First of all I would like to acknowledge the work that Trevor Whittington put into the organising of this trip and was unfortunately unable to attend due to ill health. Also, thanks to Brian, who gladly accepted Trevor’s request that he lead the trip on Trevor’s behalf and did a great job at short notice.

Cat and I rolled out of the Central Coast on Friday to embark on our first camping trip with the club and decided to take the scenic route through Wisemans Ferry, (a bit longer, but a much nicer drive and we had all day to get there so why rush).

Trip Leader:  

Brian & Kym             Patrol

Participants:

Bob & Monica         Landcruiser                                                                                                             Sue & Cherrie          Prado                                                                                                                       Peter & Bev             Landcruiser                                                                                                             Greg & Bev              Patrol                                                                                                                         David & Heather    Landcruiser\                                                                                                   Neal & Roz             Triton                                                                                                      Bev                           Prado                                                                                                                 Steve & Cat            Patrol                                                                                                                   David & Violet       Landcruiser                                                                                                               David & Alison,                                                                                                                                 Luke & Timothy     Patrol                                                                                                 Trevor                     Ranger                                                                                                                     Tony & Janice        Landcruiser

On arrival at Rydal showground we were greeted by 4 other groups who decided to start the weekend early as well. With camp set up and a feed in our bellies, we were serenaded to sleep by the sound of some locals doing some circle work near our camp.

Or it was an early night in anticipation of a great weekend ahead.

Saturday morning and breakfast done it was time to head into Lithgow and meet up with the rest of the group, get the paperwork done and officially start the trip. First stop was Trevor’s in-laws place about 200 metres from our meeting point to go and have a look at the Anti-Aircraft stations that were put in place to protect Lithgow’s mining, manufacturing and transport industries and the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. What a fantastic look into our past, the guns have been restored and were used in Baz Luhrmann’s movie “Australia”, and is well worth a look if you are in the area.

Ok folk’s, mount up and off to the showground so that everyone could set up camp and have some lunch before a 1pm departure for the tracks around the Lake Lyell, Mt Walker area. After airing down in camp, we set off and within 100mtrs we were on the tracks.

I was in the passenger seat for the Saturday afternoon, taking photos and operating the action camera while Cat had a drive. Our first real challenge was a rocky climb which was safely negotiated by everyone with some expert guidance by Tony. (I just have to work out how to edit some expletives from my video footage, as Cat, on seeing the rock steps for the first time, suddenly decided to verbalise her thoughts sans any filter whatsoever… let’s say there was absolute and ardent denial hahaha..) But, thanks to Brian’s steady and calm instructions, and Tony’s expert guiding, and also the recently completed Driver Training Stage 1 Course, she was able to follow Tony’s directions with confidence and the mighty Patrol walked up it like it was flat ground.

A variety of tracks followed and then we came to the river crossing, which, a couple of weeks earlier was chest deep, but thankfully it was down to less than a metre which made for an easy crossing. This was followed by a very nice crossing where we got to drive along the Cox’s river, and then we made our way back to camp for Happy hour and a feed. After dinner Brian gave Trevor a call so we could all say G’day, this seemed to cheer him up along with the fact that he was told that he would be getting out of hospital.

Sunday morning and unfortunately we lost Greg and Bev with a mechanical issue, (bad luck guys, but glad you got home safe). Some of the group decided to take a run out to Kanangra  Walls and back through Oberon, which left us with 9 cars in our convoy for the run to Mt Walker.

We parked up just before the last climb to the Trig point and walked/scrambled to the top for a fantastic view and a group photo. Back down to the vehicles for morning tea, then off for more tracks, dust, river crossings, more dust and a lesson from Brian in approach angles after  filling his winch with mud, we were led  back to camp via the historic Rydal cemetery.

It was decided that we should help out the local economy by visiting the very excellent Hotel Alexander to wash the dust from our throats. A very small country pub, but the beer was cold and the beer garden was a very pleasant place to spend a couple of hours.

I am new to the club and not familiar with the protocol, but I am keen to learn so that one day I might lead a trip. Can someone please tell me if it is the trip leader’s prerogative to “end the trip now so the I don’t get fined for washing my car”. I need to know this for future reference.

I know everyone we spoke to on the weekend had a great time and would like to express their thanks to Brian and Kym and send their best wishes to Trevor for a speedy recovery.

On a personal level, Cat and I would like to thank everyone for making us feel very welcome and we are looking forward to a long and happy time with the club.

Steve and Cat Grant