his camp set. The boys then went out wood collecting, a fire pit was found we choose one that was central and had been previously used. After a very relaxing day of doing not much we cooked a fantastic roast and had a very enjoyable evening by the fire with great mates.
Saturday ah the day of sport. I had managed to pack Tennis racquets, Frisbees, Footballs and a Volley ball and with the post on the forum Linda had a Frisbee and Badminton racquets and Richard had a net and more racquets as well as a Football and Basket ball, Festi Stu had put in his Boche balls. Mid morning I walked out into the middle of the field and just started throwing the Frisbees to anyone passing it was only minutes before almost everyone had emerged and was joining in. Now 3 Frisbee’s going at once is just not enough so out came the footballs and volley ball so we now had almost as many flying objects as people it was a whole lot of crazy fun. Watching everyone’s different style for throwing catching and kicking was just plain funny at times. Richard set up his badminton net and Linda Corey Jessica and I gave it a go, while Festi Stu, Mick, Jo, Richard, Wally, Jeanene, Aaron and Sara all were giving boche a go. James later decided to join us at Badminton. We then decided that Volley ball was the next sport. Jo joined in and so did Festi Stu and we played 2 games. It was getting very warm being out in the sun so off to the river for a swim it was. We lead most the group up to the rope swing swimming hole where most of us went for a VERY cold dip. In went James then Danielle and following was Corey, Nick, Richard, Festi Stu, I made a dive and then Wally chose the dive in and froze everything, Jo was the last to get in but she made it. Just as we got out Chris and Linda dropped down and took some photos and video. It was so cold when I got out my hands started to swell up and it took hours before they were back to normal. Back to camp for a later lunch and an afternoon of resting and relaxing. Tennis was the sport of the afternoon with the badminton net lowered James, Jo and I hit a few balls and then Mick and Jeanene had a few rounds. It was camp oven night and I think there were 8 by the fire in total. Chris and Linda had made a rum and raisin damper and it was cooked wonderfully and then caramel topping was added just to finish it off. Everyone had a piece and it was as good as it looks in the pictures. Stefan had joined early evening after making his was in via the Merricumbeen track. Now with Stefan around the fire there is never a dull story to be told and well you just had to be there to hear the 3kg story. Mick and Jeanene had a fantastic game to share where we all bopped it, twisted it, pulled it and then screamed it just to finish it was a challenge but as a group we laughed and had a fantastic night.
Ah Sunday chocolate and more sports. James and I had taken our mountain bikes so we went riding exploring tracks and riding up hills within the area we were as we didn’t fancy carrying the bikes across the river. It was a great way to breath in the fresh mountain air and we managed to see 4 lyre birds along our ride. Walter, Alicia, Nick and Danielle, Richard, Corey and Jessica all decided that a trip to the caves was in order so off they set mid morning. When we got back it was time for a Volleyball rematch. Linda, James and I teamed up to be later joined by Festi Stu, against Jo Jeanene and Stefan to later be joined by Mick Mac. We got 2 games in before our teams of 3 became 4 it was 2 games against us and we then one the next 3 in a row to take out the series for this year. It was a fantastic game with a few long rally’s getting going and everyone got working as a team. James, Linda, Jo and I headed down to our usual spot for swim. When we arrived it was so fantastic to see that all the weeds have been washed out and I could swim right up the middle to the rock with no weeds in sight. The water was so crisp and fresh it was just wonderful to be in it. Chris, Linda, Stefan and Ray all were departing today so they had to get packing and on the track out. We said our farewells and wished them a safe journey home. Sunday afternoon I have to describe as the ultimate point in relaxation. Out came my picnic blanket and pillow ipod and camera and to just lay in the sun and absorb the atmosphere was wonderful. The caving group arrived back filthy and starving so they cleaned and lunched and set out relaxing. More badminton was played and wood was collected. With a few people gone it seemed a very quiet night around the fire.
Monday pack up day. We woke late to find the valley covered in mist, so we setteled in to have breakfast and wait for it to burn off before thinking about camping we did not want to pack anything away wet. Wally and Alicia were packed first and headed out early. Nick and Danielle, Richard, Corey and Jessica all set off next together. Festi Stu and Mick and Jo left next. Mick and Jeanene headed out via Moryua and we were the last to leave after enjoying our lunch in the valley we hit the mountain not far behind Mick and Jeanene. We could hear Mick and Jo on the radio and they informed us they were in the middle of a long que slowing making their way out. We caught the convoy at the trig. Not far down the hole convoy stopped and we found out that someone in the front of the 1st convoy had broken an aerial so they had just stopped mid track they were kindly asked to move over which they did and we asked if we could join us behind Mick and Jo and again people were kind enough to move over and let us pass. It was not long before we were turning back out of the park. We farewelled Festi Stu and Mick and Jo here where they decided to air up we pushed into Braidwood to do it and grab a coffee while we were there. We pulled into home just on 6pm having only had a small amount of traffic we were glad to be back.
All in all WOW what a fantastic trip we cant wait to get down there again and the bikes and sporting equipment are going to be a definite part of every trip from now on. Thanks to all who attended every person made it the wonderful trip it was.
Us2martins chilled out Easter in Bendeathra.
No comments:
Post a Comment