Dorado Downs!!...

After discussions with Geoff we decided to meet them in Tailem Bend on the Friday night. Day light saving had come in and we could make use of the extra light in the evening. Geoff & Jeanne were meeting family, who were to join us and if they weren’t at Tailem Bend by 5pm we were to go on & set up camp.

At 5 PM Jeff and Jean came into UHF range, and we decided to stop for tea at the Shell before continuing on to Dorado Downs. A few anguishing moments where someone thought a shopping trip to Melbourne might be more in line, we finally headed towards Geranium and on to Dorado Downs.

With still enough daylight left to pitch tents and set up camp we arrived at Dorado Downs. Such a beautiful spot to finish the day. Geoff started a fire to warm us against the sudden chill that arrived when the sun went down and we sat getting to know each other around the campfire, complete with home videos.

Saturday

After a reasonably early night we woke to beautiful sunshine. There is a bilby in the area that is very lax with it’s money, and there were an abundance of gold coins around the camping area. After a magnificently cooked breakfast we were off for adventure. Jack was in the lead car with Geoff very ably manning the radio. We haven’t had the chance to sand drive yet and this was an excellent place to learn and Geoff was a terrific teacher.

The Rover was definitely put through its paces as we tried to climb, and tried to climb and came very close to climbing two large sand hills. The feeling of being stuck in a maze was quite exhilarating, and it helped knowing that you weren’t going to come across anyone coming the other way. When Geoff announced that we were lost I, for one, was not amazed, but as we turned the corner we were faced with camp! We were very new at the radio bit, but warmed to the idea by the time we finished off for the morning, over.

We had lunch prepared lovingly by Jeanne, sitting under the trees, in such a relaxing setting, watching the blue wrens flittering about.

The afternoon meant time for another go at those sand hills, and now with more confidence we headed off, this time John took the lead. Having another car with us made so much difference as to how and what you tried. Our confidence levels had soared but when John announced to trying to cross the saddle at the top of an unconquered sand hill, I got out to take pictures. As you can see we have now vast experience in how to extricate our 4WD from a sandy stop.

Tea that night was basically, bring what you have and share the company. I think we all catered for twice as much as we needed to. We learned a very valuable lesson. Don’t eat until the sun goes down. I know flies are bad, but…..….. Despite our uninvited friends, we had a very enjoyable meal and spent the evening sharing stories and toasting marshmallows.

Sunday

John and I started Sunday very early watching the sunrise. Having not camped with anyone before we noticed how noisy even a whisper can seem, even though we didn’t disturb anyone. The bilby had obviously been passed again, and since Geoff’s memory is fading may have left more gold coins than we found. Rain tried to dampen our spirits, although most of our group slept through the display. Still full from the last evening’s meal, we all had a light breakfast before heading off on one more adventure before leaving.

This time, with Peter as our very capable leader, we went on still more tracks we hadn’t found earlier. We learned that some sand hills got harder to climb the more you tried! The radio wasn’t such a frightening piece of equipment this time, and the blood ran free!!!!

As soon as we arrived back Peter, Cindy, Audrey and Natalie had to pack up and go home.

The rest of us packed up leisurely and enjoyed a coffee & lunch back in Tailem Bend on the way home. Our trip home took us through some very beautiful hill country on the back roads through to Gawler.

We all enjoyed a wonderful weekend where, next to the driving, the company was on the top of the list. I think even before we left we organized to repeat the adventure at the earliest chance.

Thankyou Geoff and Jeanne for a lovely weekend where the food, the company and the setting were the best and lasting friendships were made.

Disclaimer : please note