Capital Campout – Easter 2008

Well it was early on the Saturday morning in the week before Easter that I set off from Kens place to deliver and store a trailer full of gear for the Easter event. I met up with Wal & Beryl in Queanbeyan and once the trailer had been safely stored at the showground we headed in to find somewhere for a good cup of coffee before heading to the campsite at Kowen Homestead, although on the way I had to do some grocery shopping so that we could eat when Sue arrived.

Sue arrived along with Greg & Vicki, Robyn & David and Alan & Robyn, while Wal & Beryl were already there. We all proceeded to set up camp but problems struck. Robyn & Davis’s new camper developed problems with the winding mechanism and so some supports were sourced, courtesy of Bunnings, until such time as parts could be found and repairs made. Once all was done it was time for happy hour and relaxation.

Sunday dawned and we set about our tasks which were to drive all of the tracks that had been nominated for trips to ensure that they were passable and still open. This continued over the next couple of days but Wal’s car developed fuel problems and by the look of his filter he’d been putting sludge in his tank rather than a tiger. All bar one of the trips were checked and all was good. Steve West had also joined us and went out and laid the geocaches that would be a part of the weekend. The only problem that we had had was visibility and it wasn’t because of fog but dust. There were times when you looked in the rear mirror and couldn’t see a thing, pity the poor people behind. On the Tuesday night we went off to the leagues club for dinner and to meet Brian & Trish, a mention of Ken’s name and we got preferential service. Strangely enough we bumped into the head ranger for ACT Environment who gave us a few tips on some of the tracks.

Wednesday came and with the van fixed but Wal being gentle with his car we moved to the showground to set up and get everything ready. We noticed a few 4WD’s that get cruising by and looking inquisitively and we eventually went to see what they were up to. Well it was some of our South Australian friends getting a sneak preview. With everything done it was time to sit back and relax before people started arriving on Thursday.

Thursday dawned and whilst the temperature had dropped it was still dry, would the rains hold off. Thursday afternoon saw the first of the trips go out with a couple of the shorter ones being run and people got a taste of what was to come.  Happy hour arrived and it was time to enjoy a few drinks and catch up with old friends.

Friday saw the trips start in earnest and off the various convoys went leaving a few behind to welcome those that were arriving on that day. Happy hour that day gave us the first opportunity to welcome everybody to the 9^th Easter gathering, to spin the Jackaroo wheel and to present the first of the trip awards

Saturday again saw various trips being run and there was even a bike ride for the energetic, strangely enough they all went by car. That night there was to be trivia and finally we would see “Jackaroo have talent”, well maybe they don’t. NSW saw the boys dressed as the giggles a singlet wearing tribute of that famous kids group. Victoria tried to upstage everyone by having the kids provide the entertainment whilst the SA went everywhere with everyone from previous Easter meetings. A good night was had by all and we managed to raise $172 for the RFDS.

Sunday dawned with an Easter egg hunt for the kids followed by a few short trips with the plan to have everyone back in camp for the the Jackaroo challenge that afternoon. The challenge was two events being tug of war and a wheel push relay. NSW ended up winning the challenge despite their best efforts at disqualification, a Jimny wheel on a Jackaroo doesn’t really look right.

That night we had the traditional dinner and fancy dress here just about everybody joined in. There was royalty aplenty from Neptune to Charles and a selection of Queens, some of whom would not be out of place at the Mardi Gras.

Monday arrived and some had to head for home whilst other enjoyed the trips that day. Unfortunately it drizzled which killed the views but there was no dust.

Tuesday and it was time to pack up and say goodbye to old friends with the promise to meet again next year in SA. The rain had decided to set in and there would be plenty of et canvas to dry out at home. It was a fun weekend which will hold fond memories for those that attended. For those that didn’t make it all I can say is that you missed a great weekend and lets put in a big contingent to SA next Easter.

Oh, by the way did I mention that we retained the block of wood in NSW.

Adrian Cornish

(NSW Club)