Clayton Christmas Get-together - December 2002

Having not been on many trips this year, (I looked into the family album and checked this, not since February this year!!) we were very rusty when it came to packing for our get-away weekend to Clayton. Even working out how long it would take to get there seemed beyond me. The weather was to be hot and dry, and we were camping in a caravan park, so it seemed to me that if I made sure we had the basics, the rest would be OK.

We arrived late Saturday morning to find not many campers already set up. Paul F had his 4wd set up with a canopy on the side and was about to set up coloured lights. I’ve been to his home recently, the man has a fetish for these Christmas lights! They are everywhere! It was, however, the beginning of the party atmosphere that continued until we packed up and went home on Sunday.

As we started to put up our tent (still packed with Coorong sand) others began arriving and settling in. Cliff and Jean came down from above (their caravan) to explain the procedure for the caravan park and to wish us a Merry Christmas.

After everyone had arrived we settled down to Christmas drinks accompanied by tasty morsels brought by all. John tucked into the mettwurst, as per usual, until it was pointed out that the meat was kangaroo!! He didn’t eat anymore, although he said that if you weren’t told you wouldn’t know.

We all sat and talked and partied the afternoon away, enjoying being able to slow down for a change. We had no worries about the amount we drank either, as the ‘Sails’ Restaurant was a small walk away. Our group was rather large and the circle kept moving with the shade of the large gum tree we were sheltering under. Despite lotions I think we all got a little too much sun through the leaves. The children went swimming in the lake, I was rather worried when I could only see Jack as a small speck in the distance, until he stood up &, even in the middle, it was only waist deep.

We walked to Sails in the evening for our Christmas Party where the restaurant was transformed to accommodate our large booking. The food was delicious, the company was excellent and the service was great. The small crew working that evening certainly kept up with us all, & with smiling faces.

After breakfast people started packing up leisurely and heading back to the big smoke. It was certainly a welcome break. The conversation, food and company was terrific. Thanks to Rob for your organisation.

Kym

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