22 February 2015

The weather was perfect for a wander through the Watagans. The day was warm with intermittent showers and sunshine. We all met at 8.30am on Sparks Rd, near the motorway interchange. We said our “Hello’s” and filled out our paperwork. Needless to say, I was the last to arrive, so here we go!

We headed off from Sparks Rd and turned onto Hue Hue Rd and then onto Wyee Rd. We then turned onto Mandalong Rd, where we pulled over to air down. Scott gave Anthony a hand to air down and won himself a fun fine for by deflating one tyre mighty fast, as the valve decided to exit the tyre! A good example of why it is a good idea to carry a tyre repair kit and a compressor.

We continued our trip by taking a quick right hand turn and then left onto Saul’s Rd. Here we ventured off onto Burnt Ridge Rd. My orientation maybe incorrect here but I think this was the road  that my daughter’s boyfriend confessed that he could imagine a T-Rex emerging from the thick forest of tall trees and palms. It was certainly a picturesque place to be and felt a million miles from our suburban home.

We left the mud and Jurassic atmosphere behind us as we headed right along Prickly Ridge Rd to Muir’s Lookout for morning tea, a stretch and a chat.

All fed and refreshed, we journeyed along Prickly Ridge Rd and turned into McKenzie Rd for some low range fun. Pretty sure everyone had smiles on their faces as the recent weather made this stretch of the drive every enjoyable. We emerged onto Watagan Forest Rd, one vehicle short.

Here, fun fine No 2 goes to Ralph Teeson for disappearing from this road junction meeting point. Many people were scratching their heads, wondering where Ralph and his Suzuki had disappeared to! A few vehicles ( with their drivers) decide to have a bit of a search around and the rest of us continued to the Pines Camp Ground.

From here most of us trotted along Watagan Forest Rd, then onto Walker’s Ridge Rd to the end; a quick right took us onto Murray’s Run Rd through a beautiful valley to Wollombi Rd. We continued along for about 15 klms to Wollombi for lunch. A very pleasant face greeted us there, which belonged to Ralph Teeson, which was a very happy sigh of relief.

Trip leader                                                                                                                                       Scott Sheldon

Participants                                                                                                                                     Greg Middleton                      Discovery                                                                                       Roger Carrodus                     Hilux                                                                                                          Scott Good                               Colorado                                                                                             Anthony and Kylie Gavin      Patrol                                                                                                     Steve and Sue Pomare         Pajero                                                                                                   Jason Harmer                        Prado                                                                                                         Poul and Grace Wergeltoft    Hilux                                                                                                       Mal and Judy Reeds              Prado                                                                                                   Ralph Teeson                         Suzuki                                                                                                       Paul Cook                               Challenger                                                                                             Lynda, Erin and Ben             Landcruiser